The Fabulous Traidmarx, co-founded by Jim Rusk & Tom Culver, started out in 1967, in a machine shop located on a farm near the small town of Dickens, Iowa.  Their first official "gig" was at the Estherville Jr. College where they made an incredible $50, plus a $5 tip!! This first dance was also the first step towards performing in 8 states and criss-crossing all over the state of Iowa. In 1968 the Traidmarx participated in a battle of the bands at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park, Iowa.  Although they did not win this particular event, they did impress owner Darlowe Olsen, who asked them to return on several occasions.  Aside from performing at the Roof Garden, they appeared in countless high school, teen centers, night clubs, and ballrooms.  These included the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, the Dancemore in Swisher, Iowa and the prestigious Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Traidmarx also were regulars at the Macamba Club one of the hottest clubs for young adults in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  In late 1968, The Fabulous Traidmarx appeared in the KIOA battle of the bands at the Starline Ballroom in Carroll, Iowa, where they captured the winning title.  They have even had the opportunity to appear on the same stage with such 60's greats as BJ Thomas, the Grassroots, the O'Kaysions, and the Box Tops.  In late 1969, the Traidmarx recorded their first and only 45 on the Universal label. It was a make of Jackie Wilson's tune "Higher and Higher"  In July of 1971, the Traidmarx career came to an end as the boys went their separate ways, pursuing the military, careers, and starting families.

In March of 2001, The Fabulous Traidmarx got the call that brought them back to the stage, but more importantly reintroduced lost friendships.  Although some members had stayed in touch, after 30 years of being apart, they were finally all able to get back together (with the exception of Wally Morris and Murry Langfit)...and back to the thing they all loved so much..ROCK & ROLL!!  The call was from the Iowa Rock & Roll Music Association, the Traidmarx were to be inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (IRRHOF).  Because of the distance some members had to drive, they were only able to get together once or twice a month to practice.  They spent time remembering the good times they had all had.  The music seemed to come back naturally.  After a few practice runs for the folks at the Harvest Moon Bar & Grill in Greenville, Iowa, The Traidmarx were ready for their big day.  On September 2nd, 2001, in front of a record crowd, The Fabulous Traidmarx were inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.  The group has managed to stay together and have played once or twice a month since the IRRHOF induction.  Currently they have become regulars at Reubins Theatre in Arnold Park, Iowa, but they also have performed in Spencer, Iowa, Waterloo, Iowa, Pocahontas, Iowa, Guttenburg, Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa, Indianola, Iowa, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Alta, Iowa, Sioux City, Iowa, Waterbury, Nebraska & Delano, Minnesota.  The Traidmarx have had the opportunity to play for Christmas parties, wedding dances, anniversary parties, benefits and town celebrations.  The band has also been honored to play several times at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa and also at Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sponsored events.