SW Florida's hot new band!: DB9 website Like us on Facebook April 22, 2013 Richie Haven has passed. Folk singer Richie Havens, the opening act at the 1969 Woodstock music festival, died Monday of a sudden heart attack, his publicist said. He was 72.
Havens, who retired three years ago, toured for more than 30 years and recorded 30 albums. March 6, 2013:
We lost 3 well known musicians recently.
"Dangerous" Dan Toler: Feb 25 (Allman Bros band).
Alvin Lee: March 6 (Ten years after).
Peter Banks: March 7 (Yes).
Feb 4, 2013. Lead singer for the Troggs passes. Reg Presley, lead singer of the British band TheTroggs, passed away at 71 years of age on February 4, 2013. The Troggs formed in Andover, England in 1964 and scored a number 1 hit in the United States in July, 1966 with “Wild Thing” a cheeky, slow moving song with a heavy guitar riff and mostly spoken lyrics that put the phrase “Wild Thing, you make my heart sing, you make everything groovy…” into the American musical lexicon and inspired countless numbers of garage bands in America and around the world. A follow up single “With a Girl Like You” was also a chart hit in the United States. Two years after “Wild Thing” The Troggs were back on the US charts with “Love is All Around” a heavily orchestrated and heartfelt love song that bore no resemblance to the zany garage rock style of “Wild Thing.” In 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival, the Jimi Hendrix Experience declared “Wild Thing” to be the new joint US and British national anthem before performing the song. The Troggs broke up in 1969, but reformed in 1974 and have been playing with various band members ever since. Numerous bands have recorded cover versions of various songs by The Troggs over the recent decades. While on tour in Germany in 2012, Reg was taken ill and diagnosed with lung cancer and began chemotherapy, bringing an end to his years as the frontman for the group. Reg Presley (real name Reginald Maurice Ball) passed away at his home in Andover, England. Submitted by Thomas Campbell, February 4, 2013. Mr Winky band:
Packing it in after 24 years. Please try to stop out and see them one last time.
1/26 River City Saloon/Anoka
2/9 Arizonas/Shakopee
3/2 The Shorewood/Fridley
3/22 The Crystal VFW
Jan 19, 2013: Steve Kramer is gone. Steve Kramer, ex Wallets band leader, passes in Utah.
He was 59. No cause given.
Pioneer Press obit
12/21/2012 Lee Dorman
Lee Dorman, bass player with Iron Butterfly, passed away on December 21, 2012 at age 70, from natural causes. Dorman, along with band mates Doug Ingle (vocals and organ), Erik Braunn (guitar) and Ron Bushy (drums) recorded a landmark Psychedelic song in May, 1968 called “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” which took up the entire Side 2 of the Atco album with the same name, clocking in at an amazing 17:05. A 45 version was edited down to 2:52 and was a Top 30 Billboard hit. The album was on the Billboard charts for over a year and peaked at Number 4 in 1969. The “underground” FM radio stations featured the long version of the song, likely a major factor in the success of the album. The song included a guitar solo, an organ solo and a drum solo that was flanged (a studio production technique to produce a swirling type of sound). The mysterious song title was originally reported to be “In the Garden of Eden” but Doug Ingle slurred the words, which Ron Bushy heard as “In-A- Gadda-Da-Vida.” The “revised” lyrics were approved of by Doug and the song was renamed. Dorman, originally form St. Louis, Missouri, moved to California in the 1960’s and the band formed in the San Diego area. Following his time with Iron Butterfly, Dorman formed another band, Captain Beyond. Heart problems resulted in Dorman leaving the music business in 1988 and he was on a list for a heart transplant at the time of his passing. Dorman was found deceased in his car at his home in Laguna Niguel, California. Iron Butterfly performed a number of times in Minnesota including concerts at the Met Center in Bloomington.
