Kurt Robert Neumann (born October 9, 1961)[1] is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter.[2] He is a co-founder of the roots-rock band BoDeans.[2][3]
History
Neumann co-founded BoDeans in Wisconsin in the 1980s.[4][3] The band's style encompasses multiple rock genres, including roots rock,[2] heartland rock,[5] and alternative rock.[6] In January 1987, a Rolling Stone reader poll voted BoDeans the Best New American Band.[7] The band's biggest hit to date is "Closer to Free",[8] which was used as the theme song to the hit TV series Party of Five.[9][10] BoDeans has a permanent installation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.[11]
In 1997, Neumann recorded a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" for the compilation One Step Up/Two Steps Back: The Songs of Bruce Springsteen.[12]
In 2000, Neumann released a solo album entitled Shy Dog. He played all the instruments on the album.[13][14]
Neumann builds and plays custom "Bastard" guitars, which are made from unique parts from other guitars and feature hand-painted tung oil finishes. The guitars are mostly built in the form of Stratocasters, but have rear-routed bodies.[15]
