Splender

Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Waymon Boone and bassist James Cruz formed the alternative pop/rock quartet Splender in 1990. The New York-based group went through various incarnations, eventually choosing drummer Marc Slutsky and lead guitarist Jonathan Svec to round out the band. The fledgling group embarked on an extensive European festival tour opening for such nu-metal titans as Korn, as well as playing various gigs around New York City. Bandleader Waymon Boone was the son of a professional R&B/disco singer and often accompanied his mother on the road. While traveling with her, he witnessed first-hand the hardships that go along with being a musician. This did not deter him or the band as they were finally rewarded with a recording contract from Columbia Records after they were awarded best band at a contest. Their years of hard work paid off when they teamed with respected musician/producer Todd Rundgren on their 1999 debut album Halfway Down the Sky. The album spawned two minor crossover hits in "Yeah, Whatever" and "I Think God Can Explain." Despite the success, the album did not live up to expectations. In 2001, the band signed with legendary music mogul Clive Davis' J Records. A year later, To Whom It May Concern was released.