Artist description The Memory Brothers is a duo. They have performed live throughout the Midwest for many years. They have had a fan club for nearly 20 years, and the club's many members are wonderful people who have loyally supported them throughout the years. They have their own studio (Bird-On-Fire Recording & Master) and have had a busy recording career which started in Nashville in the middle 70's; and most recently has resulted in the release of several CDs on independent labels -- the most notable being "Somebody's Searchin'" on Minotaur Records.

Music Style Adult contemporary / easy listening

Musical Influences Beatles, Elvis, Led Zeppelin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Little Feat

Similar Artists The Memory Brothers doesn't really sound like any artist or group that you can think of. Nevertheless, it has been said that they do have a

Artist History Doug Koempel originally joined the Runaways at age 15 in 1966. After three years in the group, the lead singer and Doug split and formed the Memory Brothers -- an acoustic duo (piano, acoustic guitar and vocals.) During the years from 1969 until 1977, they toured throughout the Midwest. Also during this timespan, Doug began recording for Chart Records out of Nashville. In 1977, Doug began working with Kevin Conner and during the next 14 years wrote and recorded some of the Memory Brothers' most popular material. By 1990 Kevin married and retired from full-time Memory Brothers' status. Soon thereafter, Doug secured a series of indie record deals with Memento, Morrthythm and Minotaur Records. He enlisted the talents of popular guitarist, Mike Williams, for the studio works involving these record releases. Doug and Mike also worked together on the road for several years full-time. For a complete history of the band, please visit the Memory Brothers' official web site.

Group Members Doug Koempel (founder,) Larry Crandall (first partner 1966-77,) Kevin Conner (1977-1990,) Mike Williams (1990-1994,) Mike Flack (1994-present,) Christopher Jon (1997-present,) Dave Christopherson (1998-present,) John Condon (1998-present.) All current members and former members still perform with Doug.

Instruments Doug - keyboards, vocals; Larry - acoustic guitar, vocals; Kevin - acoustic guitar, vocals; Mike Williams - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals; Mike Flack - electric guitar, harmonica and vocals; Christopher Jon - acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums, bass and vocals; Dave Christopherson - electric guitar, keyboards and vocals. John Condon - electric guitar and vocals.

Press Reviews Many of the regional newspapers and TV/radio stations have been very supportive of the Memory Brothers throughout the years -- writing and airing many flattering features on them from time to time and covering their album releases and newsworthy achievements. In July of 1999 they were featured in an article in the Iowan Magazine (July-August issue) in the culture section. Most recently Doug is the subject of a documentary video which, currently in production, chronicles his musical career with the Memory Brothers. Watch the Memory Brothers' official website for details of its release.

Location West Union, Iowa - USA

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