Hear Poco Play Originals and Buffalo Springfield Cuts on This Day in 1971

Music Features Poco
Hear Poco Play Originals and Buffalo Springfield Cuts on This Day in 1971

Country rockers Buffalo Springfield were only active for about two years, between 1966 and 1968. It was enough time, however, to make three albums and at least one hit, the chart-topping counterculture anthem “For What It’s Worth,” before the band split up and Stephen Stills, Neil Young and Jim Messina went their separate ways (and onto legendary careers of their own). But before Messina famously began performing with Kenny Loggins, he joined another core Buffalo Springfield member—Richie Furay—in starting a new band: Poco. Furay and Messina then recruited Rusty Young, George Grantham and Randy Meisner (later a founding member of the Eagles) and picked up where Buffalo Springfield left off, at the burgeoning junction between country and rock.

Neither Poco nor Buffalo Springfield attained massive radio attention, but both bands remain influential nonetheless. Poco’s debut album, 1969’s Pickin’ Up the Pieces, is still widely considered a guiding light in the country rock movement. They released a self-titled record in 1970 before Messina prepared his departure later that year, personally lining up guitarist Paul Cotton to take his place. That wouldn’t be the last time Poco’s formation shifted, but Rusty Young has remained a frontman and kept the band going, even into the 21st century. Poco released a live album in 2014, Crazy Love, and a studio record in 2013, All Fired Up. Young also released a solo album last year via Blue Elan Records, Waitin’ For the Sun.

In September of 1971, Poco released their third studio record, From the Inside. A few weeks later, they played at Duke University on this day (Sept. 25, 1971). Poco toggles effortlessly between stomping country and bluesy rock, making this concert a captivating listen even now. They begin with three hits, “I Guess You Made It,” “C’mon” and “Hear That Music,” all from Deliverin’, a live album from that same year, before reimagining a Buffalo Springfield deep cut, “Kind Woman,” for the crowd. They deliver a mini acoustic set halfway through the show before returning to a rowdy electric ending and encore.

Hear the entire show from this day in 1971 below.

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