Pure Prairie League

Country rock band Pure Prairie League formed in Waverly, Ohio in 1970. Founded by Craig Fuller (vocals / guitar), George Ed Powell (rhythm guitar), Phil Stokes (bass), and Tom McGrail (drums), the group’s line-up has remained fluid throughout the career with John David Call – who joined later in 1970 - being the longest-serving member. The group signed to RCA Records in 1971 and immediately went out on the road while also recording their debut album. Released in 1972, their self-titled album featured a Normal Rockwell painting of Sad Luke, a cowboy character that would go on to appear on each Pure Prairie League album cover. After touring the album, more than half the line-up would depart, signaling a sign of things to come. The remaining members of the group owed RCA another album, so they brought in new members and recorded Bustin’ Out, which was released later in 1972. However, the album did not fare well in the charts and things the band began to splinter. Craig Fuller served prison time for tax evasion and the line-up changed again. Pure Prairie League continued to tour and build up a following. Their growing audience belatedly began to request radio stations to play the single “Amie,” and by 1975, the single and the album had entered the Top 40 three years after release. Later that year, a new line-up of Pure Prairie League released the album Two Lane Highway, which rose to number 24 on the Billboard 200. After the success of 1976’s If the Shoe Fits album (number 33), their success began to fade with only one more album – 1980’s Firin’ Up – hitting the Top 40. That album did give the band their only Top 10 single with “Let Me Love You Tonight.” Between 1978 and 1982, future solo star Vince Gill played guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin, and fiddle with the group. Gill would later join the Eagles after the death of Glenn Frey. Pure Prairie League remained a popular live draw, but they only sporadically released new studio material, including the 2024 album Back on Track. By 2025, no original members remained in the band’s line-up.

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