Musician, Entrepreneur, and TV Visionary
Doug Harper lives in Nevada, Missouri, where he wears many hats—singer, songwriter, recording artist, musician, promoter, and local music advocate. Known by many as "Dangerous Doug," he has spent countless hours nurturing the music and arts scene in his hometown.
“I spend a lot of time building the music economy at home, and at the end of the day, I try to make it better for all local musicians.”
Doug has been blessed to follow his artistic dreams nearly his entire life.
Early Beginnings in Music & Media
Doug started his journey in 1994 writing his first song, then as a guitarist and vocalist in a rock band, writing and co-writing songs for their 1997 album release. Around the same time, he landed a job as an on-air DJ at a local radio station, quickly advancing to the production department, where he honed his skills in writing and producing commercials. He also assisted in training students for the Cottey Radio Program, which aired on the same station.
In 2000, Doug sought to expand his expertise in the recording industry, so he studied Electronic Media Productions at Ozark Technical College in Springfield, Missouri. There, he learned advanced techniques for audio and video production, both live and in-studio. He also performed weekly at a local deli’s family night and released his first solo album under the name “Dangerous” Doug.
Expanding into the Media Industry
After college, Doug pursued opportunities in telecommunications, where his technical and commercial experience meshed well with a fast-paced sales environment. He later transitioned into selling newspaper ads while continuing to write, produce, and perform music on nights and weekends.
His passion for music never wavered, and in 2005, Doug joined a full-time touring country band, spending nearly seven years on the road. He also lived in Nashville, Tennessee, where he immersed himself in the professional music industry.
Entrepreneurship & Community Impact
By 2011, Doug had settled back in Nevada, Missouri, fully committed to his musical entrepreneurship, working on various audio and video projects for hire, live performances, and music production.
Over the years, Doug has actively served the arts & his local community, volunteering as a performer for fundraising events like United Way, Relay For Life, and Multiple Sclerosis benefits. He has also participated as a board member for Lions Club, Vernon County Arts Council, Community Council on Performing Arts, Music on the Square, and more.
In 2013, Doug married his wife, Ashlee, and together they have two children.
After marrying Ashlee in 2013, Doug transitioned into the world of visual media, working as a graphic designer and layout advertising clerk for a newspaper, where he refined his skills in print marketing and ad composition. In 2016, he moved into broadcast television, working at a cable TV station, specializing in selling insert commercials on major networks, writing and producing TV advertisements, and coordinating local programming to enhance regional media outreach. Later, from September 2017 until April 2025, Doug brought his expertise to Cottey College, taking on the role of Assistant Technical Director in the theater, where he contributed to stage productions, lighting, and technical direction, further expanding his creative influence in the performing arts.
Also in 2016, Doug launched an unnamed show during his lunch breaks while working at Fidelity, using the time to spotlight musicians, artists, and local events. As he transitioned into independent work, the show gained traction and was eventually rebranded as Lunch with Doug, becoming a key creative outlet. In March 2017, as Doug embraced full independence, Lunch with Doug went full force, evolving into a consistent and growing platform. Later, in September 2017, Doug was offered an exciting position at Cottey College, shifting his focus while continuing to develop the podcast alongside his work in technical theater and media production. Despite his new responsibilities, Doug remained dedicated to Lunch with Doug, ensuring its continued success while contributing to Cottey’s performing arts scene.
"With Doug" – A New Era in Television
Doug has recently taken his passion for music, media, and storytelling into a new frontier—founding his own TV station, "With Doug." His vision is to amplify the voices of artists, musicians, and creatives through engaging broadcasts, interviews, and showcases.
Legacy in the Local Music Scene
Doug Harper is, and will likely always be, one of the most recognized musicians in Vernon County—not just for his own musical talent but for his dedication to fostering the local scene, supporting fellow artists, and creating new opportunities.
He has an uncanny ability to find opportunity in a small town, preferring to perform and cultivate talent in Nevada, Missouri, rather than constantly touring. Even though larger markets offer easier access to attention, Doug always returns home, where he hosts events, plays live shows, and contributes to the arts nearly 150 times a year.
Beyond performing, he has been involved in multiple media ventures, including: 🎵 The Local Ear Radio Show 📝 Music journalism for area newspapers & magazines 🎤 A&R for a small independent record label
“I put on a lot of hats for the music biz, and if it has to do with music, I have probably done it.”
Doug continues to play solo gigs, recording and releasing numerous EPs and albums, all while running his television station, "With Doug."
Discography:
The Num Nutz Band EP - "Enguardi Noix" - 1997
Solo EP - "Mr. E Machine" - 2000
Solo CD - "Two Song Demo" - 2001
Solo CD - "South Street and Grand" - 2002
Solo CD -"Let's Get Dangerous" - 2002
Solo CD - "Beatle White" - 2003
Solo EP - "Four" - 2004
Bands from the Back 40 compilation CD - "Volume 1" - 2006
Solo EP - "I Found Myself a Monkey" - 2006
Solo Album - "Delaware" - 2006/2007
Solo Album - "People Places and a Song About Gretchen Wilson" - 2007
Bands from the Back 40 compilation CD - "Volume 2" - 2007
Solo Album - "Alien Rave" - 2008
Solo CD - "Andy's Pizza CD" - 2008
Solo CD - "Family Video CD" - 2008
Hollywood Adventure Live EP - 2009
Solo CD - "41st Street" - 2010
Solo CD - "Tips Appreciated" - 2010
Solo Special Edition Re-issue CD - "Delaware" - 2011
Solo Album - "South Street and Grand (Live)" - 2013
Solo Album - "Hodge-Podge of Future Hit songs" - 2013
Solo Album - "Live @ Art Shop" Version 1 - 2013 [sold exclusively at Cash n' Dash]
Solo Album - "Live @ Art Shop" Version 2 - 2013 [sold at other retailers]
Solo Album - "Hometown Demos" - 2014
Solo CD - "Podge-Hodge of Songs and Retro TV CD" - 2016
Solo CD - "11 From 9" - 2017
Solo Album - "Red Cherry Tragedy" - 2025
Singles:
"Cardboard Clone" - 2006
"I Found Myself a Monkey (Live)" - 2006
"When Tomorrow is Gone" - 2006
"Rabbit Ears" - 2010
"Living Out Your Dreams" - 2010
"Music Store" - 2011
"Good Times (Live)" - 2013
"Break Your Hearts Desire" - 2013
"Nevada Missouri part 1" - 2014
"Nevada Missouri part 2" - 2015
"Big Blue Sign (Pre-Mix)" - 2016
"Farmers Market" - 2025
Doug Harper’s musical journey also includes at least three unreleased gems, adding to an impressive total of over 300,000 distributed units—the equivalent of a silver record in the mainstream music industry.
With 23 years of experience in music, Doug has performed over 2,000 live shows across the country, gracing stages in Nashville, TN; Kansas City, MO; Hollywood, CA; Lincoln, NE; Jackpot, NV; Billings, MT; Metropolis, IL; Tunica, MS; Lyons, GA; Jackson Hole, WY; Fort Collins, CO; Marksville, LA; Deadwood, SD, and countless other cities.