Poco: Pioneers of Country Rock

Poco is a foundational American band that helped define the country rock genre in the late 1960s and 1970s. Formed from the ashes of the legendary Buffalo Springfield, the group carved a lasting legacy with their intricate harmonies and blend of rock energy with country instrumentation.

Early career

Poco was formed in Los Angeles in 1968 by Richie Furay and Jim Messina, both fresh from Buffalo Springfield's dissolution. The original lineup, which included Rusty Young on pedal steel guitar, Randy Meisner on bass, and George Grantham on drums, aimed to create a seamless fusion of rock and country, a sound they dubbed "country rock." Their ambitious debut album, Pickin' Up the Pieces, was released in 1969 on Epic Records, though it faced commercial hurdles despite critical acclaim for its pioneering sound.

Breakthrough

The band's commercial breakthrough arrived in the late 1970s after a period of significant lineup changes, with Paul Cotton and Timothy B. Schmit becoming central figures. The 1978 album Legend, released on ABC Records, became their most successful release, propelled by two major hit singles. This album achieved Platinum certification in the United States, firmly establishing Poco in the mainstream rock landscape.

Key tracks

Pickin' Up the Pieces — The title track from their debut album perfectly encapsulated their groundbreaking country-rock fusion mission.

Crazy Love — This 1979 ballad from Legend became their highest-charting single, reaching No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Heart of the Night — The other major hit from Legend, this song showcased a smoother, more radio-friendly rock sound that defined their peak popularity.

A Good Feelin' to Know — A staple of their early live sets, this 1972 track remains an anthem of their optimistic, harmony-driven early style.

Rose of Cimarron — This later-era fan favorite, from the 1976 album of the same name, highlights the band's storytelling prowess and melodic strength.

Despite their success, Poco was famously a launching pad for future stars; members like Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmit left to join the Eagles, while Jim Messina found massive success with Loggins and Messina. The band continued to record and tour with various configurations for decades, with Rusty Young remaining a constant force until his passing in 2021. Their influence is deeply woven into the fabric of American rock music.

Fans of Poco's harmonious blend of genres should also explore The Eagles, who commercialized the country-rock sound to global superstardom. The earlier work of Buffalo Springfield provides essential context for Poco's origins. For a more roots-oriented approach, listen to Pure Prairie League, another band thriving in the same 1970s circuit. The pioneering work of The Byrds, particularly their seminal album Sweetheart of the Rodeo, directly paved the way for Poco's entire genre.

Poco's catalog remains a staple on classic rock FM stations and dedicated country-rock radio streams, where their timeless hits and deep cuts continue to resonate with listeners. Their music is regularly featured in rotations that celebrate the foundational sounds of 1970s American rock.

You can hear the enduring music of Poco on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the pioneering country rock of this influential band by tuning into the classic rock and specialty format stations available on onairium.com.