My interest in music goes back to the late 1950's when I used to listen to people like Jimmy Clanton, Duane Eddy and Rebels, Buddy Holly, and Dion and the Belmonts.

The Winter Dance Party hit Fort Dodge in Jan. or 1st of Feb.1959 and I wanted to go see Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, & Dion and the Belmonts, but mom said no, "too young". Then the news came that the 3 headliners were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake. It really saddened me, but it set a spark in me. I, too, wanted to be a musician. I started going to the Laramar Ballroom and watching bands like the Velaires, The Do's and The Don'ts', who would later become Hall of Famers in 1997, too. I collected records and autographs. I must have thousands of records, now, mostly from 1955 to '75 eras.

The local band called the "Regals" needed a bass player, so I volunteered and learned in 1963-4. The Beatles hit and I went wild for them and the British invasion. I'm sure I was the first in town to sport a Beatle haircut.

Larry and his bass in 1970

In 1965 I married Diane Mae Vasconcellos, whom I had dated in 1962-3. We had two children in 1967 and 1969, Brian and Melissa. Brian lives in Richardson, Texas (outside Dallas) and is a software engineer. He graduated from Iowa State. Melissa lives and works and goes to ICCC here in Fort Dodge. Both are big music fans, but don't care too much for Dad's kind of music. Natch!

In 1965 I joined Dale and the DevonAires, made a good record that did well in Iowa. Left in 1966, but had a 30th reunion in 1995-6 and played 6 dates to celebrate. It sure was fun. But now it's time to celebrate a reunion with the Notorious Noblemen. As were the DevonAires last year, we are inducted for 1998. As luck would have it, that makes me a two time inductee in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. WOW!

Larry accepting his award

I am also a board member on the Iowa Hall of Fame. A great honor but a lot of work. We have been doing tours. So far only winter and spring. Maybe the Noblemen will want to try this in 1998-9 season. Who knows? Will have to talk about that.

I didn't mention much about my band "Buckeye", but it is very special to me because of the longevity, the many friends, and great musicians who have passed through it's ranks since 1974. We do mostly 50's , 60's & 70's rock but are also very versatile since weddings were a mainstay for years. The list of musicians include Keith Brown (now known as Howdy), Dave Steen of Hawks fame, Jack Yates, Tim Kelly, Brad Sheker,Dan Trimble, Jeff Bockoven, and Kevin Lind. All are well known around Iowa.

Diane and I have been married 33 years and live in the same house we did when the Noblemen were playing in 1969-70. Besides my interest in music, I also enjoy old movies and collecting movie memorabilia from them. Diane has extended her interest in doll collecting to making them in the last few years, so we have a house full of hobbies to replace the kids.

Dad has passed away but Mom is still here and I have a brother, Dennis. Also, we have 4 kitties which we've had many years. They are like our own kids.

Doug Smith and I are even talking about joining up for a possible duet in the near future. We'll see what happens. I've thought so many times about retirement from music, but something always seems to come along to spark my interest. I'm getting excited about our first practice session in Des Moines at Crystal Sound.

Hi, to all the friends and family of the Notorious Noblemen. See you soon!

God bless!

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