It’s not just a song, or a CD title – it’s a statement. Jerry G. Hludzik is a survivor in a business where it isn’t easy to keep your dreams alive, let alone actually live them.

(Case in point – The Last Standing Man also refers to the fact the Jerry is the only original member of Dakota left, and the only one still making his living in music.)

Jerry’s saga begins in Northeast Pennsylvania with a band called The Buoys…

The Buoys (1971, Scepter Records)
The Buoys had a million-selling single called "Timothy", written by Rupert Holmes (Escape "The Pina Colada Song") supposedly about the Sheppton mine disaster in Northeastern Pa. during which cannibalism had been implied. The band was spearheaded by lead singer/guitarist Bill Kelly, featured Jerry on guitar and vocals, and was rounded out by Chris Hanlon, Fran Brozena, and Carl Siracuse.

Years later, in 1979, “Give Up Your Guns” (1979 EMI of Holland) was a #5 European hit from the same album, The Buoys - Dinner Music, also penned by Rupert Holmes. Jerry and Bill went to Europe to promote the tune, doing radio and TV shows, one in particular was the popular “Top of the Pops”. The Buoys toured in the 70’s with the likes of Pure Prairie League, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Grass Roots, Sha Na Na, Frank Zappa, and Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett to name a few.

The band moved to Polydor Records in 1972 with producer Rupert Holmes, released 2 singles, and recorded an as-yet unreleased LP. In later years, they also worked on a project with (the now much sought after arranger and conductor) Michael Kamen (New York Rockin Roll Ensemble CBS records 1970’s) as producer.

Jerry-Kelly Band (1978 CBS/Epic Records) Hludzik and Kelly eventually broke off from The Buoys to form The Jerry-Kelly Band. Thanks to the efforts of long-time friend Michael "Dad" Stahl, (who was working for Claire Brothers Audio, doing house mixing for the band Chicago) drummer Danny Seraphine and Rufus keyboardist Hawk Wolinski got a hold of a demo tape from Michael, and signed them to CBS Epic Records to record Somebody Else's Dream, the first and only Jerry-Kelly album, in 1978. This album featured members of Chicago singing and performing.

Dakota (1980 CBS/Columbia Records) The Jerry-Kelly Band moved to CBS/Columbia and changed their name for their 1980 release, self titled Dakota. This release yielded a regional hit across the country called If It Takes All Night, which peaked on the billboard charts at # 78. Michael Stahl was now working with the band Queen, who was touring to support their album The Game. Michael worked his 'magic' once again, and Dakota wound up getting the nod to be the opening act, and a 35-date tour ensued.