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Biographies (still with band):
Steve Elliott:
lead guitar, band leader
lead guitar, band leader
Butch grew up in Coffeyville, KS and while in high school, played guitar in a local rock and
roll band. He was "discovered" and was asked to join The Limits, play bass and sing!
The Limits eventually became The Red Dogs. After The Red Dogs disbanded in 1969,
Butch played with the Rising Sons and Southern Flavor. He became weary of being on
the road and got a job with MP/UP railroad by promising to give the foreman guitar
lessons. After a downsizing, Butch owned a couple of bars and then went to work for
Aptus, a division of Westinghouse, by giving the president an open tab at his bar. In 1993
Butch was told that he had cancer and may have only six months to live. After
chemotherapy, radiation and by-pass surgery on his leg, Butch was given long term
disability and, importantly, a clean bill of health. Then Bill Lee and the KS Music Hall of
Fame had this wonderful party in Lawrence, KS. Butch feels so lucky to have been there.
He says "It's a wonderful life!" Butch lives at Grand Lake, OK.
roll band. He was "discovered" and was asked to join The Limits, play bass and sing!
The Limits eventually became The Red Dogs. After The Red Dogs disbanded in 1969,
Butch played with the Rising Sons and Southern Flavor. He became weary of being on
the road and got a job with MP/UP railroad by promising to give the foreman guitar
lessons. After a downsizing, Butch owned a couple of bars and then went to work for
Aptus, a division of Westinghouse, by giving the president an open tab at his bar. In 1993
Butch was told that he had cancer and may have only six months to live. After
chemotherapy, radiation and by-pass surgery on his leg, Butch was given long term
disability and, importantly, a clean bill of health. Then Bill Lee and the KS Music Hall of
Fame had this wonderful party in Lawrence, KS. Butch feels so lucky to have been there.
He says "It's a wonderful life!" Butch lives at Grand Lake, OK.
Butch Neese:
vocals, bass guitar
vocals, bass guitar
Doug started playing saxophone in school bands at the age of nine. Doug and his best
friend, Steve Elliott, started a rock and roll band while in junior high school . By high school
their group, The Limits, was playing most weekends. In high school Doug also played with
the Phillip Petroleum Company Orchestra. The Limits continued as Doug and Steve went
to Oklahoma State University changing their name to The Red Dogs in 1965 when they
begin touring with John Brown and Mid-Continent Entertainment. Doug left The Red Dogs
for the “call” of the U.S. Air Force. He finished his B.S. degree in Computer Information
Science and received his M.B.A. from U.C.L.A. Doug worked in information technology
consulting for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) for 27 years. He retired in 2000 as
Office Managing Partner of Accenture's Southern California offices. Doug and his wife,
Carlene, have two children and six grandchildren. They're thrilled with the reconnection of
his former band mates and playing again. Doug says “Music keeps us young!”.
friend, Steve Elliott, started a rock and roll band while in junior high school . By high school
their group, The Limits, was playing most weekends. In high school Doug also played with
the Phillip Petroleum Company Orchestra. The Limits continued as Doug and Steve went
to Oklahoma State University changing their name to The Red Dogs in 1965 when they
begin touring with John Brown and Mid-Continent Entertainment. Doug left The Red Dogs
for the “call” of the U.S. Air Force. He finished his B.S. degree in Computer Information
Science and received his M.B.A. from U.C.L.A. Doug worked in information technology
consulting for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) for 27 years. He retired in 2000 as
Office Managing Partner of Accenture's Southern California offices. Doug and his wife,
Carlene, have two children and six grandchildren. They're thrilled with the reconnection of
his former band mates and playing again. Doug says “Music keeps us young!”.
