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The summer of 1966 was to be the beginning of what was to later be described by "Entertainment Bits" (a Minnesota publication) as "The Best 50's and 60's band in Iowa and probably the Midwest.
Coupe DeVille was the
brain child of Jim Clark and Bob Coon. While sophomores at Clinton
High School they knew what the future was to bring. They formed a four
piece combo and after several personnel changes they settled on a
Quintet consisting of Jim Clark, Bob Coon, Jon Crook, Steve McKinney
and Julie Goldstein. While doing work for Hoffman Talent Agency in the
Twin Cities it was recommended changing from "The Jon Crook
Band" to a more 50's sounding name. Hence the birth of Coupe DeVille- "The Cadillac of Rock & Roll.
Soon after the release of
their first album in 1984 Julie decided to leave the band and was
replaced on keyboard/vocals by Burl Hibbler. Kevin Oppendike was
brought in to replace Jim on drums, thus allowing him to move out
front on lead vocals/percussion. This was to be the start of a run
that would last for the next 12 years and the release of two more
albums.
They developed a large following and
all through the 80's and 90's they were to appear on all the
Rock-n-Roll shows in eastern Iowa and western Illinois, sharing the
stage with musical legends Del Shannon, The Crickets, Gary Lewis,
The Shirelles, Buddy Knox, and Johnny Rivers just to name a few.
Playing such legendary ballrooms as the Surf, Col, Laramar, Val Aire,
Lakeside, Matters, Fairyland and Hollyhock in Minnesota. They were
regulars at Riverboat Days in Clinton, Pufferbilly Days in Boone, The
Worlds Largest Beach Party in Williamsburg, and the Easter Seals
shows throughout the state.
In 2001 they were inducted
into the Iowa Rock-n-Roll Music Association "Hall of Fame",
this solidifies their efforts to keep the oldies from fading away.
2007 proved to be a big year for CDV with the release of four new
CD's, Including a "Live", studio and two solo
projects. After more than 25 years CDV continues to tour, record
and are involved in many community projects. They all enjoy
giving back to the community that has given them so much. They
are still the premier 50's & 60's Rock & Roll band in the
mid-west, consisting of the original members Jim Clark, Bob Coon,
Jon Crook, "Lumpy"
J. Williams (A.K.A. Dr Rock) and newest member Jake Boyd on drums. CDV is still the hottest ticket in town.
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