LOCAL EAR HALL OF FAME

BANDS: 

The Midnight Playboys 

On November 25, 2008 the Midnight Playboys Band became the first Local Ear Hall of Fame member. The remaining members of the band, Ramond Stewart, and Kenny Anders were awarded flowers, a plaque, and hall of fame trophies at Shooters in Nevada, Missouri durring the 6th Annual Local Ear Reader Choice Awards. The band spent many weekends performing in and around the area and were an active band for over 20 years. Ramond Stewart performed two songs, and recieved the award plaque in memory of band mate Bud Laramore.

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HOF INDIVIDUALS:

 Joe Willis

A 3rd generation entertainer of the Willis family. His grandfather Dewitt Willis could play about any instrument he picked up but specialized on fiddle. Dewitt raised 5 out of six sons who became musician/entertainers and Joe's father Joe was the original Willis brother who was part of the Original Oklahoma Wranglers. The original Wranglers consisted of Joe (vocals/yodeling) Guy (vocals/dancing) and Skeeter (vocals/trick fiddling) Joe left the group to get married. Vic then Joined Guy and Skeeter and went on to perform with Eddie Arnold and the Purina Radio Shows, and the Grand Ole Opry as featured artists. In the 50s they were part of the original Ozark Jubilee of Springfield, Mo. In the early 60s their biggest hit "Give me 40 acres" brought them their biggest exposure and they were the longest running country act. Joe performed with them when he was discharged from the army and also performed with Bob Luman, Roy Drusky, Jeannie C. Riley while he was performing with the Homesteaders. Joe filled in for Guy or Skeeter on the Opry when either of them were ill. He also performed in Jim and Jesse's band on the road, Wilma Lee and Stoney Coopers band and Wilma Burgess band. His last performance on the Opry was with Lonzo (Dave Wooten) and Oscar when they were changing from a duet to trio singing style. He graduated from the University of Tennessee's School of Nursing in Nashville and at this time left the professional music business to practice as a Registered nurse. Working off and on with various local groups around the Nevada Missouri area. Currently Joe performs as the bassist for with the The Charlie Horse Band.

Dan Dickey

Danny Ray Dickey, 48, Moundville, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at his home in Moundville following an illness of several months. He was born July 30, 1960, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Daniel Blue Dickey and Zella Jane Crowe Dickey. He married Donna Murray on March 16, 1996, in Moundville, and she survives of the home.

Dan was born in Pittsburg, Kan., and grew up in Liberal, Mo. He worked as a police officer in Joplin as well as a bail bondsman in Lamar for a time, but has worked as an investigator for the Public Defenders Office for the past 20 years. Dan was a musician, and sang and played the steel guitar for Timberline Band. He was a member of the Eagles and Elks Lodges in Nevada. He loved the Rocky Mountains, horses, and deer and elk hunting. He was also a craftsman. Dan had recently made a rededication of his life to Christ.

Jeremy Smith 

Jeremy Robert Smith, 32, Nevada, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Freeman Hospital West, in Joplin, following an illness of several months. He was born Sept. 12, 1976. He was a great friend and a great musician.  Jeremy was a member of the Smith Brothers band.

Tony Karns 

When the news that Tony passed away arrived it was shocking to hear since it came so unexpectedly. Tony Karns was a musician, sure he did other things too, but he was one of us. A musician, his primary instrument was the drums. Tony was a regular attendee at the weekly (Big Friends) Jam when it met at Backroads Steakhouse (then know as Shooter's Sports Bar & Grill) when he would play the drums there. He always had positive things to say. He often donated drum sticks, and drum heads to the Jam and kept the drums tuned up nearly each week so they sounded their best.

Tony was a regular and guest performer with several area bands, and even helped bring Steve Pryor an Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Musician to town, as well as performed with him at Boomer's Roadhouse. Tony also performed with the Doghouse Band on many occasions and was with them when they opened for David Allan Coe when Coe made his legendary performance at the Nevada Speedway in 2009. Tony also performed regularly with the Shane Moses Band early on then later as a guest performer on occasion.