Unicorn Artist Management - American Eagle Band

Many people have asked about this band, which is no longer performing. Though we have gotten many requests for a reunion tour, none is planned at this time. But here is some background information for those who are interested.

The American Eagle Band started as a group of musicians who met doing studio work in central Ohio. They recording and acted as a backup band for several area artists as well as doing jingle work and voice-overs for commercials. Most people in Ohio have heard the American Eagle Band without even knowing it, as several of their radio commercials were used for years by area businesses.

Eventually they were asked to perform as a band for live events and put together a core group of players including Dale Crockett on guitar, Frank Frazzini on Bass, Rob Lavender on drums, and Mark Monroe on harmonica and saxophone. All were also vocalists, which allowed for some outstanding harmonies.

In addition to this core group of pickers A.E.B. (as the American Eagle Band eventually was referred to), also included other musicians as well. Over the years David Liles, Mark Davis, Edward (Junior) Mercer, Dana Keller, Dave Cook, Matt Henry, Roy Bone, Tim Bastian, Junior Smith, John Loesburg and Vince Leggett also performed with the band.

A.E.B. worked throughout Ohio and surrounding area performing in nightclubs, festivals and county fairs as well as corporate events prior to starting to tour. Some of their career highlights include having performed at the Opryland Hotel, The Ohio State Fair, The Golden Nuggett, the Maple Leaf Hotel, they also played for Hank Williams Jr's birthday party at the Rose Room, and were the headliner for Nickel Days in Thompson Manitoba. They also headlined a Christmas Concert for the Delaware Jaycees.

There were a couple of notable soundmen who worked with this group including Mike Hamilton and Rick Zimmerman (former soundman for Pure Prairie League) along with Dave Hedges, who apprenticed under both Rick Zimmerman and Rob Lavender. Lighting for A.E.B. shows was often designed and sometimes directed by R. Patrick Nichols who himself had a distinguished career, and whose lighting credits include the American Cabaret Theater, The Canadian Cabaret Theater company and the touring musical "CATS" as well as several TV shows.

The American Eagle Band gained international attention after performing as the backing band for The "Stars of Tomorrow Showcase" in Nashville, Tennessee during Fan Fair. Eventually making several tours of Canada under the Cultural Exchange Program and the auspices of the American Federation of Musicians, as well as performing in the U.S. from Georgia to Michigan.

The American Eagle Band was not just another band, they were entertainers, and it showed. Every performance contained many comical bits, as humor and a bit of slapstick was a natural part of their show. "Old MacDonald" (had a farm) was the most requested song for almost 2 years, followed closely by the "Moose Call Contest" as audience favorites. Other comedy skits included "Brother Billy Bob's Church of Grab It Now"... The "Every Other Tuesday Night Pizza Hut Pig Out" and of course the all time great "World's Smallest Harmonica" also often requested was Dale Crockett "Playing Guitar with Everything" including a drumstick.

Some notable achievements by members of this group include Junior Mercer going on to play with Johnny Paycheck and Con Hunley, Mark Monroe became World Harmonica Champion 5 years in a row, Rob Lavender started a production company and ran sound for many name artists of the time including Jerry Reed, Tom T. Hall, John Conlee and many others. Dale Crockett became a song-writer, and has had a few tunes cut. Including "Full Time Father, Part Time Dad", "But Who's Counting" and "He Would Have Been Five Today".. Of course Dale is also a co-writer on "Clothes Again" a fan favorite. Vince Leggett moved to Nashville and has recorded a couple of albums. Dave Liles has gone on to become a front man and now works with "Big Worm and The Nightcrawlers".