Lou & Red Berry and the Bel-Raves

    Lou/Red Berry and the Bel-Raves formed in Council Bluffs in the late 1950’s and were generally called "The Berry Brothers" by fans.  Some late 60's and early 70's country records were dubbed "The Berry Brothers". 

    The Berry Brothers played regularly at Lu/Jo's around 10th and Pacific in Omaha and were the house band at the Millrose Inn Ballroom in Millard, NE. now part of Metro Omaha.  Their Rock-n-Roll recording was the first release by an early label originally out of Norfolk, NE with a co-owner from Omaha .  It was “DREEM Records” and the first release on that label was Lou/Red Berry and the Bel-Raves:  DREEM 101 ---   "Hot Rod" b/w "What A Dolly".

     "Hot Rod" was one of the finest rock instrumentals ever produced.  At the beginning of the song, there was the sound of a car peeling out which was recorded at a Kansas City, MO race track.  In promoting their record, the band used Lou Berry's new White 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible that had a 327, 3-2 barrel carburetors with twin lake pipes on the sides and two extended silver exhaust pipes in the back.  

   The flip side of the record, "What A Dolly" was a killer rockin' vocal sung by Red Berry and featuring Red on lead guitar and Harry Paul on piano.  Local guitar players were amazed with Red Berry's lead guitar work as he lost part of his right thumb in an accident and had to alter a thumb pick so he could use it as a straight pick. The drums on both sides were mixed way out front, which---for that time---was quite rare.  The record received regional air-play and was picked up nationally by 20th Century Records.  This record now lists for $300+ in price guides, but rarely shows up as it has become a rare exhibit of early rock ‘n roll.  

    Moving a little more toward Country Music in the mid-60's, The Berry Brothers leased The Silver Tap Lounge in downtown Omaha which was very popular for the time.  The brothers also owned Berry Brothers Music Store in Council Bluffs , IA - 150 West Broadway- and it was one of the very first music stores to sell "rock and roll gear".  The music store was later purchased by Joe Lidgett. It is called Lidgett Music and still operates in the same location. 

     For their fantastic early contribution to the rock n roll industry both in Iowa and also all over the world, we proudly induct The Berry Brothers with the Class of 2009 into the Iowa RockNRoll Music Association Hall of Fame.