Denny Ketelsen on Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards & vocals

Denny's early influence at the age of 6 came from his uncle Johnny Ketelsen whose band, The Sunshine Boys played live every day on WMT radio in the late '50's, and on their own prime time TV show in the 60's.

Denny started playing in his first band at the age of 17 after his sports career was cut short by a permanent knee injury.  Johnny Ketelsen's son, Randy, taught Denny three chords, and he started with his first band, Insight Out.  A few years later, he auditioned with Brass Unlimited, which toured the Midwest, even playing at Hugh Hefner's Playboy Club in Lake Geneva.  The band, Madness was formed, and the music changed from Chicago and Tower of Power to the Eagles, Santana and Uriah Heap.

In the '80's, a top-40 4-piece band emerged... Fresh Start.  In the 90's, Denny joined a new 9-piece horn band, Mean Street and the Hell Horns playing festivals and clubs.  Denny has played with numerous bands in Iowa and Minnesota through the years.  He has shared the stage with Delbert McClinton, Lonnie Brooks, Elvin Bishop, The Monkeys, Maceo Parker and JB Horns.

Denny has been influenced by Three Dog Night, Chicago, Tower of Power, Santana, Earth Wind & Fire, and Hammond players Chester Thompson, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith and Joey DeFrancesco.

Denny stills plays a '67 Hammond B-3 with 122 Leslie, Korg CX-3 with a Motion Sound Leslie rig,  Yamaha Motif 76ES synthesizer, Peavey amplifiers and Mackie mixers.

Denny has been married to his wife, Sandie, for 30 years.  They have a son Jeff and daughter Abby.

Have a FUNKY Good Day!

e-mail Denny at denny@funkdaddies.com

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