FOOT STOMPIN’ WITH THE LEGENDARY UNDERBEATS

they were all top end singers and Jim Johnson was maybe the best musician to come from the Minnesota music scene of the ‘60s. He was simply incredible!

During one of their shows, they crossed paths with record owner George Garrett. The man that was behind all the Trashmen’s successful record releases. Garrett took the band into his studio and the magic and fun began to happen. Their first effort was the incredible “Foot Stompin’/Route 66” on Soma Records (#4004). The song was a cover of an R&B classic by the Flares. The record sold like crazy across the Midwest including Fort Dodge.

In 1965 Tom Nystrom joined the Underbeats from the Accents (“Why”) and replaced Rod Eaton on drums. At the same time Ray Berg left the band to get married and was replaced by Enrico Rosenbaum from the Escapades. Now the band had the four of the best singers in Minnesota rock.

Johnson thought it would be a good idea for the band to record again but use a different name. This time it was to be as Calvin James and the Haymarket Riot. Under this name they released one incredible record in the form of “Footsteps/Find This Woman” (Stature Records #1104). Johnson also recorded a solo effort for Stature Records (#1103) under the name JoJo Smith with “Find This Woman/Make Mine Coffee.” to 1962. If you were growing up in Minnesota during this period you had the soundtrack of your youth with the music of the Foot Stompin’ Underbeats. They were the most successful long-term band to call Minnesota home during the ‘60s. Let me explain.

In 1967 they would record again with a release that really showed off their four-part harmonies with “It’s Gonna To Rain Today/Sweetest Girl In The World” for Metrobeat Records (#4449). The vocal work on this record was a preview of what was to come for the Underbeats.

Soon the band would make a big decision and re-locate from Minnesota to Los Angeles, CA. The plan was to leave Minnesota behind and create a new image, maybe even a new name and get a national recording deal. You know what, they checked off all three boxes.

Let’s go back to 1962 when two North Minneapolis High School students wanted to form a band. It was a simple start for guitarist Jim Johnson and bass player Doni Larson. They were set on playing R&B music. That love of R&B music would serve them well their entire careers.

In 1963 they brought on onboard Ray Berg as the second guitarist and Rod Eaton joined on drums. With lots of practice in Larson’s basement, things really started to come together for the guys. Now it was time to settle on a name and the Underbeats was chosen. The band had something special,

To say they were one hot act in the Midwest, would be an understatement. Just look at this list of releases: “Book Of Love/Darling Lorraine” (Soma #1449), “Annie Do The Dog/Sweet Words Of Love” (Bangar #632), “Little Romance/Broken Arrow” (Bangar #657), “JoJo- Gune/Our Love” (Twin Town #706), “Shake It For Me/I Can’t Stand It” (Soma #1458). All of these releases and record labels were George Garrett’s. There was not a hotter band on the Midwest and Iowa music scenes than the Underbeats!

In 1966 the band got blindsided when the heart and soul of the band, Jim Johnson, was drafted into the Army.

Before he left to the military, Jim recruited Jim Walsh from the Hot Half Dozen on keyboards and Loren “Wally” Walstead from the Convoys on guitar. The Underbeats never missed a beat with Johnson’s departure. This new version of the band stayed in place until Johnson returned from the service and re-joined the band as Walstead re-joined the Convoys.

Because of their crazy talent, they got a job quickly at one of the hottest clubs in Los Angeles, Gezzarris on the famed Sunset Strip. A new name change was in order as they re-branded the band as simply, Gypsy. As Gypsy they got multi record deal offers and were finally signed to a two-record deal with Metromedia Records and later another two LP deal with RCA Records.

They went on to significant fame. During this early ‘70s period, I was fortunate to have booked Gypsy several times.

It must have been amazing when the Underbeats, early in their careers, took the stage at our Laramar Ballroom in April of 1963 and hit that first note. I bet you could have heard the Foot Stompin” all the way to Humboldt.

Today, Berg, Larson and Eaton are all retired and not still active in music. Sadly, Johnson and Walsh have passed away. I hope you have enjoyed this look back at one of the truly great names in the history of Midwest rock and roll, the Underbeats.

This year at Bandshell Bash ‘23 we have an all star lineup featuring award winning singer Sundance Head, winner of NBC’s “The Voice” from super country star Blake Shelton’s team. On the season finale he joined classic rock legends Kiss for a medley of some of their biggest hits. After winning “The Voice”, Sundance was added to all the dates of the Doing it to Country Songs tour, with Blake Shelton. Then later opened shows for the Zac Brown Band. At a young age he recorded with ZZ Top and wrote songs for them as well.

He has had three Number 1 hit songs on the Texas Music Charts and country radio including performing at the Grand Ole Opry and historical Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Sundance Head on guitar and vocals has put together one of the hottest trios with Casey “King” Cowling on drums and “Drop Kick” Dave Walters on bass - it is one show that will have you two stepping to soulful country blues. Sundance Head’s unique style of American country - soul and blues is what has propelled him into the spotlight and to eventually become the winner of “The Voice”.

Our Special Guests in the lineup this year will be 6 artists from Iowa who are highly recognized by the Midwest Country Music Organization out of Minnesota. Monica Austin, Scott Kirkhart and Jesse Wilson are all nominees this year at the Midwest Country Music Organization Award show to be held at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park, IA - April 22nd. Monica Austin is not only one of the hosts for this red carpet event, but is up for nomination for “Entertainer of the Year”, Scott Kirkhart is up for nomination for “New Artist of the Year” and Jesse Wilson is up for nomination for “Maverick of the Year”. To this already incredible lineup, we will be adding new upcoming country artists, Liv McNair, Mike Bernard and Doc Johnson to round out the show!

