Biography
Formed in Los Angeles, the trio By All Means launched their recording partnership with 4th and Broadway in 1988. The lineup consisted of James Varner on lead vocals, trumpet, and trombone, vocalist Lynn Roderick, and guitarist Billy Shepherd. Roderick had previously pursued acting with appearances in Moonlighting, Cagney and Lacey, and additional programs, whereas Shepherd previously performed with The Skool Boyz. Varner and Roderick first connected during a 1985 tour supporting Bill Withers. After catching their set, producer Stan Sheppard recommended they start a band that also featured his brother Billy. The self-titled debut LP By All Means contained their modest hit "I Surrender to Your Love." Beyond a Dream followed as their second LP in 1989. They further handled production duties on Gerald Alston's solo Motown LPs. Motown released their final project, It's Real, in 1992.
Albums
