Bloodrock
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 in Fort Worth, Texas, United States |
| Headquarters | Fort Worth , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums, singles |
Bloodrock was a rock group originating from Fort Worth, Texas, gaining prominence during the 1970s. Rising from the local Fort Worth music environment, their breakthrough came with the release of their self-titled album in 1970, which climbed to No. 160 on the US charts. Throughout their active years, they produced six studio albums, two live records, and eight singles, with one single achieving chart success.
The Naturals, Crowd + 1 (1963–1969)
Established in Fort Worth in 1963 under the name the Naturals, the founding members were Jim Rutledge (drums/vocals), Nick Taylor (guitar/vocals), Ed Grundy (bass/vocals), and Dean Parks (guitar). The band toured locally and opened for national performers such as The Beach Boys and Paul Revere & The Raiders, releasing their debut single in 1965. By 1966, they had changed their name to Crowd + 1, secured a contract with Capitol Records, and issued several singles. Although their regional fan base expanded, these releases failed to enter the charts, resulting in Capitol ending their contract. Parks departed to focus on session work and was succeeded by Lee Pickens; Stevie Hill joined as keyboardist and vocalist.
In 1969, under the management and production of Terry Knight—also known for managing Grand Funk Railroad—who swiftly signed them back to Capitol, they adopted the name Bloodrock. Their first album, Bloodrock (1970), produced by Knight, reached number 160 on the Billboard 200 chart. Knight clarified that the band's name symbolized their intense rock energy coursing through one's veins rather than any association with violence.
After this initial release, Rutledge transitioned solely to lead vocals at Knight’s recommendation; Rick Cobb was added as drummer and vocalist. This ensemble recorded four more albums: Bloodrock 2, Bloodrock 3, Bloodrock USA, and Bloodrock Live. Additionally, Bloodrock served as an opening act for Grand Funk during their 1970 tour.
Bloodrock 2 and "D.O.A." (1970-1971)
Bloodrock 2 marked their peak commercial achievement, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Pop Album Chart in 1971. The album’s success was largely propelled by the track "D.O.A.", which attained number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 6, 1971. This single significantly enhanced the band's visibility throughout the Southwest and West Coast regions, particularly in Texas and Southern California. Despite its acclaim, "D.O.A." faced bans from certain radio stations due to its vivid portrayal of a deadly airplane crash and inclusion of siren sounds that raised safety issues. Guitarist Lee Pickens revealed in a 2005 interview that the song drew inspiration from a tragic plane crash he witnessed during his youth.
Style and personnel change (1972-1973)
In May 1972, both Lee Pickens and Jim Rutledge exited Bloodrock; Pickens went on to form the Lee Pickens Group (LPG), releasing an album through Capitol Records in early 1973, while Rutledge pursued a solo career culminating in a solo album released in 1976. Bloodrock filled Rutledge’s role with Warren Ham (vocals, flute, saxophone), whose influence encouraged keyboardist Stevie Hill to move toward a softer sound incorporating elements of progressive rock, pop, and jazz—a shift that distanced some longtime fans. Their album Passage (1972) was their final record to enter the Billboard charts, peaking at number 104.
In 1973, Rick Cobb departed and was succeeded by Randy Reader; this configuration produced one album titled Whirlwind Tongues (1974).
Unreleased Album and Break-Up (1974-1976)
Following Nick Taylor's exit, Bill Ham, brother of Warren Ham, stepped in as his replacement, while Randy Reader was succeeded by Matt Betton. The group recorded an album later named Unspoken Words, but Capitol Records declined to release it due to waning commercial appeal. These tracks remained shelved until they were finally issued in the 2000 CD compilation Triptych, which also featured selections from Passage and Whirlwind Tongues.
Shortly after Capitol dropped them, Bloodrock dissolved, playing their final concert on April 14, 1974, in Flint, Michigan. Subsequently, Rutledge, Pickens, and Taylor formed a short-lived offshoot band that performed at smaller venues for about a year.
In 1976, Capitol issued a greatest hits album titled Bloodrock N Roll, compiling songs from their initial three albums along with live recordings.
During this period, the original members attempted to revive the band with Rutledge at the helm. They recorded demos including a rendition of Heartbreak Hotel. However, after Rutledge's departure and replacement by Rusty Robertson, combined with the loss of Cobb and absence of record label support, the band ultimately disbanded permanently.
