In September of 1990, Biloxian Robert Collier took the name of his Biloxi based 80's rock group MEET THE PRESS, teamed up with former SPINNERS guitarist/vocalist, Andrew Thomas, changed the sound from rock n' roll to funk and soul and then moved the base of the new funk group to Jackson, Mississippi. Over the years, MEET THE PRESS has shared the stage with Kool and The Gang, Peaboe Bryson, Average White Band, Night Ranger, blues legend Buddy Guy and Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame members, Little Richard and Bo Diddley. MTP has also been the on-stage band for Little Milton, and two more Rock n' Roll Hall of fame members, Percy Sledge and the one and only Jerry Lee Lewis. But now the group has moved from being a Mississippi/Southeast United States music mainstay to being nationally recognized. Modern Bride Magazine, a New York City based national publication has name MEET THE PRESS as one of the one hundred and fifty hottest bands in the country. The list, the first for MB, was compiled by an editorial board/committee that researched and combed the country for the best bands and DJ's in the U.S.  After months of meetings, debates and many rounds of elimination, MEET THE PRESS was chosen and is the only Mississippi act to be on the list. The group has been recognized with state declarations by former Louisiana Governor, Mike Foster, former Mississippi Governor Kirk Fordice and current Mississippi Governor, Haley Barbour for the bands dedication to quality performances, excellence in music and as being ambassadors of goodwill for the State of Mississippi.

Joining Collier and Thomas on stage is bassist/vocalist Johnny Hubbard  of Jackson and Meridian?s own John Alford on keyboards and vocals. John was once a member of Dorothy "Misty Blue" Moore's band and performed and recorded with Larry Graham of "One in a million" fame. After the 1999 tragic death of original drummer Paul Lee, MTP found former Jackson State "Sonic Boom" drummer/percussionist Lamond Jamison. Jamison, who makes his home in Jackson, has performed with blues artist Willie Clayton and has recorded with Grammy nominated jazz diva Cassandra Wilson.

In closing, two quotes sum up the essence of this experience called MEET THE PRESS.

Tommy Couch Jr., owner/producer/agent of MALACO Records:
"I've seen MEET THE PRESS perform at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, NC, the Greenville Country Club in Greenville, MS, in front of thousands at a music festival and I've seen them play in front of fifty people at a wedding reception, no matter the numbers or venue, the performance is always the same, excellent."

Honorable Haley Barbour, Governor of the great State of Mississippi:
"Whether it is the father of the blues from the Delta, the rock of the King from Tupelo, or the root of country music from a Meridian great, Mississippi is music, and Meet the Press is Mississippi."

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William Andrew "Drew" Thomas - Guitar & Vocals 

      Born: Cincinnati, Ohio /  Lives: Mobile, AL

  • Original & founding member of MEET THE PRESS
  • Played with such artists as: The Spinners, Laura Lee, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas and Spider Turner, Ernie Johnson, Artie "Blues Boy" White, James Peterson and Poonanny
  • Best remembered time: Recording an album with Bob Babit, bass player for Motown's Funk Brother Band.

Robert Collier- Vocals                                             

        Born: Biloxi, Mississippi /  Lives: Biloxi, Mississippi

  • Founding member of MEET THE PRESS (Rock version 1986-89)
  • Original & founding member of MEET THE PRESS
  • Best remembered time: Watching my then four-year-old son Jake play his "gootar" and singing "Bookin' Shoes" on stage while trying to keep up with "Uncle Andrew" at the Fourth of July, 2004 show in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

John Alford - Keyboards & Vocals                      
      Born: Meridian, Mississippi /  Lives: Jackson, Mississippi

  • Member of MEET THE PRESS since 1996
  • Best Remembered time(s): Birth Of all my children, playing in front 40,000 plus crowd in RFK stadium in Washington, DC. with Alexandra O'Neal. Recording two albums on RCA Record Label with the legendary Larry Graham and Anthony Lockett formerly of Cameo.
  • Note: I thank God for my family and friends and the family I have with MEET THE PRESS and our fans.

Johnny Hubbard- Bass, Vocals
      Born: Jackson, Mississippi /  Lives: Jackson, Mississippi

  • Member of MEET THE PRESS since 2008
  • MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Member of the Jackson State "Sonic Boom" 

Xayvon "Lamond" Jamison- Drums, Percussions & Vocals
      Born: Jackson, Mississippi  / Lives: Jackson, Mississippi

  • Member of MEET THE PRESS since 2000
  • MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Member of the Jackson State "Sonic Boom" and playing and recording with Grammy nominated artist Cassandra Wilson.
  • Best remembered time: Every time I perform.