March 21, 2022

1979 — May: Blackfoot “Strikes”

37 minutes

While they may hail from Jacksonville, Florida, the southern rock group Blackfoot gets its name from the Native American tribe in recognition of the Native American heritage of multiple members of the band. Strikes was their third studio album, and would go Platinum. Blackfoot is Rickey Medlocke on lead vocals and guitar, Charlie Hargrett on guitar, Greg T. Walker on bass, keyboards, and vocals, and Jakson Spires on percussion and vocals. Rickey Medlocke was an early member of Lynyrd Skynyrd where he played drums and contributed vocals.

After touring as the backing band for Ruby Starr, Blackfoot met Al Nalli who was manager for the group Brownsville Station, and he got them a contract with Atco Records. Nalli also produced Blackfoot Strikes, which would be the groups most commercially successful album.

Blackfoot would see many lineup changes over the years, with over 40 musicians being listed as former members of the band. Blackfoot continues to tour today, and released a new studio album in 2016. Although no original band members are with the band today, Rickey Medlocke occasionally joins the band during concerts.

Train, Train (Prelude)

This short harmonica instrumental features Rickey Medlocke's grandfather, Shorty Medlocke, who was a bluegrass artist and composer of the piece

Train, Train

The biggest hit of the group was written by Shorty Medlocke, Rickey's grandfather, and peaked at number 38 on the charts. It was originally a delta blues song, and was the last song that was recorded for the album. It laments about a woman who dumps her blue collar guy to go to the big city.

Left Turn on a Red Light

A deeper cut in a minor key, this song is about decisions early in life and potential regret. In this case, the guy realizes that his decision was right.

Highway Song

This was a second single hit from the album, and had an epic quality to it. The lyrics are similar to "Turn the Page," in that it is about life on the road. "Well, another day, another dollar after I've sang and hollered. Oh, it's my way of living, and I can't change a thing."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the television series “Starsky & Hutch”

Alright folks, slide across the car hood to hop in that Grand Torino! The buddy cop series had its final episode this month.

STAFF PICKS:

The Diary of Horace Wimp by E.L.O.

Bruce's staff pick chronicles the week of a shy guy who gets the love of his life with a little help from "a voice from above." This is a deeper cut from the disco-heavy E.L.O. album "Discovery," though this one has more in common with the Beatles than the Bee Gees.

Minute By Minute by the Doobie Brothers

Brian features the yacht rock hit from Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers. This is the title track off the album of the same name, and followed their number 1 hit "What a Fool Believes" as s single. This song hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was nominated for a Grammy, losing to their other singe, "What a Fool Believes."

Sad Eyes by Robert John

Rob's staff pick is a falsetto ballad that debuted in May. This song hit number 1 on the charts, ending the 6 week reign at number 1 for "My Sharona" by The Knack. It is about a man telling his mistress that their relationship is over because his wife is coming back.

Shakedown Cruise by Jay Ferguson

Wayne brings us a keyboard heavy song that hit number 31. Ferguson came out of several groups, including Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne. Joe Walsh is the guitarist on this song. "Now if I don't get off alive, it's just as well I'll be waking up in heaven, 'cause I've been through hell."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Music Box Dancer by Frank Mills

This instrumental was a big hit on the charts this month.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

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