Takin' The Reins

“Takin’ The Reins” is a new band with a broad realm of experience. They are entertaining in the tri-state area performing country music and southern rock. They are influenced by Merle Haggard, George Jones, Elvis Presley, CCR, Waylon Jennings, Jamie Johnson, just to name a few.

Band Members

John Morgen Nordheim, 16 years old, has been playing and singing with his uncle’s band, Rick Adams and Friends, since he was old enough to hold a guitar. John Morgen was recently awarded Runner-up for the 2009 Renfro Valley Country Talent Contest, and the FFA Talent Contest- 1st place Region winner. Other previous experiences include: Kentucky All State Choir member, performer in the Kincaid Regional Theater Production of "Oklahoma" and the Farm Bureau District Talent Winner. In the past couple of years John Morgen has been performing solo, and with a band including Rick and several friends. In Spring of 2009, with a growing personal commitment to further his career in music, John Morgen decided it was time to “take the reins” from his Uncle Rick and form his own band, naming it “Takin’ The Reins”. John Morgen is the lead vocalist and plays acoustic guitar.

Rick Adams continues to share his love of music and plays the bass guitar and rhythm acoustic guitar. Rick has been singing and playing in bands for the past 40 years. In 1985 he formed a band called Rick Adams and Friends. They were a well known country band in the Northern Ky. Area for over twenty years and they still make an annual appearance at the Ky. Wool Fest. Rick is very proud of his nephew John Morgen and is happy he has “Takin’ The Reins”.

Jim Snow comes to us from Grant County and plays the lead guitar, harmonica, slide guitar, and is also a vocalist for the band. Throughout the years, Jim has played in numerous groups playing many different types of music. Jim’s talent and love for music is made evident by his many styles of picking the guitar and the humor he adds to the group.

Bill Craig, from Campbell County, is the drummer for “Takin’ The Reins”. He is the newest member of the group and his rock solid timing on the drums has been a great addition. Bill, like Rick and Jim, is a seasoned musician bringing over 40 years of experience playing in different groups in the Tri-State area.

The band has been blessed with a willingness and dedication to bring their love of country music and southern rock to you. They enjoy watching the fans dance, sing and have fun. We look forward to new opportunities and venues and hope to see you soon.