Complete List Of Pure Prairie League Albums And Discography

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Our Complete List Of Pure Prairie League Albums And Discography looks at one of our favorite country rock bands originating in Waverly, Ohio, in 1965. Pure Prairie League, , has seen a diverse array of talented musicians over the years. Craig Fuller, a key founding member, contributed his vocals, lead guitar, and bass skills intermittently from 1970 until 2012, with some breaks for touring. George Ed Powell, another original member, was known for his vocals and guitar work from 1970 to 1978 and has made guest appearances at Ohio shows since 1998.

The band’s early rhythm section featured Phill Stokes on bass and Tom McGrail on drums, both contributing from 1970 to 1971, with Robin Suskind on guitar and mandola during the same period. Jim Caughlan took over drums and guitar in 1971-1972, followed by Jim Lanham on bass and backing vocals. Billy Hinds brought his drumming and percussion skills to the band from 1972 to 1984.

Michael Reilly, who joined in 1972, was versatile in vocals, bass, and guitar, remaining with the band until 2021. Michael Connor was pivotal on piano, keyboards, and synthesizers from 1972 until his passing in 2004. Larry Goshorn, who passed away in 2021, added his vocal and guitar talents from 1973 to 1978, while his brother Tim Goshorn, who sadly passed away in 2017, contributed in the late ’70s and again in the ’80s.

Vince Gill, now a renowned solo artist and now a touring member of the Eagles, was part of the band from 1978 to 1982, showcasing his skills in vocals and a variety of string instruments. The band also included Steven Patrick Bolin and Mike Hamilton on vocals and guitars, with Al Garth contributing on saxophone, woodwinds, and other instruments in the early ’80s. James “Bo” Metz and Merel Bregante were part of the band in the mid-’80s, bringing their guitar and drumming expertise, respectively.

Gary Burr, known for his vocals and guitar, was part of the band in the mid-’80s and again from 1998 to 2000. Joel Rosenblatt on drums, Dan Clawson on saxophone, and Steve Speelman on drums contributed in the mid to late ’80s. Rick Schell added his vocals, drums, and percussion from 1998 to 2012. Jeff Wilson, Fats Kaplin, Curtis Wright, and Donnie Lee Clark were other notable members who contributed their talents in various roles over the years.

The current lineup of Pure Prairie League, as of now, continues to showcase an array of talented musicians, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the band’s enduring legacy in country rock music.

John David Call, a veteran member of the band, has been with Pure Prairie League on and off since its early days. Playing pedal steel guitar, banjo, and dobro, he initially joined in 1970 and was a part of the band until 1972, and then from 1973 to 1977. He returned to the band in 2010 and has been a consistent presence since, also making guest appearances between 2006 and 2007. His mastery of the pedal steel guitar adds a classic country element to the band’s sound.

Scott Thompson, who joined in 2012, contributes his talents as a vocalist and handles the drums and percussion. His addition to the band has brought a fresh energy and rhythm, essential to Pure Prairie League’s live performances and recordings.

Randy Harper, who came on board in 2018, is a versatile musician, handling vocals, guitar, and keyboards. His multifaceted musical abilities have added depth and versatility to the band’s recent work.

Jared Camic and Jeff Zona, both of whom joined the band in 2021, have brought new dynamics to the group. Camic, as a vocalist and bass player, and Zona, as a vocalist and guitarist, contribute to the rich harmonies and melodic structure that Pure Prairie League is known for.

This list presents the band’s studio albums.

Pure Prairie League

Released 1972

Pure Prairie League, released in 1972, is the American country-rock band’s eponymous debut album. This album marked the beginning of the band’s journey as one of the classic rock most loved bands. The recording sessions for Pure Prairie League took place primarily at RCA Studios in Toronto, Canada.

The production of the album was overseen by Bob Ringe, who helped shape the band’s signature sound. The album features a lineup of talented musicians, including Craig Fuller on lead vocals and guitar, George Powell on guitar and vocals, Jim Lanham on bass, and Jim Caughlan on drums.

CD Track Listings:

“Tears” 2:43
“Take It Before You Go” 4:05
“You’re Between Me” 5:35
“Woman” 3:40
“Doc’s Tune” 1:22
“Country Song” 7:37
“Harmony Song” 5:20
“It’s All on Me” 4:30

Bustin’ Out

Released 1972

Bustin’ Out, released in 1972, their second, is often regarded as one of the band’s most significant works, marking a high point in their early career. The recording of Bustin’ Out took place in RCA’s Toronto studios, a setting that contributed to the album’s distinct sound. These sessions were overseen by producer Bob Ringe, who played a vital role in capturing the band’s essence and musical vision.

The album features the classic lineup of Craig Fuller on vocals and guitar, George Powell on guitar and vocals, Michael Reilly on bass and vocals, and Billy Hinds on drums. Critically, the album was well-received and achieved commercial success, largely thanks to the hit single “Amie,” which became a radio favorite and significantly boosted the band’s popularity. This track, in particular, is known for its catchy chorus and has become a staple in the country rock genre. Ask most fabs to name one Pure Prairie League song, and they will choose “Amie.”

CD Track Listings:

“Jazzman” 2:34
“Angel #9” 4:55
“Leave My Heart Alone” 4:24
“Early Morning Riser” 5:05
“Falling In and Out of Love” 2:13
“Amie” 4:20
“Boulder Skies” 4:01
“Angel” 4:26
“Call Me, Tell Me” 2:45

Two Lane Highway

Released 1975

The recording of Two Lane Highway took place in various studios, with a significant portion of the work done at RCA Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The album was produced by John Ryan, known for his work with Styx and the Doobie Brothers. The musicianship on Two Lane Highway is marked by the presence of band members like Craig Fuller on vocals and guitar, and Michael Reilly on bass and vocals, along with George Powell on guitar and vocals, and Billy Hinds on drums. The albums also featured some very special guest appearances by Chet Atkins on guitar, Don Felder on mandolin and Emmylou Harris on vocals.

CD Track Listings:

“Two Lane Highway” 4:04
“Kentucky Moonshine” 2:29
“Runner” 2:38
“Memories” 2:50
“Kansas City Southern” 2:55
“Harvest” 3:38
“Sister’s Keeper” 3:40
“Just Can’t Believe It” 2:23
“Give Us a Rise” 2:33
“I’ll Change Your Flat Tire, Merle” 2:05
“Pickin’ to Beat the Devil” 2:40

If the Shoe Fits

Released 1976

If the Shoe Fits featured the talents of George Powell on guitar and vocals, Michael Reilly on bass and vocals, and Billy Hinds on drums. The album’s lead single was a cover of Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be The Day.”

CD Track Listings:

“That’ll Be the Day” – 2:24
“I Can Only Think of You” – 3:17
“Sun Shone Lightly” – 3:41
“Long Cold Winter” – 3:15
“Lucille Crawfield” – 4:00
“Gimme Another Chance” – 3:46
“Aren’t You Mine” – 3:20
“You’re Between Me” – 5:35
“Angel #9” – 4:55
“Woman” – 3:40
“Country Song” – 7:37
“Out on the Street” – 2:55
“Goin’ Home” – 3:00

Dance

Released 1976

Dance, a 1976 album by the American country rock band Pure Prairie League, showcases the band’s continued exploration and mastery of the country rock genre. Recorded primarily in the United States, this album was a collaborative effort between the band and producers Alan V. Abrahams and John Boylan. .

The lineup for Dance included George Ed Powell on guitar and vocals, Larry Goshorn on guitar and vocals, John David Call on steel guitar, banjo, dobro, and vocals, Michael Connor on keyboards, Michael Reilly on bass and vocals, and William Frank Hinds on drums. The album also featured notable additional personnel like Andy Stein on violin for “In the Morning,” as well as Charles Veal, Jr. as concertmaster. Clarence McDonald contributed horn arrangements, and David Campbell was responsible for string arrangements, adding depth and richness to the album’s sound.

Acy Lehman did the art direction, and Barney Plotkin did the cover illustration. Dance was received well in various music circles, reflected in its chart performance. In 1976, it reached number 99 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and climbed to number 39 on the Country Albums chart in 1977.

CD Track Listings:

“Dance”
“In the Morning”
“All the Lonesome Cowboys”
“Living Each Day at a Time”
“Fade Away”
“Tornado Warning”
“Catfishin'”
“San Antonio”
“Lucille Crawfield”
“Angel #9”

Just Fly

Released 1978.

The band’s lineup for Just Fly featured Larry Goshorn and Tim Goshorn on guitars and vocals, George Powell on guitar and vocals, Michael Reilly on bass and vocals, Michael Connor on keyboards, and Billy Hinds on drums. The album’s success was reflected in its chart performance, reaching number 79 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1978.

