Music of North Dakota
Encyclopedia
The Music of North Dakota has followed general American trends over much of its history, beginning with ragtime
and folk music
, moving into big band
and jazz
. With the development of mass media, local artists in North Dakota
, as in the rest of the country, saw a rapid loss of opportunity to create, perform, and sell popular music to the regional audience that had previously provided a market. Although perhaps unexpected for a largely agricultural region of the nation, country music
is not a major genre in the modern youth scene of North Dakota. A number of country artists who appeal to older audiences however, have emerged from the state.
, metal, and indie
acts and pop
music.
The most active music scenes for local artists in popular styles are in Fargo
, Minot
, Grand Forks
, Bismarck
, and Williston
, while Dickinson
, and Devils Lake
are active to a lesser extent. Most shows are booked by independent promoters who find space for shows wherever available, though occasionally groups like the AMP
have held permanent venues for musical acts.
Medium-sized groups may be headlined in events thrown by financially interested promoters, such as the Hub's Venue (formally Playmaker's Pavilion) in Fargo
or the annual Rockn On The Ridge event, located just north of Sawyer, ND. It is a three day Rock Festival, featuring classic rock, and is North Dakota's premier rock music festival. www.rocknontheridge.com
Large touring acts crossing North Dakota often use the state's larger event venues such as the Alerus Center
(Grand Forks
), Fargodome
(Fargo), and Bismarck Civic Center
(Bismarck
), to draw large arena rock
crowds. National acts in a variety of styles are also often booked for the North Dakota State Fair
(Minot
), though the fair does tend to have more country
groups in keeping with the fair's rural focus.
Many of North Dakota's universities have great music programs; the choir program at Jamestown College
and the instrumental music programs at the University of Mary
and Minot State University
are particularly notable.
Concert orchestras operate in Bismarck
, Fargo
, Grand Forks
, and Minot
. Of these, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra
is the largest, while the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra
is the oldest.
Many opera groups exist in the state. Two of the larger ones include the Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company and The Western Plains Opera Company of Minot, each of which stage two performances a year.
Choral music organizations include the Grand Forks Master Chorale, the Fargo Chamber Chorale, and the Nodakords, Heritage Singers, and Voices of Note, all of Minot.
International Music Camp
, a summer camp
providing intensive instruction in music and fine arts, is held each summer at the International Peace Garden
.
/power pop
scene based in Fargo
. Groups like "Silver", "Johnny Holm", "The Unbelievable Uglies", "The Newz", "Patriot", and "Fat City" were the premier bands. These bands played extensively throughout the upper Midwest, benefitting from a short-lived surge in bars that booked rock and roll bands during the early 80s. For example, in Jamestown, North Dakota
, there was one bar and a "teen canteen" that booked rock and roll bands in 1978, but by 1984, there were five such venues. Bismarck, also had several venues for local bands such as "The Champ Band" and "Nightlife" to perform in. These venues would draw bands from all over The Midwest where they could perform 6 nights a week. This pattern was briefly replicated in many similar cities in the region. This led several regional bands to write original music and even record albums, some of which sold respectably by regional standards. The scene was also lucrative enough to allow many bands from the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
area to play in North Dakota.
As the 1980s progressed and a farm crisis hurt the state's economy, new drinking and driving laws, plus bar insurance laws were passed,the nightclub and bar scene began to struggle. Thus,the music scene shrank and a number of bars and clubs that had booked music ceased to do so. For example, the five Jamestown bars that had booked bands back in 1984 were all closed or no longer booking in 1989. By mid-decade, most of the leading bands had disbanded. "Silver", after purchasing the rights to the "Uglies" name, had decamped to Minneapolis, Minnesota
and become "The Metro Allstars" (later: "The Metros"), and "The Newz" performed all over the Midwest. As the thriving Twin Cities music scene of the mid-1980s dissipated so to did the Fargo music scene fade.
Many homegrown bands spawned in the wake of this brief renaissance. Some bands tried to emulate bands from bigger markets by mixing originals in among the hours of cover songs. Most earned a living playing the hits of the day instead of original music.
Heavy metal
bands were also popular in the 1980s. Chuck Klosterman
wrote a tongue-in-cheek book on his experiences in the rock scene in North Dakota in the book Fargo Rock City.
