Grove County Gallary

 A new music store opened in Villa Park Calif. called Jam Music. Saw the sign and stopped by for the heck of it. John, the owner, was from Kansas and was a retired Railway Lineman. (The Nelson/Hageman family Kansas connection. Plus, I have always been a train nut.) We hit it off and became good friends. 

One evening we went to get a cup of coffee at the Coffee Grove, steps from his store, and I met Randy, who worked there. We talked music and he said “My friend Rick and I are playing here at the Grove the following night. Come Hear Us”. So I did. I was impressed by  their combined talent and it got me thinking. Diamonds in the Rough! I wonder if there might be something here? Hmm.

Randy had a very good, strong voice with excellent pitch and, he had the “Front Man” look. Small frame, around 5'-7", and looked like he could be James Dean’s brother. The girls were crazy about him! He had a few vocal tendencies that were sort of strange, but I knew if he could hear his voice recorded, he would correct them.  Hmm. Then there was Rick the artist who drew murals on walls all over Orange County. They were unreal in their detail and color, almost 3D. That same spirit came out in “Lead Guitar” playing. My mouth was open in awe! I might have drooled on my shirt! Dang, this guy has what it takes to give Clapton, Knopfler, and Atkins guitar lessons! He was that good! (Clikck on Rick's name to the lieft under Band Members for more on his talent)

I had invited Randy and Rick over to the house to my music room where Dennis and Roger and I were doing our songwriting sessions. Rick missed our 1st meeting as well as Roger. So, it was Dennis, Randy, and me. We showed Randy what we were doing and we also just jammed covers and a few tunes he had written. It was the 1st time he heard himself through headphones, along with a “real bass player”, mixed properly. Our N/H song list was growing fast at the time and they needed to be recorded. 

I don't think I ever asked anyone if they wanted to start a band. I think everyone knew it was going to happen. The chemistry was working on its own. When Rick made it over, it looked like a “foregone conclusion” that it was going to happen, and that saying made it into one of our songs. I remember looking over at Dennis many times to get a sense of his reaction with these “new players” hoping he saw what I did in these guys. I'm pretty sure he did. Randy said “How about you guys come join us at The Grove when we play there next?” Well, Dennis and I were seasoned enough players and could play along with anyone. Our answer was “What the heck! Why not?” The Birth of Grove County! 

Larry Nelson 

      Band Members

Larry Nelson – Guitar, vocals

Dennis Hageman – Bass, vocals

Dave Smart – Keyboard

Randy Sykes - Lead vocals, guitar

Rick Enloe – Lead guitar

Sergio Robles – Drums, percussion