Law (band)
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1971 in Youngstown, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | Steve Lawrence, Steve Acker, Mickey Williamson |
| Defunct | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Youngstown , United States |
| Products | Rock music albums and singles |
Law was a rock group originating from Ohio, active during the 1970s in the United States. The band gained prominence with the endorsement of Roger Daltrey from The Who and later included Roy Kenner, previously of The James Gang, as their lead singer.
History
Established in February 1971 in Youngstown, Ohio, by Steve Lawrence, Steve Acker, and Mickey Williamson, the band's name was derived from the initials of their last names. Starting out as a power trio reminiscent of ZZ Top, they delivered a blues-infused hard rock sound. Within their first year, they supported nationally known artists such as Bob Seger, Edgar Winter's White Trash, and Alice Cooper. Additionally, they backed Chuck Berry during a Lake Milton outdoor concert attended by approximately 5,000 people and opened for acts including The Who, Jethro Tull, Earth Wind & Fire, and Boston.
In 1973, Mickey Williamson departed to focus on family obligations. Ronnie Lee Cunningham, formerly with Brainchild, was brought on board as lead vocalist and keyboard player, accompanied by bassist John McIvor from Macon, Georgia. By the mid-1970s, the ensemble consisted of Cunningham, McIvor, Steve Lawrence (bass), Tom Poole (drums), and Steve Acker (guitar). Poole had taken over drumming duties from the original drummer Steve Lawrence, who later rejoined.
Under contract with GRC Records, Law produced their debut album in 1975 featuring contributions from the Memphis Horns, percussionist Joe Lala, and synthesizer player Albhy Galuten. While the album achieved modest commercial impact, the song Wake Up, penned by Cunningham, caught the attention of Roger Daltrey. Subsequently, Daltrey and his manager Bill Curbishly signed Law to their production company, arranged a tour supporting The Who, and secured a deal with MCA Records.
At the start of 1976, Steve Lawrence returned to replace Tom Poole on drums. Following a recommendation from producer Ron Albert, Roy Kenner of the James Gang joined as an additional lead vocalist after being invited by Acker. This addition expanded Law into a five-piece group.
The band disbanded after releasing their second album with MCA, Hold On to It. Their diverse musical style posed challenges for radio programming formats, which led to limited airplay and underwhelming sales figures. Steve Acker exited the band in December 1977 prior to its dissolution.
As of 2014, Acker remained the sole original member still active in music. After moving to Jackson, Mississippi in 1980, he produced a regional hit titled "Bulldog Blitz" for Mississippi State University and authored a eulogy for John Lennon that was later featured in Yoko Ono’s Spirit Foundation publication. Shifting into advertising, Acker developed award-winning campaigns including an adult literacy initiative for Dollar General that received Presidential commendation from Ronald Reagan and aided 4.7 million individuals in improving literacy or obtaining GED certificates.
In 2007, Acker secured a development agreement with The Studios @ SST in New York to compose songs and documentary soundtracks. In 2012 he co-founded University Jams to create theme songs for colleges. After Superstorm Sandy destroyed SST later that year, he returned to Mississippi to continue his advertising career while composing music and performing on occasion.
Discography
Singles
- Wake Up / Tootin' - GRC Records GRC 2072 - 1975
- Be My Woman / Layin Down The Law - MCA Records MCA 40656 - 1976
- Fairweather Friends / Shelter Of Your Arms - MCA Records MCA 40694 - 1977
Albums
- LAW - GRC Records GA 10017 - 1975
- Breakin' It - MCA Records MCA 2240 - 1977
- Hold On To It - MCA Records MCA 2306 - 1977