Hepcat was among the most celebrated bands to emerge from the Southern California ska revival scene of the 1990s, winning fans with their infectious Caribbean melodies, soulful harmonies and swinging rhythms, all informed by elements of reggae, rock steady, R&B and jazz. Comprising vocalists Greg Lee and Alex Desert, keyboardist Deston Berry, guitarist Aaron Owens, bassist Dave Fuentes, saxophonists Efren Santana and Raul Talavera, trumpeter Kincaid Smith and drummer Scott Abels, Hepcat was formed in 1989; word quickly spread, and in 1993 they issued their debut LP, Out of Nowhere. After 1996's Scientific, they signed to Epitaph, touring as a featured artist on the following year's Warped Tour before releasing their third LP, Right on Time, in 1998 and Push N' Shove followed in summer 2000. Hepcat vocalist Greg Lee died on March 19, 2024; he was 53 years of age. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi