WDouglasHyler.com
" A Lifetime of Music - From Soul Bands, and Regional Tours,
to Today's Performances. "
FOR BOOKING OR INFORMATION:
PO Box 277
Hastings, Nebraska 68902
910.916.9389 (cell)
leave a call back number or email
W. Douglas Hyler is a singer, musician, and soloist whose career spans decades of live performances across the East Coast, Midwest and into Canada, with his musical roots centered in the Carolinas. Over the years he performed with several well-known R&B and soul bands including The Sensational Soulmasters, Truth, and The Men of Soul.
During the height of the beach music and soul era, these groups shared the stage with legendary artists such as James Brown, Arthur Conley, Percy Sledge, Jackie Wilson, Bill Withers, The Drifters, Blood Sweat & Tears, and The Chairmen of the Board. They also recorded regional hits including “You Took Away the Sunshine”, I'll Be Waiting Here, by The Sensational Soulmasters, “Maybe Soon” by Truth, and “I Like the Music” by The Men of Soul.
The Sensational Soulmasters were offered tours of Europe with Arthur Conley and were featured in the books The Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music by Greg Haynes and It’s Better to Cry by British author E. Mark Windle. The Men of Soul later backed Archie Bell and recorded on Ripete and KHP labels in the Carolinas.
After countless performances over several decades, Doug continues sharing the music he loves through his current projects, Thayer & Hyler and Motown Boogie and Blues, celebrating the timeless sound of soul, beach music, and classic R&B.
Music has always been my first passion.
I love the freedom,
creativity, and social interaction.
I love the feeling of turning movement and breath into sound waves that touch and
hopefully inspire listeners.
Current Projects
Thayer & Hyler ,
Motown Boogie and Blues,
Free Beer and Chicken (AKA Chicken Parts)
Thayer & Hyler
“Combining technology with years of stage expertise, our duo offers a seamless musical experience. Enjoy the grandeur of a big band sound without the hefty price tag, all while ensuring a complete and entertaining performance.
Thayer & Hyler draw upon a vast array of musical genres and artists, spanning across decades and styles. Their musical heritage traces back to the revolutionary sounds of The Beatles and the soulful beats of the Memphis sound epitomized by John "R" and embodied by legends like Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin. Their inspiration spans a diverse spectrum of genres, and their influences mirror a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of musical and artistic expression throughout history.
Free Beer & Chicken
“Free Beer and Chicken.” That name was taken from a John Lee Hooker album and served the band well in their 25-year travels through six midwestern states. The group got their start in small-town, Nelson, Nebraska on the stage of an annual production featuring local talent. Interspersed with music and comedy, the shows became so popular that as many as 1600 people would attend over three nights in the town of 500 people. The musicians and two comedians from those shows formed Free Beer and Chicken and began performing at corporate events with Jensen scripting most of the comedic bits that were tailored for the group that was being entertained. Eventually Free Beer and Chicken morphed into a popular dance band focusing on performing for community celebrations and weddings. Covid dissolved the band’s schedule in 2020 and that led to the disbanding of the group in 2021. Four musicians remained interested in continuing to perform and that led to those remaining parts of Free Beer and Chicken to becoming “Chicken Parts.” Tom Jensen
Motown Boogie & Blues
Motown Boogie and Blues started as a solo show based on the sound developed out of the shadows of Motown. Now as a Duo, or Solo, musical styles originate from the height of '68 creativity and include covers of Hitsville USA, the Muscle Shoals sound, Funk, Kick & Country,........ All designed the keep the crowd moving. Motown Boogie and Blues honors and respects the artists , writers and producers of this music which was perfectly placed to both inspire and reflect social change.
Influences:
Joe Turner, Fats Domino, Jackie Wilson, Elvis Presley, Barret Strong, Bill Robinson, Lamont Dozier, The Miracles, The Marvelettes, The Funk Brothers, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Bruno Mars, The Isley Brothers, David Ruffin, Rare Earth, Paul Simon, Glen Frey, Delbert McClinton, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Picket, Percy Sledge, Arthur Conley, Clarence Carter, Arthur Alexander, Duane Allman, The Rolling Stones, .............. Kennedy, King, 1968, and a sound that transcended race.
So, Let's Dance, Smile & Feel Good.
Musical Timeline
The year was 1965
The Soulmasters
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City Council
The year was 1969
The year was 1970
Truth
The year was 1975
Kicks
Fox & Company
The year was 1976
Stratus
The year was 1978
Silver Creek
The year was 1980
Backstreet
The year was 1982
Night Trax
The year was 1988
The Men of Soul
The year was 1990 - 2010
Jeff Scales, James Edward Smith
"Double o Soul" "Tramp Doggy Dog"
1.17.1949 - 8.7.2026
The year was 2011 to the Present
Free Beer
&
Chicken
aka
Chicken Parts
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