The Muddy Gems hail from Virginia Beach, Virginia and are fronted by the husband-and-wife duo of Laurel and John Rochford. Laurel and John’s collaboration on The Muddy Gems is a true love story.  They met in February of 2012, began dating, fell in love and were married soon after. John was working as a solo act and quickly discovered a diamond-in-the-rough in his wife. Working alongside her husband, Laurel was once again able to find her musical roots.  Their style is the result of a lifetime of musical influences ranging from folk, Jazz, Blues, Modern Pop and Rock. They bring guitar, flute, keyboards and percussion along with male and female vocals to a wide variety of original and cover tunes.

The Muddy Gems have been featured in local print and digital media, The Sundowner, The Examiner and a video interview with 757 Bandwire. John’s music videos, “Taxes for War” and “Slow Roll” have both been featured on the local music video show “Sound Check”.  The Muddy Gems song, “Learning to Lose,” has also received play on WHRO’s, “Edge of the Universe." The Gems have also been a featured act on 96X's " Hangover Brunch" and the "757 Local".

The Muddy Gems award nominations include: 2023 Veer Awards for best video (Radio Go-Go!) and best Rockabilly/Retro band. 2015 Veer Magazine Awards. Best video for "Gonna Get By' Directed by Beth Austin, Best Acoustic/Folk Act and Best Emerging New Artist. The Gems also received a nomination in 2016 for Best Acoustic/Folk Act. The Gems 2019 Veer Nominations included…Best Video for Sin & Swing, Best Ep for “Tidewater Itch” and Best Rockabilly/Swing/Old Time. The Gems have also garnered various Veer category nominations in 2017,2018,2019,2020,2021 and 2022.

The Muddy Gems discography includes five EP’s., “Kitchen Sink”, “Trouble Boy”, “Home Training”, “Tidewater Itch” and a Christmas release, “Christmas Kiss”. The Gems have released three official videos singles “Radio Go-Go!”, “Sin & Swing”, and “Gonna Get By”.

The Muddy Gems continue to develop their music with the addition of Pete Desnoyers on bass and Dylan Thornton on drums. The Muddy Gems are now booking from a two piece acoustic duo to a four piece electric rock & roll band.  They are always looking for new opportunities to bring their music and positive vibrant experience to the widest audience. The Muddy Gems have finished up work on their fourth EP “Kitchen Sink”. Now available EVERYWHERE! Peace & Thanks!

                                              “You and I have met before in our youth”