Trying to Remember Danny’s Reasons
Danny Stevens, Mickey Stevens, Ceedy Van Dusen, Bob Gonya, and Frank Marino started Danny’s Reasons in 1964. The band was lucky enough to be featured on Dick Clark’s music showcase program and toured both coasts with Frank Shapiro as their promoter and Bob Dylan’s brother, David Zimmerman as a manager. 1967 was a big year for the band. They appeared on Bill Carlson’s popular WCCO television show “This Must Be the Place” and won four ‘Connie Awards’. Started by local record promoter, the “Connie’s” were always kind to the group. Danny Steven won “Best Showman” and “Best Male Rock and Roll Vocalist” six times. Danny’s Reasons won “Best Show Group” four times. The band managed to stir up a little controversey in 1969. Following a show that the band played with Steppenwolf. Good old KDWB Radio refused to air any advertising for Danny’s Reasons shows. The station claimed the Reason’s songs were highly suggestive of off color material. KDWB management went so far as to forbid their employees from attending performances by the band. The publicity was turned to the bands advantage and they continued to receive rave reviews from the local press. Over the years Danny’s Reasons performed with such notables as The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, Village People, Otis Day ,Bee Gees, Three Dog Night, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Doors, The Kinks, Country Joe & The Fish, Sly & The Family Stone, Donovan, Santana and the Everly Brothers. In 1999, Danny Stevens and the Reasons were officially recognized by the Grammy’s for their contributions to the music and entertainment industry.
Remembering….. I played drums for a few bands back in the 60s. I fulled in on drums I think 2 times for Danny. Had no ide who he was exactly or the band but later to find out. Media Ballroom, I think. It was a blast but so what that time period. I may have played for him in 65 or 66. I would have been 16. Good to remember….
Thanks for checking in Dave! What other bands were you playing with back then?
I had a dance band of my own called, Starlites. About 13-15 piece. Also played with a couple of no name rock bands and filled in on some others. It was such a blast!!