, metal
, metalcore
and some indie
dominates the youth music scene in North Dakota, though it is by no means exclusive, with a number of death metal
and black metal
bands on the heavier end of the spectrum, and Folk
on the lighter side.
Many of the acts are transient, seeking opportunity in larger cities, or breaking up as the band members grow older and move their separate ways. Though some organizations attempt to provide opportunities to local musicians, most bands are not able to obtain sufficient backing to allow them to "quit their day jobs".
Mark has been a member of the Doug Maynard Band, Lamont Cranston, T. C. Jammers, Northcoast, and many others,
Ragtime
Ragtime is an original musical genre which enjoyed its peak popularity between 1897 and 1918. Its main characteristic trait is its syncopated, or "ragged," rhythm. It began as dance music in the red-light districts of American cities such as St. Louis and New Orleans years before being published...
and folk music
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
, moving into big band
Big band
A big band is a type of musical ensemble associated with jazz and the Swing Era typically consisting of rhythm, brass, and woodwind instruments totaling approximately twelve to twenty-five musicians...
and jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
. With the development of mass media, local artists in North Dakota
North Dakota
North Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S....
, as in the rest of the country, saw a rapid loss of opportunity to create, perform, and sell popular music to the regional audience that had previously provided a market. Although perhaps unexpected for a largely agricultural region of the nation, country music
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
is not a major genre in the modern youth scene of North Dakota. A number of country artists who appeal to older audiences however, have emerged from the state.
Ethnic music
One aspect of music that has been around for over a century is the "old-time" German music, still played, danced to, and sung in parts of North Dakota. Such music is typified by fast waltzes, polkas, schottisches, two-steps, and the butterfly.Popular music
Presently, North Dakota has a number of active punk rockPunk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
, metal, and indie
Indie (music)
In music, independent music, often shortened to indie music or "indie" is a term used to describe independence from major commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, and an autonomous, Do-It-Yourself approach to recording and publishing....
acts and pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
music.
The most active music scenes for local artists in popular styles are in Fargo
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Cass County. In 2010, its population was 105,549, and it had an estimated metropolitan population of 208,777...
, Minot
Minot, North Dakota
Minot is a city located in north central North Dakota in the United States. It is most widely known for the Air Force base located approximately 15 miles north of the city. With a population of 40,888 at the 2010 census, Minot is the fourth largest city in the state...
, Grand Forks
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Grand Forks is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Grand Forks County. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 52,838, while that of the city and surrounding metropolitan area was 98,461...
, Bismarck
Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck is the capital of the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County. It is the second most populous city in North Dakota after Fargo. The city's population was 61,272 at the 2010 census, while its metropolitan population was 108,779...
, and Williston
Williston, North Dakota
-Demographics:Preliminary data from a 2010 housing study indicates that population has grown by nearly 22 percent over the past decade; the actual increase might be much higher. Williston is in western North Dakota's booming oil patch, and adequate, affordable housing has become a concern. The...
, while Dickinson
Dickinson, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,010 people, 6,517 households, and 4,020 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,690.7 inhabitants per square mile . There were 7,033 housing units at an average density of 742.7 per square mile...
, and Devils Lake
Devils Lake, North Dakota
As of the 2000 Census, there were 7,222 people, 3,127 households, and 1,773 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 3,508 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 89.23% White, 0.22% African American, 7.84% Native American, 0.28%...
are active to a lesser extent. Most shows are booked by independent promoters who find space for shows wherever available, though occasionally groups like the AMP
The AMP
The AMP is a youth center and music venue in Minot, North Dakota. Established in October 2003 by Billy Luetzen, the AMP provides a place for local youth to hang out, and on most weekends stages a concert. The AMP has hosted a number of acts with a wide range of music. Generally concerts have a...
have held permanent venues for musical acts.
