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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!”.
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.
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.
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.
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"!
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 - 2010 - 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.
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 )
