Joe Whaley & the Benders is a rock band consisting of 2 guitars, bass and drums. We play original music. Most songs are written by Joe Whaley, and usually given a bit of extra flavor that lasts an extra long time from all members of the band. We like to play to crowds that consist of music lovers - people that are there for the music. We like to give people good music to listen to in return.

Joe Whaley is a local singer-songwriter from the band's home base of Columbus, MS. Band members include: Robert Staggers on drums, formerly of Soul Groove and the Puerto Rican Rum Drunks - John Staggers on bass, formerly drummer of the Maxwell Lummus Band - and Lee Graham on lead guitar, formerly bassist of the Puerto Rican Rum Drunks.

The band came together as singer-songwriter Joe Whaley began work in the studio to record for a solo debut album. The studio, Music Alley - owned by brothers Robert and John Staggers, is located in Columbus, MS. After enlisting help from John, Robert and his former band mate Lee, the group decided to give it a shot as a band. Joe Whaley & the Benders made their public debut as a band on the Coca-Cola Main Stage of the 2006 City Stages Festival in Birmingham, AL. Since their debut, they've been steadily gaining attention and fans in their local area, as well as nationally and internationally - thanks to the availability of digital distribution of music via the internet. More information can be found at myspace.com/joewhaley or at sonicbids.com/joewhaleyandthebenders