Biography's on Stone Creek's 2009 Entertainers

 
 

LEROY VAN DYKE
Biographical Information (2007)

Leroy Van Dyke, of “Auctioneer” and “Walk On By” fame, star of the movie, “What Am I Bid?” is known around the world as an entertainer, recording artist, radio and television star, actor, auctioneer and veteran of the Nevada circuit. He has recorded over 500 songs, and probably holds the record for most repeat-performance bookings of any working, name country music entertainer. He has worked 40 to 70 fairs and livestock events per year for over five decades, in addition to a great variety of other engagements.

He was born on a farm (not in a hospital) in rural Pettis County, Missouri, without the amenities of running water and electricity. Elementary schooling was in one-room country schools, then to high school at Sedalia, where he ranked third in a class of 180 graduates.

Leroy is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a dual major: Animal Husbandry and Journalism, with a minor in Speech. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, did one semester of graduate work, and was a member of both the junior and senior University of Missouri intercollegiate livestock judging teams. After serving as a special agent, U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps, in Korea, Leroy was catapulted into show business while working as a journalist, when his self-penned “Auctioneer” recording went a million-plus just weeks after its release. He then joined Red Foley’s ABC-TV Network “Ozark Jubilee” in Springfield, Missouri, as a regular member, and continued in that position for three years until the show left the air.

He again had a multi-million seller with “Walk On By,” a record that stayed in the charts an incredible 42 weeks, nineteen in the number one position, and was later named by Billboard Magazine as the biggest country music record in history! Leroy then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and became a regular member of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry.

Music industry experts named Leroy Van Dyke as the Country Music Entertainer of the Decade for the 1960s. He had the starring role in the 1967movie “What Am I Bid?.”
Leroy was a founding co-host of “Country Crossroads,” the most widely syndicated show in radio history; he hosted his own syndicated television series, “The Leroy Van Dyke Show;” he hosted the 1965 Country Music Association Awards Show at which Ernest Tubb was inducted into the Hall of Fame; he was the first entertainer to receive the prestigious Country Music Association Founding President’s Award for contributing to the advancement and improved image of country music; he served on the board of directors of the Country Music Association, and is currently serving on the board of the International Entertainment Buyers Association.

He was selected by the Country Music Association to represent it in showcase situations at the Waldorf in New York, The Monteleone in New Orleans, The Edgewater Beach and the Conrad Hilton in Chicago, The Ambassador in Los Angeles and numerous Country Music Association functions in Nashville.

Van Dyke is considered by industry moguls and by his peers to be the entertainer who put professionalism in country music. He was the first to blaze a trail and take a staged, produced, choreographed, self-contained country music show to the “Strip” in Las Vegas. He was the first to take country music to Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter. He was the only country music performer ever to open a show for Marilyn Monroe.

Leroy is a 2001 inductee into the North American Country Music Association, International, Hall of Fame. After more than four decades as an entertainer, Leroy still travels in excess of a hundred thousand performing miles yearly around the world . . . he performs in all facets of show business including fairs, festivals, concerts, rodeos, supper clubs, conventions, radio, television, recordings, the Nevada circuit, livestock events, agricultural shows and private functions.

He has not missed a performance in over four decades as an entertainer.

On a personal note, should you ask, Leroy will tell you that there are only four things he ever wanted to do: sing, sell, write, and raise livestock. He is living his dream. His name is a household word in country music circles around the world. He is an auctioneering Hall of Fame member. He was a successful journalist, and is the author of “Auctioneering, Motivation, Success,” a work that is rapidly becoming the textbook of the auction profession. His Arabian mules are developing a reputation from New England to California and from Canada to the Deep South.

 

DAVID FRIZZELL

In any discussion about the greatest voices in country music, David Frizzell’s name is certain to come up — at least among those who know country music. And it’s not just because he bears a vocal resemblance to his older brother, that ultimate stylist, Lefty Frizzell. While both share the forlorn, stripped-down quality of singing that is so essential to interpreting traditional country themes, David’s voice is even more resonant and nuanced, a perfect instrument for electrifying the lyrics of a song.

With the release of his 12th solo album, Confidentially, Frizzell reasserts the vocal stature that has earned him a lengthy string of radio hits, dozens of awards and prominence on concert stages around the world. An expanded version of the album, along with a DVD that shows Frizzell performing and recording, will be released in February, 2006, under the title Confidentially: The Ultimate Package. The new collection will also contain Frizzell’s recently recorded duet with Bobby Bare,“Cowboy Hats.”