Submitted by Thomas Campbell, December 23, 2012
9-22-2012
Gregory Dee of Gregory Dee and the Avanties: Gregory Dee Maland, legendary, hugely talented, Minneapolis keyboardist, performer and recording artist, has passed away at age 68 09/22/12 in Mount Vernon Washington. Greg is suvived by his wife Sue of Mount Vernon, sister Nancy Grine Mpls MN, and brother Tom Mpls MN. I will post further details, photos and videos at a later time. It is with great sadness and sense of loss that I impart the news of our old friends passing. Few other Rock and Roll Musicians of the 1960's Minneapolis music scene made and left more of a legacy then Gregory Dee and The Avanties. With the unique distinction of being one of the very few bands, ever, to open for a Beatles Show. The 1965 the Old Met Stadium audience adored Gregory Dee and the Avanties and hits like the Grind and the Slide, are still played on oldies radio and admired today. God bless you my sweet old friend! "If there's a Rock N' Roll Heaven, You know they got a Hell of a band" Submitted by Dennis Libby
9-13-2012
Scott McKenzie:
Singer Scott McKenzie (real name Philip Blondheim) passed away on August 18, 2012, at the age of 73 in Los Angeles. Anyone who listened to the radio in 1967 will likely remember his tribute song to the flower children of San Francisco, " San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)." The song, written by John Phillips, was released in May, 1967 and became an instant hit in the United States as well as the UK and other countries. Scott started his musical career with The Abtracts, a doo-wop band that became The Smoothies. The Smoothies eventually turned into The Journeymen which included John Phillips as a band member. When The Journeymen came to an end John Phillips offered Scott a job in his new band, the Mamas and the Papas. Scott declined the offer. In the 1980’s and 1990’s Scott played with various touring versions of The Mamas and the Papas. In 1988 Scott co-wrote “ Kokomo” which became a number one hit for the Beach Boys. No doubt there are still people in San Francisco today who are wearing flowers in their hair. Submitted by Thomas Campbell, August 19, 2012
Obit from John Elms:
Wayne Cafarella: Born 10-20-48 as Wayne Erland a name taken from his step father, later changed his name to Cafarella, from his father Loren Cafarella. When I met Wayne in 1962 he already new some things on the trumpet because his Dad Lor played for 40 years with the Jewells Herman big band. He bought a guitar when the craze hit and self taught himself how to play. A bunch of guys from the south minneapolis area, all friends, also bought instruments and formed the group called THE SIR RALEIGHS. After a few years of playing on the road, Wayne and Johnny Elms reformed the group and it became COPPERHEAD. Wayne was a main feature in the group as his playing was smooth and creative and being on stage with him for many years was my best friend and brother, right up to the end. He actually started on the six string and was very good, but when he switched to the bass guitar he was a star, and you could hear when he played the feeling he had for that instrument. After COPPERHEAD Wayne went on to play with some great groups in town, he was a fun and very bright man, everyone loved him and he left his mark in this town. Wayne Cafarella passed away in St. Petersberg, Florida on 7-23-12 of heart failure.
Peace be with you my brother.
8-5-012: Wayne Cafarella Submitted by Thomas Campbell, August 5, 2012.
Wayne Loren Cafarella passed away on July 19, 2012, at age 63, according to former band member Mike Comer. Wayne played bass guitar with the local band the Sir Raleighs from 1965 through the summer of 1969. Following the Sir Raleighs, Wayne played in Copperhead, a local funk-rock band that recorded an album for Capitol Records in 1972. Since Capitol was working with a California band called Copperhead at the time, the band was renamed Minnesoda on the album, much to the surprise of the band. Following Copperhead, Wayne played with CCLC, the band name reflecting the prior bands of the various members (Crow, Copperhead, Lightning and Cain). Wayne had been living in Saint Petersburg, Florida for many years. Mike Comer recently reported a memorable job the Sir Raleighs played at Met Center in Bloomington on October 18, 1968 with Joe Tex, Tiny Tim, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart and the Young Rascals.
8/12/12: Some old friends of mine are in a newer band called "Roadhouse". Check them out sometime.
7-24-2012Big Walter Smith died. Great blues band formed around him. Seen him often.
