Crow (band)

Crow was a Minneapolis-based blues rock band, that was first active from 1967 to 1972. They are best known for the song "Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games With Me)," which was notably covered by Black Sabbath and Ike & Tina Turner.[1]

This article is about the classic rock band from Minneapolis. For the Australian rock band, see Crow (Australian band).

Crow
OriginMinneapolis, United States
GenresBlues rock, psychedelic rock, garage rock, hard rock
Years active1967–1972
1980–1982
1988–present
LabelsAmaret Records
Websitehttp://www.thecrowband.com
MembersDavid Wagner
Dick Wiegand
Larry Wiegand
Kink Middlemist
Harry Nehls
Denny Craswell
Norm Steffen

History

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.

Discography

Live albums
  • 1968 Live at Someplace Else – (as South 40)

Studio albums
  • 1969 Crow Music
  • 1970 Crow by Crow
  • 1971 Mosaic
  • 1972 d/b/a Crow (David Wagner – solo)
  • 1982 Crow on the Run (local release only)[7]
  • 2005 Before the Storm

Compilation albums
  • 1972 Best of Crow
  • 1992 Evil Woman: The Best of Crow
  • 2000 Classics 1969–1972
  • 2013 The Best of Crow

All releases on Amaret, except for Live at Someplace Else (Metrobeat) Evil Woman: The Best of Crow (K-Tel) and The Best of Crow (Sundazed).

Singles
  • 1969 "Time To Make a Turn"
  • 1969 "Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games With Me)" (#19 U.S. Hot 100)
  • 1970 "Cottage Cheese"
  • 1970 "Slow Down"
  • 1970 "(Don’t Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie on The) King of Rock N' Roll"
  • 1971 "Watching Can Waste Up Time"
  • 1971 "Yellow Dawg"
  • 1972 "Mobile Blues" (David Wagner – solo)
  • 1972 "Cado Queen" (David Wagner – solo)

All releases on Amaret.

Members
  • 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

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References
  1. "From the music capitols of the world". Billboard. May 23, 1970.
  2. Allmusic.com
  3. Crowtheband.com Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  4. Citypages.com Archived June 15, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  5. Minniepaulmusic.com
  6. Myspace.com
  7. Armentertainment.com
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