Missouri (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Kansas City , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
| Website | www |
Missouri is a rock ensemble originating from Kansas City, Missouri, recognized primarily for their 1977 single "Movin' On." The band’s initial roster consisted of Ron West, Alan Cohen, Lane Turner, and Bill Larson. Following an extended break, Turner and Larson recommenced live performances in 2019 with Ron West's consent, incorporating Rusty Crewse (guitar, backing vocals) and Dean Foltz (bass, backing vocals, keyboards). In 2022, Randall Platt rejoined the group alongside lead vocalist Frank Drummond.
History
Between 1964 and 1974, Ron West (born Hodgden) played in Kansas City's prominent band The Chesmann/Chesmann Square alongside his brothers Gary and Steve, as well as Dave Huffines and Jimmy McAllister. Drawing inspiration from British invasion bands, the group performed both covers and original songs. Gary West subsequently became a member of Shooting Star, which enjoyed moderate AOR recognition during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Under Ron West’s leadership, Missouri released their self-titled debut album in 1977 through the independent Panama Records label. Despite the label’s modest scale, the band secured considerable FM AOR airplay, particularly with the track "Movin' On." Their inaugural concert featured an opening slot for Firefall in Emporia, Kansas. Additionally, Missouri supported Willie Nelson at his Fourth of July Picnic at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on July 1, 1978, and embarked on national tours with prominent artists such as Ted Nugent and Golden Earring.
The follow-up album, Welcome Two Missouri, was issued in 1979 by international label Polydor, including a re-recorded version of "Movin' On" that omitted the original introduction. By this period, two founding members had departed. No subsequent studio albums were produced besides The Best of Missouri, a compilation featuring earlier recordings. Their music remains accessible via iTunes.
Ron West and Bill Larson reunited with new musicians for tours during 1994 and 1995.
In 2019, original members Bill Larson and Lane Turner revived Missouri with Ron West’s approval, adding Rusty Crewse (guitars, backing vocals), Dean Foltz (bass, backing vocals, keyboards), and frontman Stephen Cambell Beckinger. They resumed live performances including KSHE's classic rock Pig Roast in August 2019. However, touring was interrupted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ron West died on May 2, 2020, after battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy for six years; the band shared this news via Facebook.
By mid-2022, Frank Drummond was appointed as the new lead singer. On October 1, 2022, original keyboardist Randall Platt appeared onstage in Richmond, Missouri performing several songs with the band and returned in early 2023 for a full concert in Kansas City.
Members
- Ron West - guitars, vocals (founding member)
- Alan Cohen - bass (founding member)
- Lane Turner - lead guitars (founding member)
- Bill Larson - drums (founding member; participated in 1994-1995 reunion)
- Randall Platt - keyboards (joined near completion of debut album)
- Jeff Littrell - drums (succeeded Bill Larson)
- Webb Waterman - lead guitar (followed Lane Turner)
- Dan Billings - drums (replaced Jeff Littrell)
- Rob Brennan - drums (replaced Dan Billings)
Discography
- Missouri, Panama Records (1977)
- Welcome Two Missouri, Polydor Records (1979)
- The Best of Missouri, Cow Town Records (2003)
External links
- Official site of Missouri
- [Discogs: Missouri (2)]