The Whitesidewalls<\/p>\n
Inducted 2014<\/p>\n
In 1972 college classmates Pat Brown and Eric Satterlund founded The Whitesidewalls in Forest Lake, Minnesota. The band is a five-member doo-wop, rockabilly, and rock and roll band which performs all over the upper Midwest as well as in Florida, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Colorado. Members of The Whitesidewalls Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue all play multiple instruments and share the vocals while performing a lively and entertaining show. Their performances include songs from the 1950’s and 1960’s covering artists such as The Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry just to name a few. From their beginnings the band was a popular attraction at ballrooms, bars, community events, and many gatherings in the Twin Cities and surrounding area. For many years they performed at Valleyfair amusement park during the summer and played at the Minnesota State Fair numerous times. Over the years they have shared the stage with many notable artists like Carl Perkins, Del Shannon, Herman’s Hermits, Bobby Vee, and others. Although the band has had many different members over the years, the band is still going strong over 50 years. Owner and manager Patrick Kennedy passed away in 2004, and his daughter inherited the ownership until 2009. The current line-up of the band includes Hound Dog, Swanee, Gino, Bobby, and Rocky. Founding member Pat “Hound Dog” Brown still plays with the band, performing on drums, guitar, bass, vocals, and keyboards. David “Swanee” Swanson started his musical career at nine years old and joined The Whitesidewalls at 19 while in college. Although he left and rejoined the group a few times, Swanee had the opportunity to purchase the rights to The Whitesidewalls in 2009 and became sole owner. At the age of five, Brad “Gino Gambucci” Nelson began playing piano and harmonica. He played drums in his first band at the age of 12, playing in many bands before joining The Whitesidewalls. In 2013 he wrote and directed the musical Love Potion #10<\/em>. Bill “Bobby Maestro” Spalding started his musical career in church and school with several bands in Minnesota before joining The Whitesidewalls in 2010. Prior to getting his first real drum set at 15, Erik “Rocky Beaumont” Swenson played on various “marching tubs” purchased by his grandfather at an auction. He played in several cover bands including the 80’s tribute band Arch Allies and was a founding member of The Kurt Jorgenson Band before joining The Whitesidewalls. The band has been honored with awards such as 1985 Ballroom Act of the Year by the Minnesota Ballroom Operator’s Association, The Mid-America Music Hall of Fame, and The Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n