Whiskey River was formed in South Central Minnesota in the summer of 1973. After changing the band's name from "The Innovators" and adding Richard "Dick" Fadness to the lineup of Lloyd "LJ" Johnson Jr., Greg "Tucson Buffalo" Snyder, and Larry Fadness this four piece Traditional Country / Country Rock group gained much popularity throughout central and northern Minnesota. In the early to mid Seventies the band performed renditions of songs written and recorded by among others Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Don Gibson and Mel Tillis and a touch of their own original material. In the fall season of 1974 Whiskey River decided to take their act on the road. After relocating to the Moose Lake area of northeastern Minnesota where the band was based for many years, these four musicians began dedicating their lives to performing in front of crowds combined with hippies, rednecks and rockers introducing everyone in the venue to Progressive Country Music. After performing hundreds of gigs in northern Minnesota and North Dakota and being well received, Whiskey River expanded their lineup adding Dale Lings on Pedal Steel Guitar. Also added to the bands expanding lineup of vocal harmonies and wall of guitar was Judd Erickson on lead vocals. Pete McCartney was added on Fiddle to make the lineup even more diverse and country fried. From the middle Seventies to middle 80's, Whiskey River expanded their touring from Minnesota and Canada to the Dakota's, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Whiskey River was also becoming a favorite during the era when other regional bands like Daisy Dillman and The Mary Jane Alm Band were in their prime. Throughout the upper Midwest in to the Northwestern United States in the late seventies Whiskey River toured non stop from Edmonton to Montana, Idaho and Washington state.
The group relied strongly on the fine lead singing of original lead vocalist LJ and Judd Erickson along with the tight three and four part harmonies provided by the Fadness brothers, Lings and McCartney to achieve it's ultimate unique and complete country sound. Norm Steffen replaced Greg Snyder on drums. Whiskey River released independent LP's in 1978 and 1980. Along with single releases from 1975 throughout the early eighty's the band garnered radio airplay and generated a huge fan base of Redneck Rockers always wanting more. Performing their original material along with the classic songs from artists ranging from Don Williams, Porter Waggoner, Pure Prairie League, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gram Parsons the band hailed as one of the most popular draws in clubs and dance halls throughout their first 15 years of touring.
Whiskey River appeared on television, live radio shows and showcased their talent from North Hollywood to New York City during their career, as well as recording their second LP in Nashville with renowned songwriter and producer Randy Scruggs. Along with the addition of a keyboard player and other lineup changes the group continued their constant touring into the middle 1980's. Whiskey River was one great band to see, dance to and party with as hundreds of thousands of those who had the chance to witness the bands performances would smile and love to tell you about. Whiskey River chased a dream and made a lot of rednecks and hippies smile whenever they came to your town….
Whiskey River was always one of the best live acts to see during the bands 15 years of live performances thru there carrer. I know they would love to thank all. Sincerely, Terry Carlson Manager.
Check out Whiskey River performing at Sandstone State Prison for a benefit on a hot August day in 1980. Just click the Whiskey River logo and enjoy.
