Feature Photo: Willard Alexander Inc.-management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Frijid Pink emerged out of the Detroit, Michigan rock scene in 1967, forming with a lineup that included Tom Beaudry (credited as Kelly Green) on vocals, Gary Ray Thompson on guitar, Tom Harris on bass, Larry Zelanka on keyboards, and Richard Stevers on drums. They quickly established themselves as a high-energy act, gaining attention through relentless live performances in the Midwest. Drawing from blues and hard rock influences, the band began building their reputation with a sound that paired heavy guitar riffs with a driving rhythm section, a style that would define their early recordings.
By 1969, Frijid Pink had secured a deal with Parrot Records, a subsidiary of London Records, leading to the release of their self-titled debut album in 1970. This record featured the band’s most enduring success, a fuzz-drenched cover of “House of the Rising Sun.” The single became an international hit, reaching the Top 10 in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and several other countries. The album also included original material such as “Drivin’ Blues” and “God Gave Me You,” showcasing their ability to craft blues-based rock songs alongside reinterpreted classics.
Later in 1970, the group released their second studio album, Defrosted. This record leaned more heavily into blues-rock, with extended instrumental passages and a looser feel than its predecessor. Notable tracks included “Sing a Song for Freedom” and “Black Lace,” both highlighting the band’s blend of gritty vocals and thick guitar tones. However, internal tensions began to surface, and after the release of Defrosted, several members departed, leading to lineup changes that altered the band’s dynamic.
Despite personnel shifts, Frijid Pink continued recording. In 1972, they released Earth Omen on Lion Records. This album marked a shift in musical direction, incorporating more progressive and psychedelic rock elements. Songs like “Lazy Day” and “Eternal Dream” revealed a band willing to experiment with more complex arrangements and atmospheric textures. Though it did not replicate the commercial success of their debut, Earth Omen demonstrated the group’s versatility.
Their fourth studio album, All Pink Inside, arrived in 1975 on Fantasy Records. This release leaned toward a more melodic rock sound, differing from their earlier, heavier approach. By this point, the band’s lineup had changed significantly, and the album did not achieve major chart success. Frijid Pink continued to perform in various forms over the years, with Stevers being a consistent presence through different iterations.
In later decades, Frijid Pink experienced revivals with new recordings and live performances. Their discography expanded to include releases such as Made in Detroit (2002), Frijid Pieces (2006), and Taste of Pink (2008), as well as On the Edge (2011). These projects often featured re-recordings of earlier material alongside new songs, allowing them to maintain a connection to their classic rock roots while introducing fresh work.
While Frijid Pink did not receive major industry awards, their legacy rests on the impact of “House of the Rising Sun” as one of the heaviest and most distinctive reinterpretations of the folk standard. The track remains a staple on classic rock radio and is often cited as a prime example of the early 1970s hard rock sound. Beyond the studio, the band’s members contributed to various musical projects, both in performance and in local Detroit music circles.
Complete List Of Frijid Pink Songs From A to Z
- (There Ain’t No) Rock And Roll In China – All Pink Inside – 1974
- A Day Late, A Dollar Short – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Adrenaline – On The Edge – 2018
- Band Next Door – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Black Lace – Defrosted – 1970
- Boozin’ Blues – Frijid Pink – 1970
- Bye Bye Blues – Defrosted – 1970
- Campfire Light – On The Edge – 2018
- Coming Home – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Crying Shame – Frijid Pink – 1970
- Detroit Rock N Roll – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Dreams Come True – On The Edge – 2018
- Drivin’ Blues – Frijid Pink – 1970
- Earth Omen – Earth Omen – 1972
- End of the Line – Frijid Pink – 1970
- Eternal Dream – Earth Omen – 1972
- Fire In Your Heart – On The Edge – 2018
- Full Moon – On The Edge – 2018
- Go Now – Earth Omen – 1972
- God Gave Me You – Frijid Pink – 1970
- Gone Long Gone – On The Edge – 2018
- Gonna Get It Yet – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Got To Go Back (San Francisco Bay) – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Heartbreak Hotel – Frijid Pink – 1970
- House of the Rising Sun – Frijid Pink – 1970
- House Of The Rising Sun – On The Edge – 2018
- I Haven’t Got The Time – Defrosted – 1970
- I Love Her – Defrosted – 1970
- I Want to Be Your Lover – Frijid Pink – 1970
- I’ll Never Be Lonely – Defrosted – 1970
- I’m Movin’ – Defrosted – 1970
- I’m on My Way – Frijid Pink – 1970
- Lazy Day – Earth Omen – 1972
- Lazy Day (Single Edit) – Earth Omen – 1972
- Living Blues – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Lost Son – Defrosted – 1970
- Lovely Lady – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Millenium Man – On The Edge – 2018
- Miss Evil – Earth Omen – 1972
- Money Man – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Mr. Blood – Earth Omen – 1972
- Music for the People – Frijid Pink – 1970
- New Horizon – Earth Omen – 1972
- Pain In My Heart – Defrosted – 1970
- Paula In My Dreams – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Portrait – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Promises – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Put It In Your Pocket – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Rainbow Rider – Earth Omen – 1972
- Ride – On The Edge – 2018
- Sailor – Earth Omen – 1972
- School Days – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Shine – On The Edge – 2018
- Shorty Kline – Defrosted – 1970
- Sing A Song For Freedom – Defrosted – 1970
- Slip Away – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Sloony – Defrosted – 1970
- Sugar Daddy – On The Edge – 2018
- Take Me Back – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Take Me To Your Palace – All Pink Inside – 1974
- Tear – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Tell Me True – On The Edge – 2018
- Tell Me Why – Frijid Pink – 1970
- The Traveler – On The Edge – 2018
- Train Woman – Earth Omen – 1972
- We’re Gonna Be There – Defrosted – 1970
- Wicked Woman – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Wink – Made in Detroit – 2014
- Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow – On The Edge – 2018
- You’d Think I’d Learn – On The Edge – 2018
Albums
Frijid Pink (1970): 11 songs
Defrosted (1970): 12 songs
Earth Omen (1972): 11 songs
All Pink Inside (1974): 11 songs
Made in Detroit (2014): 10 songs
On The Edge (2018): 15 songs
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