Best wishes to longtime Dumbfounded singer Mark Fisher
It was at a block party in the earlfy 2000s when a neighborhood resident asked if he could sing a song with the band Dumbfounded. Mark Fisher then stepped up to the mic and belted out a spirited rendition of “Born to be Wild,” the Steppenwolf classic that even today still gets our motors running. As Mark was a neighbor and buddy to Dumbfounded’s triple-threat musician George Smith (keyboards, harmonica and drums), they stayed in touch and before long Fisher was a full-fledged member of the band.
Fisher is a born frontman and added a lot of personality to the band without even trying. And he proved over the years that he could lead the band through an entire gig, as occasionally occurred when longstime vocalist Lanny Bryant was unable to attend. And so the two-singer format worked very well, allowing both Lanny and Mark opportunities to travel and providing a level of insurance should one of the guys become ill.
As life goes through countless twists and turns, Dumbfounded has experienced seasons of change. Mark gamely helped out the band through August 2023 after the untimely passing of fellow vocalist Lanny Bryant in late 2022 and did his usual great job. He also helped break in the “new guy,” singer/guitarist Paul Conningham and helped him get acclimated to life in a band that plays classic rock, garage style. But Mark missed his pal Lanny and knew things would never quite be the same. Also, Mark and his wife Cheryl love to spend time in Florida and the Sunshine State was calling… So, after our Court House Cruise-in gig on Aug. 12, Fisher announced that he was stepping away from the rock & roll life after one more gig.
Despite our best efforts to dissuade Mark, he felt the timing was right and knew that Paul Cunningham could take over the singing duties. Fisher’s final gig with us was Aug. 19 at a lovely private party near Yellow Springs. He sang his heart out and the audience was most appreciative.
We wish Mark and Cheryl all the best as they enjoy life in Florida, and suspect that we will be able to lure Fisher back onstage now and then. Perhaps Pelotonia 2024? (Mark has work tirelessly for the Pelotonia event for years and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the fight against cancer.)
So it was with some sadness and many fond memories that we say farewell to Mark Fisher, a fine singer whose trademark style involved getting out in the crowd with his wireless mic and encouraging the audience to sing along and dance the night away. Many blessings to you, Mark Fisher!
But like the Dude in “The Big Lebowski,” Dumbfounded abides and will continue with Paul Cunningham handling most of the singing duties. New songs will be added to the setlist and some surprises may be afoot. So stay tuned, and check back often to see where Dumbfounded will play next.
It was at a block party in the earlfy 2000s when a neighborhood resident asked if he could sing a song with the band Dumbfounded. Mark Fisher then stepped up to the mic and belted out a spirited rendition of “Born to be Wild,” the Steppenwolf classic that even today still gets our motors running. As Mark was a neighbor and buddy to Dumbfounded’s triple-threat musician George Smith (keyboards, harmonica and drums), they stayed in touch and before long Fisher was a full-fledged member of the band.
Fisher is a born frontman and added a lot of personality to the band without even trying. And he proved over the years that he could lead the band through an entire gig, as occasionally occurred when longstime vocalist Lanny Bryant was unable to attend. And so the two-singer format worked very well, allowing both Lanny and Mark opportunities to travel and providing a level of insurance should one of the guys become ill.
As life goes through countless twists and turns, Dumbfounded has experienced seasons of change. Mark gamely helped out the band through August 2023 after the untimely passing of fellow vocalist Lanny Bryant in late 2022 and did his usual great job. He also helped break in the “new guy,” singer/guitarist Paul Conningham and helped him get acclimated to life in a band that plays classic rock, garage style. But Mark missed his pal Lanny and knew things would never quite be the same. Also, Mark and his wife Cheryl love to spend time in Florida and the Sunshine State was calling… So, after our Court House Cruise-in gig on Aug. 12, Fisher announced that he was stepping away from the rock & roll life after one more gig.
Despite our best efforts to dissuade Mark, he felt the timing was right and knew that Paul Cunningham could take over the singing duties. Fisher’s final gig with us was Aug. 19 at a lovely private party near Yellow Springs. He sang his heart out and the audience was most appreciative.
