After a courageous three-year battle with Leukemia and following a triple bypass, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, David “Dave” Waggoner, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love. He was by the side of his devoted wife, Karen, with whom he shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage. In his final days, Dave was comforted by the presence of his family and the knowledge that he would soon be free from pain.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his daughters, Tracy (Raymond Leveillee), Shannon Waggoner (Michael Buenting), and Jessica (Aaron Lindberg). He was an incredibly proud grandfather to seven grandchildren—Taylor, Gabby, Lucas, Bella, Delaney, Jaxson, and Charlee Jo—each of whom brought him immense joy. He also leaves behind his cherished great-granddaughter, Veda Ruth.

He is also survived by his brother, Dana Waggoner (Kathy), and will be deeply missed by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, niece, nephew, and the many lifelong friends who meant so much to him.

Dave and Karen were residents of Minneapolis, MN, and then moved to Isabella, MN, from 1971 to 1981.  Many memories and friends were made during this time.  In 1981, they returned to Coon Rapids, MN, where more lifelong friends were made, and they continued to raise their family.  In 2008, they left the 4 seasons of MN and moved to Apache Junction, AZ, still spending their summers in MN with family and friends. 

Dave Waggoner was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and began performing professionally as a teenager. He started in the early 1960s playing bass with local garage bands such as The Aardvarks, before transitioning into a frontman role.

By 1965, he had become the lead vocalist of Jokers Wild, a prominent Twin Cities group. Initially also playing keyboards, Waggoner soon focused entirely on lead vocals—establishing the powerful, bluesy voice that would define his later success.

In 1967, Waggoner left Jokers Wild to co-found South 40, a new band assembled from members of Jokers Wild and The Rave-Ons.

South 40 released a live album in 1968, then—after gaining regional attention—changed its name to Crow and secured a recording contract.

With Waggoner as lead singer, Crow achieved national success:

Their 1969 single “Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games with Me)” reached the Billboard Top 20

Follow-up hits included “Cottage Cheese” and “King of Rock ’n’ Roll.”

During this period (1969–1971), Crow toured extensively across North America, sharing stages with major acts like Janis Joplin and the Steve Miller Band.

Waggoner’s gritty, soulful vocal style became a defining feature of the band’s blues-rock sound.

Waggoner left Crow in 1971 and recorded a solo album under the name “David Wagner d/b/a Crow.”

Afterward, he continued performing with several regional acts, most notably:

Whiskey River (mid-to-late 1970s)

Various touring and local projects

In 1979–1982, he re-formed a new version of Crow (“Crow featuring Dave Wagner”), recording additional material and continuing live performances.

Beyond Crow, Waggoner remained active in the Midwest music scene for decades:

Continued performing with reformed versions of Crow (from the late 1980s onward)

Fronted or appeared with groups such as Jack Daniels Band

Maintained a steady live performance schedule, including solo shows

He has received multiple regional honors, including induction into:

Minnesota Rock/Country Hall of Fame (2005)

Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2009)

Minnesota Music Hall of Fame (2024)

Musical legacy

Dave Waggoner is widely regarded as one of the key figures in Minnesota’s late-1960s rock scene. His career traces a classic trajectory of that era:

His work with Crow, especially “Evil Woman,” remains his most enduring contribution, with the song later covered by major artists and helping cement the band’s place in American rock history.

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