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PocoCountry rock band
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- The Formation of Poco: From the Ashes of Buffalo Springfield
- The Early Years: Pogo to Poco
- The Debut Album and Lineup Changes
- The Rise and Success
- The Departure of Key Members
- The 1970s: Adapting to Changing Trends
- The Crisis and Near-Breakup
- The Reborn Poco: The 1980s
- The Final Years and the Reunion
The Formation of Poco: From the Ashes of Buffalo Springfield
In August 1968, the legendary country-rock band Buffalo Springfield imploded under the weight of personal ambitions. However, three of its key members - Richie Furay (guitar, vocals), Jim Messina (vocals, sound engineering), and Rusty Young (pedal steel guitar) - decided to continue working together.
The Early Years: Pogo to Poco
With the addition of drummer George Grantham and bassist Randy Meisner, the new group initially called themselves Pogo. However, after legal action from the cartoonist Walt Kelly, they were forced to change their name to Poco, meaning "little by little" in Italian.
The Debut Album and Lineup Changes
In 1969, Poco released their debut album, "Pickin' Up the Pieces," which received a lukewarm reception. Bassist Meisner soon departed to join Rick Nelson and eventually the Eagles. He was replaced by Timothy B. Schmidt.
The Rise and Success
Poco achieved their highest chart success with their 1972 live album "Deliverin'," which peaked at number 26. They continued to tour and release critically acclaimed albums, including "From the Inside," "A Good Feeling to Know," and "Crazy Eyes."
The Departure of Key Members
In 1973, Richie Furay left Poco to form the Souther Hillman Furay Band. This marked the end of the original lineup. Despite these losses, Poco persevered and continued to perform and record with dedication.
The 1970s: Adapting to Changing Trends
In the mid-1970s, Poco's popularity waned slightly. They experimented with new sounds, incorporating synthesizers and moving towards a more polished AOR style. Keyboardist Al Garth joined the band in 1976, adding strings and saxophone to their sound.
The Crisis and Near-Breakup
The band faced a crisis in 1977 when Schmidt left for the Eagles and Grantham left for The Secrets. Poco appeared to be on the verge of disbandment. However, Young and Cotton refused to give up.
The Reborn Poco: The 1980s
In 1978, Poco recruited new members Charlie Harrison (bass, vocals) and Steve Chapman (drums, vocals). They released the successful album "Legend" in 1979. The band's music evolved into a contemporary rhythm-and-blues style.
The Final Years and the Reunion
Poco signed with Atlantic in 1983, but their album "Ghost Town" met with little commercial success. The band split up in 1984. In 1989, the original Poco lineup reunited and recorded "Legacy," which achieved moderate success and revived interest in the band.
