Biography
Late in 1961 the Gering-Scottbluff region of Nebraska gave rise to garage rock outfit the Drivin' Dynamics. Founding members included singer/bassist Randy Meisner, guitarists Larry Soto and Richard Rohnke, and drummer John Ankeny (no relation to the author). Their first appearance took place at a private party, followed within weeks by a supporting slot for Bobby Vee. During 1962 the group maintained a steady presence at the Henry, NE, venue Little Moon Lake, where scant local competition quickly positioned them as the area's leading rock & roll attraction. Rohnke departed for military service at the close of 1962, leading to the enlistment of saxophonist Paul Asmus. The revised lineup soon issued a self-released four-song EP that spotlighted the original instrumental "Sidewinder." After a New Year's Eve performance Ankeny likewise declared his intent to enlist; Bobby Soto, Larry's younger brother, joined in his place, enabling the band to venture outside the western Nebraska circuit while advertising shows through Oklahoma City's 50,000-watt station KOMA. In the aftermath of Beatlemania the Drivin' Dynamics refreshed their set list with British Invasion material alongside longstanding R&B numbers and further augmented their personnel by bringing aboard lead guitarist Dave Margheim and pianist Steve Cassells. Mid-1965 brought a deal with Ray Ruff's Sully label for the single "So Fine," which performed strongly in regional markets; by year's end the group was appearing as far afield as Rapid City, SD, frequently drawing larger crowds than nationally touring acts. In February 1966 they journeyed to Denver for a battle-of-the-bands competition, finishing second behind hometown favorites the Soul Survivors. Shortly thereafter Meisner accepted an invitation to join the Soul Survivors, relocating with them to California where the ensemble adopted the name the Poor. He subsequently participated in the country-rock group Poco before achieving multi-platinum success with the Eagles. Meanwhile the Drivin' Dynamics returned to Nebraska and entered a temporary hiatus. The Soto brothers reconvened the band in mid-1967; although nearly three dozen additional musicians passed through the ranks over subsequent decades, the 2000 induction into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame recognized the Drivin' Dynamics as the longest-running rock act in state history.
Albums