A rock band formed in Waukesha, Wisconsin in 1983. Initially, they started out as a garage band, but got their big break at the Milwaukee Summerfest playing on a small stage.

Initially, they called themselves Da BoDeans. The original duo was made up of Kurt Neumann (vocals and electric guitar) and Sam Llanas (vocals and acoustic guitar). In 1984 they added Guy Hoffman (drums) and the trio quickly became a popular band on Milwaukee's East Side music scene. By the close of that year, Bob Griffin (bass) joined the group.

In 1985 the quartet signed a contract with Slash/Warner Records and shortened their name to BoDeans. Under the guidance of producer T-Bone Burnett, they entered Hollywood's Sunset Sound Factory in October to record their first album, the critically acclaimed debut Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, which was released in 1986. In January 1987, a Rolling Stone reader poll voted them Best New American Band.