Jesse. The Raven Kings band founder.
THE RAVEN KINGS
Blues, Rock, Musical Brotherhood, and a Memorable Night at KBOO Radio
Portland Music Insider and The Portland Sound Legacy Project are proud to feature The Raven Kings, a Salem and Willamette Valley-based band whose music brings together the energy of rock and roll, the soul of the blues, and the spirit of musicians who genuinely enjoy making music together.
The Raven Kings draw from a broad range of musical influences, including classic rock, blues, funk, and Americana. Their approach combines powerful guitar work, driving rhythms, expressive vocals, and a willingness to explore different musical styles. Whether performing original material or putting their own interpretation on familiar songs, the band’s goal is to connect with audiences through the music.
A Musical History Built on Friendship
One particularly interesting part of The Raven Kings’ story involves the musical relationship between Jesse DeVille and bassist Ted Morrison.
Their connection reaches back to their teenage years, when they played music together in a punk band. Although their musical journeys eventually took different directions, their shared history did not disappear.
Years later, the two musicians reconnected through a jam session at Westside Station. That reunion helped create the circumstances from which The Raven Kings developed.
The band’s early history also involved musicians including Tony Mata, Ish Phoenix, and Jim Tucker. Like many working bands, The Raven Kings’ story includes changing musical relationships, different influences, and the continuing process of finding the right combination of musicians.
What makes this history especially meaningful is that the band’s development reflects something familiar throughout the Pacific Northwest music community: musicians reconnecting, sharing experiences, and discovering new opportunities to create music together.
Their Music and Performances
The Raven Kings have developed a repertoire that includes original songs alongside interpretations of music by established artists. Their influences extend across several decades of popular music, allowing them to bring different sounds and musical traditions into their performances.
Their music reflects the experience of musicians who have spent years learning their instruments, playing with others, and developing their individual styles.
For audiences, a Raven Kings performance offers more than a collection of songs. It is an opportunity to experience musicians communicating through their instruments, responding to one another, and sharing the enjoyment of live music.
That dedication to performing is an important part of the band’s continuing story.
The Raven Kings Live at KBOO — October 23, 2026
On Friday, October 23, 2026, The Raven Kings joined Robert Davis, founder and host of Portland Sound Legacy, for a special two-hour broadcast on KBOO Community Radio 90.7 FM in Portland, Oregon.
The evening began at 8:00 PM with a live, full-band performance from KBOO Studio #1, giving listeners the opportunity to hear The Raven Kings perform in a live radio setting.
During the second hour, the band moved into Studio #2 for an interview exploring their musical backgrounds, experiences, relationships, and the stories behind their journey.
Joining Robert for this special broadcast was Darrell Schmidlin, a dedicated KBOO volunteer, board operator, and sound engineer, who stepped in as guest co-host while regular co-host Michael LeClair was unable to attend due to illness.
Robert and Darrell enjoyed a lively evening with the band, combining musical conversation, personal stories, and the spontaneous moments that make live radio memorable.
The program provided an opportunity not only to hear The Raven Kings perform but also to learn more about the people behind the music.
Preserving Another Chapter of Oregon’s Musical History
At Portland Music Insider and The Portland Sound Legacy Project, we believe the stories of working musicians deserve to be documented and preserved.
The Raven Kings’ journey, from early musical friendships to performing together on community radio, is another example of the musical heritage found throughout Oregon.
We invite visitors to enjoy the photographs, listen to the complete October 23, 2026, recording, and discover more about this talented group of musicians.
Listen to the official KBOO broadcast:
https://kboo.org/media/136271-psl-kboo-live-interview-raven-kings-10-23-2026
The Portland Sound Legacy Project
“Every song has a story, and every story deserves to be TOLD and remembered. Preserving Portland’s Musical Heritage—One Interview at a Time.”