Doug Cunningham:
sax, webmaster
sax, webmaster
Jerry wrote his first song at age 5. His first band, the Dimensions, played during high school at
Shawnee Mission East High School , Kansas City. Jerry continued playing at Kansas University
where his band included his brother and others who went on to Grammy nominees, hall of
fame members and the owner of a successful speaker company. Jerry was playing with
Spider and the Crabs when he joined The Red Dogs in September, 1965. Jerry transferred to
KSTC in Emporia in 1967. After the 1968 Red Dog bus wreck, he joined the Blue Things,
rejoining The Red Dogs once they decided to regroup. Jerry has been self-employed since
college and the band. In the 70's he and his brother founded The Brothers Fish, multi-location
pet stores. They also have been long time investors/owners of apartments. In the 80's they
owned several Quick Silver One Hour Photos in Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, and California. In
the 90's they had a proprietary waterproofing product for new construction. Recently the two
opened Skin Deep Laser Med Spa at Leawood, KS. Jerry is presently converting 48 owned
units at Inglenook Plaza to condominiums. Married and divorced, Jerry has two children -
Christen and Hunter and is Praise team band member at Legacy Christian Church.
Shawnee Mission East High School , Kansas City. Jerry continued playing at Kansas University
where his band included his brother and others who went on to Grammy nominees, hall of
fame members and the owner of a successful speaker company. Jerry was playing with
Spider and the Crabs when he joined The Red Dogs in September, 1965. Jerry transferred to
KSTC in Emporia in 1967. After the 1968 Red Dog bus wreck, he joined the Blue Things,
rejoining The Red Dogs once they decided to regroup. Jerry has been self-employed since
college and the band. In the 70's he and his brother founded The Brothers Fish, multi-location
pet stores. They also have been long time investors/owners of apartments. In the 80's they
owned several Quick Silver One Hour Photos in Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, and California. In
the 90's they had a proprietary waterproofing product for new construction. Recently the two
opened Skin Deep Laser Med Spa at Leawood, KS. Jerry is presently converting 48 owned
units at Inglenook Plaza to condominiums. Married and divorced, Jerry has two children -
Christen and Hunter and is Praise team band member at Legacy Christian Church.
Jerry Knaack:
vocals, rhythm guitar,
chief song writer
vocals, rhythm guitar,
chief song writer
Don started with music in 4th grade. At 12 he would sit on his uncle's drum cases while his
uncle played for University of Kansas dances. Don attended The Midwestern Music and Art
camp on a music scholarship. In high school he started a band called the FIre-flys and later
spent a summer playing in Branson, MO. Don played with Ann Brewer and the Flames and in
1962 started a group called the Commancheros with Kent Leopold. He was an original
member of Spider and the Crabs. Don met and married Barb after knowing her 3 weeks (41
years ago). He played with The Red Dogs from August, 1965, until entering the military in the
fall of 1967. He later played with The Rhythm Kings, while at Ft. Benning, GA. Don returned
to college and completed his degree in Math, Music and Computer Science in 1971. He then
moved to Topeka where he owned a Magnavox Electronics store. Next, Don worked for the
Juvenile Court as a probation officer when he completed all the college classes in
corrections and law enforcement. Don moved to Las Vegas in 1977 where he started a
swimming pool service and repair company. Don and Barb have two children, Steven and
Brandon (deceased 2004 at age 28). In addition to The Red Dog hall of fame inductions, Don
was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2006 with Spider and the Crabs.
uncle played for University of Kansas dances. Don attended The Midwestern Music and Art
camp on a music scholarship. In high school he started a band called the FIre-flys and later
spent a summer playing in Branson, MO. Don played with Ann Brewer and the Flames and in
1962 started a group called the Commancheros with Kent Leopold. He was an original
member of Spider and the Crabs. Don met and married Barb after knowing her 3 weeks (41
years ago). He played with The Red Dogs from August, 1965, until entering the military in the
fall of 1967. He later played with The Rhythm Kings, while at Ft. Benning, GA. Don returned
to college and completed his degree in Math, Music and Computer Science in 1971. He then
moved to Topeka where he owned a Magnavox Electronics store. Next, Don worked for the
Juvenile Court as a probation officer when he completed all the college classes in
corrections and law enforcement. Don moved to Las Vegas in 1977 where he started a
swimming pool service and repair company. Don and Barb have two children, Steven and
Brandon (deceased 2004 at age 28). In addition to The Red Dog hall of fame inductions, Don
was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2006 with Spider and the Crabs.