Touring acts
Smaller musical groups passing through North Dakota often play at the independently promoted shows in the state's larger cities alongside local acts.Medium-sized groups may be headlined in events thrown by financially interested promoters, such as the Hub's Venue (formally Playmaker's Pavilion) in Fargo
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Cass County. In 2010, its population was 105,549, and it had an estimated metropolitan population of 208,777...
or the annual Rockn On The Ridge event, located just north of Sawyer, ND. It is a three day Rock Festival, featuring classic rock, and is North Dakota's premier rock music festival. www.rocknontheridge.com
Large touring acts crossing North Dakota often use the state's larger event venues such as the Alerus Center
Alerus Center
The Alerus Center is an indoor arena and convention center located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The facility is owned and operated by the city of Grand Forks and opened on February 10, 2001. The arena's major tenant is the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team. The arena also...
(Grand Forks
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Grand Forks is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Grand Forks County. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 52,838, while that of the city and surrounding metropolitan area was 98,461...
), Fargodome
Fargodome
The Fargodome is an indoor stadium, located in Fargo, North Dakota. It opened in 1992 and holds over 19,000 people for football games and over 25,000, for full arena concerts....
(Fargo), and Bismarck Civic Center
Bismarck Civic Center
The Bismarck Civic Center is a 10,100 seat multi-purpose facility, in Bismarck, North Dakota.It is the home of the Dakota Wizards.For several years, the PBR has hosted a Touring Pro Division event at the Civic Center; in 2004, it was voted as the top PBR Challenger Tour venue.-External links:*...
(Bismarck
Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck is the capital of the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County. It is the second most populous city in North Dakota after Fargo. The city's population was 61,272 at the 2010 census, while its metropolitan population was 108,779...
), to draw large arena rock
Arena rock
Arena rock is a term used to describe rock music that utilised large arena venues, particularly sports venues, for concerts or series of concerts linked in tours...
crowds. National acts in a variety of styles are also often booked for the North Dakota State Fair
North Dakota State Fair
The North Dakota State Fair is an annual state fair held each July in Minot, North Dakota. The fair features carnival rides, agricultural expositions, government and commercial exhibitions, and a variety of musical and performance entertainment....
(Minot
Minot, North Dakota
Minot is a city located in north central North Dakota in the United States. It is most widely known for the Air Force base located approximately 15 miles north of the city. With a population of 40,888 at the 2010 census, Minot is the fourth largest city in the state...
), though the fair does tend to have more country
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
groups in keeping with the fair's rural focus.
Classical music
In addition to popular music, classical music and jazz are common across the state.Many of North Dakota's universities have great music programs; the choir program at Jamestown College
Jamestown College
Jamestown College is a private liberal arts college founded by the Presbyterian Church located in Jamestown, North Dakota. It has about 1,000 students enrolled today and has been co-educational from its founding....
and the instrumental music programs at the University of Mary
University of Mary
The University of Mary is a four year Catholic university near Bismarck, North Dakota.The university is the largest degree granting institution in Bismarck...
and Minot State University
Minot State University
Minot State University is a four-year institution of higher learning in Minot, North Dakota. Founded in 1913 as a normal school, Minot State University is the third-largest university in North Dakota, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.Minot State University was founded in 1913...
are particularly notable.
Concert orchestras operate in Bismarck
Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck is the capital of the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County. It is the second most populous city in North Dakota after Fargo. The city's population was 61,272 at the 2010 census, while its metropolitan population was 108,779...
, Fargo
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Cass County. In 2010, its population was 105,549, and it had an estimated metropolitan population of 208,777...
, Grand Forks
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Grand Forks is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Grand Forks County. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 52,838, while that of the city and surrounding metropolitan area was 98,461...
, and Minot
Minot, North Dakota
Minot is a city located in north central North Dakota in the United States. It is most widely known for the Air Force base located approximately 15 miles north of the city. With a population of 40,888 at the 2010 census, Minot is the fourth largest city in the state...
. Of these, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra
Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra
The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra based out of Fargo, North Dakota. The symphony employs local and regional musicians in performances of classical and modern symphonic music....
is the largest, while the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra
Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra
The Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra based in Grand Forks, North Dakota that began operation in 1908. One of only eighteen American Orchestras to have surpassed their centennial year, the symphony employs local and regional musicians in performances of classical and...
is the oldest.
Many opera groups exist in the state. Two of the larger ones include the Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company and The Western Plains Opera Company of Minot, each of which stage two performances a year.
