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Inductee

It was the mid sixties when six farm boys from the Flandreau, SD area with a love for music decided to form a band.  Their first instruments consisted of a snare drum, a cymbal hanging from the ceiling by a string, some cheap guitars, and one microphone.  After practicing for several months the band, the Gemini 6, gave their first performance.  It was in June of 1966 and took place in nearby Russell, MN.  Orlie Hunstad of Jasper became their manager and booking agent.

Members were Steve "Pevey" Dailey on drums, Doug "Auger" Johnson on guitar, trumpet, and trombone, Bill "Pud" Jenkins playing lead guitar, Steve "Wit" Witte on bass, Jim "Tommy" Thompson on trumpet, and Duane "Papada" Johnson on trumpet and organ, and Dan "Boone" Dahlmeier handling lead vocals.  They practiced in an old rural school house.  By the end of summer they competed in a "battle of the bands" in Sioux Falls and placed second.  They were the top band at similar events in Dell Rapids and Arnolds Park.  In less than a year the Gemini 6 became a well polished teen band, gaining fame and fans very quickly.

Soon the  Gemini 6 recorded a 45RPM record a IGL Studio in Milford, Ia with original composition "Two Faced Girls" on one side and "One Last Kiss" on the other.  They were playing 2-3 times a week and it was a challenge balancing their performances with academics.  With the success of "Two Faced Girls" the band drew large crowds for all of their dances.  This was a great song but without promotion and national exposure it only gained local hit status. 

Other musicians who were members of the band at various times included drummer Rocky Rosheim, Denny Gale on lead guitar and vocals, Jim Hoss on keyboard and trumpet, with Reg Gache working as their agent.  The last performance was in June of 1969 at the Rainbow Ballroom in Lane, SD.  There have been several reunions, the last one in 2002.  The Gemini 6 proved to be a great success story, a group of farm boys that were self taught musicians who achieved local stardom and fame. 

Awards

2012Bands