Marengo band makes hall of fame

MARENGO — The Marengo community and surrounding area has enjoyed the music of the Homegrown Band for at least 55 years.

This group of musicians was honored on Aug. 31 by being inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame along with eight other Iowa band groups recognized by the state for their significant contribution to rock 'n' roll music in the state.

More than 550 groups and 2,000 individuals have been added to the Hall of Fame since its start in 1997.

Inductees must have a minimum of 25 years of experience in the music industry.

The Mattison boys, sons of George Jr. and Magil Mattison, grew up in a home surrounded by music. Their father played guitar along with his brothers, Bob and John.

Reg Mattison recalls that he honed his drum skills as a child with two hair brushes on an ironing board. Reg, Ken, and George III linked with other musicians of the area to form the Homegrown Band, so named because the original members were “homegrown” in Marengo.

The original band was comprised of Tom “Digger” Patterson, who played bass guitar and sang vocals; John “Johnny Bill” Hadenfeldt, who played rhythm guitar sang vocals; Reg Mattison who played drums and sang; Ken Mattison who played rhythm guitar provided vocals and was often called upon as a relief player; and George Mattison III who played lead guitar, steel guitar, banjo and harp.

Throughout the years, some members moved away and others joined the group. Those members, in no specific order, were Barbara Mattison (wife of Reg) doing lead vocals, harmony and fiddle; Wayne Kanke on keyboard; Lee Toomsen as lead vocal and acoustic guitar; Susan Manson on bass guitar and doing vocals; and Jeff Mattison (son of George III) on lead guitar and vocals.

Reg Mattison has been the booking agent for the band and handled the equipment needed for their performances.

The band has performed all around Eastern Iowa for wedding dances, anniversary occasions and American Legion events (Halloween, Christmas, and fireman activities), as well as telethons and benefits. They have traveled to entertain crowds from the Quad Cities to west of Ames.

Weather has never interfered with their performances — even if it meant they must leave two or three hours earlier than normal.

Audience participation was always encouraged by the band, and their antics on stage created a fun gathering. The leader of the levity was usually Digger, and Barb was usually the brunt of their comedy, but she handled it well with her own capability for quick comebacks.

Over the past few years the band has lost two of its former members to death — Tom Patterson and Wayne Kanke. Those men remain in the hearts of the remaining members and are remembered for their music as well as friendship.

Health issues for the rest of the band members have slowed down their number of performances in recent years, but they still gather for benefits whenever possible.

Certainly this band is well-known throughout the Iowa County and surrounding area. At some point or for some occasion, nearly everyone over the age of 20 has enjoyed music by the Homegrown Band.

This fall the Homegrown Band was inducted in the Band Category for their music contributions within the state. Eleven other categories were also recognized at this annual event in Arnolds Park.

The museum site there recognizes all who have thus far been inducted.

In 2018, the Homegrown Band and George Mattison III as an individual were recognized by the Midwest All Music Hall of Fame which takes place at various locations in the state, but there is no designated museum or regular site in Iowa for this organization.