Souther–Hillman–Furay Band
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | Chris Hillman |
| Defunct | 1976 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The Souther–Hillman–Furay Band (SHF) was a prominent country rock supergroup featuring the talents of singer-songwriters Richie Furay (known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Poco), Chris Hillman (formerly of the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, and later the Desert Rose Band), alongside JD Souther (from Longbranch Pennywhistle and a distinguished songwriter for artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Eagles). The group produced two studio albums during the mid-1970s before internal disagreements led to their breakup.
History
The ensemble was established in 1973 following a recommendation by David Geffen, then president of Asylum Records. Hillman assembled three musicians who had previously played with Manassas: keyboardist and flutist Paul Harris, percussionist Joe Lala, both connected to Barnstorm, and pedal steel guitarist Al Perkins, also formerly with the Flying Burrito Brothers. The band’s lineup was completed by session drummer Jim Gordon, who had experience with groups like Derek and the Dominos and Traffic.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 1974, enjoyed commercial success, achieving gold status from the RIAA, while the single "Fallin' in Love" climbed to number 27 on the US charts. During the recording sessions, Furay experienced a spiritual transformation, embracing evangelical Christianity influenced by Perkins. However, escalating internal tensions and Gordon’s exit—potentially related to early symptoms of schizophrenia—resulted in Ron Grinel taking over drumming duties. The band's sophomore effort, Trouble in Paradise (1975), was met with unfavorable reviews, prompting the members to part ways and focus on individual projects.
Albums
- The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band (1974), Asylum - US #11, AUS #58
- Trouble in Paradise (1975), Asylum/Line Records - US #39, AUS #100
Singles
- "Fallin' in Love" (1974), Asylum - US #27
- "Safe at Home" / "Border Town" (1974) - US Cash Box #80
- "For Someone I Love" / "Move Me Real Slow" (1975)
- "Mexico" / "Move Me Real Slow" (1975)
- "Trouble in Paradise" (1975)
Members
- JD Souther – vocals, guitar, drums
- Chris Hillman – vocals, bass, mandolin
- Richie Furay – vocals, guitar
- Paul Harris – keyboards, flute
- Al Perkins – guitar, pedal steel, dobro
- Joe Lala – percussion
- Jim Gordon – drums (1973–74)
- Ron Grinel – drums (1975–76)
References
- Footnotes
- General references