Bozeman Magazine

From their beginnings in mid-60’s Southern Ohio as a group of friends playing cover tunes to the present-day unit featuring founding member/innovative pedal steel guitarist John David Call, propulsive drummer/vocalist Scott Thompson, keyboard master/vocalist Randy Harper and featuring new members Jared Camic on bass and vocals, plus ace guitarist/vocalist Jeff Zona,

Pure Prairie League continues to embellish the rich history of one of Country-Rock’s pioneering forces for over 50 years. As one reviewer recently wrote: “PPL’s trademark sound combines sweet memories with edgy contemporary muscle. Their vocals are as strong as Kentucky moonshine and the musicianship and performance skills are as sharp as a straight-razor.”

Their eponymous first album – featuring the Norman Rockwell/Saturday Evening Post cover that introduced fans to PPL’s trademark cowpoke “Sad Luke” – has been hailed as a “major early influence in the emerging popularity of Country Rock music.”

PPL’s second effort, the multi-platinum “Bustin’ Out” brought us the Craig Fuller-penned “Amie”, along with a full LP of classic songs of the genre.

With 1975’s “Two Lane Highway” PPL began a streak of continuous classic albums, constant touring and growing prowess as a major concert draw, PPL has forged a legacy that has continued to flourish for over five decades. During the 70’s and 80’s PPL featured the contributions of several noteworthy members, including co-founder George Ed Powell, Cincinnati’s legendary Goshorn Brothers, Country Hall-of-Famers Gary Burr and Vince Gill, award-winning songwriter Jeff Wilson (3 Top-Ten singles), as well as a host of guest appearances from Chet Atkins, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Gimble, David Sanborn, Eagle Don Felder, Nicolette Larson and many others.

Now in their sixth decade, Pure Prairie League continues to lead the way for the new generation of country rockers like Keith Urban, Wilco, Nickel Creek, Counting Crows and many more that cite PPL as one of their main influences.

As crisp and clean as mountain spring water and as comfortable as a well-worn cowboy shirt, Pure Prairie League continues to bring us all back home.