Don Lindley:
drums
drums
Randall was born in Climax, Kansas. He took piano and trumpet lessons; played
with Mouse's Minis; Classn's Assassins; The Weeds; and joined the Red Dogs in
March of 1966. He played in the Red Dogs until May of 1969 when he was drafted
and joined the Navy. Most of Randall's working career was in developing, installing
and training users in application software for universities….and playing some
church music. He rejoined rock and roll for The Red Dogs Kansas/Iowa HOF
inductions in 2005. Randall also played keyboards with Spider and the Crabs for
their 2006 HOF induction. He says he" loves playing music....can't wait to play with
The Red Dogs in future gigs!" Randall and his wife Pat live in Vista, CA.
with Mouse's Minis; Classn's Assassins; The Weeds; and joined the Red Dogs in
March of 1966. He played in the Red Dogs until May of 1969 when he was drafted
and joined the Navy. Most of Randall's working career was in developing, installing
and training users in application software for universities….and playing some
church music. He rejoined rock and roll for The Red Dogs Kansas/Iowa HOF
inductions in 2005. Randall also played keyboards with Spider and the Crabs for
their 2006 HOF induction. He says he" loves playing music....can't wait to play with
The Red Dogs in future gigs!" Randall and his wife Pat live in Vista, CA.
Randall Grundy:
keyboard, trumpet, vocals
keyboard, trumpet, vocals
Prior to joining The Red Dogs, Mike played in several rock and dance bands in
the Kansas City area. Later, he toured with US Air Force bands in US and
Europe (late 60' - early 70's). Mike received a Music Education degree from the
University of Nebraska. After college he performed with Sonny and Cher,
Wayne Newton, Charlie Rich, Elvis, Temptations, Ed Sullivan Show, Tommy
Dorsey Orchestra, David Clayton Thomas, and did studio work in Omaha and
Kansas City. He now plays woodwinds with many rock, blues and jazz groups in
Kansas City and has a twenty piece orchestra. Mike and his wife, Linn, live in
Raymore, MO.
the Kansas City area. Later, he toured with US Air Force bands in US and
Europe (late 60' - early 70's). Mike received a Music Education degree from the
University of Nebraska. After college he performed with Sonny and Cher,
Wayne Newton, Charlie Rich, Elvis, Temptations, Ed Sullivan Show, Tommy
Dorsey Orchestra, David Clayton Thomas, and did studio work in Omaha and
Kansas City. He now plays woodwinds with many rock, blues and jazz groups in
Kansas City and has a twenty piece orchestra. Mike and his wife, Linn, live in
Raymore, MO.
Mike Hatfield:
sax, flute,
horn arrangements
sax, flute,
horn arrangements
Steve is Director of Fairs & Festivals for Monterey Peninsula Artists/Paradigm, a
musically diverse agency with offices in CA, NY, and TN. Having headed MPA’s Nashville
division for 15 years, he has booked renowned artists that currently include; Toby Keith,
Aerosmith, Travis Tritt, The Steve Miller Band, Montgomery Gentry, Black Eyed Peas,
Sawyer Brown, Huey Lewis, Ricky Skaggs, Grand Funk Railroad, Doobie Brothers, Lyle
Lovett, The Black Crowes and many more. Steve's current membership affiliations
include: Current VP of the Academy of Country Music and ACM Board Member;
International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE); International Entertainment
Buyer’s Association (IEBA); Country Music Association (CMA); Nashville Association of
Talent Directors (NATD); Natl. Assn. Recording Arts & Science (NARAS); Inductee-
Kansas Music Hall of Fame, Inductee- Nebraska Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Inductee- Iowa
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Steve also serves as an active volunteer working closely with
the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Radiology of Stars program and benefit each year in
Nashville. He and his wife, Beth, are proud parents of one son and two daughters.
