2012 Inductees

EVERCLEAR: Art Alexakis moved to Portland and started Everclear in 1992. With their first album “World of Noise” being released on Tim Kerr Records creating a buzz, the band signed to Capitol Records. The band released 5 albums on Capitol Records including 2 Platinum and 1 Double Platinum. They had numerous hit singles including the now classic “Father of Mine” and “I Will Buy You a New House.” The band was nominated for a Grammy and was named Billboard Magazine’s Modern Rock Band of the Year. The classic line-up of Art with Craig Montoya (bass) and Greg Eklund (drums) parted company in 2003, but Everclear continues to release albums and is currently on the Summerland Tour with Lit, Marcy Playground and Sugar Ray.

THE HUDSON BROTHERS: Brett, Bill and Mark Hudson started playing together in 1965. In 1967 they won a battle of the bands contest and were signed to a record label, calling themselves the New Yorkers. In 1970, they changed their name to Hudson and continued releasing music for various labels, including Playboy Records and Decca. In 1973 they changed their name to the Hudson Brothers after signing to Elton John’s Rocket Records. In 1974 they had their own TV variety show, The Hudson Brothers Show, followed the next year by the Hudson Brothers’ Razzle Dazzle Hour. They released albums on Arista, Casablanca and Elektra up to 1981 when they disbanded. Mark has continued in music producing and writing for Ringo Starr and Aerosmith, among others. Brett has continued in music as well as working in TV production. Bill also continues to work in music.

PATRICK LAMB: Patrick Lamb studied early with OMHOF inductee Thara Memory and won Best Soloist at the Lionel Hampton Jazz competition. Since then he has played with numerous musicians as a much in-demand sax player in all fields of music. He has won 3 Muddy Awards from the Cascade Blues Association and was awarded the Independent Spirit Award from the City of Portland. He plays with Grammy winner Diane Schuur as well with legendary artists Gino Vanelli and Bobby Caldwell. His project “A NW Tribute to Ray Charles” got great reviews and was featured with the Oregon Symphony.

CHRIS MILLER: Guitarist Chris Miller played in one of Portland’s most popular bands in the late ’80s and early ’90s, The Rockin’ Razorbacks. The Razorbacks’ fan base grew and the band played regularly all over the NW.  He then played in a blues band called the Terraplanes before moving to Texas. Playing with artists such as Junior Brown and Marcia Ball (which included a performance at the White House), Chris became popular with both fans and other musicians. The legendary Dave Alvin asked Chris to join his band and Chris became Dave’s right hand man, playing both steel and electric guitar.

CALVIN WALKER: Calvin Walker was more than a drummer and the leader of the Calvin Walker Band. Calvin was a pivotal player in the Portland Music scene from the late ’70s as a producer, manager and promoter. He has produced music for many local artists including Michael Allen Harrison, Five Fingers of Funk and Sheila Wilcoxson, as well as many others. He was also an active member of the Portland Music Association and was always finding ways to help the local music community. In 2003 he became the Development Director of KMHD Radio, a position he held until OPB purchased the station. Calvin also owns Nacawana Projects Productions, a company that produces music recording and video.

U-KREW: In 1984 a group emerged on the scene in Portland called the Untouchable Krew: Kevin Morse, Larry Bell, Lavell Alexander, J.Mack and Hakim. Their mixture of hip-hop and R&B built up a strong local following. They soon shortened their name to U-Krew. In 1989 they were signed to Enigma Records and released their self-titled album, “The U-Krew,” which hit #93 on the Billboard Top 200. There were two singles released as well; “If You Were Mine” reached #21 and “Let Me Be Your Lover” reached #68. U-Krew is credited with being the pioneers of the hip-hop scene in the state of Oregon.