7-16-2012 Jon Lord is gone. Original keys for the Deep Purple. He was battling pancreatic cancer and was only 71. What a band, what a player. Another loss...
Jon Lord website
6/7/2012 Bob Welch passed.
One-time nember (71-74) of the Fleetwood Mac group. He came on just after Peter Green and Jeromy Spencer left. His singles included "Hot Love, Cold World", "Ebony Eyes", "Precious Love", "Hypnotized" and his signature "Sentimental Lady". He was not invited to the 1998 Fleetwood Mac induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, about which he said: "it hurts". Lindsey Buckinham and Stevie Nicks were the next wave after Bob left.
5/13/12: Donald "Duck" Dunn passed in his sleep while on tour in Japan with Steve Cropper and friends. More info
4/25/12: New MN band: Southbound. See Danny Bury and friends soon....
2/29/2012Davy Jones passes at only 66. Died from an heart attack in a Florida hospital. The Screen Gems faux band "The Monkees" actually did, eventually, play and sing their own music. Jimi Hendrix opened for a short time for this band.
2/11/2012 The beautiful and massively talented angel, Whitney Houston left this vale of tears.
Opinion:
As far as I am concerned, Bobby Brown should be bitch slapped and rot in hell for corrupting this fine lady.
1/23/2012 Beloved local musician, Paul Manske, 57, dies in a St Paul hospital. He performed solo & with Raggs & Hillbilly Voodoo Dolls. Star & Trib article
1/20/2012 Etta James, 73, is gone. Her "I'd rather go blind" and "At last" still stands as iconic, brilliant tunes. Nobody was finer in her niche. This woman even made Jim Johnson (Gypsy) nervous! One tough broad.
12/20/2011 Sean Bonniwell, lead singer of the Los Angeles rock band The Music Machine, passed away on December 20, 2011, at 71 years of age. Sean was active in the folk music scene of the early/mid 1960’s and transformed The Ragamuffins, a folk band, into The Music Machine, an innovative and edgy rock band, known for their black dyed hair, black clothes, one black glove and black musical instruments. Two of the original band members have local connections: Keith Olsen ( Minneapolis) played bass guitar and Rod Edgar ( St. Louis Park) played drums. The Music Machine shot up the charts in late 1966 and into January, 1967 (peaking at number 15), with a two minute blast of rock’n’roll called “Talk Talk” that is now considered by many music critics to be one of the greatest garage rock songs of all time (some would put it in the number one slot). After one album and two 45’s, the band came to an end in 1967 and Sean started The Bonniwell Music Machine, but did not match the success of the original band. In 1996, Sean published a memoir called “Talk Talk” which was later was revised and re-titled “Life Beyond the Garage.” Sean (real name: Thomas Harvey Bonniwell) was born in San Jose, California and had been living in Porterville, California. Sean passed away at a medical center in Visalia, California, the cause of death reported as lung cancer.
Submitted by Thomas Campbell
10/11/2011 George “Mojo” Buford
George “Mojo” Buford passed away on October 11, 2011 at age 81. Mojo (born in Hernando, Mississippi) played blues harp for Muddy Waters in Chicago and relocated to Minneapolis in 1962. One of the first places he played in town was Mattie’s Barbecue, where it is reported he got frequent requests to play the Muddy Water’s song “Got My Mojo Working” leading to his nickname. Mojo recorded numerous 45’s in Minneapolis that were released on local labels including Garrett, Bangar, Twin Town, Moon and Soma, and he continued to perform with Muddy Waters on various national and international tours in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In 2004, Mojo was inducted into the Minnesota Rock Country Hall, at the Medina Ballroom. A memorial service for Mojo was held in Minneapolis on October 16, 2011. Mojo is survived by nine children as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His daughter Dianna and his son Abe were both with him in his final hours in a care facility in Minneapolis. Submitted by Thomas Campbell
8/2/2011: Ira Heilicher passed away at age 65 on August 2, 2011. Ira was the
son of Amos Heilicher, of Soma Records and Heilicher Brothers, a
record distribution company. Ira was involved in various aspects of
the local music business including a partnership with Dick Shapiro in
Path Musical Productions, a booking agency in the mid-1960's. The
first band the company worked with was The Chancellors, a popular
local rock band. In the late 1970's through the mid-1980's, Ira was the owner of two record store chains, Great American Music and
Wax Museum. Great American Music is considered to have been
the first record "super store" in the country. In recent years Ira was
involved with St. Anthony Main and the Riverfront district of Minneapolis.
