Any band's strength, of course, can be traced to the individual strengths of its members ... and, just as Chico Chism observed, these guys have "got it, man".

They are:

Poppy (lead vocals/harmonica) Poppy's vocals are the personality and power that drives Poppy and the Usual Suspects' hard-hitting songs. On stage Poppy is a busy man, not only is he lead vocalist, he also pierces the air with his wailing harmonica licks. His energy oozes off the stage captivating every member of the audience. Poppy's songwriting efforts comprise some of Poppy and the Usual Suspects' more edgy songs. His valiant efforts brought to light their smash hit and title track from their 2006 release, Celestial Love Jones, which has become their most requested song.

Introduction to a Phenomenon

"You got it, you got it, man!"

With those seven, very enthusiastic words, legendary blues man Chico Chism expressed what Arizona fans already knew: that Poppy and the Usual Suspects is one of the hottest bands in the American southwest.

Playing shockingly powerful funky grooves, Poppy and the boys have been wowing the crowds at the Valley's ridiculously popular Rhythm Room and headlined Scottsdale's huge Red, White & Blues Festival 2004 and 2005 at the infamous Boulder's Resort, raising money for injured servicemen returning from tours of duty. But that's hardly their only claim to burgeoning fame. The band has also appeared on The WB (now The CW), ABC and NBC television networks; rocked Lake Havasu at ROCKFEST '06 with The Black Crowes, Cheap Trick and The Doobie Brothers; performed for corporations as mammoth as the Arizona Department of Transportation; entertained Governor Janet Napolitano on numerous occasions; and opened for Bad Company in late 2006.

CHICO CHISM

Blues drummer Chico Chism passed away in Phoenix, Arizona. He was known all over the state as one of the most unique and memorable Blues stars to ever call Arizona home. Chico is best known for his work with Chester Burnett, the famous “Howlin’ Wolf”. Chico played drums with the Howlin’ Wolf during the middle 1970’s. When the Howlin’ Wolf passed away, he continued playing with the band known as “Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang”. He was band leader for Roscoe Gordon for two years. During Chico’s time in the Blues clubs of Chicago, he played with many great Blues artists including: Eddie Boyd, Sunnyland Slim, Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Mabon, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner, Memphis Slim and many more. Chico’s drumming was included on a vast number of studio sessions on several major Chicago Blues labels. He toured on the road throughout the United States and Europe with such people as: Otis Rush, T-Bone Walker, Freddy King, Lowell Fulson and Junior Wells. In 1987, after an extended time of playing in Europe, Chico moved to Phoenix, Arizona. That same year, the weekly news/arts/entertainment newspaper, THE NEW TIMES, named Chico’s band the “Best Blues Band” in their yearly “Best of Phoenix” issue.