DANNY SCHAUFFLER: Danny Schauffler has been one of the busiest sax players in Oregon. Over the years he has played or recorded with Felicidades, Sky River, Paul Delay, Quarterflash, The Rockin’ Razorbacks, Dan Reed Network, Johnny Limbo, Tom Grant, The California Raisins and others. He was a member of Oregon Music Hall of Fame bands Nu Shooz and the Crazy 8’s. It was with the Crazy 8s that Danny became known not only for his playing but also his energetic stage presence. He is a high school music teacher and also books the music at the Lake Oswego Arts Fair.

D.K. STEWART: D.K. is a go-to guy in the community when a keyboard player is needed. D.K. Stewart has been performing in Oregon since the 1970s when he was in the Nighthawks in Eugene. He’s had the opportunity to perform with some of the legends of the blues such Big Walter Horton, Hubert Sumlin, Sunnyland Slim, James Cotton, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells, Joe Louis Walker, Roomful of Blues, Albert Collins and others. He played in NW bands led by Lloyd Jones, Robert Cray, Jim Mesi and Paul Delay before starting his own band in the mid ’80s. He has won multiple Cascade Blues Association awards and is a member of the Muddy Hall of Fame.

TOM ROBINSON AND MARK STEN OF CONCERT SOUND: The Portland punk movement of the late ’70s could not have existed without the presence of Tom Robinson & Mark Sten and their company, Concert Sound. Concert Sound was there doing sound for the Rats (Fred & Toody Cole), The Neo Boys, Poison Idea, The Wipers and many others. They did sound for Oregon Music Hall of Fame Bands like the Crazy 8’s and the Dan Reed Network. They cared about artists that played in this town and the music they loved, as well as caring about the sound the artist got. They also did sound for many nationally and internationally known artists who played in Portland.

IRIS HARRISON: Iris Harrison started doing radio at KVAN-AM, a progressive rock station in the ’70s, before moving onto KGON-FM. To many, Iris is KGON and she has entertained radio listeners and turned them on to both new and classic rock for over 35 years. Iris has been a great champion of Oregon-based artists, including being the first in the country to play Johnny & The Distractions. You will see her at tons of live music shows, from legends like Tom Petty and Roger Waters to local favorites like the Crazy 8’s. Not surprisingly, you will also find her talking to her listeners at these events. She is genuinely a music fan and great supporter of causes in the community, from musician benefits to health issues.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2011

THE DECEMBERISTS: In January 2011, The Decemberists released possibly their best album to date, and one of the most critically acclaimed albums in the world: “The King Is Dead”. They also released a limited edition CD, “Live At Bull Moose”, for Record Store Day in April and another live release in November, titled “Long Live The King”. They appeared on both Late Night With David Letterman and The Jay Leno Show during the last year.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2011

THE DECEMBERISTS: 2011 was a great year for releases by Oregon artists but the Decemberists’ “The King Is Dead” took this year’s honors. The album found the band taking a somewhat different approach to their music, with an amazing collection of well-crafted songs.

2011 Honorees

DHARMA BUMS: Jeremy Wilson (vocals, guitar), Eric Lovre (guitar, vocals), John Moen (drums, vocals) and Jimmy Talstra (bass) formed the Dharma Bums in their hometown of Silverton in 1986. They soon made their base in Portland and went on to release 3 albums and play over 200 dates a year during their 6 year run in the US and Europe. The band helped lead the way for the alternative rock explosion in Portland in the ‘90s. All 4 have continued playing music and in 2010 they did a reunion show to a full house at the Crystal Ballroom and released an album of unreleased material.

JEFFREY FREDERICK AND THE CLAMTONES: Jeffrey Frederick started the Clamtones in the late ‘60s in Vermont but soon morphed the band into Automatic Slim & the Fat Boys. In 1975, at the urging of Robin Remaily of the Holy Modal Rounders, Jeffrey moved to Portland and started a new version of the Clamtones. The Clamtones included Dave Reisch (vocals, bass), Robin Remaily (guitar and mandolin, Teddy Deane (horns & woodwinds), Richard Tyler (piano) and Roger North (drums). The band morphed into Les Clams and later included Turtle Vandermarr, Kevin “Bingo” Richey, Lex Browning and Jim Boyer. The band developed a reputation for being “one of the best bar bands in the country”. In 1997, Jeffrey passed on but left a legacy of music that is still being released.

