Illinois Speed Press
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 in Chicago, United States |
| Founder | Paul Cotton, Kal David |
| Headquarters | Chicago; later Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Illinois Speed Press was a rock ensemble originating in the United States, initially established in 1965 under the name The Rovin' Kind in Chicago, before eventually moving to California. The group was created by Paul Cotton (who later joined Poco) and Kal David, and their music fused aspects of R&B and country music featuring a distinctive dual lead guitar approach. In 2009, Cotton and David reunited to perform using the Illinois Speed Press name. Paul Cotton passed away in July 2021, followed by Kal David in August 2022.
History
The Capitols, formed in 1958 by classmates including Norman Paul Cotton and Keith Anderson, transitioned into The Mus-Twangs by 1961, releasing the track "Marie" through Nero Records, which was subsequently distributed nationwide by Smash (Mercury Records). This group evolved into The Starfires, while Cotton also played with the Carol Vega Trio around 1963. Concurrently, Kal David fronted Chicago’s band The Exceptions, which featured future Chicago member Peter Cetera.
In early 1965, Cotton established The Gentrys alongside Frank Bartell and Fred Page; soon after, Kal David and Mike Anthony joined. To differentiate themselves from another Memphis band called The Gentrys, they rebranded as The Rovin' Kind. They issued singles on Contrapoint, Roulette, and Dunwich labels. After winning a regional "battle of the bands" competition in 1966, they made an appearance on American Bandstand. In 1967, Bartell departed and was succeeded by Keith Anderson. The Rovin' Kind secured the position of house band at Chicago's Whisky A Go Go, catching the attention of producer James William Guercio. Guercio signed them to Epic Records and prompted a name change to Illinois Speed Press in February 1968. At this time, Norm Cotton adopted the professional name Paul Cotton as the band relocated to Los Angeles.
Their signature twin-guitar sound merged rock, soul, and country influences, leading to frequent shows at Hollywood's Whisky a Go Go and participation in the inaugural Newport Pop Festival in 1968. Following Anderson’s replacement by Rob Lewine, they recorded their self-titled debut album The Illinois Speed Press, produced by Guercio and released early in 1969. Columbia Records promoted this album alongside releases from Chicago Transit Authority, The Flock, and Aorta under the banner of a "Chicago Sound." Each album entered the Billboard Top 200 chart; Illinois Speed Press peaked at number 144.
Prior to the album’s release, Guercio dismissed Page, Anthony, and later Lewine; Page soon succumbed to leukemia. Jimmy Rogers (bass) and Rick Allen (drums) joined for live performances. Their sophomore album Duet was primarily recorded by Cotton and David with session musicians such as Joe Osborn (bass), Hal Blaine (drums), and Michael Lloyd (keyboards). Released in spring 1970, Kal David departed shortly thereafter to form the Fabulous Rhinestones with bassist Harvey Brooks. Later that same year, Cotton replaced Jim Messina as a member of Poco.
Cotton and David reunited once more in 2009 to perform under the Illinois Speed Press name.
Legacy
Illinois Speed Press’s musical approach and dual lead guitar arrangement notably influenced Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington during the formation of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Their two original albums were reissued on CD with additional tracks in 2003.
Albums
- The Illinois Speed Press, Columbia CS 9792, released in 1969
- Duet, Columbia CS 9976, issued in 1970
Singles
- "Right On Time" / "Night People", Roulette 4687, 1969
- "Get In The Wind" / "Get In The Wind, Pt. II", Columbia 4-44564, 1969
- "Sadly Out Of Place" / "Country Dumplin'", Columbia 4-45756, released in 1970