Marshall Lane: The Soundtrack of a Time and Place
In the fall of 2002, a group of talented young men came together in Portales, New Mexico, to form a band that would become the soundtrack for a generation of college students, dreamers, and music lovers. They called themselves Marshall Lane, and though their time on stage was relatively brief, their impact was profound, leaving echoes that still resonate today.
The band, made up of Bryan Luce, Kene Terry, Ky Atwood, Kendall Leonhardt, and Brandon Ward, started out like so many others—friends brought together by a shared love of music and the serendipity of being in the right place at the right time. Most of the members were attending Eastern New Mexico University, and their music quickly became a beacon of excitement for their friends and fellow students. They honed their craft in the cozy confines of Ferron Lucero’s house, surrounded by a tight-knit group of supporters. Brad McConnell was always around, and Brandon Ward’s little brother Jordan often grabbed the mic for acoustic renditions of Stoney LaRue songs. Those late-night practice sessions, filled with laughter and creativity, set the stage for what was to come.
Marshall Lane started off by covering acts like Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Whiskeytown, and Steve Earle—music that resonated deeply with their audience. But it was their first original song, “Keystone Cowboy,” that truly put them on the map. Written on a college budget where Keystone beer was the drink of choice, the song became an anthem for the campus. It was raw, honest, and full of the spirit of those carefree days. With enough jam sessions under their belt, the band took to the stage at Goober McCool’s in Portales, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The band’s dynamic was electric. Ky Marshall Atwood, from Roswell, and Kene Lane Terry, from Logan, split the frontman duties, creating a unique back-and-forth that set them apart. Their setlists were a masterful mix of originals and covers, blending genres and tempos like a jukebox come to life. Bryan Luce, from Portales, laid down the bass lines with precision, locking in perfectly with drummer Kendall Leonhardt, also from Portales. Brandon Ward, hailing from Clayton, was a lead guitarist with an impeccable ear and a knack for picking the right songs. Together, they created a sound that was as fun to watch as it was to listen to.
Their performances became legendary. If they were playing out in the country, pickups and cars lined the rural bar ditches like a scene out of a modern-day Woodstock. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, would show up, ready for a night of music and memories. For a while, they held a weekly residency at Goober McCool’s, and every show was packed with fans who knew they were witnessing something special. Marshall Lane became the go-to band for parties, festivals, and rodeos across Texas and New Mexico. Their reputation spread, and with it, the sense of pride and community they carried with them wherever they played.
But as with all things, time marched on. College days gave way to real-world responsibilities, and the members of Marshall Lane began to move in different directions. The big two-story house filled with music, laughter, and the camaraderie of friends gave way to new chapters in life. Many of the band members continued to play in various groups, but nothing ever quite captured the magic of those Marshall Lane days.
For those of us lucky enough to have been there, it was more than just a band. It was a time and a place where we learned what music could do—how it could bring people together, inspire creativity, and make us feel a little more alive. I remember recording the first cut of “Keystone Cowboy” in Ferron Lucero’s living room in late 2002, learning to use a large mixer and helping with live sound at their shows. I traveled with them as a roadie, setting up gear and soaking in the energy of those unforgettable nights. There were so many of us who felt like we were part of the band, part of something larger than ourselves. It was a wonderful time, filled with great memories.
This trip down memory lane, or rather Marshall Lane, has been a joy to revisit. To Bryan, Kene, Ky, Kendall, and Brandon—thank you for the music, the memories, and the introduction to what music can do. Gracias for making those years some of the best of our lives.
