Ozark Mountain Daredevils Country rock band Country: USA

Content:

1. Genesis: A Music Hub for the Misfits
2. Evolution: The Ozark Mountain Daredevils Emerge
3. Rise to Prominence: A Country-Rock Hybrid
4. Nashville Influence: Pop-Country Transitions
5. New Members and Musical Explorations
6. Decline and Dissolution: The End of an Era
7. Solo Pursuits and Dispersal
8. Their albums:

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils: A Symphony of Country, Rock, and Americana

Emerging from the heartland of America in the mid-1970s, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils were hailed by music critics for their innovative, melodic, and refreshingly unique sound. Their eclectic blend of Appalachian folk melodies, midwestern string band traditions, gritty southern boogie, and Nashville pop ballads set them apart as a pioneering force in the burgeoning country-rock genre.

Genesis: A Music Hub for the Misfits

In the fall of 1972, drummer Larry Lee, a bartender at Springfield, Missouri's legendary Bijou Theater, brought together a group of amateur musicians, music lovers, and local eccentrics who lacked professional experience but shared a passion for all things musical. Initially known as Cosmic Corncob and His Amazing Mountain Daredevils, the group consisted of up to fifteen members.

Evolution: The Ozark Mountain Daredevils Emerge

By the following spring, the group had streamlined its lineup and adopted the name The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Led by guitarist and singer John Dillon, along with Steve Cash (vocals), Randle Chowning (guitar), Michael "Supe" Granda (bass), Buddy Brayfield (keyboards), and Larry Lee (drums), they began performing weekly at the Bijou, drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Rise to Prominence: A Country-Rock Hybrid

By fall 1973, their infectious mix of melodic country and raw rock 'n' roll had caught the attention of A&M Records owner Herb Alpert. Recognizing their potential, he offered the Daredevils a record deal, seeing similarities to The Eagles. Their debut album, "The Ozark Mountain Daredevils," recorded in England, was released in late 1973 and garnered widespread critical acclaim.

The album spawned the hit single "If You Want to Get to Heaven," which propelled the group to prominence. Their second album, "It'll Shine When It Shines," released in 1974, continued their success, featuring the chart-topping hit "Jackie Blue."

Nashville Influence: Pop-Country Transitions

As the Daredevils entered the mid-1970s, their sound began to shift towards pop-country. Their third album, "The Car Over the Lake Album," recorded in Nashville, reflected this evolution. The departure of guitarist Randle Chowning in 1975 marked a turning point in the group's trajectory.

New Members and Musical Explorations

Rune Walle joined the Daredevils, bringing his virtuosity on guitar and banjo. The album "Men from Earth" saw the group experimenting with American folk traditions, incorporating influences from The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Sidemen Ruel Chapell, Jerry Mills, and Steve Canday joined the lineup.

Decline and Dissolution: The End of an Era

Despite the release of the live album "It's Alive" and a compilation of hits, the Daredevils' popularity began to wane. Disagreements over musical direction led to the departure of key members, and the group signed to Columbia/CBS for a brief period.

Their self-titled album released in 1980 failed to recapture their earlier success. By 1982, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils had disbanded, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and memorable music.

Solo Pursuits and Dispersal

Larry Lee achieved some solo success with his single "Don't Talk," while John Dillon continued to write and perform. The other members pursued various musical endeavors, and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils faded into obscurity.

Their albums:

- The Ozark Mountain Daredevils (A AND M, 1973)
- It'll Shine When It Shines (A AND M, 1974)
- The Car Over The Lake Album (A AND M, 1975)
- Men From Earth (A AND M, 1976)
- Don't Look Down (A AND M, 1978)
- It's Alive (2LP) (A AND M, 1978)
- The Best Of The Ozark Mountain Daredevils (A AND M, 1979)
- Ozark Mountain Daredevils (COLUMBIA/CBS, 1980)
Randle Chowning:
- Hearts On Fire (A AND M, 1978)

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