Within a few seconds, once you hear the familiar guitar and harmonica lick, you’ll immediately recognize the treasured serenade “If You Wanna Get to Heaven.” The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have delighted audiences worldwide for over 50 years with their impeccable harmonies, musicianship, and creativity.
TIMELINE: LATE 1971 — THE BEGINNINGS OF THE OZARKS’ FINEST
It all began at the New Bijou Theater in Springfield, Missouri, where Randy Chowning, Larry Lee, and John Dillon first came together, planting the seeds of something special. As songwriters united by their love for original music, they didn’t 
seek a lead singer. This was all about collaboration. Mike “Supe” Granda was brought in, and Steve Cash picked up the harmonica. Buddy Brayfield joined on piano. Their first gig? The St. Johns Hospital Psych Ward.
They started off as The Emergency Band and then The Family Tree. Another name, The Burlap Socks, was thrown around during the “Name the Band” party. According to Dwight Glenn, the band’s manager, “After 
trying out 800 different names, they finally settled on Cosmic Corn Cob & His Amazing Ozark Mountain Daredevils.” This name was ultimately shortened to The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, the name that fans have come to know and love for over 50 years.
THE BREAKTHROUGH: FROM THE OZARKS TO LONDON
One of the defining moments came when world-renowned music producers Glyn Johns and David Anderle caught a live performance at the Cowtown Ballroom in Kansas City. They were on a mission to discover a band that could encapsulate an authentically American sound. The producers worked with The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Beatles and were particularly impressed by The Daredevils’ harmonies. This led to a trip to the Ozarks, where they helped the band select the songs for their first album.
Soon after, the band flew across the pond to London with their wives, girlfriends, and families to begin recording at the legendary Olympic Studios. They stayed for six weeks in an ancient castle, not far from where The Beatles had just recorded their final album, Let It Be. Dwight reflects, “This little hippie band from Springfield, Missouri, in just one year, went from not even being a band to recording with the best producer in the world in London.”
The result of that magical experience? Their self-titled debut album, often called The Quilt Album, was released in 1973. It marked a major milestone in their career, featuring the iconic hit “If You Wanna Get to Heaven,” co-written by John Dillon and Steve Cash. This track became one of their most beloved songs and helped solidify their place in the 1970s music scene and for decades beyond.
Recorded under the guidance of Johns, who had worked with The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Beatles, the album captured the band’s raw energy and creativity. “If You Wanna Get to Heaven” peaked at #25 on the charts and continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
THE HARMONICAS, THE HITS, AND THE FAME
In addition to their innovative songwriting, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are known for their unique sound. Steve Cash, the band’s harmonica player, played left-handed and upside-down, an unconventional style that became one of their defining elements. Local Lake resident Buddy Brayfield, the band’s talented piano player, also brought a distinctive dimension to their music. Despite their hard work, the success of their songs often caught them by surprise, especially when their hit “Jackie Blue” from It’ll Shine When It Shines reached #1 on May 17, 1975. The song became a defining moment in 70s rock.
After “Jackie Blue” hit #1 on both U.S. Radio & Records and in- ternationally, the band was living the dream of touring on A&M’s dime, flying on planes, hopping on buses, and experiencing the good life. Eventually, they were asked to move to Los Angeles to make ap- pearances on The Johnny Carson Show and The Mike Douglas Show. But they said, “No, thanks.” They were writing about what was truly inspiring them at the time, and living in the grassroots of Missouri offered that creativity in writing that made them who they were. With young families at home, the idea of being away from their wives and kids didn’t sit right with them. This band has always stayed true to who they are, and that’s part of what makes them so unique.
Lake local Buddy Brayfield, fondly known as Dr. Buddy, left the band in 1976 to pursue a career in medicine. In 2002, he founded Kid’s Harbor at Lake of the Ozarks, a collaborative initiative that brings to- gether law enforcement, child services, and healthcare professionals to investigate child abuse, ensuring better communication and support for children in need. Manager Dwight Glenn noted how much the band loves and respects Buddy and that he’s done so many amazing things for the Lake area. Dr. Buddy still makes concert cameo appear- ances today, much to the delight of Daredevil fans.
LOOKING BACK AT 50 YEARS
When asked about the band’s vast history, Dwight Glenn, the band’s manager, estimates that they’ve played over 3,000 concerts across the world. Over the years, 35 different musicians have graced the stage as a Daredevil, but one thing has remained constant – their commitment to the music. Glenn explains, “The band loves playing with one another; it’s the love of the raw music collaboration and enjoyment of being among musicians with the same passion.”
THE FINAL TOUR
After half a century of performing, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are retiring from touring, but they’re not disappearing. On January 26, 2024, they announced their “When It Shines” Farewell Tour, with their show scheduled for June 28, 2025, at Ozarks Amphitheater. But according to Dwight Glenn, it’s not the end of the road. “We’re not retir- ing; we’re just slowing down. We’ll still play, just not as many dates. The music is the escape, and the music is free.”
CONNECTION TO THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS
Glenn expressed his gratitude for the Lake of the Ozarks. He says, “It’s not about us. We want to shine a spotlight on what’s happening at the Amphitheater and the Lake.” Many band members have cabins here, and it’s a place where they all come to unwind and enjoy some time away. It’s a spot that means so much to them, and they truly appreciate the community.
A NEW CHAPTER: CONTINUING TO DELIGHT
As they look toward their final dates, the Daredevils continue to weave together bluegrass, rock, and country, much to the delight of their worldwide fanbase. Dwight Glenn explains that the band’s unique sense of family and their ability to bring joy to audiences will continue to shine through, even in this next chapter. Fans can expect to hear new songs and maybe even some re-recorded classics during the final tour. The legacy of The Ozark Mountain Daredevils is not just in the music but in the memories they’ve created with their fans over the decades. Their contribution to music, culture, and the American sound will live on for years to come.