The “groovy” 60’s! Fuck yeah! A child of the 80’s, when I was still pre-school age, I “inherited” many albums from my older cousins and especially my aunt (my mom’s oldest sister, who was something of a hippie—she also taught me how to roll a joint, but we won’t talk about that now.
).
I have been told that I was a huge “Three Dog Night” fan although I barely remember much from that time.
My mom and dad have said that that was the last band I listened to that they didn’t mind. Geeze, and I always thought they
loved “Cannibal Corpse.”
“One” was a major hit reaching #5 on June 28, 1969. Three Dog Night had 3 #1 hits in the 60’s and 70’s. 11 in the “top ten” and more than 20 singles that charted. Maybe their best known song was “Joy to the World” (Jerimiah was a bullfrog). Four musicians and three singers. Floyd Sneed (drums) was known for using a large double-bass clear acrylic kit. Something very unusual for a “pop” band. An innovator, his style of playing added power and drive to their songs. He has been a major influence for many modern drummers and still plays today at 76. Joe Schermie, bass, also stands out on this song. His bass playing is very “heavy” and is featured prominently. Along with the haunting piano and strong drumming, the bass sets the mood for what is definitely my favorite Three Dog Night song. Sadly, Joe passed away in 2002.
A great album of the period featuring the original lineup is “Captured Live at The Forum.” Recorded in September 1969, this was the Los Angeles Forum. Where the Lakers used to play until Staples Center was built in 2000. Of course I remember the picture of the three girls at the edge of the stage.
Wonder how old they would be today?
Three Dog Night is scheduled to play Belterra Casino in Southern Indiana, October 5. Will check it out. Could be a fun “bike” trip and weekend getaway.