Produced by Frizzell and released on his own Nashville America Records label, Confidentially features guest performances by Jimmy Fortune (of the Statler Brothers), John Cowan (New Grass Revival) and his first male/female duet in more than 10 years, the self-penned “Why Wasn’t It Me.” Joining him in this vocal pairing is the supremely talented Amy Clawson. The album holds a particular treat for long-time Frizzell fans — a previously unreleased duet with Shelly West.

While still a teenager, David Frizzell left home to perform and tour with his legendary brother. In that role, he worked the concert circuit with many of the mightiest names in country music. By his 18th birthday, Frizzell began recording country and rockabilly albums for Columbia Records. Although a four-year hitch in the military slowed his emerging musical career, Columbia immediately re-signed Frizzell after his discharge.

In spite of the difficulty of working in Lefty’s shadow, David gradually created his own artistic identity. He recorded and charted the first country version of “L.A. International Airport” — months before Susan Raye made it a hit-and followed it with a Top 40 rendition of “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” the B. J. Thomas pop favorite. Frizzell then parlayed his recording successes into headlining country shows in Las Vegas. This bold move opened the Vegas gates for many other country acts.

In the early 1980s, Frizzell founded the musical duo of Frizzell & West. His partner in this exciting enterprise was the gorgeous and gifted Shelly West, daughter of country superstar Dottie West. After recording “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma” to showcase their fresh-as-Spring sound, Frizzell & West suffered the indignity of being turned down as an act by every major country label. Then their producer, Snuff Garrett, played the song for Clint Eastwood.

Eastwood loved it and insisted on adding “You’re The Reason” to the soundtrack of his forthcoming film, Any Which Way You Can. This vote of confidence soon earned Frizzell & West a record contract with Warner Bros. Then things really started to happen. A small radio station in Tulare, California was the first to play it, when it was still an album track. Other stations quickly followed, prompting Warner Bros. to release it as a single. In short order, the song that nobody wanted became a smash hit.

Frizzell & West went on to become one of the hottest and most-awarded acts in the business. They recorded five albums together, won the Country Music Assn.’s Vocal Duo of the Year prize twice and sold out arenas worldwide.

During his duet years with West, Frizzell continued his solo career. He scored a huge chart-topping hit with “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home.” The record, which has since become a standard, was recently featured on CMT’s 40 Greatest Drinking Songs in Country Music, making #17 in the countdown. Also, making #6 in CMT’s countdown of the 100 Greatest Duets is “You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma.”

Besides his CMA awards, Frizzell has won numerous performing and recording trophies from the Academy of Country Music, Billboard and Music City News. In addition, he has been nominated for three Grammys, both as part of Frizzell & West duet and as a solo act.

Apart from a 14-month-long tour to support his new album, Frizzell is also working on a television tribute to Lefty Frizzell and a series of children’s records and books, projects that promise to keep this prolific artist, producer and songwriter busier than ever.
www.davidfrizzell.com

 

Tommy Cash

Tommy was born in Arkansas, one of seven children in his family, and eight years after his brother Johnny. He formed his first band in high school and enlisted in the Army after graduation. He deejayed for American Forces Radio Network. After the Army, Tommy played with Hank Williams Jr., and later gained a record deal from Musicor in 1965. A year later he joined United Artists and just missed the country Top 40 in 1968 with “The Sounds of Goodbye.” In late 1969, while on Epic Records, he delivered his biggest hit, a tune dedicated to JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King entitled, "Six White Horses.” 1970 saw a pair of Top Ten singles: “One Song Away” and "Rise and Shine", and the Top 20 hit, “I Recall a Gypsy Woman.” Tommy continues to tour the globe, bringing to his audience the best in entertainment.


TOMMY CASH delivers to his audience a family oriented show
which comprises his many hits including SIX WHITE HORSES *
RISE AND SHINE * THAT CERTAIN ONE * THOUGHTS ON THE FLAG * THE COWBOY AND THE LADY * GYPSY WOMAN * and many of the songs from his more than TWENTY ALBUMS!

TOMMY CASH...TELEVISION STAR
For many years, Tommy has been sought after as a guest on NBC * ABC * CBS * TNN (The Nashville Network) and has videos played on CMT (Country Music Television), and also on TNN.

TOMMY CASH...WORLD PERFORMER/ENTERTAINER...
Box Office receipts have made Tommy Cash a TRUE WORLDWIDE star. Audiences from all over the globe know that when Tommy Cash is performing, they'll get their money's worth. It isn't enough just to sing the hits, one must entertain with engaging conversation, wit, and charm, while giving a superb performance. Tommy Cash, quintessential worldwide performer has entertained at THE GRAND OLE OPRY * BRANSON THEATERS * AMERICAN MILITARY BASES * FAIRS * CORPORATE FUNCTIONS * LAS VEGAS * and CONCERTS on nearly every continent. Last year Tommy toured in Australia, and this year finds TOMMY CASH doing performances literally throughout the entire United States, and to many foreign countries.
TOMMY CASH is also a popular GUEST SPEAKER.
Tommy's life story and testimony have a strong impact.