We wish Mark and Cheryl all the best as they enjoy life in Florida, and suspect that we will be able to lure Fisher back onstage now and then. Perhaps Pelotonia 2024? (Mark has work tirelessly for the Pelotonia event for years and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the fight against cancer.)
So it was with some sadness and many fond memories that we say farewell to Mark Fisher, a fine singer whose trademark style involved getting out in the crowd with his wireless mic and encouraging the audience to sing along and dance the night away. Many blessings to you, Mark Fisher!
But like the Dude in “The Big Lebowski,” Dumbfounded abides and will continue with Paul Cunningham handling most of the singing duties. New songs will be added to the setlist and some surprises may be afoot. So stay tuned, and check back often to see where Dumbfounded will play next.
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- 2023 GIGS - Saturday, Sept. 30: Greenfield Oktoberfest. Music starts at 4 o'clock. Come and enjoy the German food, Doxie Derby and other fun events! Sometime in October: Harvesters Ball private event at an undisclosed location near Waynesville. ...more gigs are in the works. Hope to see you soon! PAST GIGS Friday, March 3: Legionnaires, join Dumbfounded as we play at a new venue for us -- the Kettering American Legion Post 598. Music from 7-10 p.m. Friday, April 14: Kettering American Legion Post 598. Music from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, April 29: Lake Waynoka in Brown County. Music from 8-11 p.m. Friday, May 19: Kettering American Legion Post 598. Music from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 10: Benefit to battle Alzheimer's Disease in downtown Washington C.H. Mark your calendars! More details TBA. Saturday, July 22: Aloha Night with Dumbfounded at Champions Grill in Washington C.H. Music starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 29: Pelotonia benefit at Streetside 62 in Washington C.H. Dumbfounded joins with dedicated Pelotonia volunteers in the fight against cancer. Time approximately 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5: Leesburg Festival. Music from 7-10 p.m. as Dumbfounded rocks "The Friendly Village." Saturday, Aug. 12: Court House Cruise In, downtown Washington C.H. Activities from 5-10 o'clock with music to start at 5:30 p.m. on the courthouse steps. There will be classic cars, food trucks and other attractions plus music by Dumbfounded. Saturday, Aug. 19: Yellow Springs Hippie Fest/Corn Roast. Music from 6-9 p.m. SONGS YOU MIGHT HEAR
AT A DUMBFOUNDED SHOW! American Band As Tears Go By Back in the U.S.S.R. Black Magic Woman Boot Scootin’ Boogie Born to be Wild Brown Eyed Girl China Grove Doctor My Eyes Evil Ways Fire Gimme Three Steps Gloria Good Golly Miss Molly Hanky Panky Hang On Sloopy Hold On, I’m Comin’ Honky Tonk Women I Feel Good I Got a Line on You I Saw Her Standing There I Want to Hold Your Hand I’m a Believer Jailhouse Rock Joy to the World Katmandu Kind of a Drag Knock on Wood La Grange Lights Listen to the Music Little Black Egg Long Train Runnin’ Louie Louie Margaritaville Messin' with the Kid Midnight Confessions Midnight Hour Mustang Sally My Girl Nights in White Satin No Matter What Old Time Rock & Roll Oye Como Va Proud Mary Radar Love Runnin' Down A Dream Sleepwalk Smoke on the Water Stand by Me Stealin’ Summer in the City Summer of '69 Summertime Blues Sweet Home Chicago Take it Easy Takin’ Care of Business The Breakup Song The Breeze Treat Her Right Two Tickets to Paradise Unchained Melody Vehicle What I Like About You White Room Whiter Shade of Pale White Wedding Wonderful Tonight Working for the Weekend You Really Got Me |
Happy 70th birthday (July 24) to Dumbfounded's bassist, Mark "Thumper" Lawson. Glad to have you in the band!
