NOMINATION SUMMARY: CRAIG CRONBAUGH
Candidate for Induction into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
OVERVIEW:
Craig Cronbaugh has been a steadfast presence in Iowa’s music scene since the 1970s—on stage as a drummer, behind the scenes as a preservationist and producer and in leadership as an organizer of musical heritage projects. His body of work spans five decades and bridges state, regional and national levels.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Drummer since the 1970s, performing with multiple Iowa-based groups for over 50 years
• Author and historian, published biographer of Frankie Laine, with whom he developed a close personal friendship
• Curator of a significant Frankie Laine memorabilia collection, preserving the artist’s legacy for future generations
• Video producer for Dodie Stevens, chart-topping artist of “Pink Shoe Laces,” creating modern media that furthers classic artists’ visibility
• Current Board Member of the Midwest All-Music Association (MAMA), and primary organizer of MAMA’s Hall of Fame events
• Namesake of the newly established “Craig Cronbaugh Drummer Scholarship”, awarding
an annual $500 grant to deserving young percussionists
• Former staff member at the Iowa State Capitol, lending professional communication and public relations expertise to government and historical initiatives
• Repeatedly nominated for IRRMA Hall of Fame by nationally recognized figures and fellow inductees including:
• Dodie Stevens (#1 Billboard record: “Pink Shoe Laces” and movie star)
• Jim Freeman (The Five Satins – “In The Still Of The Night”)
• Doug Koempel (2-time IRRMA inductee, Grammy-nomination ballot songwriter, Chart Records artist)
• Multiple other musicians and historians across Iowa and beyond
“Craig is not only deserving—he’s overdue. I’m proud to have worked with him and honored to support this nomination.”
— Dodie Stevens, Billboard #1 charting artist (“Pink Shoe Laces”)