The Blenders
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The Blenders' Website: [1]
Often described as, "one of America's best-kept vocal secrets", The Blenders continue to record and tour the country, delighting their audiences with their signature vocal sound.
The Blenders are a vocal quartet based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since the late 80's Tim Kasper, Ryan Lance, Darren Rust and Allan Rust have toured the U.S. with such acts as Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, Savage Garden, Johnny Lang, Blues Traveler, Chicago, The Righteous Brothers, Lou Rawls, Chuck Berry and many more. They have appeared on a variety of national and regional television shows including The Arsenio Hall Show (FOX), The Today Show (NBC), Crook and Chase (TNN), and WGN, to name a few.
The Blenders spent their early years building up their fan base by touring hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. In the process, they received the Contemporary Artist of the Year Award in 1994 and 1995 by the National Association of Campus Activities. With the support of these loyal fans, The Blenders have created a presence that continues to expand worldwide. The Blenders found international success with a number one hit in a handful of European countries with a remake of the quirky song, "(I am in Love with the) McDonald's Girl." Although their influences stretch far and wide, The Blenders find a common bond in vocal music – from R&B and Jazz, to Pop and Rock, their focus is on tight unmistakable, smooth vocal harmonies.
Discography: Totally Whipped (1992), From The Mouth (1994), The Blenders (1995), Now and Then (1997), Nog (1997), Loveland (1999), When it Snows (2002), Holiday Best (2004), Most Wonderful Time (2005), Songs From the Soul (2006)
As for the namesake's original use...
The Blenders were a musical act that was featured on television's The Lawrence Welk Show from 1965 to 1966. An all-male quartet, the act originally consisted of Bob Duncan, Steve Smith, Johnny Johnson and Greg Dixon; all whom were students from the University of Southern California. Paul Sjolund was a later addition to the quartet in 1966 replacing Johnson.
The act specialized in popular songs, barber shop hymns and inspirational songs such as Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, Go Ahead Charlie and Blue Velvet. When the act disbanded, Steve Smith stayed on as a soloist on the show until 1969.
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