Missouri (band)

Missouri is a rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, known primarily for the song "Movin' On".

For other uses, see Missouri (disambiguation).
Missouri
OriginKansas City, Missouri
GenresSouthern rock, blues rock, hard rock
Years active1977–1984, 1994–1995, 2019-present
LabelsPanama Records, Polydor Records, Cow Town Records
Associated actsChesmann Square
Websitemissouriband.com
Past membersRon West
Alan Cohen
Lane Turner
Bill Larson
Randall Platt
Jeff Littrell
Dan Billings
Webb Waterman
Rob Brennan

History

From 1964 to 1974, Ron West (née Hodgden) was part of a well-remembered Kansas City band, The Chesmann/ Chesmann Square, with his two brothers Gary and Steve, accompanied by Dave Huffines and the late Jimmy McAllister on guitars. [1] Heavily inspired by British invasion groups, the band played both live covers and recorded original studio material. Gary West was also a member of the band Shooting Star, which scored several modest AOR hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Led by Ron West, the band's self-titled first album was released in 1977 on a label called Panama Records. Even though Panama was an independent label, the band garnered substantial airplay on American FM AOR radio stations, specifically with the track "Movin On". Missouri's first gig was opening for Firefall in Emporia, Kansas. Missouri was the opening act for Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, July 1, 1978. Missouri toured nationally with many major label acts such as Ted Nugent and Golden Earring, among many others.

A second album, "Welcome Two Missouri", was released on the larger and international Polydor label in 1979, including a re-recorded version of "Movin' On" minus the original intro. By this time two of the original line up had dropped out. No further recordings were issued except a repackaging of recordings from the previous albums called The Best of Missouri. Missouri songs are available on iTunes.

Ron West and Bill Larson reunited in 1994 with new members for tours in 1994 and 1995.

Ron West passed away on May 2nd, 2020 after battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) for six years; the band announced his passing via their Facebook page.

Members
  • Ron West - guitars, vocals (founding member; only ever-present band member)
  • Alan Cohen - bass (founding member)
  • Lane Turner - Lead Guitars (Founding member)
  • Bill Larson - drums (founding member; returned for 1994-1995 reunion)
  • Randall Platt - keyboards (Randall joined the band near the completion of their first album)
  • Jeff Littrell - drums (replaced Bill Larson)
  • Webb Waterman - Lead Guitars (replaced Lane Turner)
  • Dan Billings - drums (replaced Jeff Littrell)
  • Rob Brennan - drums (replaced Dan Billings)

Discography
  1. Missouri, Panama Records (1977)
  2. Welcome Two Missouri, Polydor Records (1979)
  3. The Best of Missouri, Cow Town Records (2003)

References
  1. "Shooting Star". Kearney Amphitheater website. Kearney Amphitheater. July 12, 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-03.
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