Missouri

Led by Ron West, the bands self-titled first album was released in 1977 on a label called Panama Records. Even though Panama was an independent label, the band garnered substantial airplay on American FM AOR radio stations, specifically with the track "Movin On". Missouris first gig was opening for Firefall in Emporia, Kansas.

In September 1977 the new debut "Missouri" album is listed on "Billboards Recommended Album" page. As the album received massive airplay on KY-102 radio in Kansas City, KSHE in St. Louis and other stations throughout the Midwest, the band "Missouri" went on the road. Chris Fritz secured the band a super booking deal with Roger Gacon of "DMA" out of Detroit, Mich., who booked national acts such as "Ted Nugent," "Golden Earring," "Scorpions," "Blackfoot," "Sammy Hagar," and "Nazareth," along with many other big-time national acts. "Missouri" was sent out to do warmup at large venue gigs, stadium shows, tours and sometimes "Missouri" headined in areas where the band was well known and had solid airplay. The number of famous groups which "Missouri" toured with and warmed up for is too long to list; "Molly Hatchet," "REO Speedwagon," "Mahogany Rush," "Blackfoot," "Nugent," "Rush," "Blue Oyster Cult," "Van Halen," "Jefferson Starship" just to name a few.

A second album, "Welcome Two Missouri", was released on the larger and international Polydor label in 1979, including a re-recorded version of "Movin On" minus the original intro.

Gary West was also a member of the band Shooting Star, which scored several modest AOR hits in the late 1970 and early 1980s.

Band Members

Dan Billings

Alan Cohen

Randall Platt

Webb Waterman

Ron West

Discography

1. Missouri, Panama Records (1977)

2. Welcome Two Missouri, Polydor Records (1979)

3. The Best of Missouri, Cow Town Records (2003)

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