Trees (Band)

Trees were a rock band that were popular in the 1960s in the South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota region. The band started out as "The Trees," but changed the name to Trees (no the) in an attempt to be hip and different. Trees hailed from Madison, South Dakota.

The original line up included Jeff Severson on rhythm guitar, Craig Stroud on lead guitar, Dick Brown on bass guitar, Rob Coates on drums, and Rocky Grace on keyboards. While other bands of the region in the late 60s were doing white, pale imitations of soul music, the Trees dared to be different. Long hair, counter culture garb, and the driving sound of Craig's Rickenbacker 12 string defined their image and sound. Trees were known for their covers of songs by the Byrds, Bob Dylan, The Who, Them, The Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, as well as original tunes.

A couple of the Trees went on have successful music careers after the band dissolved. Rocky Grace later joined with Joe Walsh and played keyboards on the classic rock staple Rocky Mountain Way. Jeff Severson has had a life long career as a successful producer, musician, and songwriter and has played along with or produced a long list of well known acts.