But Chris and his band have been covering the song since at least 2014, judging from this video. And last November, months before Chris’ audition aired, they posted their cover of the song to their Facebook page.
That band would be Memphis-based American Fiction, which also includes Landon Moore, Blake Rhea, Pat Fusco and Peewee Jackson.
The group formed in 2013 and figure the path to their debut album is fitting considering the band’s name.
According to the band’s website, Chris sent a demo of a song called “Dumb Luck” to rock producer Eddie Kramer, who had worked with Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, realizing he’d likely never listen to it.
Instead, he listened, liked what he heard and wound up serving as producer for the single, released in February 2014, and the album that followed in June of that year. Since then, the band has also released a single, “One Night Only,” which came out in September.
On Idol, Chris said making it to Hollywood, “would be the first step toward being able to show the world I have what it takes.”
“I’ve been a professional musician for almost 11 years. It’s not as glorious as it may seem even though it’s fun and I get to interact with people and make people happy,” said the 28-year-old, also a former member of Memphis-based Ingram Hill.
“The downside is, you have to provide your own gear, arrange your calendars, find a ride to the gig, pay your musicians … Sometimes, you go, ‘Man, why don’t I just work a 9 to 5 instead of a 10 to 2?'”
As for the audition, it went quite well of course. Keith Urban praised Chris for his “effortless confidence.” Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. followed up with compliments on his version of the hit from way back in 1981.
And just like that, Chris was off to Hollywood via a 3-0 vote from the Idol judges.
You can follow Chris through his Facebook page and the band’s website.
Now, here are a couple of American Fiction originals.
“Dumb Luck” — 2014 single and title track of 2014 album
“One Night Only” — 2015 single
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