Choral music organizations include the Grand Forks Master Chorale, the Fargo Chamber Chorale, and the Nodakords, Heritage Singers, and Voices of Note, all of Minot.
International Music Camp
International Music Camp
The International Music Camp is a summer youth camp held annually at the International Peace Garden on the North Dakota-Manitoba border. The camp offers week-long and month-long intensive programs in the fine arts.-External links:*...
, a summer camp
Summer camp
Summer camp is a supervised program for children or teenagers conducted during the summer months in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend summer camp are known as campers....
providing intensive instruction in music and fine arts, is held each summer at the International Peace Garden
International Peace Garden
The International Peace Garden is a 3.65 sq. mi. park located on the international border between Canada and the United States, in the state of North Dakota and the province of Manitoba. Established on July 14, 1932, the park plants over 150,000 flowers each year...
.
Modern history
Since the late 20th century, North Dakota has seen a number of active musical scenes.1970s and 1980s
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a small but thriving New WaveNew Wave music
New Wave is a subgenre of :rock music that emerged in the mid to late 1970s alongside punk rock. The term at first generally was synonymous with punk rock before being considered a genre in its own right that incorporated aspects of electronic and experimental music, mod subculture, disco and 1960s...
/power pop
Power pop
Power pop is a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are...
scene based in Fargo
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Cass County. In 2010, its population was 105,549, and it had an estimated metropolitan population of 208,777...
. Groups like "Silver", "Johnny Holm", "The Unbelievable Uglies", "The Newz", "Patriot", and "Fat City" were the premier bands. These bands played extensively throughout the upper Midwest, benefitting from a short-lived surge in bars that booked rock and roll bands during the early 80s. For example, in Jamestown, North Dakota
Jamestown, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,527 people, 6,505 households, and 3,798 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,246.7 per square mile . There were 6,970 housing units at an average density of 559.6 per square mile...
, there was one bar and a "teen canteen" that booked rock and roll bands in 1978, but by 1984, there were five such venues. Bismarck, also had several venues for local bands such as "The Champ Band" and "Nightlife" to perform in. These venues would draw bands from all over The Midwest where they could perform 6 nights a week. This pattern was briefly replicated in many similar cities in the region. This led several regional bands to write original music and even record albums, some of which sold respectably by regional standards. The scene was also lucrative enough to allow many bands from the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
area to play in North Dakota.
As the 1980s progressed and a farm crisis hurt the state's economy, new drinking and driving laws, plus bar insurance laws were passed,the nightclub and bar scene began to struggle. Thus,the music scene shrank and a number of bars and clubs that had booked music ceased to do so. For example, the five Jamestown bars that had booked bands back in 1984 were all closed or no longer booking in 1989. By mid-decade, most of the leading bands had disbanded. "Silver", after purchasing the rights to the "Uglies" name, had decamped to Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
and become "The Metro Allstars" (later: "The Metros"), and "The Newz" performed all over the Midwest. As the thriving Twin Cities music scene of the mid-1980s dissipated so to did the Fargo music scene fade.
Many homegrown bands spawned in the wake of this brief renaissance. Some bands tried to emulate bands from bigger markets by mixing originals in among the hours of cover songs. Most earned a living playing the hits of the day instead of original music.
Heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
bands were also popular in the 1980s. Chuck Klosterman
Chuck Klosterman
Charles John "Chuck" Klosterman is an American author and essayist who has written for The New York Times Magazine, The Believer, and The Washington Post, and has written books focusing on American popular culture....
wrote a tongue-in-cheek book on his experiences in the rock scene in North Dakota in the book Fargo Rock City.
1990s and 2000s
Today, hardcoreHardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
, metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
, metalcore
Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity...
and some indie
Indie (music)
In music, independent music, often shortened to indie music or "indie" is a term used to describe independence from major commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, and an autonomous, Do-It-Yourself approach to recording and publishing....
dominates the youth music scene in North Dakota, though it is by no means exclusive, with a number of death metal
Death metal
Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs heavily distorted guitars, tremolo picking, deep growling vocals, blast beat drumming, minor keys or atonality, and complex song structures with multiple tempo changes....
and black metal
Black metal
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
bands on the heavier end of the spectrum, and Folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
on the lighter side.
