Dartanyan interviews 60’s era guitar heros Bernie Fogel, Russ Morgan and master drummer James “Jimmy” Brown. These guys started bands during the “post Elvis - Pre-Beatles” era. Morgan founded The Princemen, while drummer Jimmy Brown and Fogel began as Jimmy Brown and the Rhythm Masters.
They discuss their early influences, encounters with established great artists, and how Des Moines’ young musicians and singers black and white, male and female created a scene rich with talent.
The middle to late 1960’s youth music scene in Des Moines which I experienced was vibrant, rocking and integrated with both men and women musicians and singers making their presence felt.
Enjoy the first 15-minutes of an hour long interview with Russ and Bernie. Later episodes will feature drummer Jimmy Brown’s extended interview. Jimmy, while not related to Godfather of Soul James Brown was the real deal as a beatmaker. You can hear Jimmy describing his style here.
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[For those reading the transcript some clarifications]:
Speaker 1 - Russ Morgan
Speaker 2 - Bernie Fogel
Speaker 3 - Dartanyan
Intro and Outro music : You Can’t Sit Down 1964 hit by guitarist Phil Upchurch
Episode One Episode Two Episode Three Episode 4
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In Conversation with Iowa Proto-Rockers Bernie Fogel and Russ Morgan