It was thirty years ago today...
Sergeant Pepper taught the band to play...
... and Iowa enjoyed listening to the sounds of the "Notorious Noblemen". Whether it was on the ballroom circuit, in teen-clubs, high schools, colleges, roller rinks, county fairs or concerts, this band connected with its fans! The "Notorious" grew up musically in one of the most unique time periods in Iowa rock n' roll history. Change was the main theme of the decade. Freaky hair, freaky clothes, peace signs, art deco and a generation with its own style and music. Working through these changing times, this band successfully enjoyed three distinct musical eras in six years, playing to the early rock n' roll dancers as well as the later sit-down listeners.
Era 1 (1965-66) began in the basement, with a group of high schoolers who knew the meaning of having fun!! Band members met, recruited and "cut deals" for the best players in front of the stage at the Cobblestone ballroom in Storm Lake, IA. In the first half of era 1, after some 50 one nighters, the band was able to mature to the finals of the Roof Garden "Battle of the Bands". Fashioning their own rendition of the "Harlem Shuffle" the band and its fans found common ground in having a great time and sharing in each other's fun. The second half of era 1 found the band establishing itself on the ballroom circuit playing, 150 one-nighters and spilling into the Minnesota market as well.
What would the "Notorious" do when high school gave way to college? Usher in era 2 (1967-1968). The band made personnel changes that kept everyone in and of high school age, but at two different schools. The first recorded single came from the band at this time, recorded and released in Minnesota and titled "The Yellow Canary". Written by the entire band, it was the story of a bird in flight and the Notorious Noblemen took on a new direction. They fashioned English pop, sang undeniably slick three part harmonies, and took long road trips through Minnesota and the Dakotas, as well as Iowa. The band was recognized as a "KOMA" band and established 200 one-nighters annually as its norm. As for high school, they "got by with a little help from their friends."
As college approached for all band members, era 3 began (1969-71). Now the personnel changed to just one member in high school, all by himself to argue the length of hair in public schools. Variety was the key and became the band's reputation. Set one might end with Brubec's "Take Five", while set two might end with the "Rocky and Bullwinkle theme song". And in between the band played every style. Maybe some fans came to listen, maybe some came to dance, but it was certain they would all be rockin'!
In the partnership of success the band would sight two reasons for what some critics have written regarding them "as one of Iowa's best ever live bands!"First, the "Notorious" meant a live entertaining show. Rehearsed and well produced, full of fun, and involving those who came to listen. The other equally important reason was fan support. The great follwing this band had was the result of the band connecting itself to a crowd and providing something for everyone. In its own mind, the band's formula for success was to have fun and share it with everyone. There would be no hiding in dressing rooms before or after the show for this act. Born of genuine "Iowa hospitality" everyone worked to greet the friends of the band.
And where were these guys from you ask? Well, those basements in the early days were located in Albert City and Storm Lake Iowa, but the band grew up on the road. Parents and families provided great support and love, but the road was still home.
So whether passing by that string of billboards, some bearing their very own name, or experiencing that honk, wave, or obscene gesture, or observing their very own bumper sticker on a car that just passed by. Ah yes, it was the road. So many times we remember stopping for a late night bite to eat or to get gas, and finding a "Notorious Noblemen" T-shirt worn by that fan from last night's show, on his way, just like the band, to a new and different town to have some FUN!