DUMBFOUNDED:
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R.I.P. Lanny Bryant, 1952-2022
Lanny Bryant, longtime lead singer for the classic rock band Dumbfounded, passed away Nov. 30, 2022 at the age of 70.
Lanny was much more than a member of a classic rock band. He was a respected public servant who served Greenfield, Ohio for more than 25 years including four years as mayor, numerous terms as a member of Greenfield City Council, and as a community leader and volunteer. Lanny enjoyed a successful career in the printing and publishing business and was employed by Cummings Printing of New Hampshire at the time of his passing.
Lanny was a Christian who put God and family his top priorities, but music was also a lifelong passion. He spent many years singing gospel music and especially loved southern gospel. He performed in many different groups, most notably the Singing Disciples.
In the early 2000s Lanny was enlisted as a vocalist for the classic rock and pop group Dumbfounded and lent his distinctive vibrato to the re-creation of the hits he and his bandmates grew up with in the 1960s and ‘70s.
“Lanny just loved to sing and always kept a positive attitude,” said longtime friend, former co-worker and lead guitarist Ron Coffey. “We got to be close friends while working at Greenfield Printing & Publishing back in the 1980s, and at lunch breaks we talked about ideas to help the community, plans for starting businesses, and a host of other subjects. We sometimes joked about all the money we lost because we didn’t follow through on our business schemes,” Coffey laughed. “But Lanny did a lot of good for the community as a city council member and during his term as mayor in the early 2000s. He also put together a musical show to help raise money for the school district to purchase a new sound system. He helped the Rotary Club book entertainment for the community festival. And he was quite active in his church. Lanny’s faith came through in everything he did.”
Coffey had the task of sharing the news of Lanny’s passing to his bandmates, George Smith, Mark Fisher, Mark Lawson and Ken Gould. “We were all in a state of shock, as most of us had just talked or texted with him and we planned to get together at a band Christmas party over the weekend.”
Lanny’s bandmates echoed his praises, calling him an all-around positive force who loved singing in Dumbfounded and quickly welcomed the newer members into the band. “I loved Lanny,” said bassist Mark Lawson, who joined the band in 2021. “He was always up for making music and loved seeing the audience smiling and singing along.”
“Lanny and I just had a very pleasant phone conversation yesterday (Nov. 30),” said new drummer Ken Gould. “He wanted me to download some music tracks onto his tablet and talking about our upcoming Christmas party. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
“Our last gig with Lanny was one of the most fun performances we have had,” Coffey said. “It was a Halloween party at the Champions Grill in Washington C.H. and Lanny and Mark Fisher came in dressed as the Blues Brothers. They danced around like John Belushi and Dan Akroyd and got the crowd fired up for a good time. It seemed that everyone was happy that night. There were lots of great costumes and the band was really cooking. It was a magical evening!”
Lanny’s fellow “Blues Brother,” Mark Fisher, joined the band after singing “Born to be Wild” at a block party years ago, and the two singers had a close relationship. “Lanny was like a brother. I can’t believe he’s gone. Life really is fragile – spend time with your loved ones,” he advised.
George Smith, who grew up in Greenfield and has known Lanny for a long time, also expressed shock and sadness at the loss. “Lanny was such a good guy, always smiling and easy to work with. He kept up a positive attitude and loved making music with us. His passing is a great loss for his family, his many friends, and the band.”
"Lanny was a man of faith and we are confident he is in a better place," Coffey said. "But his passing leaves a void and we pray for comfort for his wife Shirley and the family. He loved them dearly and had been so happy these past few years. We hope the outpouring of love and the stories shared in coming days will help ease the pain of separation."
Lanny’s funeral took place Monday, Dec. 5 at Good Shepherd Church in Greenfield, followed by burial in the Greenfield Cemetery. The Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield served the family.
Memorial contributions were suggested to the Greenfield Area Christian Center, New Directions, or The Exchange in Blanchester.
Lanny will never be forgotten and cannot be replaced. He will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, including his fellow bandmates in Dumbfounded.