musically diverse agency with offices in CA, NY, and TN. Having headed MPA’s Nashville
division for 15 years, he has booked renowned artists that currently include; Toby Keith,
Aerosmith, Travis Tritt, The Steve Miller Band, Montgomery Gentry, Black Eyed Peas,
Sawyer Brown, Huey Lewis, Ricky Skaggs, Grand Funk Railroad, Doobie Brothers, Lyle
Lovett, The Black Crowes and many more. Steve's current membership affiliations
include: Current VP of the Academy of Country Music and ACM Board Member;
International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE); International Entertainment
Buyer’s Association (IEBA); Country Music Association (CMA); Nashville Association of
Talent Directors (NATD); Natl. Assn. Recording Arts & Science (NARAS); Inductee-
Kansas Music Hall of Fame, Inductee- Nebraska Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Inductee- Iowa
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Steve also serves as an active volunteer working closely with
the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Radiology of Stars program and benefit each year in
Nashville. He and his wife, Beth, are proud parents of one son and two daughters.
Steve Dahl:
emcee, vocals, trumpet,
booking agent
emcee, vocals, trumpet,
booking agent
Evan Johnson:
drums
drums
PHOTOS ABOVE BY
JOHN BROWN
JOHN BROWN
Rob started playing trumpet in the 4th grade in El Dorado, KS. A move in his junior year of high
school to Longview, TX introduced him to big band jazz as their stage band won first in the
nation at the Brownwood stage band festival. Another move to Tulsa, OK in his senior year
resulted in him playing as the lead book player in the nationally recognized Tulsa Edison stage
band. After a year at Southwestern State College on a music scholarship, Rob transferred to
Oklahoma State University. During that summer he was invited to tour Columbia, South
America with the All American Jazz Ensemble as the only horn player with a rhythm section!
The associations formed at OSU created opportunities to perform with jazz-rock bands and
other appearances including with Bob Hope and Jerry Fisher of Blood, Sweat and Tears. Rob
played with The Review of Enid, OK; then with The Shadow Lake 8 which broke up as several
members went on to long time careers with Brenda Lee. Rob began playing with the Red
Dogs in his junior year at OSU and was with them until May of 1969. He later played with the
Oklahoma National Guard Band in Oklahoma City. Today Rob lives in Tulsa, is single with no
children, and works as a manufacturing engineer in the pipeline services industry.
school to Longview, TX introduced him to big band jazz as their stage band won first in the
nation at the Brownwood stage band festival. Another move to Tulsa, OK in his senior year
resulted in him playing as the lead book player in the nationally recognized Tulsa Edison stage
band. After a year at Southwestern State College on a music scholarship, Rob transferred to
Oklahoma State University. During that summer he was invited to tour Columbia, South
America with the All American Jazz Ensemble as the only horn player with a rhythm section!
The associations formed at OSU created opportunities to perform with jazz-rock bands and
other appearances including with Bob Hope and Jerry Fisher of Blood, Sweat and Tears. Rob
played with The Review of Enid, OK; then with The Shadow Lake 8 which broke up as several
members went on to long time careers with Brenda Lee. Rob began playing with the Red
Dogs in his junior year at OSU and was with them until May of 1969. He later played with the
Oklahoma National Guard Band in Oklahoma City. Today Rob lives in Tulsa, is single with no
children, and works as a manufacturing engineer in the pipeline services industry.
Rob Barr:
trumpet
trumpet
Biographies (joined the band since 2005):
Rich started with the Rising Sons In the summer of 1969 just after high school and played on
weekends for a couple years of college and then full time until 1973. He then moved to
Michigan and went to school in electronics and played in clubs for two years. When his wife,
Sandee, and he were married, he quit the club scene and thought that was the end of his
playing career. Three weeks later, a 23 piece band asked him to join them and he played
with them for nearly six years until he moved back to Kansas. Rich didn't play for two years
because he was recovering from a serious car accident. He then played with a big band
from southeast Kansas until 1996. Rich has played periodically with the Bartlesville
Symphony and with quartets and small ensembles. Butch Neese asked him to play with The
Red Dogs for the induction in Iowa and the Kansas Fair gig in Hutch. Rich also plays with a
newly formed band called OZ. He and Sandee have been married since 1974 years and
have 3 sons, Todd, Ryan and Jason. They also have 6 grandchildren. Rich works for John
Deere in the Coffeyville, KS research lab as the Instrumentation Technician.