SEQUEL: Sequel was one of the most popular bands in Oregon in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.  Sequel’s harder rock sound combined with great vocal harmony and songwriting led them to become one of the top-drawing bands in the state, playing back-to-back clubs every week. The band consisted of Greg Georgeson (guitar, vocals), Todd Jensen (bass, vocals), Dave Wall (guitar, vocals) and Grant Roholt (drums). Their 1982 debut album was a staple on KGON. In 1983 they recorded the follow-up. Elektra Records asked them to shelve the album, as they were interested in signing the band and releasing it. While waiting for all the Elektra decision makers to give the green light, the band ended up breaking up. In the last decade the band has reunited to do a few shows, including a packed house at the Roseland and opening for Loverboy.

NORMAN SYLVESTER: Norman Sylvester has been has been playing the blues a long time. His band has been together since 1985, delivering good-time original blues music around the NW at both clubs and festivals. Norman, known also as the Boogie Cat, has been featured on over a dozen records, including on his own Boogie Cat Productions label and the Rose City Blues Festival album. Norman has also been a great supporter of community projects and events, where he and his band help spread goodwill through their music. He’s also a winner of several Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards, including the Back What You Believe In award.

WHEATFIELD: Wheatfield began as a folk-duo in 1971 with Pete Wolfe and Will Hobbs. Within the year they added a bass player, lead guitarist and drummer and went on to be one of the most popular bands in the state, as well as playing the entire NW and British Columbia. Their style branched out to include influences of rock, folk, bluegrass, country, rock and even jazz. In 1980 they released their first full-length album, produced by longtime Steve Miller harmonica player Norton Buffalo. That year KOIN TV ran a prime time TV special on the band that was shown all over the state. In 1982, the band broke up, although they still kept doing occasional reunions. They are now back as an active band and released a new album in 2010.

SIDE PLAYERS

PHIL BAKER: Phil Baker has played with some of the best.  He toured with Diana Ross for 9 years. He has played with Eddie Harris, Joe Henderson, Diane Schuur, Les McCann, Tom Scott, and Ernie Watts among others. He even took the stage with Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Linda Ronstadt years ago during the prestigious “Motown 25” special. For the last 6 years, he has been the bass player for Pink Martini. Over the years, Phil has taught hundreds of students and put on dozens of clinics. He also writes a monthly column for Bass Musician magazine.

SAM HENRY: Sam Henry has been drumming in bands in Portland for 4 decades. He has played in The Wipers, The Rats, Napalm Beach, Poison Idea, Snow Bud & The Flower People and Morgan Grace, among others. His bands were a staple at Portland’s legendary Satyricon. Though some may think of Sam as Portland’s quintessential punk drummer, he has also played funk with Shock, 1930s swing jazz with the Stolen Sweets and even country roots music with Michael Dean Damron, as well as most every other genre of music. Sam is also a music instructor giving drum lessons to many up-and-coming musicians.

INDUSTRY

BOB ANCHETA: After building his own radio station as a teen in the attic of his parents’ house, while still a senior in high school, Bob began his real radio career in 1970 on Portland’s legendary underground music station KVAN-AM. This was followed by a stint at KQIV-FM, Portland’s only ever quadraphonic radio station. In 1977 Bob joined KGON-FM, spending 18 years on air at his powerhouse station. One of his great attributes was knowledge of the music and artists he played. His on air talking was as exciting as the music he turned people on to. He went on to Earth 105. Today you still hear Bob every Sunday with his Blues show on KINK-FM. You may also hear his voice work on many stations from his company Internet Jock. Bob was also the stage manager for the Paramount Theater in the ‘70s and manager of the band Sequel.

