 | Iowa Rock'n Roll Music Association
2009 Hall of Fame Inductee... |
Uncle And The Anteaters
| Inducted Members: | Larry Barrett, Richard Alexander, Dan Chochran, Gary Horrell, Rodney Thompson, Craig Wheeler, Steve Ellis |
| Home Town: | Iowa City |
Uncle And The Anteaters got their start in the sixties playing for fraternity and sorority parties in
Iowa City . The name came as a suggestion from a “frat rat.”
The Anteaters’ energetic Top 40 sound featured three and four-part harmonies ranging from songs by the Hollies to the Beatles. They recorded two singles: “Kathy Ran Around” and “Let’s Be Happy”; both written by lead singer Larry Barrett. The group opened for several national acts such as The McCoys, Paul Revere and The Raiders, The Mysterians and The Outsiders.
All the members were from Coralville: Larry Barrett (lead guitar-vocals), Danny Cockran (rhythm guitar-trumpet-vocals), Craig Wheeler (
Hammond organ-lead guitar-vocals), Gary Horrell (bass guitar), Rodney Thompson (drums), Richard Alexander (rhythm guitar-trumpet). With the addition of Steve Ellis (lead guitar-vocals), their sound evolved into songs by Three Dog Night and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Though some of the members went separate ways to pursue other interests, the group continued to perform in
Iowa and surrounding states until the early 70’s.