weekends for a couple years of college and then full time until 1973. He then moved to
Michigan and went to school in electronics and played in clubs for two years. When his wife,
Sandee, and he were married, he quit the club scene and thought that was the end of his
playing career. Three weeks later, a 23 piece band asked him to join them and he played
with them for nearly six years until he moved back to Kansas. Rich didn't play for two years
because he was recovering from a serious car accident. He then played with a big band
from southeast Kansas until 1996. Rich has played periodically with the Bartlesville
Symphony and with quartets and small ensembles. Butch Neese asked him to play with The
Red Dogs for the induction in Iowa and the Kansas Fair gig in Hutch. Rich also plays with a
newly formed band called OZ. He and Sandee have been married since 1974 years and
have 3 sons, Todd, Ryan and Jason. They also have 6 grandchildren. Rich works for John
Deere in the Coffeyville, KS research lab as the Instrumentation Technician.
Richard McBride:
trombone
trombone
Terry was the consummate band nerd in high school when he landed his first rock band gig
with the Marcs, an established band in the Manhattan area in 1966. After starting college at
K-State and a brief encounter with a garage band, The Process, Terry joined the Kopi Katz, a
well known show band in the Manhattan area. That band later became Spider and The
Crabs, joining a long and illustrious list of musicians. The band played the Mid-Continent
Entertainment circuit for several years in the early 1970's. In 2006, long after the music
ended, the band was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. These days his day job
is a researcher at the University or Kansas, School of Social Welfare. Terry has two adult
children with his wife, Denise. He revived his trumpet chops to join The Red Dogs in 2006
finding a great bunch of guys and once again finding great joy in playing music.
with the Marcs, an established band in the Manhattan area in 1966. After starting college at
K-State and a brief encounter with a garage band, The Process, Terry joined the Kopi Katz, a
well known show band in the Manhattan area. That band later became Spider and The
Crabs, joining a long and illustrious list of musicians. The band played the Mid-Continent
Entertainment circuit for several years in the early 1970's. In 2006, long after the music
ended, the band was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. These days his day job
is a researcher at the University or Kansas, School of Social Welfare. Terry has two adult
children with his wife, Denise. He revived his trumpet chops to join The Red Dogs in 2006
finding a great bunch of guys and once again finding great joy in playing music.
Terry Moore:
trumpet
trumpet
Chris joined The Red Dogs in the summer of 2006. A member of the early 1970's generation
of the Sensational Showmen, Chris was invited to be a Red Dog after performing with Spider
and the Crabs at the 2006 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Hailing from
Parsons, KS, Chris earned a music education degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg
(PSU) and was a school instrumental music educator and a long time music dealer. He
continued to perform with community bands and orchestras, the Capital Brass
Quintet, and some occasional solo work. Chris is married to Cindy and they live in Topeka, KS.
They have one daughter. Chris is currently employed in marketing and media sales. "I am
please to be a member of this legendary band. Thanks to The Red Dogs, the opportunity to
play rock and roll again is an unexpected reality. Good songs, good band members and a
good time -- one couldn't ask for more"!
of the Sensational Showmen, Chris was invited to be a Red Dog after performing with Spider
and the Crabs at the 2006 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Hailing from
Parsons, KS, Chris earned a music education degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg
(PSU) and was a school instrumental music educator and a long time music dealer. He
continued to perform with community bands and orchestras, the Capital Brass
Quintet, and some occasional solo work. Chris is married to Cindy and they live in Topeka, KS.
They have one daughter. Chris is currently employed in marketing and media sales. "I am
please to be a member of this legendary band. Thanks to The Red Dogs, the opportunity to
play rock and roll again is an unexpected reality. Good songs, good band members and a
good time -- one couldn't ask for more"!