GEORGE TOUHOULIOTIS: To quote George Touhouliotis, “I had an interest in the culture of music. Not the music, per se, but what the bands represented. That was the beauty of the punks: they were real.” George gave Portland a club called Satyricon. George opened up Satyricon to bands that, in many cases, could not get gigs in the other rooms in town because they were playing music out on the fringe. George and the Satyricon became the second home for both the musicians who played there as well as the fans. Portland bands like the Wipers, Dead Moon, The Dharma Bums, The Crazy 8s, The Jackals, Napalm Beach and Poison Idea played there. National acts like Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Flaming Lips also played gigs there.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

ESPERANZA SPALDING: Esperanza Spalding taught herself violin and within a year was good enough to earn a spot in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon. At age 15, she became concertmaster. After switching to bass and attending Darrell Grant’s music program at Portland State, she enrolled at Berklee College of Music. In 2005, at age 20, she became the youngest instructor in the school’s history. She has released 3 albums, with her second release, “Esperanza”, being on the jazz charts for 70 weeks. Her 2010 release, “Chamber Music Society” became a hit with both fans and critics and landed her an appearance on the Grammy Awards as well as a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

2010 Honorees

Black ‘N Blue: In the late 70’s, a glam metal band appeared in Portland called Movie Star. The band included guitarist Tommy Thayer, vocalist Jamie St. James, drummer Pete Holmes, bassist Patrick Young and guitarist Jeff Warner. That band became Black ‘N Blue, releasing their 1984 debut album on Geffen with the hit single “Hold On To 18”. The band recorded three more albums for Geffen, with two produced by Gene Simmons of KISS. The band broke up in 1989, reuniting in 1997 and again in 2007. The band is currently reunited without Tommy, who replaced Ace Frehley in KISS in 2002.

 

 

Kevin Burke: Kevin Burke is regarded as the finest Irish fiddler in the world. His career has spanned 5 decades, starting with his first recordings in the 60’s with a band called Glenside. He has played with the Irish legend Christy Moore and spent a large portion of the 70’s in the Bothy Band, which is highly regarded as one of the finest traditional Celtic music bands ever. Kevin and one of his musical collaborators, Michael O’Domhnaill, ended up in Portland, Oregon and made several albums together. Kevin has since recorded eight releases with the band Patrick Street, three with Open House, three Celtic Fiddle Festival recordings as well as several new releases with Cal Scott.

Tim Hardin: Tim Hardin was born in Eugene, Oregon in 1941 and began his musical career in Greenwich Village playing folk and blues music. In 1966 he recorded his first album for Verve Forecast. Over his short life, he recorded eight additional studio albums, a live album and an album of demos. Two of his songs have gone down in music history as classics; “Reason To Believe”, which was covered by Rod Stewart, and “If I Were A Carpenter”, a top 10 hit for Bobby Darrin that was covered by over 100 artists. Tim played at the legendary Woodstock festival with a band that included both Glen Moore and Ralph Tower (both would go on to form the band “Oregon”). In 1980, Tim Hardin died of a heroin overdose at the age of 39. He was buried at Twin Oaks Cemetery in Turner, Oregon.

Linda Hornbuckle: Linda Hornbuckle began singing in her father’s church at age six. Her immersion in gospel later blossomed into other styles of music including soul, funk and blues. Her talents have led to her being invited to tour and record with the likes of Dan Reed , Quarterflash and Nu Shooz, among others. She was lead vocalist for Body + Soul and the No Delay Band, as well as launching her own solo career which produced two critically acclaimed solo albums. She recently released a duo album with Janice Scroggins. Linda has been a recipient of Muddy Awards for best female vocalist.

