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Contact/Booking info
| Name |
David A. DeWitt |
| Phone |
585-978-1254 |
| E-mail |
ddewitt2@rochester.rr.com |
| Misc |
www.myspace.com/thelegendarydukes
585-254-1894 - home # |
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Description
The Legendary Dukes are a high energy 8 piece ensemble with a history that is unparalled in NYS. With 50 years of performing, The Dukes play the music of the 1960`s, `70`s, `80`s and beyond with an original twist that keeps the music alive.
Consisting of 8 of the best musicians that WNY has to offer and with the legendary Bill Hooper as our sound tech , The Legendary Dukes put on a show that will keep you on your feet all night long.
The Legendary Dukes are a self contained unit - meaning that we have our own P.A., Lights, Drum Riser,Etc..This is a Band you don`t want to miss !!! |
Roster
Eric “ Mitty “ Moore - Bass & Vocals
Steve Lyons – Guitar & Vocals
Jason Muskrof - Keyboards , Organ
Tony Rivera - Percussion & Vocals
David A. DeWitt - Trombone , Flute , Background
Vocals, Percussion,
Business Manager
Ken Foster - Tenor & Soprano Saxophone,Flute,
Trumpet,
Background Vocals & Percussion
Nick Moses - Trumpet , Flugelhorn, Flute ,
Background Vocals & Percussion
Joe Pizzo - Drums & Vocals
Bill Hooper – Sound Tech.
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Influences
The classic R&B/ Soul of the `60`s & `70`s. Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Al Green, Marvin Gaye,etc..
As well as classic rock from the 1950`s thru the 1990`s. Jimi Hendrix, Fred Wesley, Jr. Walker,Otis Redding, Santana, U2, and many, many more. |
History
It was the Fall of 1957 in the small town of Geneva , NY when Ron Alberts, Ralph Gillotte, and Wilmer Alexander Jr. first got together to start a band. As the group started to perform, something clicked not only with the band members but with audiences. In the 1960’s, The Dukes were in constant demand, performing for over capacity crowds, 7 to 9 times a week.
Being one of the most popular bands in the New York state area gave them the opportunity to open for and/or to perform with some of the most popular national acts of the day, such as, The Association, Screamin` Jay Hawkins, the Bellmontes, Johnny Cash, Dionne Warwick and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
In the year 1969, Wilmer and the gang went to New York City and recorded their 1st and only album, the self titled “Wilmer Alexander Jr. and the Dukes”. The single off of this album was “Give Me One More Chance” (written by guitarist Doug Brown). The song became an instant hit and climbed up the Billboard charts. Soon after, the Dukes started playing all over the country.
As they say, nothing lasts forever (or so they thought), in 1974 Wilmer Alexander and the Dukes disbanded. All the members went their own ways and never looked back. It was a unique time for bands, they were glad to be a part of a great musical era, but times change.
In 1988, Wilmer was not in good health and Ron Alberts’ sister had the idea to have a reunion show to raise money to help with Wilmer’s medical bills. A show was booked – SOLD OUT. Another show was added also SOLD OUT. Maybe there was a place for the Dukes after all. The two reunion shows gave birth or rebirth to the band that lives today, now called The Legendary Dukes.
The Legendary Dukes has been going strong since those first two shows and has gotten stronger and busier as the years go by. We’ve had our set backs too. In February 1999, the original organist Ralph Gillotte, “The Master” of the Hammond B-3 organ passed away. We were not sure if the band would continue. Ralph was an important part of the Dukes sound. After much deliberation and a serious search, we found a new keyboard player, Ted Lincoln. Ted has become an intrical part of the Dukes sound.
Our second big crossroad happened in July 2004, Ron Alberts, the last remaining member of the original Wilmer and the Dukes, retired from active performing. A serious search for a new drummer began. Drummer/Vocalist – Joe Pizzo has joined the Dukes and is a fantastic addition.
The Year 2007 marks a major milestone for The Dukes. 1957-2007 – 50 Years of performing and being an incredible and still viable band in an ever increasingly fickle world. 2007 also marks the retirement of Keyboardist Ted Lincoln and the addition of our newest member – Jason Muskropf.
As we tumble into the new millennium, rest assured that no matter what happens, one thing remains constant…
The Legendary Dukes !!! |
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