From Good Homes

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The genesis of From Good Homes dates back to a high school band, when childhood friends Todd Sheaffer, Brady Rymer, and Patrick Fitzsimmons came together in rural, Northwestern NJ to play some music. Originally called “Old Crow”, and later evolving into “The Dogs”, the core line-up remained.  With the addition of Dan Myers in 1988, and Jamie Coan in 1990, the band From Good Homes was fully formed. (Incidentally, the band’s name was born out of a brush with the law. They were playing a hometown show when the bar owner decided to close down early – before the band had gotten a chance to perform a song that they’d rehearsed all week (“IOU”, by The Replacements). Disappointed, the band departed…but decided to return in the wee hours of the morning and break into the bar to perform the song (with amplifiers turned up to “10”). They were arrested and appeared in court, where the judge sentenced them to community service – since they seemed to be “from good homes”.)

The band’s upbeat approach, solid songwriting, and unique sound allowed them to quickly develop a dedicated following on the touring circuit. Bringing together rock, jazz, folk, celtic and jam-band influences under one umbrella, rooted in Todd Sheaffer’s inspired songwriting, From Good Homes forged their own, instantly lovable music Their feel-good vibe prompted one critic to affectionately label the band’s blend of influences as “Hick-Pop”. They made fans want to kick on the dancin’ shoes from day one. As the band members themselves have stated: “We wanted first and foremost to make a real and honest form of music that moved people (both their brains and their butts) and left them, over all, feeling good.”

The early 90s saw the band touring regularly up and down the East Coast, soon expanding their circuit to Colorado and other regions. The fan base grew, and the gigs got bigger and bigger. During this period, FGH would frequently perform with other up-and-coming acts, including Hootie & The Blowfish, Dave Matthews Band, and Blues Traveler (all of whom opened shows for them at one point or another). 1994 was a breakthrough year for From Good Homes. In the summer, they released their indie debut – the appropriately titled “Hick-Pop Comin’ At Ya” – on their own GRRRrrrr Records label. They also signed a major label deal with RCA Records, and began an annual tradition – a summer concert before thousands of eager hometown fans at Stanhope, NJ’s Waterloo Village. With an enthusiastic and ever-growing fan base, and a record deal in place, the future looked bright for the group.