Linus of Hollywood | |
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Birth name | Kevin Dotson |
Born |
Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
March 4, 1973
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Instruments |
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Years active | 1995–present |
Labels | Crappy Records, Franklin Castle Recordings, Oglio |
Associated acts |
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Website | linusofhollywood |
Kevin Dotson (born March 4, 1973), better known by his stage name Linus of Hollywood, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. The stage name comes from his early days in Los Angeles, where he would frequently wear striped shirts similar to the Peanuts character Linus van Pelt. He is currently a member of Nerf Herder and comedy duo Jarinus.
Dotson was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but spent his formative years in Florida. At age five, he learned to play guitar. He would later learn to play drums, bass, and piano as well. At age 21, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. In 1995 Dotson started his professional career as the leader of punk/pop band Size 14, named after his shoe size. The band broke up in 1998 and Dotson began playing and producing on other people's recordings.
In 1999, Dotson released his first solo album Your Favorite Record on his own label called Franklin Castle Recordings. He performed nearly everything on the album, both instrumentally and vocally. He has since released four more albums: Let Yourself Be Happy (2001), Triangle (2006), Attractive Singles (2008), and Reheat & Serve (2008). A new single "A Girl That I Like" was released in 2011.
Linus most recently released his fourth solo album in 2014 titled 'Something Good' via the Pledgemusic platform.
Dotson toured the world in the mid 2000s playing bass guitar for guitar legend Paul Gilbert on the Burning Organ tour (2002), Acoustic Samurai tour (2003) and the Space Ship One tour (2005). He also toured as a bass player for Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. on both of his tours.