Back when I was a kid, I bought a 45 record. The band was My Friends. It had "I'm An Easy Rider" and "Concrete and Clay". I about played "I'm An Easy Rider" to death (I still have it and downloaded it to my computer so I can save my 45. I even memorized the words to the song. I have searched and searched and cannot find out who the heck was the band "My Friends"??? I recently saw that Motown had released it again on a compilation of Motown songs, and that got me wondering once again who the band was. Does anyone have any info on the band, who the members were, etc.
The man who will know is Ralph Terrana. He helped produce their output on the Rare Earth label. He visits this forum quite often so I'm sure you'll get some answers. Just keep watching!!.
The band consisted of Dave Kiswinney on bass, Greg Kobe on keys, Ken Rich on guitar and a drummer I can't remember the name of. He was replaced early on by a young drummer(name forgotten Donny something) who idolized these guys as a kid and was living his dream by playing with them.
Tom Baird was the original sole producer until he asked Russ and me to Join him on the project. Things went smoothly at first until differences in the production of the song "Revolution". Written by Ken Rich, a very powerful song for the politics of the day. The differences became so severe that Tom and my brother bailed out of the project leaving me to finish. The album was never completed and, to tell the truth, I don't remember why. I had a very good working relationship with the band, so I'm not sure why it ended. I don't even remember "I'm An Easy Rider" being released, but I always liked the song.
This project will always stand out as my greatest disappointment at Motown. I loved the band, the guys, the talent and the exceptional writing, coming mostly out of Ken Rich's head. I had such high hopes for this band. Ken had even written a commercial jingle for Kellogg's Corn Flakes, which actually sounded like a hit record on it's own. We planned on approaching the company once things started to move for them.
The band was released from their contract (after more meetings) and they drifted into obscurity. I know Dave Kiswinney did well in the Nashville music scene, dealing in publishing, I think. The last I heard of Ken Rich at the time was, he was working construction on some tunnel project near Port Huron Michigan, where the band originated from. Greg and Donny I have no idea.
In my book, "the Road Through Motown", there are some session pictures I took of the band rehearsing in Studio B(Golden World).
It took me forever to make that video... I used the 45 record I bought way back in the Late 60's or early 70's (I forget exactly when). I love this song... I have played it to death... and I know all the lyrics by heart...
By The way, Randy Casement was the drummer on all the recordings that we did at Motown. And he was the most creative drummer that I have ever worked with. Just to set the record straight.
Hey! I've posted on at least one other forum and wanted to say that i've LOVED 'My Friends' since i was a little kid, finding the 45 in a dumpster (my first dumpster find!), attracted to the artwork on the record! Back in 1973 or so. I love BOTH the songs on that and have loved it since back when all the way to today!
So, how about posting some pics of the band and other info, here?
Note, i found the record in Flint, MI. And found a bunch of other 45s as well, but 'My Friends' sticks out by far the most! Loved the guitar (Ken Rich!) the most, but the lyrics were awesome as well. Like i said, BOTH songs touched my heart!
And, while i like the art of motorcycling "easy rider", i got into the vibe via bicycle! Including a solo bicycle to Alaska from Michigan, and many many other wild adventures, since, all while keeping those two songs close to my heart!
Methinks you should re-publish the record! And take anything else ("Revolution"?) and put it all on a full album, or at least list the songs for sale somewhere like cdbaby.
Did note that the song and lyrics to "Revolution" seem to be on youtube via "Temple Mountain Records" and Michael Wimberly, which mention Ken Rich in the info section.
Also found Ken Rich on: open.spotify.com/artist/40HF9579tsTbFVk1mQnEAs where there are several gospel (?) oriented songs and a few other alt songs!
If y'all need some art for your projects, i'm willing and, with many years experience, able! See some of my stuff at:
