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The Rock Band COTTONWOOD (1975-1985) hailed from South East Idaho, in the city of Pocatello, home of Idaho State University. Over the 10 year career span of COTTONWOOD, there were several personnel changes that occurred as the band evolved. Original members, Alex Conger (Bass Guitar, Vocals), Craig Gregersen (Drums, Vocals) and Gary Rhoads (Lead Vocals, Rhythm & Lead Guitar), had been working together in other bands, including GROUND EARTH and MERKIN, since 1970.

The original lineup of COTTONWOOD consisted of Alex, Craig, Gary and a very popular local radio personality, Calvin Hunter (Lead Vocals, Keyboards).. The groups first LIVE performance was a Mini-Concert at the Pocatello High School Auditorium to a packed audience. That appearance quickly gained notoriety for the group and spawned numerous bookings and newspaper articles about the band. It also brought about a creative streak in Gary and Calvin, who both emerged as Songwriters. Songs such as, “Paint Me A Picture” and “Rock And Roll Without Me” were among the favorites of the band and its’ fans.

In late 1976, Calvin moved on to become a TV NEWS anchor, when local Lead Guitarist, Saxophonist and Vocalist Dan Jones (The Mustard Song), was brought in to give the band more of an edge. Lyle Thompson was also brought in to fulfill the keyboard duties. Armed with a new repertoire and sound, COTTONWOOD hit the road, having expanded well beyond the confines of the local markets, and the band members found themselves logging lots of miles and spending a lot of time away from home. This did create some problems, especially for Gary, who at the time, was a career student and was married with children, and Lyle, who was having difficulty working the band around his work schedule...They both subsequently left the band.

Lyle was replaced with Dan’s brother, Dave Jones, on Keyboards and Vocals, and at a later date, Gary was replaced with another Lead Guitarist, Don Marshall. Alex also eventually left the group, and Dave took over the Bass Guitar duties. At this point, Dan was thrust to the forefront as the Lead Vocalist as well. Don was later accepted at G.I.T. (Guitar Institute of Technology) in Los Angeles, California and was never heard from again.

Some of the other names of various musicians who sat in with COTTONWOOD or were there for limited periods were Paul Gregersen-Vocals, Kory Neider-Lead Guitar & Vocals, Kelly Whiting-Lead Vocals, Keyboards & Guitar, Kevin Campbell-Drums, Cindy Jensen-Lead Vocals, Maurice Ross-Lead Guitar & Vocals, Bruce Curtin-Bass Guitar & Vocals, and Paul Slaughter-Keyboards and Vocals.

In the end, original Drummer, Craig Gregersen and Dan Jones were the only two surviving COTTONWOOD members left. Craig and Dan soon formed a new band, STRAIT EDGE, which also included Kelly Whiting and former PACIFIC CROSS Bassist, Steve Teeples.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Since 1988, Drummer-Craig Gregersen is living in Denver, CO He is currently the Production Manager for Denver based, ABC Music Video & Photography. A Senior Director with Melaleuca, Inc. (an Idaho Based Wellness company). He has also emerged as a Semi-Professional Magician (Performer, Instructor and Magic Inventor). He was Drumming for a local rock band, THEEZ GYZ for 6 years, but now is a Studio Session Drummer for various local artists.

STATUS: Single-Divorced since 1995. • 5 adult children • 3 Grandchildren

Website: http://www.dreamagicproductions.com/