Tommy is an avid golfer and competes in various pro-celebrity golf tournaments each year. "I grew up playing basketball and took up golf as an adult," explains Tommy.

TOMMY CASH...has a background in broadcasting, and his great voice has been heard commercially for clients such as, PEPSI, BURGER KING, DIAL FINANCE, GM, BEECHNUT, SANTA FE RAILROAD, SUNOCO, AMDRO, HARRAH'S CASINOS, and many more....

PERSONAL NOTE FROM TOMMY CASH
"I grew up in northeast Arkansas, the youngest of seven children. I remember Mama and Daddy working long hours to provide for us and give us a Christian home...most of all, I remember a whole lot of LOVE. My brother JOHNNY and I are the only two who made a career in the Music Business. Sometimes I perform a musical "Tribute" to Johnny in my concerts.

I'm not surprised that country music has been accepted by such a wide audience, and I believe, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!" -TOMMY CASH

 

Marilyn Sellars

The soul-stirring voice. The megawatt smile. The affable personality. Marilyn Sellars is an award-winning entertainer whose talent, engaging presence and quick wit has charmed audiences ever since she belted out “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” in the middle of a Sunday sermon at age three.

From country to pop and Broadway to gospel, Marilyn performs it all with captivating style. She displays a special gift for bringing a sense of hope and comfort to audiences the world over—nearly 40 countries to be exact—whether on the Grand Ole Opry, the Orient Express, the stages of Disney World, the theatres of Branson or the cruise ships of China’s Yangtze River.

A natural-born performer, Marilyn grew up in a small Minnesota farming community where she honed her craft by singing gospel songs with her family and performing popular and country music with local bands, while studying classical voice with a famed St. Olaf College music teacher. She became a Minnesota celebrity after a decade of accompanying herself in Twin Cities piano lounges. As country music became more popular on television during that time, a group of fans who loved the way Marilyn sang country sent her to Nashville to record.

Marilyn walked the fabled avenues of Nashville’s Music Rowand was soon signed by a major label. Her first album charted nationally for 43 weeks, overtaking an Elvis Presley album and earning her numerous honors for being the first to record the classic “One Day at a Time.” ASCAP and “Best New Female Artist” awards, an Academy of Country Music nomination, and stints on national television shows put her on the road as a country music star.

Musical versatility makes Marilyn a sought after performer in a diverse array of settings: corporate shows, charitable events, celebrity golf tournaments, county and state fairs, telethons, political conventions, sporting events, dinner theatres, churches and senior centers. Time for her family always comes first, but along with her love of reading, cooking and golf, she continues to perform and record with her distinctive blend of effervescence and grace.

And there is still that soul-stirring voice.

 

Sonny Pearson
Biography

Nationally Known!
C & S Recording Artist, Sonny Pearson!
Veteran Entertainer - since the 1970's!
Sonny has worked with some of the Best in the Entertainment Business!
He has been in many News Paper Articles and has received Great Reviews!
Sonny is a Entertainer that will always try to give you his best!

Sonny has been entertaining audiences since the 1970’s, from Bands to Elvis shows, Sonny has just retired his Elvis show Jan 31-2009 (1996-2009) to a sold out crowd at John O's in MN.
For all you Elvis fans out there, Sonny will still sing some of the Elvis songs you love so much, he will also sing songs of other great entertainers too.

Pearson has been spending alot of time in the recording studio, and writing his own songs, and has come out with his first all original music CD!

Sonny grew up in Mpls, and now he is living in central Minnesota. Pearson has always loved music, his Mom was a singer and played Guitar, and his uncle played the drums. Pearson has entertained with many top artist in the music business, Sonny has also been in many news paper articles and has received great reviews. Sonny has alot of heart and soul, and works very hard on his singing, you can hear it in every song he sings.

We hope you will support Sonny in his new adventures that are ahead, and enjoy his new songs he is coming out with now.
Did you know Sonny has never missed a gig in all the years he has been performing! WOW!

ENTERTAINERS SONNY HAS WORKED THE SAME EVENTS WITH
Bobby Bare, Suzy Bogguss, Juice Newton, Janie Fricke, Lacy J. Dalton, Johnny Green and the Greenmen, Marilyn Sellars, The Great Pretenders, Tommy Lee, The Canoise, The Embers, Dave Dudley, Mojo Buford, Betty Rydell, Cadillac's, Marvin Rainwater, Granny "L" and MANY MORE!

INFLUENCES
Marty Robins, Conway Twitty, Bobby Bare, Alabama, Temptations, Dean Martin, Roy Orbison, and yes Elvis Presley! There are just to many to name.

