Black Hills Soul

Todd was born in Deadwood, South Dakota and grew up in Belle Fourche and Spearfish, South Dakota.  He taught himself how to play piano at a young age and wrote his first song at the age of 12.  Todd's passion for the piano and for songwriting started when he first heard the song "Georgia" by Ray Charles.  After playing in a few bands during Junior High and High School, Todd joined his older brother Rick in playing with the Black Hills State University Jazz Band while he was still in High School.

Todd moved to California in 1981 and performed with several bands which featured some of his original music.  Then after 31 years on the West Coast, he came back home to South Dakota.

Songwriting is a passion with Todd, and he is a creative force in Black Hills Soul.

James Sautter grew up in Western South Dakota.  He began playing bass and joined his first band at the age of 18.  It was about that time when he wrote his first song.  He moved to the Los Angeles, California area to pursue music in 1986.  He played in several bands and really started to focus on writing and performing original music with his brother William and his friend Tommy Eliff in a blues band simply called "The Bluez Band".  After 8 years in L.A., James moved back home to the Black Hills of South Dakota.  James and Todd soon became good friends and formed Black Hills Soul.  He is thrilled be in this group where all four members are passionate about writing and performing original music.

Doug Phillips began his career as a guitarist and songwriter at a young age in the St. Louis area. He has worked with, performed with, and toured with many bands over the years, gaining valuable experience in performing, writing, touring, recording, and teaching. He has worked with Arista, MCA, and Bear Records along his journey as a songwriter and guitarist. Doug has also written many country songs and worked with Merf Music Group in Nashville for 3 years as well. He moved to Belle Fourche, South Dakota and joined Black Hills Soul in the Spring of 2025. He has been a perfect fit and a strong voice in the band as both a writer and performer. 

You can also check out his extensive work as a solo artist at his ReverbNation site, and see his work moving forward with Black Hills Soul right here.

Doug Phillips | ReverbNation

William "drummerBill" Sautter grew up in Western South Dakota.  Began playing the drums in 3rd grade and began playing professionally at the age of 14.  William moved to the Los Angeles area in 1983 to pursue music.  He played all original music in both the rock and blues genre.  During this time, he played with his brother James in "The Bluez Band".   After 10 years in the Los Angeles area, William moved back to the Black Hills of South Dakota.  He's performed with several cover bands and is excited to be writing and performing original music again with Black Hills Soul.