David Joe Prater was born May 21, 1953 in Sandsprings, Okalahoma to John Prater and Freda Brassier Prater. He grew up in South Texas. He’s the youngest of seven children, all but one of them sisters. Joe and his late wife Juanita Brasuell Prater had three children: David Jr., Jason, and Brandi. All three have blessed him with grandchildren. Joe currently resides in Midland, Texas.
In September of 1971 Joe crashed a practice session where Arley’s band, The Brimstone Cult, was preparing for a gig. The band didn’t have a permanent drummer at the time, Joe wound up filling that spot, and has played with Arley ever since. Besides being a talented drummer and vocalist Joe is also a crackerjack mechanic.
Joe started playing drums as a kid and taught himself guitar in his mid teens. Hanging around Arley inspired him to try his hand as a songwriter and he’s come up with a lot of good tunes. He’s 5’11 ½”, has blonde hair and blue eyes.