Rebecca Kilgore: Rebecca Kilgore is a jazz vocalist extraordinaire with over 30 recordings to her credit, including multiple recordings with Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winner David Frishberg. She’s been a frequent guest on NPR’s Fresh Air and has appeared on Prairie Home Companion. She has performed at almost all the major jazz clubs in the country. Rebecca is also a musicologist and has hosted a series on jazz on public radio. As Michael Feinstein stated, “Rebecca is simply one of the best interpreters of the great American songbook.”

2010 Side Players

Denny Bixby: Denny Bixby developed his chops in Portland and played with the Terry Robb Trio in the 80’s, also touring with jazz keyboardist Jeff Lorber. In the late 80’s, Denny moved to Nashville, performing with Nanci Griffith, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Gail Davies, Buddy Miller and the legendary Chet Atkins. He was also a member of Great Plains, who released several albums and had four singles hit the country charts. In recent years, Denny has been performing with Rodney Crowell as well as recording solo material. He has moved back to Portland and can be seen playing with many of his old friends from the 70’s and 80’s.

Peter Dammann: Peter Dammann is a former Chicago native who came to visit Portland for a while and never left. His guitar skills and love of blues music landed him the job of lead guitarist in the Paul deLay Band. It also landed him the talent booking position for the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival. He’s a multi- Muddy Award winner, both with Paul deLay and in the best blues guitarist category. Peter was also the guitarist for the No Delay Band, has been a guest player with too many artists to mention, and is currently the guitarist for DK4.

2010 Industry

Andy Gilbert: Andy Gilbert graduated with degrees in music and business and took a job with Headwater, a talent agency. After six months, he decided to open his own agency, Pacific Talent. For the past 35 years he has helped Oregon artists get live gigs, with Pacific Talent becoming the largest talent-booking agency in the state. He has produced numerous festivals, conventions and corporate events in Oregon. He has worked with Nu Shooz, the Crazy 8s, Quarterflash, Tom Grant and Pink Martini, to name a few. He is always eager to find new, talented artists and help them get their careers going.

Mike Quinn: Mike Quinn has been in the concert promotion business since his days of booking shows while in college at the University of Oregon. In 1983 he and business partner Chris Monlux formed Monqui Presents. They operated most of their shows out of the Pine Street Theater (later changed to La Luna), and made it a point to have local artists opening on all their bills. Today Monqui is one of the largest independent promoters in the country. Mike has managed a number of artists over the years, including the Dandy Warhols. In 2004 he opened the Doug Fir Lounge, one of Portland’s premier music venues, and continues to champion local musical talent.

Les Sarnoff: Les Sarnoff moved to Portland in the early 70’s to be an actor. However, his love of music led him to become a DJ for KGON in 1974. In 1977 he moved over to KINK. Minus a couple of years in the 80’s, Les continued to work at KINK until he passed away due to cancer in 2009. To many, Les was KINK Radio, with his friendly voice being the beginning and bright point of their day. In person, Les was the same friendly person you heard on the air. Les was involved with many musical events in the community and did whatever he could to promote the musical arts.

2010 Artist Of The Year

OMHOF has added an additional award category this year. The category is Artist of the Year, and this year’s recipient is Pink Martini. Formed in 1994 by Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini has since gone on to international acclaim. They have toured around the world and released four albums and a DVD on their self-owned record label.

Previous Oregon Music Hall of Fame Honorees

2009

  • Dan Balmer (2009)
  • Bruce Carter (2009)
  • Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (2009)
  • Cool’R (2009)
  • Gary Ewing (2009)
  • Mikal Gimore (2009)
  • Buck Munger (2009)
  • Sleazy Pieces (2009)
  • Terry Robb (2009)
  • Bobby Torres (2009)

2008

  • Terry Currier (2008)
  • Dave Frishberg (2008)
  • Carlton Jackson (2008)
  • Dave Leiken (2008)
  • Norman Leyden (2008)
  • Marlon McClain (2008)
  • The Holy Modal Rounders (2008)

2007