Chris Cruz:
trumpet
trumpet
Go to Prior Band Members
All contents © 2005 - 2008 - The Red Dogs Band
Evan began his musical career with formal piano, then drum lessons. Drums were his favorite
and he played different musical styles from junior high school through college, including
concert band, orchestra, stage band, and marching band. Evan also gave private lessons. He
has played in jazz combos, big bands, and his first rock band was The Group from Topeka,
featuring Lane Tietgen on guitar and vocals. Evan joined The Red Dogs in 1966 – replacing
drummer Don Lindley. Following The Red Dogs, Evan established Central Standard Time
(CST) which included several former Red Dogs. With his business partner, Kent Leopold,
Evan took CST on the road full-time – playing across the country and as far north as Canada.
Evan left CST in 1970 to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in Math at Washburn University
in Topeka. He continued to play in different local and regional groups thereafter, but his new
career was as an investment sales representative for Waddell & Reed. Evan has been with
Waddell & Reed since 1971 but is thrilled to have the opportunity to revive his musical career
with the 2005 reunion of The Red Dogs. Evan thanks the fans of The Red Dogs for their
support through the years and looks forward to playing for them again at future gigs!
and he played different musical styles from junior high school through college, including
concert band, orchestra, stage band, and marching band. Evan also gave private lessons. He
has played in jazz combos, big bands, and his first rock band was The Group from Topeka,
featuring Lane Tietgen on guitar and vocals. Evan joined The Red Dogs in 1966 – replacing
drummer Don Lindley. Following The Red Dogs, Evan established Central Standard Time
(CST) which included several former Red Dogs. With his business partner, Kent Leopold,
Evan took CST on the road full-time – playing across the country and as far north as Canada.
Evan left CST in 1970 to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in Math at Washburn University
in Topeka. He continued to play in different local and regional groups thereafter, but his new
career was as an investment sales representative for Waddell & Reed. Evan has been with
Waddell & Reed since 1971 but is thrilled to have the opportunity to revive his musical career
with the 2005 reunion of The Red Dogs. Evan thanks the fans of The Red Dogs for their
support through the years and looks forward to playing for them again at future gigs!
Steve was born in Louisiana but grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He started playing guitar
in Junior High School at his mother's insistence. Steve attended College High School where
he started a Rock and Roll band with his best friend, Doug Cunningham. We were inspired at
the time by Lonnie Mack, Ronnie Hawkins, and Rodney and the Blazers. Steve attended
Oklahoma State University and continued his band interest. Their band, The Limits, eventually
auditioned for John Brown in Lawrence, Kansas, and the band became the Red Dogs shortly
thereafter. Steve played in the Red Dogs for 4-5 years before graduating in 1969 and giving up
the music business in order to pursue an engineering career. He worked for McDonnell
Douglas Corporation in California for several years, starting on the Skylab program and then
moving to Ballistic Missile Defense programs. Steve, his wife Jan and their family moved to
Virginia in 1990 where he is currently working for a small company, Decisive Analytics Corp.
His current role is as a sub-contractor to Lockheed Martin on the National Team Missile
Defense System Battle Management program. Steve has four children and two grandchildren.
in Junior High School at his mother's insistence. Steve attended College High School where
he started a Rock and Roll band with his best friend, Doug Cunningham. We were inspired at
the time by Lonnie Mack, Ronnie Hawkins, and Rodney and the Blazers. Steve attended
Oklahoma State University and continued his band interest. Their band, The Limits, eventually
auditioned for John Brown in Lawrence, Kansas, and the band became the Red Dogs shortly
thereafter. Steve played in the Red Dogs for 4-5 years before graduating in 1969 and giving up
the music business in order to pursue an engineering career. He worked for McDonnell
Douglas Corporation in California for several years, starting on the Skylab program and then
moving to Ballistic Missile Defense programs. Steve, his wife Jan and their family moved to
Virginia in 1990 where he is currently working for a small company, Decisive Analytics Corp.
His current role is as a sub-contractor to Lockheed Martin on the National Team Missile
Defense System Battle Management program. Steve has four children and two grandchildren.
about our band members (also see Our History )
The Red Dogs Band