CD Track Listings:

“Place in the Middle”
“Slim Pickins”
“Love Will Grow”
“You’re My True Love”
“Let Me Love You Tonight”
“I Can Only Think of You”
“Just Fly”
“Lifetime”
“Working in the Coal Mine”
“My Young Girl”
“Bad Dream”

Can’t Hold Back

Released 1979

“Can’t Hold Back,” released in 1979 by Pure Prairie League, was produced by Howard and Ron Albert, with the band members themselves involved in the engineering alongside Don Gehman. Kevin Ryan served as the assistant engineer. The album features Steve Patrick Bolin on acoustic and electric guitar and vocals, Michael Connor on synthesizer and keyboards, and Vince Gill showcasing his versatility on acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, dobro, violin, and vocals. Michael Reilly contributed on bass and vocals, and Billy Hinds on drums.

Notable additional musicians included Jimmie Haskell and Mike Lewis for string and horn arrangements, Tom Roady on percussion, and David Sanborn on alto saxophone. The album’s art was created by Shusei Nagaoka, with photography by Nick Sangiamo and art direction and design by Tim Bryant. In the charts, “Can’t Hold Back” reached number 124 on the Billboard Pop Albums in 1979.

CD Track Listings:

“I Can’t Hold Back”
“I’m Almost Ready”
“Give It Up”
“Too Many Heartaches in Paradise”
“She’s All Mine”
“You’re My True Love”
“Let Me Love You Tonight”
“I’ll Be Damned”
“Janny Lou”
“Sunset Woman”

Firin’ Up

Released 1980

Firin’ Up, Pure Prairie League’s eighth studio album, released in 1980, marked a significant phase in the band’s career. This album, released on the Casablanca label, saw the band continuing to refine their blend of country rock. The production of Firin’ Up was led by John Ryan, with Bill Drescher engineering the album.

The lineup for this album included Vince Gill on banjo, fiddle, guitar, violin, and vocals, Michael Reilly on bass and vocals, Jeff Wilson on guitar and vocals, Michael Connor on keyboards, and Billy Hinds on drums.

Additional contributions came from Kristine Arnold and Janis Gill on background vocals for “I’ll Be Damned,” Gary Mielke on synthesizer, and David Sanborn on alto saxophone. David Campbell handled the arrangements and orchestrations.

“Firin’ Up” achieved commercial success, peaking at number 37 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1980. The single “Let Me Love You Tonight” reached number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and number 10 on the Pop Singles chart, showcasing the band’s broad appeal. Notably, “Let Me Love You Tonight” was later featured in the “Drawn Together” episode “Requiem for a Reality Show.”

CD Track Listings:

“I’m Almost Ready” – 3:39
“Give It Up” (Werner Fritzching, Doug Lubahn) – 3:54
“Too Many Heartaches in Paradise” (Dan Greer, Jeff Wilson) – 4:02
“She’s All Mine” – 2:44
“You’re My True Love” – 3:10
“Let Me Love You Tonight” (Dan Greer, Jeff Wilson, Steve Woodard) – 2:43
“I Can’t Stop This Feelin'” (Danny Flower, Jim Sanderfur) – 3:34
“Lifetime of Nighttime” – 4:54
“I’ll Be Damned” – 2:42
“Janny Lou” – 4:24

Something in the Night

Released 1981

Something in the Night, Pure Prairie League’s ninth studio album, was released in 1981. This album marked a significant chapter in the band’s journey, bridging the gap between their earlier work and their next release in 2005, All in Good Time. Rob Fraboni produced the album. Recorded with engineers Terry Becker and Tim Kramer, and assistant engineer Steve Gillmor, the album captures a range of emotions and styles.

The core lineup for this album included Vince Gill on banjo, guitar, violin, and vocals, Jeff Wilson on guitar and vocals, Michael Reilly on bass and vocals, Michael Connor on keyboards, and Billy Hinds on drums. The band’s music was further enriched by the contributions of additional musicians like Kristine Arnold, Ricky Fataar, Renée Geyer, Nicky Hopkins, Gary Mielke, Janis Oliver-Gill, Mickey Raphael, David Sanborn, Johnny Lee Schell, Dick Sims, and Fredrioco Spumani, bringing diverse influences and textures to the sound.

Art direction for the album was provided by Tim Bryant, with design by Jeff Wack and photography by Scott Hensel. In terms of commercial success, Something in the Night reached number 72 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1981. The single “Still Right Here in My Heart” found significant success, peaking at number 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart and number 28 on the Pop Singles chart. Another single, “You’re Mine Tonight,” also charted, reaching number 68 on the Pop Singles chart.