The Monroes (American band)

The Monroes
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1980s
Headquarters	San Diego, United States
Products	Music albums, singles, EPs
Website	www.themonroes.com

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article The Monroes (American band), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025

The Monroes are a band blending pop, rock, and country pop genres, originating from San Diego, California. They were primarily active during the 1980s and experienced a revival in the 2010s. Their most recognized hit is "What Do All the People Know." Following a break during which members explored individual endeavors—with Bob Monroe and Dave Hart occasionally performing Monroes material—they reunited in 2016. Since then, they have released new tracks including “Ball & Chain,” “Midnight in Hollywood,” and “It’s a Good Thing God Will Forgive You.” Their 2019 album 2.0 came out on CD and was supported by several videos on YouTube. This was succeeded by the 2021 EP Open Your Ears.

Background

The Monroes were established by keyboardist Eric Denton, who aimed to lead his own rock ensemble. Originally from Lansing, Michigan, Denton relocated first to Ventura, California and later settled in San Diego, where he honed both his musical talents and business acumen. After touring with Peter Rabbitt, Denton acquired the Accusound recording studio to assemble a band focused on original compositions.

At Accusound, Denton met bassist Bob Davis—also known as "Bob Monroe"—who became a central figure in the group. Guitarist Rusty Jones, who had previously played alongside Davis in the Ken Dixon Band, joined shortly after. Drummer Jonnie Gilstrap, another alumnus of Peter Rabbitt, completed the rhythm section. The band then brought on lead vocalist Jesus "Tony" Ortiz ("Tony Monroe"), whose voice was widely regarded as elevating any track.

The name "The Monroes" traces back to Bob Davis's earlier band with singer-songwriter Rick Elias, called "Rick Elias and the Monroes," named after Elias’s hometown of Monroe, Louisiana. When Elias embarked on a solo path, Davis retained the Monroes moniker for this new formation.

The group recorded demos at Accusound and secured management under John Deverian, who facilitated their signing with Japanese label Alfa Records. Their debut EP was produced at Chateau Studios and featured "What Do All the People Know," penned by Bob Monroe.

This single achieved local success in San Diego and served as the lead track on their 1982 self-titled EP. They toured alongside notable acts such as Toto, Greg Kihn, and Rick Springfield. The single reached #59 on the charts; however, Alfa Records withdrew from the US market just as plans for their first music video were underway. This departure left The Monroes without North American promotion, causing both the single and EP to quickly lose commercial momentum. Over time, members gradually departed until the band officially disbanded in 1988.

Post-1980s

Following the group's dissolution, bassist Bob Davis joined Street Heart and continued his work in production, songwriting, and performance. Denton operated Guitar Trader in San Diego—a well-known local music store—which closed its doors in December 2014. Jones resumed his songwriting and performing activities in San Diego beginning in 2005. Gilstrap returned to study tribal fusion and Middle Eastern percussion techniques in 2006. In 2007, Denton became a father to a son named Kyle.

Ortiz left The Monroes in 1986 and relocated to Minneapolis, where he lived for approximately two decades before returning to California in 2006 to reconnect with Jones. By 2007, they were performing live again and contemplated a full reunion of The Monroes. Ortiz later moved back to Minnesota to be closer to his children and continues to perform solo.

Bob Monroe crossed paths with keyboardist Dave Hart during the 1980s; Hart is a classically trained pianist who studied at SDSU’s Electronic Music Studio before becoming a lawyer while maintaining his musical partnership with Monroe.

2013–present: Recent activities

In 2013, The Monroes unveiled a seven-track EP titled What Do All the People Know?, which included an alternate take of the title song along with previously unreleased early recordings.

By 2016, Bob Davis, Dave Hart, Ronny Jones (the sibling of original guitarist Rusty Jones), and Barry Scott, formerly of States, reunited to reform The Monroes. They were later joined by drummer Bob Sale as they began working on fresh material.

Their first album featuring new compositions was launched in 2019 and received favorable critiques. The track "Ball & Chain" emerged as a popular concert opener, recognized for its catchy country pop rhythm. Hart highlighted their commitment to preserving their rock foundation through organ and piano instrumentation while retaining the essence of ’80s pop.

On August 28, 2020, the band released an official video for "What Do All the People Know?", which combined original artistic elements with contemporary footage and archival performances.

In 2021, the group issued the EP Open Your Ears, spotlighting the successful single "Rosemary’s Daughter," penned by Barry Scott.

During 2022, ex-members Eric Denton, Rusty Jones, and Tony Ortiz appeared on stage with The Monroes at Solana Beach’s Belly-Up Tavern, performing classic favorites including Ortiz's vocal contribution to "Somewhere in the Night."

In 2023, Scott and Hart moved their base to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Albums

The Monroes (Alfa Records AAE-15015) – 1982 (The U.S. edition contains five tracks)

(The Japanese release (Alfa Records ULR-18001) adds "Yamarock," the B-side from the "What Do All the People Know" single, as a sixth track and showcases alternative cover art.)

What Do All the People Know? (MusicPower.com) – 2013
2.0 – 2019
Open Your Ears (EP) – 2021

Singles

U.S. 7" (Alfa Records ALF-7119)

A-What Do All The People Know (3:23) B-Yamarock (3:24)

Compilations

All feature "What Do All the People Know"

1994 Living in Oblivion (The 80's Greatest Hits – Volume 3) (EMI E2-27674) U.S.
1994 Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Hits of the '80s, Vol. 4 (Rhino R2 71697) U.S.
2001 Shake Some Action Vol. 4 (Shake Some Action SSA 4) Europe

External links