Don has been playing music professionally since the age of 15. He began his career as a guitarist and had his own dance band, The Rhythm Ramblers.Don has been playing music professionally since the age of 15. He began his career as a guitarist and had his own dance band, The Rhythm Ramblers.
He later took up the banjo and played in Gaslight Square at Your Father's Mustache. In 1967, he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show with other players from the Mustache as part of "the world's finest banjo band." It was at this time that he met many of the performers with whom he has worked throughout his career.
Don has played the nightclub circuit form Chicago to New Orleans, but it is here in St. Louis that he and his bands are best known.
Many folks remember fondly, the rip-roaring fun of the Banjo Palace. Members of the original Banjo Band still play together at least once a year at Democrat Days in Hannibal, Missouri.
Good times were had by all at The Sting, Marriott's Spanish Pavillion and in Laclede's Landing at Kennedy's. The Don Scherrer Bands continue to thrill audiences of all ages on the decks of The Gateway Arch Riverboats. Their association with the boats goes back 20 years, when the company was still known as Streckfus Steamers. In the mid 1980's, Don returned to his dance band roots playing both guitar and banjo on the daytime cruises on the Riverboat President and on The Belle of St. Louis. The bands continue to delight dances on the public dinner cruises.
Over the years, Don has appeared on local and national television and been featured on several recording including the three available here.
In addition to all this, Don has been recognized officially twice in his career. On September 16, 1975 he was named Official Missouri State Ragtime Banjo Player by act of the Missouri Congress. The award was presented by Senator Cason.
April 4, 1991 was procalimed Don Scherrer Day in the City of St. Louis by Mayor Vincent Schoemehl.
Don and his groups can currently be heard on the public dinner cruises aboard the Becky Thatcher and Tom Sawyer Riverboats. Check back for updates on future appearances.