Many of the acts are transient, seeking opportunity in larger cities, or breaking up as the band members grow older and move their separate ways. Though some organizations attempt to provide opportunities to local musicians, most bands are not able to obtain sufficient backing to allow them to "quit their day jobs".
Notable North Dakota musicians
- Lawrence WelkLawrence WelkLawrence Welk was an American musician, accordionist, bandleader, and television impresario, who hosted The Lawrence Welk Show from 1955 to 1982...
– Welk, born in rural StrasburgStrasburg, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 549 people, 216 households, and 136 families residing in Strasburg. The population density was 1,823.0 people per square mile . There were 245 housing units at an average density of 813.5 per square mile . The racial makeup of the town was 96.72% White, 0.18%...
, became one of the most popular band leaders in American history. His long-running weekly television show brought his style of "Champagne Music" into millions of homes. His low-key on-air manner and faint rural German accent mixed with a shrewd sense of business and showmanship to create a franchise that lasted over thirty years. - Jason Joyce - Joyce, a Denver, ColoradoColoradoColorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
native, moved to Minot, North DakotaMinot, North DakotaMinot is a city located in north central North Dakota in the United States. It is most widely known for the Air Force base located approximately 15 miles north of the city. With a population of 40,888 at the 2010 census, Minot is the fourth largest city in the state...
to focus steadily on writing electro-pop music for his return back to his home state. - Peggy LeePeggy LeePeggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and...
- Pop torch singer Lee was born Norma Delores Egstrom in JamestownJamestown, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 15,527 people, 6,505 households, and 3,798 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,246.7 per square mile . There were 6,970 housing units at an average density of 559.6 per square mile...
in 1920. She left North Dakota in her late teens, and joined the Benny GoodmanBenny GoodmanBenjamin David “Benny” Goodman was an American jazz and swing musician, clarinetist and bandleader; widely known as the "King of Swing".In the mid-1930s, Benny Goodman led one of the most popular musical groups in America...
band. For the next two decades, she was one of the United States' most popular pop singers. - Bobby VeeBobby VeeRobert Thomas Velline , known as Bobby Vee, is an American pop music singer. According to Billboard magazine, Vee has had 38 Hot 100 chart hits, 10 of which hit the Top 20.-Career:...
- Vee, born Robert Velline and a native of Enderlin, North DakotaEnderlin, North DakotaEnderlin is a city in Cass and Ransom counties in the U.S. state of North Dakota. The population was 886 at the 2010 census. Enderlin was founded in 1891....
, got his break when Buddy HollyBuddy HollyCharles Hardin Holley , known professionally as Buddy Holly, was an American singer-songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll...
was killed in the 1959 plane crash known in popular culture as "The Day the Music DiedThe Day the Music DiedOn February 3, 1959, a small-plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, killed three American rock and roll pioneers: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as the pilot, Roger Peterson. The day was later called The Day the Music Died by Don McLean, in his song...
", en route to a concert in Moorhead, MinnesotaMoorhead, MinnesotaMoorhead is a city in Clay County, Minnesota, United States, and the largest city in northwest Minnesota. The population was 38,065 at the 2010 Census. It is the county seat of Clay County....
. The 16-year-old Velline and his band, "Bobby Vee and the Shadows" replaced Holly at the concert. Vee went on to over forty years of popular music stardom. - Lynn AndersonLynn AndersonLynn Rene Anderson is an American country music singer and equestrian known for a string of hits throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, most notably her Grammy Award-winning, worldwide mega-hit, " Rose Garden." Helped by her regular exposure on national television, Anderson was one of the most...
- Anderson, a Grand ForksGrand Forks, North DakotaGrand Forks is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Grand Forks County. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 52,838, while that of the city and surrounding metropolitan area was 98,461...
native, went on to stardom in country/western music. Her biggest hit was 1971's "Rose Garden". - Jonny LangJonny LangJonny Lang is a Grammy award-winning American blues, gospel, and rock singer, songwriter and recording artist. Lang's music is notable for both his unusual voice, which has been compared to that of a forty-year-old blues veteran, and for his guitar solos...
