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Racine, Wisconsin Claims to Fame
Musicians, Song Writers & Performers
KEN DAVIS
Ken Davis learned to sing and accompany himself on guitar/electric bass shortly after his graduation from Racine's William Horlick High School in 1954. Incorporating the influences of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Buddy Holly and Elvis.
Ken still lives here in Racine with his wife, three grown children, and three grandsons. He is amazed that his old records in recent years have popped up on "CD's" released in several countries. Ken says: "In my early 20's I was following a musical dream - 40 years later that dream is "following me!"
Sittin' Pretty/Bundle of Lovin' (1958)
Uh-Huh, That's Right/Without Her Love (1958)
Shook shake/Echo Rock (1958)
Shook Shake/Echo Rock, (1959)
Oh So Blue/Gone Again (1959)
The Next Little Town/Because I'm Blue (1962)
Play Ginger Play/What Would I Do Without Dreams? (1967)
Shook Shake/Echo Rock (Re-Issue), (1982)
JEFF WARD
Jeff's interest in music began at a very early age when he was classically trained on violin. In his early teens he learned to play the guitar and his love for the traditional music of his Irish heritage.
Jeff has performed for audiences at major Irish Music Festivals in Milwaukee, Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Peoria, West Dundee and at Concerts and Pub venues throughout the mid-west, creating an atmosphere of warmth, laughter and good cheer, leaving audiences shouting for more
Jeff Currently resides on Racine's South Side.
GREG GRAFFIN
Gregory W. Graffin was born in and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. His family eventually settled in Racine and when his parents divorced his mom moved him to Milwaukee. Then in 1976 it was off to San Fernando Valley in LA.
A founding member of BAD RELIGION, Graffin has become one of the most recognized and admired political lyricist in the modern music industry. Along with former partner in crime Brett Gurewitz and now Brian Baker, he strings out intelligently written stanzas and verses as well as harmonic vocal lines. He writes mostly his own riffs too.
BARBARA McNAIR
Born March 4, 1934 and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, Barbara McNair graduated from High School and spent a year at UCLA training as a music major. Deciding to devote herself to a singing career, she made her debut at New York City's Village Vanguard. She became a popular supper club singer in the US, Europe and South America and learnt about her art when she toured with Nat 'King' Cole. In addition to his magnificent tones, Cole's phrasing and his handling of an audience gave her an unparalleled insight into her chosen career.
Motown used her Playboy photo on the cover of 'The Real Barbara McNair' (1969) which included 'It Happens Every Time'. Her earlier album 'Here I Am' (1966) was produced by Frank Wilson and amongst the tracks are 'Everything is good about you' and her original version of 'For Once In My Life'. Prior to this in 1965 she released 'You're gonna' love my baby', a record that portrays all that's best from Motown.
She has had a recurring role on the "Soap Opera", "GENERAL HOSPITAL" and her own show again in 1969 and 1970 -"THE BARBARA MCNAIR SHOW". she was the first African-American to host her own television show .
Films: NEON SIGNS (1996), FATAL CHARM (1992), THEY CALL ME MISTER TIBBS (1970), STILETTO (1969), IF HE HOLLARS LET HIM GO (1968), THE UNKISSED BRIDE (1966) ...and more
CHI COLTRANE
Chi pronounced "Shy" was born and raised in Wisconsin one of seven children. Her interest in music began at an early age and by the time she was twelve was playing eight instruments, her favorite being the piano. Although her parents discouraged her from playing rock and roll, she was drawn to the music of Chicago's blues and gospel.
In 1971 she represented the USA at the International Rock Festival in Rio de Janeiro where she tore down the house with her electrifying vocals and passionate introspective songs.
CHI COLTRANE (1971), LET IT RIDE (1973), ROAD TO TOMORROW (1977), SILK & STEEL (1981), READY TO ROLL (1982), LIVE (1982), THE MESSAGE (1986), THE BEST OF CHI COLTRANE (1988), GOLDEN CLASSICS (1996)
BILLY MAXTED
A great pianist, Billy wrote many arrangements for Ray Eberle; Red Nichols; Will Bradley, and even Benny Goodman. At the end of the big band era, Billy has his own band he led and played piano for 50/60's Dixieland swing Manhattan Jazz Band.
VICTOR DELORENZO
From Racine, Victor Delorenzo is best known as the drummer for Violent Femmes.Some of the band's most popular songs including "Blister In The Sun," "Add It Up" and "Kiss Off." Their music, generated much by teen angst, caught on like wildfire with suburban kids in the early 1980's.
The band continued to record and tour into the 1990s. DeLorenzo left the band in 1993 to pursue a solo career and was replaced former BoDeans drummer Guy Hoffman.
Before becoming a professional drummer, Delorenzo was an actor with the Milwaukee, Wisconsin experimental theater group Theatre X.
Racine, WI: The Belle City of the [Great] Lakes. Information for visitors and residents alike. Located between Milwaukee and Chicago on the beautiful shores of the great Lake Michigan, Racine has much to offer.
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