09/16/2023
Radio Stars
Combine a whole lot of energy with a distinctive take on modern and traditional Western-style tunes, and you’ve got The Radio Stars! The band consists of: “Magic” Merrill Piepkorn-harmonica, guitars, Gregg “Smokey” Temple- electric, acoustic and pedal steel guitars, Loy Larson- champion fiddler and mandolin, and Jim Allen-bass guitar. All of the band members sing. In addition to performing “sit-down” concert events, the Radio Stars can keep a dance floor packed with a variety of two-steps, waltzes, a polka or two (in the form of a jumpin’ fiddle tune), along with an occasional truck drivin’ song.
The band’s roots reach back to 1972, when Smokey and Magic began playing coffee houses and local bars while attending Concordia College in Moorhead. Following graduation they formed the regionally popular band Skunk Hollow, that a few folks around here still remember! When Merrill quit the band to move back to Fargo, he began playing with Loy. In the meantime, Smokey hooked up with Jim. The fellas reunited in 2005, performing western, folk, popular and gospel music. Recent performances have included appearances on A Prairie Home Companion national radio show, the mainstage at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, Minot’s Norsk Hostfest several county fairs, steam thresher reunions, and a series of barn dances across the state. One music reviewer cleverly described the Radio Stars music as “Country music…with a twist”.
Biographical Notes:
Merrill Piepkorn-Dubbed “Magic Merrill” for his dazzling skills on the harmonica, Piepkorn has fashioned a career out of music and radio broadcasting. He spent 13 years as host of the statewide Prairie Public radio program, Here It Now, and you may see him on the region-wide the Hour of Worship telecast. Merrill has appeared several times, often with Temple and Larson at the Dakota Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Medora. He currently serves in the North Dakota State Senate. Married to Connie, they are the proud grandparents to 2 ½ year old, Nora Piepkorn, New Brighton MN.
Gregg, “Smokey”, Temple resides in St. Paul MN, but does most of his musical performing in North Dakota, traveling the state with his lifetime musical partner, Merrill Piepkorn. Recently retired as President of the sales division of a major printing company in the Twin Cities, Temple now devotes more time to his lifelong passion of music, and he and his wife Mary share their recently acquired passion of just hanging out with their grandchildren!!
Loy Larson heads up his own insurance agency in Fargo, while maintaining his position as the premier fiddle and mandolin master in the region. In addition to a rigorous performing schedule, Loy teaches beginning and advanced violin to students of all ages. And yes, Loy and his wife Pam also enjoy the company of several grandkids!
Jim Allen’s music career began in Chico California where he performed as a soloist in local pubs while attending college. Switching to bass in the early 80s, Jim performed with numerous bands after moving to Phoenix Arizona. Jim moved to Minnesota in 1986 where he continued playing bass with multiple bands for the past 36 years. He has been married to his wife, Lynn, for 39 years, has 2 daughters, and yes, you guessed it, 4 grandkids and enjoys playing golf in his free time after retiring in 2017.
as appeared several times, often with Temple and Larson at the Dakota Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Medora. He currently serves in the North Dakota State Senate. Married to Connie, they are the proud grandparents to 2 ½ year old, Nora Piepkorn, New Brighton MN.
Gregg, “Smokey”, Temple resides in St. Paul MN, but does most of his musical performing in North Dakota, traveling the state with his lifetime musical partner, Merrill Piepkorn. Recently retired as President of the sales division of a major printing company in the Twin Cities, Temple now devotes more time to his lifelong passion of music, and he and his wife Mary share their recently acquired passion of just hanging out with their grandchildren!!
Loy Larson heads up his own insurance agency in Fargo, while maintaining his position as the premier fiddle and mandolin master in the region. In addition to a rigorous performing schedule, Loy teaches beginning and advanced violin to students of all ages. And yes, Loy and his wife Pam also enjoy the company of several grandkids!
Jim Allen’s music career began in Chico California where he performed as a soloist in local pubs while attending college. Switching to bass in the early 80s, Jim performed with numerous bands after moving to Phoenix Arizona. Jim moved to Minnesota in 1986 where he continued playing bass with multiple bands for the past 36 years. He has been married to his wife, Lynn, for 39 years, has 2 daughters, and yes, you guessed it, 4 grandkids and enjoys playing golf in his free time after retiring in 2017.
