MEET THE BAND 2023 MEMBERS
Mike Hill: an original McPherson resident King Midas band member who started out playing in a local band called the Imperials. After High School graduation, the Imperials broke up, and King Midas was formed with the original members: Bob Hapgood, Dale Frans, Dennis Frans, Rick Johnson, and Mike. Mike attended McPherson College & in 1967 he left the band to serve 4 yrs. in the U S Air Force & graduated from the Northeast Broadcast School of Boston, MA. Mike came home to rejoin King Midas. Still playing his Fender Telecaster that he purchased new in the early 70’s and cranks out that 60’s twang guitar style. Working in radio since 1971, he is now retired from vice president, station manager, and part-owner of KSKU Ad Astra per Aspera Broadcasting, in Hutchinson. Mike and his wife, Dianne, have raised three sons, all musicians, & proud grandparents of 5 boys.
Tim Hill: youngest son of original member Mike Hill, provides King Midas with a golden voice for their many styles of music. Tim started his musical career, at age 11, as singer for the “Sons of Midas”. Tim is also the singer for “The Marmots” band. Following his dad’s example by playing guitar, and growing up since birth in this Midas band family; Tim took the reigns as lead vocalist for the Midas band in the new year of 2010. Tim, wife Mindy, & young son reside in Moundridge, KS. Tim is employed with CHS Refinery in McPherson, KS.
Bobby Hapgood: Is the youngest son of original member & founder of the King Midas Band, the late Bob Hapgood, who passed away on May 1st 2007. Bobby, honoring his dad’s memory, took the throne as the band’s drummer. He comes from a long family history of “Hapgood” musicians that goes all the way back to the 1800’s! His dad started playing in 1957 with “Micky Decker & the Galaxies” (McPherson, KS) & “The Spartans” out of Boulder Colorado. Bobby works for Advisors Excel, an insurance marketing organization in Topeka, KS, as a radio producer. Producing weekly radio shows for financial advisors across the country. At age 11 he was the original drummer of “The Sons of Midas” & “The Marmots”. He now also plays drums for the Kansas City party band "Landrush”. Bobby is a ’96 graduate of Hutchinson CC with an Arts Degree. Moving from his hometown McPherson to Lawrence where he graduated KU in 2000 with a BA in Delinquency & Juvenile Justice. You can also hear him on occasions drumming for the Alumni Pep Band at the KU BB games. Bobby is proudly sponsored by Sabian Cymbols & Scorpion Percussion Drumsticks. He is an active member of the Lawrence & Topeka communities. We are pleased to have him on board & the “Midas” legacy lives on!
Mark Casebeer: growing up & graduating from McPherson High School is where Mark’s accomplished trumpet playing began. Mark played with many different Army Bands while serving in the military. In 1969 Mark felt honored to play taps for General Dwight D. Eisenhower memorial service in Abilene, KS. Once out of the service he played with many different bands in Chicago, Denver, & Dallas. Returning home to Kansas, he toured with bands The Avontes, Soul Patrol, & The Kopy Kats. Currently resides in Lindsborg, KS with his wife Patty. Together they have five sons, one daughter, & fifteen grandchildren. https://www.cjonline.com/news/20190505/lindsborg-man-plays-trumpet-for-over-1000-funerals
https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20190505/lindsborg-man-plays-trumpet-for-over-1000-funerals
Ralph Brown: of Hutchinson, KS. has forever been addicted to music & is a current Mufler member. At the age of 8, Ralph was greatly influenced from listening to Charlie Parker records. Ralph started playing saxophone at age 13. In 1968, Ralph joined the US Navy. He is a Vietnam vet. He plays a wailing sax and provides special percussion sounds to Midas. He adds the spice of a New Orleans jazz musician with his unusual vocal style. Ralph and his wife Juanita have three sons and one daughter who are all musicians.
Watch youtube video of "Records with Ralph"
Ron Foulk: Ron’s inspiring musical background comes from his father’s bass & steel guitar playing in several country bands, and mother who played piano. Becoming a seasoned bass player from performing through the years with many different rock & country bands, he is now the extreme bassist for the King Midas Band. Ronnie’s driving bass makes people want to get up and dance, and that’s what King Midas and the Muflers is all about! After serving his country during the Vietnam War, Ron returned home to Hutchinson, KS where he recently retired from Hutchinson Salt Mines. He is the father of three adult children.
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