Nine bands will become new members of our association. The first two groups to be announced were rival bands in south-central South Dakota for many years. Tripp, SD, was hometown for The Postmen.  Bob Maag’s crew played from 1964-1968. SD Football Coach of the Year, Jim Uttecht, was also a member of The Postmen.

Just a few miles to the SE of Tripp was the town of Tyndall, SD. The Tensions played from 1966-1972, covering South Dakota and several surrounding states. They won a 14-entrant Battle of the Bands held in front of Penney’s in downtown Sioux Falls (their prize? A gig at the Mocamba).

The Rapid City progressive art rock band called WhiteWing played much of the western part of the state from 1968-76. One of their compositions called “Hansa” made the Billboard List of Singles, and several members later formed Asia.

A Brookings-based rock band booked by renowned agent, Jimmy Thomas, played throughout the region from 1967-1970. Horatio’s was home base for our next band, Military Pickle. Drummer Jim Wright and guitarist Greg Shelden were the backbone of this great group.

The Motown sound was all around South Dakota in 1966 and 1967. Sioux Falls was home to the Handy Brothers Chessman Show. This band featured three Handy brothers dancing and singing the Temptations-like music.

From Watertown came the American Music Band. Playing from 1968-1971 throughout South Dakota, this horn-driven sound featured former members of the Reactions and Excentrics. Many members moved onto form groups of their own.

The Spectacle Rhythm and Blues Soul Revue came from NW Iowa. They were always looking for new ways to attract attention, once playing part of a set on play instruments. Originally named Cellophane Spectacle, the Spectacle part of the name stuck. They still play reunion shows.

They have been referred to as “South Dakota’s true supergroup.” Formed in the Black Hills in 1975, Ivory swept the state with their dynamic sound played through the finest equipment. Ivory had several configurations in their thirteen-year reign, and have recently re-formed to make even more great rock and roll music.

Our final band to be inducted had many songs on the national charts. Based out of Minneapolis, they appeared many times in South Dakota. Remember “Evil Woman?” How about “Cottage Cheese?” Originating in 1967 and playing through 1972, we are excited to induct Crow into our association. This April’s induction concert should be an awesome musical experience.


Two venues to be inducted are the Broadway Ballroom in Centerville and Teen Town in De Smet.

The Spirit of the Music Award goes to three fine musicians who have passed on: Christy Anderson (Black Hills), John Loken (Watertown), and Danny Thomas (Flandreau).

DJs to be inducted are Mike Goodroad (Sioux Falls and Rapid City) and Jack Daniels (born Jack Morris in Rapid City).

The radio station to be honored is KFYR in Bismarck, ND.

The two booking agents inducted are Gary Crawford (better known as Igor from MidContinent Productions) and Chris Van Buren from Full Tilt Management in Sioux Falls.

We are proud to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to life-long musician Rod Jerke.
 
All of these musicians and others who helped promote rock and roll music in South Dakota will be inducted April 16, 2016 at the Ramkota Exhibit Hall in Sioux Falls.