BP Local Legends 2009 Nominees!

Criteria for inductees should include the influence and significance of the artist’s contributions to the development and perpetuation of the local music scene, as well as overall success in the music industry. Inductees must have recorded, performed, or actively been involved with music for more than 10 years, and must be from Southeast Missouri or surrounding areas.

Nominees who receive at least 10% of the popular vote will be honored as a BP Local Legend.

Chuck Berry – 1986 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and historically known as one of the “inventors” of rock and roll. Born and raised in St. Louis, Berry still performs locally and is one of the most well known, recognized, and influential musicians of the 20th century.

Bob Camp – Former venue manager of The Camp in Cape Girardeau, and also founder of the City of Roses Music Festival in Cape (now known as the River City Music Festival). Has played in numerous bands all over the country spanning 40+ years in the business.

Steve Ewing - Former lead singer for The Urge. Has three major label records under his belt boasting nearly one million in sales, and has performed along side many notable acts including 311 and Korn. Current lead vocalist of the Steve Ewing Band.

Jerry Ford Orchestra – 12 pc. Big Band orchestra from Cape Girardeau, MO who has performed in the area since 1957. The group was also a fixture at the Purple Crackle and the Colony Club in E. Cape for many years, and has provided back-up music for Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Ray Stevens and others.

Dennis Gurley - Accomplished singer/songwriter/engineer. Owner of Alley Trax Recording Studios in Hayti, MO. Has performed with various bands and has recorded hundreds of bands over his 30+ year career.

One Less Reason – Western Tennessee based band formerly known as Lappdog, who has 10+ years of industry experience including a brief stint with Universal Records. The band is currently independent and is enjoying success with online album and mp3 sales.

Malcolm Springer – Engineer/producer who's worked with Collective Soul, Matchbox 20, Faith Hill, and has signed many bands to major label contracts, including Greenwheel and Full Devil Jacket. Currently has his own recording studio in Portageville, MO.

Squadcar – Punk rock group with members from Cape Girardeau and St. Louis, MO. Performed in the area for over ten years enjoying widespread popularity on an underground level and helped influenced many local bands along the way.

Trent Tomlinson – Country music artist from Blytheville, AR (grew up in Kennett, MO) who had several top 40 hits on the US Billboard charts. Currently signed to Carolwood Records (Lyric Street) and still performing and recording music.

Swifton Vito - Drummer for Catch 22, Spiderwolf, Voyage, High Cotton, and many, many other area bands. Has toured, recorded or performed music in the area for nearly 30 years and has been a tried and true supporter of local music.

Thanks to everyone who particpated in the nominations and the voting. This year we had over 300 votes. Congratulations to Chuck Berry, Dennis Gurley, Malcolm Springer, One Less Reason, and Steve Ewing - the 2010 BP Local Legends! We'll be building their individual pages soon, so please check back often. - Randy Mallett, Banned Promotions

Visit other BP Local Legends;

Sheryl Crow I Billy Swan I Narvel Felts I Tony Spinner I Fred Horrell I Brant Hutchcraft

Bruce Zimmerman I Jess Stacy I Tommy DeWolf I Timexx Nasty I Lou Hobbs I Kirby Ray