Crow (band)

Crow was formed in 1967 by singer David Wagner, guitarist Dick Wiegand, bassist Larry Wiegand, keyboardist Kink Middlemist, and drummer Harry Nehls under the name South 40, which was used until the group went national. Nehls was replaced by Denny Craswell at that time.[2] Columbia Records brought them in to record a demo in 1969; they passed, and Crow was signed to Amaret.[3]

In 1969, Crow’s debut album Crow Music was recorded. The single "Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games With Me)" made the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 that fall, peaking at #19 the following January.[4] Crow by Crow and Mosaic were the follow-up releases in 1970 and 1971, respectively. Singles released off Crow's later albums were not as successful; the band wanted to move to Elektra Records, but Amaret would not release them from their recording contract while retaining their name.[3] Wagner left the group in 1971; the band replaced him with Mick Stanhope and attempted to move forward, but collapsed for good in 1972.[3] David Wagner recorded a solo album for Amaret in late 1972 titled: d/b/a Crow.

They disbanded in 1972, but reformed again in 1980. This version of Crow included original lead vocalist David Wagner, John Richardson and Jeff Christensen on lead guitar/vocals, Denny Johnson on bass and Robby Belleville on drums. From September 1980 to July 1981, they recorded many sessions, which resulted in a new studio album titled Crow on the Run in 1982. This version of Crow disbanded in early 1982.[5] In 1988, Crow reformed and they continue to play concerts all over the United States and have released numerous albums. All the members have won Minnesota Music Awards for their own individual instruments. In 2005, they were inducted into the Minnesota Rock/Country Hall of Fame and, in 2009, the Iowa Rock & Roll Music Hall of Fame.[6]

Crow still play occasionally in the Midwest with Dave Wagner on vocals.

• David Wagner – vocals (1967–1971)
• Dick Wiegand – guitar (1967–1972)
• Larry Wiegand – bass (1967–1972)
• Dave "Kink" Middlemist – keyboard (1967–1972)
• Harry Nehls – drums (1967–1969)
• Denny Craswell – drums (1969–1972)
• Mike Mlazgar – drums (1969)
• Mick Stanhope – vocals (1971–1972)
• Chico Perez – percussion (1971–1972)

Current Band Members:

Dave Wagner - Lead Vocals / Guitar

Larry Wiegand - Bass/vocals

Jeff (Boday) Christensen - Guitar/Vocals

Dave (Kink) Middlemist - Keyboards/Vocals

Norm Steffen - Drums

Mark “Chico” Perez - Percussion/Vocals

Mel Gilbert - Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards

Lisa Wenger - Vocalist

• "Official Web Site" Official Web Site, retrieved [May 7, 2009].
• "Crow: page" Scott Q's Midwest Music Tribute page to Crow, since 2001
• “Crow” by Jason Ankeny, “All Music”, retrieved August 7, 2006.
• “Minnesota’s 50 Greatest Hits” by Nate Patrin, “City Pages”, June 8, 2005, retrieved February 23, 2010.