This year Broken Strings and the Gowrie Area Arts Council will be presenting a guitar to a Southeast Valley School District music student during the event, autographed by Sundance Head.

Tell us about when you first were exposed to music growing up. I lived in a house that was always playing music. My mom sang in a few country bands and we were always playing music and singing around the house. When I was in 5th grade, I started playing in Band. My teacher didn’t want me to play the saxophone and told me I would never be good at it…….My first concert was front row at Garth Brooks when I was in 7th grade. It was the day before I auditioned for Honor Band. It was amazing. I never played piano or did anything like that until college.

What is your educational background?

• BA in Music Education Instrumental 5-12 from Northwestern

• BA in Music Education Vocal: K-8 and 5-12 from Northwestern

• Talented and Gifted Endorsement from Drake University

• Coaching Authorization from ICCC

• Masters in Music Education from University of Florida

Who has the greatest influence on you musically?

Growing up….I’m not even really sure. I did music because I loved it and wanted to be good at it. Now, there are so many people. I learn every single moment from the outstanding musicians I am surrounded by. The most influential person in my adult life would be the great Sam Pilafian. He was the Tuba player for the Boston Brass and an outstanding music educator and human being. He was my biggest supporter from the time I met him to the time he left us due to cancer. He showed me how to be a truly great human, how to continually better my craft and how to be humble in all that I do. He taught me how to record and edit for CD’s and that the level that I demanded excellence to, from my students and myself, is where it needs to be and I should never settle for less than that level. I have his name printed all of the Converse All-Star shoes I wear. He always wore them, performing live across the world, or rehearsing with the Boston Brass. He bought me my first pair when I started teaching at the college level. It’s hard to explain, but the people who knew and were close to Sam, knows his teachings and his attitude and passion will live on through all of us. Every single day I teach or perform, his words are in the back of my mind. Every single day, I hope I make him proud. I am also pushed to be my best everyday by ensembles but I was starting over completely in the music performance scene. I had performed in Northwest Iowa as a singer and saxophonist for about 20 years and then I moved to this area and no one knew who I was, no one knew that I sang, and no one knew that I played. I was just the “sax coach” for the Bari sax player in Lone Tree Revival…LOL. I am not a very patient person and when I see something I want I go and get it. I saw there was a need for Jazz Music in the Fort Dodge music scene, I wanted to created a Big Band of my own, and I chatted with a few of my great musician friends here in the area. And I decided it was time. Having the contacts and musician friends that I do, and those musicians wanting to play together, putting the band together was actually easy for me. WE (

SAY THIS AS IT IS NOT MY BAND, IT IS NOW

OUR 515 BAND)now have an outstanding group of musicians from across the state of Iowa playing Jazz Music and educating our audiences on all the music we play.

Our goal is to continue to do just that. We want to continue to play, here and wherever our performances lead us (I hope places other than Iowa as well). We want to continue to bring our passion for Jazz music, from yesterday’s music all the way through today’s contemporary Brass bands, to any one who wants to listen. We want to educate and encourage the young jazz musicians in our school systems. Our goal is to do what we can to not let this genre of music die. We want to bring the music of the jazz legends of yesterday to the ears of today.

If you had a chance to meet any performer, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

I would LOVE to have met Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald! Although they are no longer with us, we have so much in common. It would be great to chat about being a Woman in the Jazz World. I would also have loved to have chatted with Duke Ellington, Johnny Coltane and of course Louis Armstrong.

I’ve been extremely blessed to have chatted with so many world class musicians….. EXCEPT the great Wynton Marsalis. Right now, I would give anything to sit down with him and talk to him about what we do. I want to structure the 515 much like Jazz at Lincoln Center. He, by far, is the greatest living Jazz musician of our time. Sitting with him would be a dream come true.

What advice would you give to a high school student looking to become a music educator?

Music education is one of the hardest but most rewarding professions out there. If you are truly passionate about music, do it!!! You won’t regret it. If you are going into music, be 100% committed to bettering yourself and your craft at all times. Surround yourself with as many great educators and musicians as you can because when you first leave college, you really know nothing at all about the music education world. It is a learned profession.

• Governor of Iowa Favorite Teacher Award 2008

I’ve taught in three different high schools

Been very successful in Marching Band, Concert Band and Jazz band. Jazz Band: 84 competitions. Never placed lower than 4th Been to Iowa Jazz Championships 6 times.

Marching Band: 76 Competitions: Never places lower than 5th Concert Band: Always consistent I ratings and IHSMA Large group when we attended.

• Buena Vista University: Began the Athletic Band Program. 2017-2020

• Went from zero to 52 students in two short years: all instruments and full color guard

• Hosted DCI contests ◊ Began Jazz Festivals ◊ Hosted many honor bands

• Managed internships

• Conducted NWIBA Honor Band 2019

• Conducted SWIBA Honor Band 2019

• Conducted Diocesan Honor Band 2019

• Conducted Karl King Honor Band 2022

• Over 100 clinics and guest speaking honors 2018-Present

• Reggie Schive Big Band: Professional Jazz Band, 2nd Chair Alto Sax 2010-Present

• Dick Bouman Big Band: Professional Jazz Band, 2nd Chair Alto Sax 2013-Present

• Meryl Lake Orchestra: Professional Dance Band, 1st Chair Tenor Sax 2015-Present

• Jezebel All Female Professional Jazz Band, 1st Chair Tenor Sax 2017- Present