Calling themselves Da BoDeans, the original duo was Kurt Neumann (vocals & electric guitar) and Sam Llanas (vocals & acoustic guitar). In 1984 they teamed up with Guy Hoffman (drums). The trio quickly became a popular band on Milwaukee's East Side music scene. By the close of that year, Bob Griffin (bass), was brought into the group. In 1985 the quartet signed a contract with Slash/Warner Records and shortened their name to simply BoDeans. Under the guidance of producer T-Bone Burnett, they entered Hollywood's Sunset Sound Factory in October to record their first album. The critically acclaimed debut Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams was released in 1986.
In January 1987, a Rolling Stone reader poll voted them Best New American Band. They have rotated through various musicians, including keyboardists Michael Ramos and Susan Julian, and drummers Rick Jeager, Kenny Aronoff, Rafael Gayol, Nick Kitsos, and most recently, Kevin Leahy.
Their 1993 song "Closer to Free" was selected as the theme song to the TV series Party of Five.
The band took some time off in the late 1990s so Sam and Kurt could each record solo albums. Sam created Absinthe "A Good Day To Die" with the help of Milwaukee musicians Jim Eannelli (guitars and bass) and Guy Hoffman (formerly of Oil Tasters and Violent Femmes, currently of Radio Romeo). Kurt released his solo album called Shy Dog on which he plays all the instruments.
In 2001 the 17-song compilation The Best Of BoDeans - Slash and Burn was released on London/Slash/Rhino. In 2004 they returned with new songs on Resolution released on Rounder/Zoe. Their most recent CD, in 2005, is Homebrewed: Live from the Pabst. At the end of 2005, a DVD for Homebrewed: Live from the Pabst was released.
Around January 2006, Bob Griffin left the band for unknown reasons.
Closer To Free
When The Love Is Good
You Don't Get Much
Fadeaway