Submitted by Thomas Campbell, August 4, 2011
7/24/11 Dan Peek, former member of America, passes away at age 60. A preliminary autopsy report indicates that Dan Peek died as a result of Fibrinous Pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac covering the heart.
7/23/11Amy Winehouse ended her self destructive arc in this cruel world. Another member of the "Forever 27" club. Too bad.
7/11/11Rob Grill, 67, Grass Roots lead singer and bass, died in a hospice in Florida. Where were you when I needed you, Let's live for today, Wait a million years, Midnight confessions, Temptation eyes, Two divided by love, etc. A great list of pure pop. The Grass Roots
6/14/11 He left us much too young. Christian Hallman passed on June 6th. Christian and his partners were working on a Midwest music documentary from the 50's to 2000. Big Kids of America Obit
1/6/11: We lost Don Forte. A huge supporter of the local music scene. Worked with many high test bands "back in the day". A nice man. The first guy that would talk to us when we started this website was Don. We miss him. Obit
10/18/10: Colly Waggoner passed away. Member, along with his brother Mike, in the local Mike Waggoner and the Bops band in the late 50's and the 60's. Colly with The Bops have been included in about 10 compilation Mid-West group albums, and an additional 20 Rockabilly albums in America and in Europe. Colly is an honorary member of the Midwest Hall of Fame and an inspirational legend for the likes of Dick and Larry Weigand, Lonnie Knight, Bill Miller, Damon Lee, Tony Andreason, Donny Dax, Doug Barton, and countless other musicians of his era. Among those that he with Mike and The Bops performed with on many occasions were: The Everly's, Del Shannon, Jerry Lee, Leroy Van Dyke, Conway Twitty, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Bare, Bobby Edwards, Sandy Nelson, Brian Hyland, and a number of regional bands during his touring days with The Bops. Colly also worked a number of dates in later years with Dave Duddley when Dave worked the Midwest. Colly was also proficient with pedal steel, fiddle, 5 string banjo, harmonica, and of course his main instrument; the guitar. He played finger style for the most part in the style of Scotty Moore and James Burton as inspired by Chet Atkins. His obituary can be viewed @ www.morrisnilsen.com.His burial info is included, and of course any and all are welcome to attend, to express your thoughts, to tell some 'Colly' stories, or enjoy the quiet of our little country cemetery.
Submitted by Mike Waggoner.
8/21/10: The Last Chance band lost their boss and friend Steve Cairl. He owned the Mound's Park Lounge for 15 years. Our condolences to friends and family. Obit
8/20/10: The long awaited Jeff Hill Tribute show on DVD could be arriving soon.
See the Jeff Hill page for more...
8/19/10:Johnny Stafford is gone.
Drummer with Roscoe and his green men and others.
More on the Legends page.
6/20/10: Bob Meide, drummer for Flamingo/The Flamin' Ohs, passed on June 20, 2010. The band was part of the "new wave" rock scene at Jay's Longhorn in the mid to late 1970's and released numerous records during their career.
In 2007, the band was inducted into the Minnesota Rock Country Hall of Fame. Submitted by Thomas Campbell Flamin' Ohs on MySpace Star & Trib Obit
We have posted Midwest music video clips on blip.tv.
Some you won't find anywhere else!
Videos from Jeff Hill Tribute Show (shot June 2009) added on 12/5/2010.
1."China" as done by the KO band [Kevin Odegard's]
China was written by Kevin and Jeff Hill.
2."Feels like rain" as done by Hipbone.