- Jonny Lang was born in FargoFargo, North DakotaFargo is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Cass County. In 2010, its population was 105,549, and it had an estimated metropolitan population of 208,777...
and became a nationally acclaimed breakout bluesBluesBlues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
guitarist and singer in 1997. - Shannon CurfmanShannon CurfmanShannon Marie Curfman is an American blues-rock guitarist and singer. She came to prominence in 1999, at the age of 14, with the release of her first album, Loud Guitars, Big Suspicions, which she recorded a year earlier.Curfman has toured with John Mellencamp, Buddy Guy, George Thorogood and The...
- bluesBluesBlues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
guitarist and singer - Richard Torrance – RockRock musicRock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
guitarist, singer, songwriter. Born in Bismarck, N.D., he relocated to Southern California soon after graduating from high school, to pursue his dream of becoming a recording artist. He signed his first recording contract with Shelter Records, Leon RussellLeon RussellClaude Russell Bridges , known professionally as Leon Russell, is an American musician and songwriter, who has recorded as a session musician, sideman, and maintained a solo career in music....
's label, in 1972. He recorded three albums for them before moving on to his second contract with Capitol Records in 1975. His first of four albums for Capitol, Bareback, produced his song "Rio de Janeiro Blue". "Rio" has achieved international acclaim and has been recorded by several other artists, as well. Through the 1970s, he put together a band of Los Angeles-based musicians and did three national tours. Richard and his band opened for some of the most famous rock groups in the world, such as Little Feat, Kansas, Taj Mahal, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Seger, Chicago, The Beach Boys, REO Speedwagon, Loggins and Messina, The Kinks, Average White Band, Pablo Cruise, and Aerosmith, to name a few. After leaving Capitol records in 1979, Richard moved north to Ojai, California and focused on building a home recording studio, producing local talent and continuing to write music. He stayed there for over ten years, raising a family and touring the west coast. - Danny MangoldDanny MangoldThe Metro All Stars was an American rock band composed of Andy Bailey , Dusty Cox , Andy Gauthier , Jody Hanks , Danny Mangold and Larry Stock...
– RockRock musicRock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
guitarist, songwriter and producer. Founding member of Silver, and The Metro All Stars (later changed to "the Metros".) Moved from Fargo, ND to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the band won several "Best Rock Band" awards in the Minnesota Music Awards. Mangold moved to Seattle where he played guitar and toured with Ann Wilson/Heart, Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers and recorded "Songcatchers-Dreaming in Color A&M Records" with Neville. Mangold also toured with Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors and produced the "Heart of the City" record. - Jody Hanks – RockRock musicRock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
singer, songwriter. Born in Mandan, N.D., performed in local bands for years, then moving to Minneapolis. Member of "Raggs" then later, "The Metro All Stars", recording two albums, one on MTM Records, and performing twice on "Star Search". "The Metro All Stars" performed all over The Midwest and Canada. Jody Hanks released a solo album in 2009 "Side of the Road" with fellow songwriter Danny Mangold. - Mark Knoll-RockRock musicRock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
guitarist, singer, songwriter. Born in Mandan N.D.,A passionate and immediately recognizable stylist, Mark has performed all over the United States in a rich and diverse career that spans over 30 years. He has performed with and shared the stage with many national acts including Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, Edgar Winter's White Trash, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Drifters, the Platters, the Coasters, and the Marvelettes. He has appeared as a session guitarist and songwriter on many regional releases including the Lamont Cranston Band, Scottie Miller, and George Faber. Mark Knoll released his first album "High Time" in 2008.
