Every year the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association inducts a new crop of people and places that impacted the state throughout the years.

In April, a whole new set of inductees will be honored at the annual South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Induction Ceremony and Concert in Sioux Falls.

There's a long and very impressive list of previous inductees including legendary South Dakota bands like Myron Lee and the Caddies, Dale Gregory and the Shouters, DD & the Fayrohs, South Dakota native, actress and solo recording artist Cheryl Ladd who had a hit record called "Think it Over" in 1978, and former South Dakota governor Bill Janklow who received the Spirit of the Music award in 2014 to name a few.

In addition to all the well known South Dakota bands and artists, there is also a number of legendary DJ's, Ballrooms and Dance Halls, Music Stores, Booking Agents, Lifetime Achievement and Spirit of the Music Award winners each year.

 

2015 is no exception, as the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association welcomes in bands like; The Shells of Time, Garden, The Bird Dogs, The New Group, Zero Ted Band, Blueberry Buckle, Priceless, The Smoke Ring and the legendary Red Willow Band.

Famous Ballrooms and Dance Halls like the Mocamba Club will also be honored that evening, along with a couple of DJ's that have also left their mark on the state.

I'm happy to say that I have personally had the privilege to work on a number of occasions throughout the years with the two radio personalities going in this year. These two fellow broadcasters are Wally Wingert and Austin Harris.

Two exceptionally talented individuals who have impacted the face of commercial radio in South Dakota for decades.

My good friend, Wally Wingert, started in radio in the late 70's in Aberdeen and then made a move to Sioux Falls in 1979 to work at KELO-AM as Dennis Jimez, where our paths first crossed. That move ended up being just the tip of the iceberg for Wingert, as he always dreamed of something bigger!

During the late 1980's, Wingert moved west, as he relocated to Los Angeles to continue his career in radio, acting, and most recently was the voice of the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on NBC before Jay retired in 2014.

Today, Wally still continues to act and do voice-over work on a number of national advertising campaigns that can be heard on radio and television stations all over the country.

Austin Harris
The Beacon Website
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Another gentleman I hold personally responsible for getting me interested in the field of broadcasting is Austin Harris. I can remember listening to Austin when I moved back to Sioux Falls in 1976, he was currently working at KELO-AM at the time.

I remember thinking, man this guy sounds like a million bucks!

Listening to Austin and other extremely talented radio personalities working in the Sioux Falls market in the mid to late 70's inspired me to take up a career in broacasting in 1978 myself. I have them to blame I guess. Thanks a bunch guys!

All kidding aside, much like Wingert, Austin's resume is quite impressive as well.

He started doing radio in 1972 and has worked at a number of radio stations throughout the state.

Austin became an ordained minister in 1981 and served full-time for the Church of Christ in Sioux Falls until 1984.

You can still hear Austin's voice everyday on radio and TV advertising campaigns as he continues to do voice-over work for a number of nationally known clients all across America.

Austin just finished publishing his second book, and currently is the host of a nationally syndicated show  called "The Beacon" which airs on over 60 secular adult contemporary and country radio stations across America.

This years South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association induction ceremony will be held on April 17-18 at the Ramkota Inn Exhibit Hall in Sioux Falls.

See a list of all the talented 2015 inductees here.

Source: South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association

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