3. "I remember you" as sung by Dennis Libby. blip.tv
[blip .tv provides better quality then U Tube.]
9-18-09: I just went through 2 days of hell with computer viruses. I tried many free removers. The best one so far is from bleepingcomputer.com. It is a free one called ComboFix. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS exactly.
Run several times and see if it helps. I had over 20 viruses and malwares, which caused pop ups and shutdowns and a real pain. Let me know how well it works for you.
Consider donating $$ to the fine gentleman who wrote it. Download ComboFix from Bleepingcomputer.com
From the legendary (?) "Gypsy Jam 1"
at Di's are the following videos: Blip.tv: Midwest Music
Crossroads & Gypsy Queen
More videos on my Blip.tv Midwest Music:
Doug Maynard: Lost in the blues [at the Fine Line ]
Sample Jeff Hill Video Clip: Beck's Boogie on Blip.tv from the Jeff Hill Tribute Fine Line show...
15.7 MB, Flash Video
MORE NEWS Les Paul: RIP 94 years young: 6-9-1915 --8-13-2009. The father of multitrack, electric guitars, and much more.
Tribute to Jeff Hill: Went quite well, thanks to the efforts of many people, esp. Dr Bob Coates, Jeff's family and the management at the Fine Line. The "Beck's boogie" at the end was a sight for sore eyes for an old 6 stringer like myself. A stage full of pickers battling it out like the old days.
5-04-09 Bob Coates reports that Minnesota musician Jeff Hill (Canoise, Knut Koupee') passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009.
RIP: Soul Brother: Buddy Miles, Jack!
1947-Feb 26, 2008. Myspace for Buddy
Seen him just once, at the Cabooze. Fine player... Roger Arneson, our north Mpls homeboy, is on MySpace. Yes, this is the wild & crazy mofo who drove all over the Crystal airport. And, oh yes, he also does a mean "Jake" blues, aka "the Jake & Elwood's Blues review".
50 greatest MN hits article in City Pages. Merlin's rest: Our favorite pub, free music, great beer (Belhaven, Guinness, etc).
Wild Bill to be found here... 3601 E. Lake St., Minneapolis - 612 216 2419 Merlin's website
Wolfgang's vault: Incredible live concerts from Bill Graham's estate. Free to listen to, $10 to record a concert. Bookmark this site, you will be back...
Quote of the day: "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."
-- Hunter S. Thompson
NEW GUESTBOOK:
CROW 2-25-13: All the classic CROW
albums are being re-released
by Sundazed music this summer 2013. Interview with Larry Wiegand
You can stop emailing me for classic
Crow music! They released a CD
with 11 cuts on it called "Crow Classics 1969-1972". [$15 + s&h]
Order on their webpage...
Details on CD here
Current lineup:
Dave Wagner - Lead Vocals
Larry Wiegand - Bass/vocals Norm Steffen - Drums
Jeff (Boday) Christensen - Guitar/Vocals Dave (Kink) Middlemist - Keyboards/Vocals
Wikipedia link about Crow Other Bros: Larry Wiegand, Dick Wiegand, Glen Manske, Randy Anderson, Garr Johnson & friends Other Brothers website GYPSY
New Shows:
Sunday April 28 & Monday April 29th
THE DUGOUT,
96 Mahtomedi Ave
Mahtomedi, MN
Call now!
Limited seats... (651) 429-8640
Written by local Jake Blues, details his life on the road. Could have been titled "Mi vida loca". Roger Arneson, er excuse me, Jake, relocated to Vegas, and went crazy rock star.. How he survived all this is beyond me, perhaps a relation to Keith Richards?
Link to purchase.
Also on Amazon.com Weekly GIGS: Open Jam w Melody: Sundays Cy's in Chaska MAP [Still on, no Larry W]
Country Dance Night Mondays Lee's Liquors w/ Dan Lund & Buffaloaf Dr Mambo's Combo: Sunday/Monday Bunker's $6 Twin Cities Hot Club: Wednesdays Erte's