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.

Scott Bellew grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and began playing guitar at a young age.  He moved to the Los Angeles area in the early 1980's to pursue music and studied guitar at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA.  After several years of playing, writing, and studying music on the West Coast, Scott moved back home to the Black Hills of South Dakota with his wife Lisa.  Since coming home, Scott has performed with many cover bands and has and still does perform as a solo songwriter.  Scott has become a creative force in Black Hills Soul.

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.