Chad Sitze

Chad, the eldest of the Sitze brothers is known for his songwriting, singing, guitar and banjo playing in the Flat River Band. At seven years of age Chad began learning to play bass guitar from his dad, Denny, that also led the Sitze family band. Two years later he was drawn to the guitar can began learning chords from his father also. Finally, at the age of ten Chad took interest in the banjo. Hearing of his grandsons’ interest Grandpa MG Sitze, who was a proficient dobro player decided it was time for professional lessons. Grandpa Sitze was steeped in Bluegrass and Gospel music and he had a blind friend who taught banjo and mandolin lessons. For two years he MG took Chad for banjo lessons and Dennijo for mandolin tutelage. This developed into all three of brothers attending Bluegrass festivals with their grandparents, which led to The Sitze Family   Bluegrass band. In 8th grade Chad and his brother Dennijo entered their first talent contest and took first place. Periodically they would travel to Mt. View, Arkansas and jam on the court house square till the sun would come up. It was there where Chad got a little glimpse of songwriting. While playing on the court house square Chad and family met Grammy award winning songwriter “Jimmy Driftwood” (Battle of New Orleans & Tennessee Stud). After rubbing shoulders with Driftwood on visits to Mt. View Arkansas he invited Chad and the family back to his home. Chad said “I was like a kid in a candy store. It was a museum of sorts filled with Country Music history along with everything Jimmy Driftwood was ever a part of. It was an honor to get the chance to tour his home.” Seeing Driftwoods Grammy, huge RCA dog and other awards propelled Chad toward a life of songwriting. Chad and his brother Dennijo entered their high school talent show and the principle was so impressed he insisted that Chad, Dennijo and band put on a mini concert. After high school Chad found himself in Levelland, TX. at South Plains College with his brother Dennijo yet again. At this time, they formed the band “Smokin’ Grass” playing clubs throughout Texas. With a short return to Southeast Missouri, Chad moved to Nashville TN in 2005 to further pursue his songwriting career. Eventually his brothers followed suite and The Flat River Band  was formed in 2008.