02/28/06

                                                                Welcome to the Bongo Bill Bogan web site

“Bongo” Bill Bogan is the drummer/percussionist for Ernie Couch and Revival.  “Bongo” was born on July 18^th 1967 in Evansville Indiana.  His parents are Jerry and Rosie Bogan, who still reside in Evansville.   “Bongo” is the oldest of three sons.  His middle brother Rick and his wife Barb along with their two sons, Andrew and Tyler still live in Evansville as well.  His youngest brother Gene, along with his wife Cheryl, their daughter Meridith and their son Zachary reside in Newburgh Indiana.  “Bongo” is also the proud father of an 11 year old daughter named Makenzie.  Makenzie lives in Boonville Indiana and has picked up on some of her dad’s rhythm. She loves to grab a shaker or tambourine and play along when she can.

            “Bongo” has many hobbies, most of them being sports related.  He has coached basketball and volleyball.  He is an avid college basketball fan. (both men's and ladies competition)  He likes watching pro football and all levels of baseball.  He also enjoys playing golf.  He has played in sports leagues in basketball, volleyball and softball since he was old enough to “lace em up.”  Being a percussionist, another of “Bongo's hobbies is tuning and working on drum sets and other percussion instruments. 

            “Bongo” went to high school in his home city of Evansville.  He attended Central High School and was very involved in all aspects of the music department.  After graduation from there, he attended Oakland City College in Oakland City Indiana.

            Since joining Ernie Couch and Revival, “Bongo” has relocated to Nashville, and is quickly adjusting to life south of the Mason Dixon line. 

  "Bongo” Bill Bogan has been playing drums since he was 12 years old.  He got his start while attending Scott Township General Baptist Church in Evansville.  He learned the basics by watching the drummer at the time, Steve Hobbs.  He played there as he grew up and all through his high school years.  While in high school, “Bongo” was very active in many aspects of the music program, and influenced heavily by his choir instructor, Bill Johnson and his band/orchestra leader, Mark Eifler. “Bongo” sang in the school choir, and the Madrigal Choir.  On the band side of things, “Bongo” played in the Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra and also participated in the Solo and Ensemble contests.  After Bongo moved to Oakland City for college, he played in a regional Contemporary Christian band called “Freedom Alert.”  During his college years, “Bongo”s passion for playing on the road was developed.   From his weekend gigs with “Freedom Alert” to playing drums for the college choir on the trip to New Orleans, he loved playing and traveling.  While singing with the college choir, “Bongo” became friends with Ernie Haase and Scott Fowler.  Both of these guys were influential in “Bongo” being introduced to the world of Southern Gospel music.  After college, "Bongo" returned to his home church and resumed his drumming there.  One Sunday afternoon, a regional group named the “Gospel Sounds” came to his church and played the church’s homecoming.  They were looking for a drummer to travel with them and “Bongo” auditioned and was given the opportunity to play for them.  He stayed with the group for 5 years and the band won the Indiana Gospel Music Association’s award for Band of the Year.  After leaving the Gospel Sounds, “Bongo” played at his home church for a few years, until beginning to attend Crossroads Christian Church in Newburgh Indiana, and played there until recently joining Ernie Couch and Revival. 

“Bongo” has had many influences in his musical career.  From his teachers in high school to his friends in college, to the musicians he has shared the stage with as a part of a group.  Some of his drumming influences include Dave Weckl, Alex Acuna, Anton Fig, Kenny Aronoff, Greg Ritchie and Robb Tripp.  Each, through their style of playing, has had some influence on how “Bongo” plays.