Lanny’s obituary can be found at the following link:
https://www.murrayfettro.com/obituary/lanny-bryant?fh_id=13526
Lanny was much more than a member of a classic rock band. He was a respected public servant who served Greenfield, Ohio for more than 25 years including four years as mayor, numerous terms as a member of Greenfield City Council, and as a community leader and volunteer. Lanny enjoyed a successful career in the printing and publishing business and was employed by Cummings Printing of New Hampshire at the time of his passing.
Lanny was a Christian who put God and family his top priorities, but music was also a lifelong passion. He spent many years singing gospel music and especially loved southern gospel. He performed in many different groups, most notably the Singing Disciples.
In the early 2000s Lanny was enlisted as a vocalist for the classic rock and pop group Dumbfounded and lent his distinctive vibrato to the re-creation of the hits he and his bandmates grew up with in the 1960s and ‘70s.
“Lanny just loved to sing and always kept a positive attitude,” said longtime friend, former co-worker and lead guitarist Ron Coffey. “We got to be close friends while working at Greenfield Printing & Publishing back in the 1980s, and at lunch breaks we talked about ideas to help the community, plans for starting businesses, and a host of other subjects. We sometimes joked about all the money we lost because we didn’t follow through on our business schemes,” Coffey laughed. “But Lanny did a lot of good for the community as a city council member and during his term as mayor in the early 2000s. He also put together a musical show to help raise money for the school district to purchase a new sound system. He helped the Rotary Club book entertainment for the community festival. And he was quite active in his church. Lanny’s faith came through in everything he did.”
Coffey had the task of sharing the news of Lanny’s passing to his bandmates, George Smith, Mark Fisher, Mark Lawson and Ken Gould. “We were all in a state of shock, as most of us had just talked or texted with him and we planned to get together at a band Christmas party over the weekend.”
Lanny’s bandmates echoed his praises, calling him an all-around positive force who loved singing in Dumbfounded and quickly welcomed the newer members into the band. “I loved Lanny,” said bassist Mark Lawson, who joined the band in 2021. “He was always up for making music and loved seeing the audience smiling and singing along.”
“Lanny and I just had a very pleasant phone conversation yesterday (Nov. 30),” said new drummer Ken Gould. “He wanted me to download some music tracks onto his tablet and talking about our upcoming Christmas party. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
“Our last gig with Lanny was one of the most fun performances we have had,” Coffey said. “It was a Halloween party at the Champions Grill in Washington C.H. and Lanny and Mark Fisher came in dressed as the Blues Brothers. They danced around like John Belushi and Dan Akroyd and got the crowd fired up for a good time. It seemed that everyone was happy that night. There were lots of great costumes and the band was really cooking. It was a magical evening!”
Lanny’s fellow “Blues Brother,” Mark Fisher, joined the band after singing “Born to be Wild” at a block party years ago, and the two singers had a close relationship. “Lanny was like a brother. I can’t believe he’s gone. Life really is fragile – spend time with your loved ones,” he advised.
George Smith, who grew up in Greenfield and has known Lanny for a long time, also expressed shock and sadness at the loss. “Lanny was such a good guy, always smiling and easy to work with. He kept up a positive attitude and loved making music with us. His passing is a great loss for his family, his many friends, and the band.”
"Lanny was a man of faith and we are confident he is in a better place," Coffey said. "But his passing leaves a void and we pray for comfort for his wife Shirley and the family. He loved them dearly and had been so happy these past few years. We hope the outpouring of love and the stories shared in coming days will help ease the pain of separation."
Lanny’s funeral took place Monday, Dec. 5 at Good Shepherd Church in Greenfield, followed by burial in the Greenfield Cemetery. The Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield served the family.
Memorial contributions were suggested to the Greenfield Area Christian Center, New Directions, or The Exchange in Blanchester.
Lanny will never be forgotten and cannot be replaced. He will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, including his fellow bandmates in Dumbfounded.
Lanny’s obituary can be found at the following link:
https://www.murrayfettro.com/obituary/lanny-bryant?fh_id=13526