Mark has been a member of the Doug Maynard Band, Lamont Cranston, T. C. Jammers, Northcoast, and many others,
- Dean Weisser – RockRock musicRock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
drummer, singer, songwriter. Born in Bismarck N.D., Dean played music with a number of local bands such as "Spice" and "Champ" opening for "Head East" and "Chubby Checker". He moved to Minneapolis in 1986 and started working of KARE-11 TV, where he has won two regional Emmy's for live audio production. Dean works with Grammy winning, national and local artists that perform on the show. Dean has recorded three albums, "Give it a Shot",(Solo-1992), the second, "Boppin' the Blues",(2000), getting airplay all over the country as well as Europe, and third, "Back in the Day" released in 2010. "The Dean Weisser Band" was formed in 1996 and performs all over the midwest opening for acts such as Jonny Lang, Little Feat, Cory Stevens and Susan Tedeshi . - David Mau-RockRock musicRock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
guitarist, singer, songwriter. A gifted vocalist and songwriter born in Minot, N.D., David emerged in the Minneapolis Indie Rock and Acoustic scenes with his 2 piece act "nosmallwonder" (with Eric Stuberg) that began a 4 piece act called "Slim to None" of Minot. nosmallwonder went on to play over 120 shows including opening gigs for artsits such as Four Letter LieFour Letter Lie-History:The group formed in 2004 and quickly released an EP entitled Her Escape in May 2005. They followed the release with a heavy tour schedule, which included dates on the Warped Tour and Taste of Chaos tours. The group won an online vote to open the Taste of Chaos date in St. Paul, Minnesota...
, QuietdriveQuietdriveQuietdrive is an alternative rock band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that formed in 2002. Quietdrive released their debut album When All That's Left Is You on May 30, 2006 on Epic Records. In April 2008, Quietdrive parted with Epic Records and released their album titled Deliverance on October...
, KoufaxKoufax (band)Koufax are an indie rock band whose members are from mainly Toledo, Ohio. The band's self-titled debut EP was released in 1999 on independent label Doghouse Records, and got them noticed by The Get Up Kids, who signed them to their label, Vagrant Records subsidiary Heroes and Villains...
, Roses are RedRoses Are Red (band)Roses Are Red was an alternative rock band formed in Rochester, New York. The band was signed to Trustkill Records.-Biography:...
Children 18:3Children 18:3Children 18:3 is a punk band from Morris, Minnesota. The band is composed of homeschooled siblings David, Lee Marie and Seth. The lead vocals are shared by David and Lee Marie with their brother Seth on the drums.-Formation and debut album:...
, Windsor Drive, Camera Can't Lie, and more. The group won 5 battle of the bands including Macalester College and The Warehouse which won them a bid into Sonshine FestivalSonshine FestivalSonshine Festival is a Christian music festival held annually in Willmar, Minnesota, usually the second weekend in July. It features Christian musical artists from the United States and around the world. The festival is a member of the Christian Festival Association.A secondary function of the...
in 2005. After returning from California in 2007, Mau started the Minot group "Juno," Which had a breakout performace at MSU's battle of the bands by covering The Jackson 5's hit "I Want You BackI Want You Back"I Want You Back" was released in 1969 and in early 1970s became a number-one hit single recorded by The Jackson 5 for the Motown label. The song, along with a b-side cover of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You", was the only single from the first Jackson 5 album, Diana Ross Presents...
," and the Lion King's "I Just Can't Wait to be King." Juno went on to open for Krystal MeyersKrystal MeyersKrystal Meyers is an American Christian rock / Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter and musician...
at the Minot Auditorium. In 2010 Mau started "The Valiant Nomads" which has toured extensively throughout The Midwest, opening for acts such as Abandon KansasAbandon KansasAbandon Kansas is an American Alternative Rock band. As the name suggests, the band originates from Wichita, Kansas. The band is currently on tour to promote their new album, Ad Astra per Aspera, which was released on Gotee Records in 2011....
, HylandHyland (band)Hyland is an American Christian rock band originating from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band released two EPs independently before signing to Tooth & Nail Records on October 25, 2010. Their debut album was released on Tooth & Nail on May 3, 2011....
, Rookie of the YearRookie of the Year (band)Rookie of the Year is an indie rock/acoustic band from Fayetteville, North Carolina . They were signed to One Eleven Records, though the fourth release of their latest EP fulfilled their contractual obligation to 111 and allow them to sign with a new label. The band is fronted by lead...
,Children 18:3Children 18:3Children 18:3 is a punk band from Morris, Minnesota. The band is composed of homeschooled siblings David, Lee Marie and Seth. The lead vocals are shared by David and Lee Marie with their brother Seth on the drums.-Formation and debut album:...
, and many more.
External links
- Fargo Band Family Tree - wiki covering the Fargo area music scene
- Bismanlive - website covering the Bismarck-Mandan area music scene
- http://www.rocknontheridge.com http://www.rocknontheridge.com/ - website for Rockn On The Ridge.