Reunion Concert in 2005
On March 12, 2005, the original members—Jim Rutledge, Lee Pickens, Ed Grundy, Nick Taylor, and Stevie Hill—reunited for a concert in Fort Worth. Chris Taylor, Nick's son, filled in for drummer Rick Cobb III. This performance was organized to raise funds for keyboardist Stevie Hill’s leukemia treatment and was recorded for a DVD release.
Nick Taylor (born Doyle Taylor on October 29, 1946, in Texas) passed away on March 10, 2010, at age 63 after a car accident in Cleburne, Texas.
Stevie Hill succumbed to leukemia on September 12, 2013.
Musical Style
Bloodrock is predominantly recognized as a hard rock band. Their self-titled debut album released in 1970 showcased a blend of hard rock and early heavy metal influences. The follow-up album Bloodrock 2 achieved higher chart positions and presented a somewhat lighter mood apart from the track "D.O.A." Both Bloodrock 3 and Bloodrock U.S.A. incorporated progressive rock elements. After changes in personnel during 1972, their sound evolved toward prog rock reminiscent of Jethro Tull while integrating jazz and pop influences.
Core Lineup
- Jim Rutledge — drums (1962–1970), lead vocals (1962–1972, 1974–1975, 2005)
- Lee Pickens — lead guitar (1968–1972, 1974–1976, 2005), backing vocals (1969)
- Nick Taylor — rhythm guitar (1962–1974, 1974–1976, 2005; deceased 2010), lead guitar (1972–1974), lead vocals (1965–1968), backing vocals (1969–1973, 1974–1976, 2005)
- Stevie Hill — keyboards (1968–1974, 2005; deceased 2013), backing vocals (1969–1973, 2005)
- Ed Grundy — bass guitar (1962–1974, 2005), lead vocals (1965–1968), backing vocals (1969–1973, 2005)
- Rick Cobb — drums and percussion (1970–1973, 1975–1976)
Past Members
- Dean Parks — lead guitar
- Warren Ham — lead vocals, saxophone, harmonica, flute
- Randy Reeder — drums and percussion
- Bill Ham — guitar
- Matt Betton — drums
- Rusty Robertson — lead vocals
- Chris Taylor — drums
Studio albums
| Year | Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Position | Certification Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US BB | ||||
| 1970 | Bloodrock | 160 | ||
| Bloodrock 2 |
|
21 | RIAA Gold | |
| 1971 | Bloodrock 3 |
|
27 | |
| Bloodrock U.S.A. |
|
88 | ||
| 1972 | Passage |
|
105 | |
| 1974 | Whirlwind Tongues |
|
— |
Live albums
| Album Title | Release Details | Highest Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodrock Live | 67 | |
| The Bloodrock Reunion Concert |
|
— |
Compilations
| Compilation Title | Release Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Road |
|
Compilation for European market |
| Bloodrock 'n' Roll |
|
U.S. market compilation |
| D.O.A. |
|
Budget compilation in the U.S. |
| Triptych |
|
'Passage', 'Whirlwind Tongues', and 'Unspoken Words' included |
Singles
| Year | Single Title | Format Type | Record Label | Catalog no. |
Source Album | Peak Chart Position (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | "Gotta Find a Way" b/w "Fatback" | 7" single | Capitol | ST 2736 | Bloodrock | — |
| 1971 | "D.O.A." b/w "Children's Heritage" | ST 3009 | Bloodrock 2 | 36 | ||
| "A Certain Kind" b/w "You Gotta Roll" | ST 3089 | Bloodrock 3 | — | |||
| "Jessica" b/w "You Gotta Roll" | ST 3161 | 129 (RW) | ||||
| "Rock & Roll Candy Man" b/w "Don't Eat the Children" | ST 3227 | Bloodrock U.S.A. | — | |||
| 1972 | "Erosion" b/w "Castle of Thoughts" | ST 3320 | Non-album single | — | ||
| "Help Is on the Way" b/w "Thank You Daniel Ellsberg" | ST 3451 | Passage | — | |||
| 1973 | "Thank You Daniel Ellsberg" b/w "Voices" | ST 3770 | — |
Additional Releases
- Unspoken Words (2000), featured within the Triptych compilation
- Bloodrock 2013 (2013), a collaboration between Jim Rutledge and John Nitzinger