Written
on 10.06.11
This is the twenty third edition of the Feature of the Month for the
South Dakota Rock & Roll Music Association. We are rock and roll
fans, and looking to write a feature each month, that will not only
bring back wonderful memories, but will also remind us all of the
history that was made in our great state of South Dakota. We are
hoping to write a feature each month selecting one of the many
talented Bands, DJ's, Radio Stations, and Dance Halls throughout SD.
The year was 1960 when Ken Eisenbraun and friends formed a band in Sioux Falls called the Runaways. Members consisted of Ken (vocals, guitar), Denny Erickson (lead guitar), Del Caldwell (bass guitar), John Brown (drums), and Chuck Barnes (piano, organ). They didn't have a manager but still played various venues for about a year in and around Sioux Falls.
A year later the band reorganized and emerged with a new name, the Spokesmen. Ken, Del, and John were joined by Ron Neuberger (lead guitar) and Dave
Sharfman (sax). With these changes things really took off for the group and they expanded their playing territory to a four state area, playing in cities like Omaha, Des Moines, Denver, and Kansas City. One night they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis at Dell Rapids and also had a two month engagement at the Peppermint Cave in Denver. The band stayed together until 1963, when members went different directions.
Ron Neuberger was a long time member of Myron Lee's Caddies as well as touring with Bobby Vee and Buddy Knox. Del Caldwell performed with several groups, including the Gas Company. Denny Erickson was a member of numerous local bands for many years. Ken is living in Michigan. Kenny Dale and the Spokesmen put out some great music in the early sixties and were a big part of South Dakota rock and roll!
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