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Written on 3.17.11
This is the nineteenth 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 Postmen
Around 1963 this group formed in Tripp, South Dakota. They started as a four man group and eventually expanded to eight. Members included Bob Maag(guitar), Rick
Mayer (bass), Jim Uttechet (guitar, trumpet), Dan Weber (guitar, trumpet), Jerry
Uecker (organ), Brian Brosz (trombone), and Ken Lieschner (sax). All were from Tripp except Lieschner, who was from Parkston.
Initially the band played at local venues to include high school dances, celebrations, and other area events. As they gained more experience their travel expanded to other parts of the state including popular ballrooms at Milltown and Tyndall. The Postmen developed a very loyal following. They continued to perform until 1967 when some members went off to college and several joined other groups.
The Smoke Ring
The Smoke Ring originated in Norfolk, Nebraska, the combination of two local bands, the Strollers and Little Joe and the Ramrods. The group consisted of three brothers, Bob
Hupp (electric guitar), Nick Hupp (bass), "Little Joe" Hupp (keyboards), as well as Jim
Casey (lead guitar), Chuck Asmus (vocals), Dave Dohren (trumpet), John Schrad
(sax), Mike Semrad (guitar,trumpet), Roger Volk (drums) and the Benjamin brothers, Tom and Jerry. They specialized in playing both rock and rhythm and blues.
The band toured extensively throughout the Upper Midwest and also recorded at various studios, including the Sam Phillips Recording Studio in Memphis. But it was on the Amy-Mala label that they recorded "That Girl was my Girl", which became a regional hit in 1966. A year later they were still touring and drawing large crowds but it wasn't until they rerecorded a Four Lads classic, "No Not Much" that their persist ency paid off. The song was released on the Buddah label and became a national hit. They stayed together for several more years until 1971 when most of the original members were gone.
The Dukes
Brothers Paul and Mark Swenson of Onida, South Dakota were in grade school when their parents bought them cheap flat top guitars and that was the beginning of their love for music. They also took piano and accordion lessons. A little later they graduated to Silvertone guitars and amps. Eventually Paul bought a Stratocaster and his brother purchased an SG Gibson.
In the early sixties the Swenson brothers, along with Tom Wargo, Greg Ellenbecker, and Bert Easton started a band. Ellenbecker suggested a name and the "Dukes" was born. Although they were a typical teenage garage band, the group performed throughout the Central South Dakota area. Like so many other bands, the Dukes never cut a record or hit the big time but they had a lot of fun. After graduating from high school, the band broke up and the guys went their separate ways.
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