In 1966, “The Cheater” soared up the charts and made Bob Kuban and the In-Men a household name—briefly. Though their time in the national spotlight was short-lived, the band’s story is unforgettable, and their one major hit remains tied to one of the most chilling real-life tragedies in rock history.
From their beginnings in Missouri to their tragic connection to irony, Bob Kuban and the In-Men became a true one-hit wonder with a tale unlike any other in pop music.
Early Beginnings in St. Louis
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Bob Kuban was born in August 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri. He studied music at the St. Louis Institute of Music, where he honed his skills as a percussionist and bandleader. In 1964, he formed a new group that would soon capture national attention.
The band, known as Bob Kuban and the In-Men, was an eight-piece ensemble with a blend of rock, soul, and horn-driven pop. At a time when British Invasion bands were dominating American airwaves, Kuban’s group offered something fresh—tight arrangements, local pride, and a punchy brass section.
Original Members:
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Bob Kuban – Drums, bandleader
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Walter Scott (Walter Notheis) – Lead vocals
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John Michael Krenski – Bass
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Greg Hoeltzel – Keyboards
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Roy Schult – Guitar
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Harry Simon – Saxophone
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Skip Weisser – Trombone
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Pat Hixon – Trumpet
The lineup gave the group a rich, energetic sound that set them apart from typical rock quartets of the era.
The Rise of “The Cheater”
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In 1965, the band recorded their breakout single, “The Cheater.” Released in early 1966, the song was an instant success. With its smooth vocals, catchy melody, and horn section, it climbed to #12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrically, the song told the story of a man who habitually betrays women—”Look out for the cheater / Make way for the fool-hearted clown.” It was dramatic, sharply produced, and delivered with conviction by lead singer Walter Scott.
“The Cheater” became one of the most memorable songs of the mid-60s pop era. It also marked the peak of the band’s national fame. They were featured on television and played high-profile shows, including the opening ceremonies for Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis on May 10, 1966.
Minor Hits and the End of Chart Success
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Following the success of “The Cheater,” the band tried to follow it up with more singles. Unfortunately, they couldn’t repeat their earlier success.
Their next single, “The Teaser,” only reached #70 on the Billboard chart. A cover of The Beatles’ “Drive My Car” charted even lower, peaking at #93.
Despite the national decline, the group remained active and popular in the St. Louis music scene. They performed at local events, clubs, and dances, keeping their regional fanbase intact.
Departure of Walter Scott
In 1967, Walter Scott left the band to pursue a solo career. Though he never found widespread success on his own, he remained a respected figure in St. Louis music circles.
In the early 1980s, Scott discussed reuniting with Bob Kuban and the original members of the In-Men. Plans were forming for a comeback—but that comeback would never happen.
A Tragic and Ironic Twist
In 1983, Walter Scott disappeared. Initially, there were few leads. But in 1987, the grim truth came to light: Scott had been murdered by his wife’s lover, a man named James H. Williams Sr. The investigation revealed that Scott’s wife, JoAnn, and Williams conspired to kill him. His body was found in a cistern behind Williams’ house.
The news stunned fans and cast a chilling shadow over the band’s signature hit, “The Cheater.” The song’s story of betrayal took on an eerie, real-life connection that made it even more haunting. Few songs so ironically mirror the fate of the person who sang them.
Life After the Charts
Although their run in the national spotlight was brief, Bob Kuban remained active in music.
In the late 1960s, band member Greg Hoeltzel went on to form a spin-off group called The Guise, which performed experimental works, including the 1969 St. Louis premiere of “Songs of Freedom, Love, and War”—a collaboration between classical composer Arthur Custer and jazz musician Julius Hemphill.
Kuban himself formed the Bob Kuban Brass Band, which became a staple in local weddings, community events, and sporting celebrations. He and his band became known as a mainstay of St. Louis music culture, entertaining audiences long after the pop charts moved on.
On October 2, 2005, the Bob Kuban Brass performed during the last regular season game at Busch Stadium, a fitting bookend to their performance at the stadium’s opening decades earlier.
Legacy and Recognition
Bob Kuban and the In-Men are often listed among the greatest one-hit wonder bands of the 1960s. “The Cheater” continues to appear on oldies compilations and retro radio playlists. Its timeless arrangement and cautionary theme have helped it stay relevant to generations of listeners.
Though sometimes misreported, Bob Kuban himself has not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, his local contributions and the story of his band have been highlighted in various media outlets, and the song’s legacy is secured in the canon of 1960s pop.
The Sound and Style
What set Bob Kuban and the In-Men apart was their fusion of pop, R&B, and horn-based soul. In an era where guitar-led bands dominated, Kuban’s group leaned into a full-band arrangement, bringing brass instruments to the forefront. This gave them a sound closer to Chicago or Blood, Sweat & Tears, though they came just before that movement really took off.
They drew influence from Motown, early soul, and contemporary rock, creating a style that was lively, polished, and radio-friendly.
Where Are They Now?
As of recent years, Bob Kuban has remained involved in local music. While he doesn’t tour nationally, he and his group continue to perform for private events, fundraisers, and civic celebrations in the St. Louis area.
Fans remember the band not only for their chart-topping moment but also for the dark story that followed, which continues to intrigue and haunt music historians and listeners alike.
Influence and Final Thoughts
Bob Kuban and the In-Men represent one of the most dramatic and tragic stories in pop history. “The Cheater” wasn’t just a hit—it was a warning tale wrapped in a catchy tune. Tragically, for Walter Scott, that tale became real.
Despite their brief moment on the national stage, the band’s music continues to resonate. Their story is often shared in documentaries, articles, and books about one-hit wonders and the strange, sometimes heartbreaking roads that follow fame.
The band may have had only one big hit—but what a hit, and what a story.