DOLAN ELLIS

In February, 1966, Dolan Ellis was appointed Arizona's first State Balladeer by Governor Sam Goddard, and he has been reappointed by every successive governor.  His original songs and award-winning photography capture the beauty of Arizona and the spirit of its people. 

Dolan was an original member of the famous 1960s folk group, The New Christy Minstrels.  He was the handsome one with the thick, wavy blonde hair, the 12-string guitar, and the versatile baritone voice that could be romantic (as in his solo on "Jimmy Grove and Barbara Ellen" or raspy (as in his solo in "Hallelujah I'm a Bum").  Dolan was known as the comedian of the Christies. Randy Sparks, the founder of the group, has been quoted as saying: "Dolan had always been counted on to fire up the deadest of audiences."

Dolan still has all of those qualities he had as a Christy, and more.  His voice has become more powerful and resonant while retaining its romantic quality.  He has become the complete master of his 12-string Guild guitar.  He is a storyteller and comedian extraordinaire.  As a songwriter, he is unequalled, with an astonishing 300+ songs about Arizona and its people.  His songs involve the audience: they witness the historic events he sings about, they visit the scenic spots, and they meet
the  characters .  The large-      Dolan on the AFP Stage                                screen photography he uses to illustrate many of his songs enhances the experience.  Add to all of the above the incredible energy Dolan displays on stage, and the result is always a memorable, world-class performance.  

"I write the songs but not for fame

My songs belong to the sun and rain

Forget my face forget my name

Just call me The Balladeer"

Dolan Ellis has a Grammy and gold records, was the first inductee when "Arizona Culture Keepers" was established in 2003, is a member of the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame, and was read into the Congressional Record by Senator John McCain.  He has traveled to nearly 20 countries as a musical ambassador, and has appeared on the most prestigious concert stages in this country.  And yet, to Dolan, his greatest achievement, the title of which he is most proud, is The Balladeer, something he has been since 1966.

Dolan was the first Balladeer in the state of Arizona, and Arizona was the first to have a Balladeer.  He has done well by the title, writing more than 300 songs based on his extensive travel, mostly in his 4-Wheel Drive Jeeps, but also in the air, on horseback, and on foot.  Dolan has interviewed hundreds of people and through his music we've all had a chance to "meet" people like  Alice Greenough, George                                                  Cowboy’s Vision
Kline, Denzel Carter, T. E. Wiley, and, Bart Begay (Many Cherry Canyon Boy).       

Dolan has also studied many historical Arizona characters, both famous and not-so-famous, and written songs about Geronimo, General George Crook, Jesus Garcia (a hero who lived and died in Sonora, Mexico), Frank Murphy, and Patrick Murphy. 

Dolan's songs about Arizona scenic beauties include Lake Powell, Camino del Diablo, Hummingbird Canyon (Ramsey Canyon), and Nature's Children (Havasupai).  Dolan also writes and sings about Arizona events, such as Wildfire, about the Rodeo-Chediski fires of 2002.  He uses his incredible imagery to describe the experience of Arizona, as in Wind Bells, Wind Chimes, Song of Spring, Arizona at Christmas.  His spirituality often comes through, as in Magic Mountain and Cowboy's Vision.

Dolan is Founder and Resident Artist of the Arizona Folklore Preserve.  Visit his web site, www.dolanellis.net, to learn about his performance schedule, songs, recordings and more. 

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