Ozark Mountain Daredevils celebrate 52 years
7/31/2024
A classic rock and roll/Southern rock band, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, formed in 1971 and continue to entertain concert goers — at least until the end of 2025.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils announced their “When it Shines” farewell tour and make a stop in Des Moines at Hoyt Sherman Place on Sept. 15.
The iconic band hails from Springfield, Missouri, and was cofounded by John Dillon, who recently spoke to CITYVIEW.
The tour includes 24 shows beginning in August. As the calendar fills up in 2025, the band plans to stop touring after 52 years.
“We’ll keep going to where fans want to see us. It might be the last time as we’re winding down touring,” Dillon explains.
Dillon cofounded the group with Michael Supe Granda. Both were musicians and songwriters playing in bands performing cover songs.
“We all wanted to do original music,” he recalls. “We were joined with Larry (Lee) and Randle (Chowning) along with Steve Cash and Buddy Brayfield. That’s when we wrote our first album.”
The original band name — Cosmic Corncob & His Amazing Ozark Mountain Daredevils — was eventually shortened.
Their classic song, “If You Want to Get To Heaven” (you’ve got to raise a little hell) became a top Billboard single and quickly became known as their anthem song.
As a writer for this column (and named Jackie) I have been intrigued by another popular song, “Jackie Blue” and how it came about. Dillon says Larry Lee was writing lyrics in Missouri when a producer stopped by who liked the hook and cord change, but the song wasn’t complete. The producer asked what the song was and told the band he wanted to record it.
“Larry told him it was about a male — Jackie — who was a drug dealer,” Dillon recalls. “The producer said the song was brilliant, but it needed to be about a female. Larry struggled with the lyrics and finally re-wrote the song. I’d like to say Jackie had a sex transformation in the middle of Los Angeles.”
Dillon says many rock bands from the 1970s formed but didn’t stay together. The band was fortunate to have a record produced by Glyn Johns, who produced for top musicians such as the Beatles, The Who, Eric Clapton and Eagles.
“He was a taskmaster. He was sheer brilliance to take on the song.”
He says the fusion of their unique sound has endured.
“It’s authentic music. People evolve; the music stays true. I like to think good songs with good music pairs with memories. We take pride in our music. We’re not just one genre. We have a lot of country, bluegrass and rock and roll. The record company and deejays weren’t sure where to put us.”
The melodic songs and southern rock song, “Chicken Train,” have a cult-like following with their fans. “5-year-olds like our music,” he laughs.
Throughout the years, 34 different musicians have been on stage with the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Today, it’s a nine-piece band.
“Each of them stayed true to the songs. We’ve never had a lead singer,” he says. “Steve (Cash) wasn’t a musician; he was a poet, and his lyrics were brilliant. Other bands and people dig our stuff. We are honored and love hearing new talent playing our songs.”
The biggest change he has witnessed over a half century of music is technology.
“We don’t make money selling records or CDs. It’s an evil mistress, and the streaming industry takes advantage. It’s tough for artists just starting out in the business,” he reflects.
Fans have stayed loyal and now extend to nearly four generations of people listening to their music and attending concerts.
“It’s very gratifying,” he says.
Dillon is looking forward to performing in Des Moines and seeing their loyal fans.
“We’ve had this request for years. We can’t wait to come to Iowa. Thank you,” he says.
Despite any concerns in the world, Dillon says music brings people together.
“Music is communal. No matter what our differences, we’d love to come together to fill Hoyt Sherman. Anyone who loves music is welcome to join us.” ♦