You can visit Sonny's New Web Site at: www.SonnyPearson.com
Sonny is putting a new band together (Musician's Wanted)

 
The Great Pretenders
Biography
Harmonious, Humorous,
High Spirited, and Harmless!!!
The Great Pretenders have encompassed all these things and more since their beginning in 1985.
From County and State Fairs to conventions, from city celebrations to annual meetings, from garages to grandstands and from tents to truck trailers...............
The Great Pretenders love to sing, love to have a good time, and love to see their audiences having a good time. Their shows include favorites from the 40's, 50's, and 60's / Country & Gospel with a healthy dose of humor.
 

Don & Lee - Brothers 2 Band
Biography
Actual brothers Don and Lee Kanten play good time rock and roll, ballads, love songs, beach music, and some surprises from as far back as the 20s. Their musical influences range from the Big Bend Barn Dance to the Beatles, Eric Clapton, and Ray Charles. Lee lays down the bass line, while Don fingers the lead guitar.
They began playing together in 1973, first dabbling in folk music, but soon got serious in Clutch and the Shifters, a 50s show band that lit up Minneapolis and charmed audiences from Florida to Colorado during the 70s. Fittingly, they played brothers in that band and Don’s stage name was Fingers.
In the 80s they formed Spare Change, a five piece band that played special events, weddings, and corporate events. Besides a broad range of material, the band was known for the good time they had on stage and the great time their audiences had watching.
In the 90’s they joined Fat Chance, added Motown material to their background, and played in a barn one night, which brought them full circle, because it was on the Jorgenson farm that they first learned the joy of making music in groups.
Every family gathering was the same--uncles and aunts pulled out instruments as soon as the big meal was over, and tunes soon filled the air. So, when the brothers were just little squirts they’d sit in the darkness, just outside of the circle of players, pull out a ukulele and play along. They couldn’t wait to play in a band.
Their very much older brother, Wynn, learned first and most and he passed along about half of what he learned to Lee and Don. He will join Brothers 2 for the night and will bring along over 40 years of non-stop musical experience. He currently plays in supper clubs around Chicago.
Finally, Steve “Tilly” Thielges will join the group on drums. An old college friend, Tilly grew up in Tracy and has been playing in bands since 1970. He toured with the late great Gene Pitney and plays in the annual tribute to John Lennon at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
What really binds them together, other than a 4 count, is their love for the experience of playing music. Brothers 2 Plus 2 will be a good time to watch and a pleasure to hear.

 

Palmer Aaberg
Biography
Palmer Aaberg was born and raised in Starbuck, MN. He has always loved music, playing guitar and singing.
Palmer first started out on his way to Germany while in the US Army..... 1 person got a pass to go to town and it was Palmer that the rest of the guys voted to go, so that he could purchase a guitar for the overseas trip so that they would have entertainment.
Palmer worked for the postal service, in Minneapolis and eventually transferring to the Starbuck, Glenwood area and retired as a rural letter carrier after 30 years of service in 1990.
Palmer played in a band with Unker Christofferson in 1973. He then joined Rudy Helgeson, Elmo Wik, and stanley Syverson in a band known as “The Norski’s” entertaining at VFW’s, Legion Halls, weddings, birthdays & anniversaries, in the Glenwood, Benson, Starbuck, Morris, Alexandria, Brooten areas along with other surrounding communities.
Stanley Syverson and Palmer still play at senior Centers & Rest Homes entertaining the elderly.
Palmer has been married to his wife Joy for 54 years, they have 4 children (Amy Jorgenson is his daughter) and 8 grandchildren.

 

Vernon Lund
Biography
Vernon Lund was 13 years old when he bought his first harmonica in a drugstore in downtown. His father played the harmonica by ear so, he encouraged his son to play the same way. Vernon was diligent. He even practiced during recess and soon he learned his first song, "Home On The Range". When he was only a sophomore he gave his first performance at the annual talent show, which was held in the high school auditorium. Soon he acquired an old flat top Hawaiian guitar from his cousin, and with his help of a chord book lent to him by a neighbor, he learned to play guitar while he either sang along or played harmonica. Vernon's first paid performance was before 2000 people at the Shriner's convention, in Watertown, SD. He was still in High school. Vernon next went into the service and ended up in Colorado Springs, where he bought his electric Hawaiian steel guitar. After he was discharged, he came back to the area where he played old time songs and dances at special events & in various bars and dance halls. Much later he added the hi hat drum and officially became a "One Man Band". Over the past 20 years Vernon has entertained extensively at threshing shows both in MN and SD. His entire career has spanned more than 50 years!

 

Steffl Sisters
Biography

Coming Soon!