Happy The Man formed in Harrisonburg, VA in the early 1970’s, but they have strong roots in Fort Wayne as well as a connection to Indianapolis. Rick Kennell, Cliff Fortney and Michael Beck were members of the Fort Wayne prog/psych band Zelda; Fortney previously played in the the Miles Bluffton Blues Band in Fort Wayne.  Dan Owen was with Fort Wayne band Ethos; Fortney also played with Ethos for a time.  All ended up as members of Happy The Man after they launched in Virginia. 

Fortney, a vocalist and flautist, left Happy The Man as they transitioned to primarily instrumental.  It is believed that Fortney was seriously considered as Peter Gabriel’s replacement as Genesis vocalist prior to Phil Collins taking the vocal reins. Gabriel himself auditioned the band to be his backup band at the beginning of his solo career; though this did not happen, it did lead to the band being signed to Arista Records.

Beck and Fortney played in the popular Indianapolis band Dog Talk for several years during the first decade of the 2000’s.

Happy The Man released two albums on Arista Records in the late 1970’s, with additional archival and live material being released later.  The band reformed in 2004 for one album; while commercial success eluded them, they remain a favorite among progressive rock fans.  The band’s history is complex, and can be further explored at their website and the YouTube video at bottom of listing.