Rocket was born in Temple, Texas and grew up in Attleboro, a small town in Massachusetts. His father, a Country guitarist going by the name Rick Rayle, had young Rocket appear with him on stage at the Grand Ol’ Opry. Rayle played with many greats from Johnny Cash to Minnie Pearl. Rocket traded in his Mickey Mouse guitar (literally) and started guitar lessons with his father at age 11. Five years later, he was playing clubs all over Boston and Providence (they were a little more laid back on ID’s back then).
At 18, Rocket left home to try his talent in Los Angeles and it proved to be a great move. He met a guitar enthusiast named Doug Parry who introduced him to the band members of Iron Butterfly. While jamming with his new friends, he was noticed by KISS member Gene Simmons who touted him to Cher. Cher was looking for a guitarist for her Vegas act and she quickly hired Rocket to tour with her from Atlantic City to Monaco. When Cher decided to start a rock band, she called on Rocket to play for “Black Rose.” Black Rose made one record with Casablanca and toured as openers for Hall & Oates. Rocket segued to another rock diva, Rickie Lee Jones for her successful “Chuck E” tour.
Soon, John Kay asked Rocket to bring his searing guitar and join his band Steppenwolf. Other tours and albums have included David Lee Roth, Rick Springfield, Gino Vanelli, Celio & Kapono, Udo Lindenberg, Grand Master Flash, Lou Gramm, and Steve Miller. You also heard Rocket’s playing on 9 seasons of the hit TV show, “Friends.”
We’re thrilled to have Rocket add his talents to Project ELÉCTRICO. He even played a bit of banjo for us!
