Biography of Souther-Hillman-Furay Band

The Souther Hillman Furay Band was one of the first major country-rock groups. All three of the main musicians had distinguished careers before and after they were in the band as did most of the sidemen. John David Souther (usually known as J.D. Souther) is best known as a session man and excellent songwriter who has worked closely with Glenn Frey and later the Eagles and it was he who penned one of the group's signature songs, "Best of My Love." He has also written memorable songs for Linda Ronstadt and Kate Taylor. Chris Hillman has been in numerous bands most notably the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers and the Desert Rose Band. Richie Furay was a charter member of the Buffalo Springfield and was also involved with Poco. The trio came together in 1974 and for their eponymous debut album hired such session players as Al Perkins, Paul Harris and Jim Gordon. The album was recorded on Asylum and was produced by Richie Polodor. Their second album Trouble in Paradise produced one Top 30 hit with "Fallin' in Love," and featured back up vocals by Eagles Don Henley and Glenn Frey. Souther Hillman Furay Band broke up in 1975 shortly after the album was released. ~ Sandra Brennan

Biography of Richie Furay

Richie Furay started his musical career playing folk clubs as a solo artist in the 1960s, as well as with bands like the Monks and the Au Go Go Singers (which included Stephen Stills in the lineup). After meeting Neil Young they formed Buffalo Springfield with Bruce Palmer and Dewey Martin. The band cut its first album, Buffalo Springfield, in 1967; it included the single "For What It's Worth." Buffalo Springfield recorded two more albums -- Buffalo Springfield Again and Last Time Around -- before disbanding in 1968. Furay and Jim Messina (who had replaced Palmer in the Springfield) formed a new band, Poco, with steel guitar player Rusty Young, George Grantham (ex-Boenzee Cryque), and Randy Meisner (ex-Poor). Poco recorded its first album, Pickin' Up the Pieces, and Meisner quit soon afterward. The band continued as a quartet, building a reputation at the Troubadour. Timothy B. Schmit was added as their second album, Poco, was released. After Poco's third album, Deliverin, Messina quit and was replaced by Paul Cotton (ex-Illinois Speed Press). Poco went on to cut albums such as From the Inside, A Good Feeling to Know, and Crazy Eyes before Furay left. At David Geffen's request, Furay formed the Souther Hillman Furay Band with Chris Hillman (ex-Byrds) and J.D. Souther. The band split after two unsuccessful albums in 1974 and 1975. Furay then converted to Christianity and formed The Richie Furay Band, a Christian group featuring Jay Truax, John Mehler (ex-Love Song), and Tom Stipe. After two albums -- Dance a Little Light and I Still Have Dreams -- the band recorded Seasons of Change for Myrrh Records, Furay's first album for a Christian label. Furay became a minister in Colorado and continued singing and recording. He rejoined Poco in 1990 for their comeback album, Legacy, which included the hit single "Call It Love." In 1997, Furay recorded his fifth solo album, In My Father's House, for the Christian Calvary Chapel label. ~ Mike Edmunds