Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BASEMENT TAPES
BASEMENT TAPES. Dubuque's first locally produced album, "Basement Tapes," was a project of KFMD-FM D-93 RADIO and its music director, Steve SESTERHENN. Involving the rock music of seven area bands, the album was released in 1980.
An estimated 2,200 copies of the record were sold for $3.93 each at fifteen record stores, department stores, and bars where the groups usually performed. The profits estimated at $3,000 was designated for United Way of Dubuque. Further publicity of the album came from a KFMD "Battle of the Bands" held on November 7, 1980 in FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER. Four area rock groups performed for prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000. Far more important to the musicians, however, was the opportunity had performing before judges from such giant recording companies as Columbia, EMI, MCA, Atlantic, Electric, and Epic.
---
Source:
Darlin, Damon, "Album Brings Exposure to Dubuque-Area Bands," Telegraph Herald, November 13, 1980, p. 15