A short professional biography of Doug Koempel, Iowa Performing Artist.” The Iowan Magazine, Des Moines, IA: The Iowan, Inc., July-August 1999.
Excerpt: "Koempel, the Memory Brothers’ originator, is unlike many entertainers who just play part time and hold down a day job. “Most musicians don’t consider performing a real job and have another job, doing a weekend gig in their bands,” Doug observes. The Memory Brothers is Koempel’s career. He devotes his full time to his music profession. With the exception of occasional out-of-state engagements, Koempel has performed in Iowa for over 30 years."
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Reviewed by Tamra Glass
Reviewed on February 4, 2003
This insightful article captures the essence of Koempel's genius!
The story of Ron Hull, paralyzed in a surgical accident back in the dreaded polio epidemic days, was able to overcome most of the stigma and stereotypes and "pass for normal" for 30 years. As Ron's paralysis increased gradually through the next 20