The Velaires were an American rock and roll band from Sioux City, Iowa. The group began as The Screamers in 1958, with founding members including Denny Wurster, Jerry DeMers, Jeff Lockhart, Bob Dawdy, Roger Hughes, and Don Bourret. They initially performed "Bebopalula" at Central High School's talent show. After changing their name to The Flairs and later to The Velaires due to naming conflicts, they released a cover of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" on Palm Records in 1961. Later that year, as The Velaires, they signed with Jamie Records and re-released "Roll Over Beethoven", which reached Number 51 nationally on the Billboard charts and topped the Los Angeles chart. This success led to appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and the Caravan of Stars tour. The band released eight more singles on various labels, including covers of "Dream" and "Ubangi Stomp". In 1963, Dan Matousek reformed the group as Danny and The Velaires, which continued until 1970. Notable members included Daniel Matousek on rhythm guitar, Bob Dawdy on lead guitar, Jerry DeMers on bass, and Don Bourret on drums. The Velaires were inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame in 1997 and the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame in 2013. Key members who passed away include Daniel Matousek in May 1998, Dick Matousek on October 24, 2011, and Bob Dawdy on January 21, 2013.
Read All
Read Less