Richie Furay started his musical career playing folk clubs as a solo artist in the 1960s, as well as with bands like
the Monks and the
Au Go Go Singers (which included
Stephen Stills in the lineup). After meeting
Neil Young they formed
Buffalo Springfield with
Bruce Palmer and
Dewey Martin. The band cut its first album, Buffalo Springfield, in 1967; it included the single "For What It's Worth."
Buffalo Springfield recorded two more albums -- Buffalo Springfield Again and
Last Time Around -- before disbanding in 1968.
Furay and
Jim Messina (who had replaced Palmer in
the Springfield) formed a new band,
Poco, with steel guitar player
Rusty Young,
George Grantham (ex-
Boenzee Cryque), and
Randy Meisner (ex-Poor).
Poco recorded its first album,
Pickin' Up the Pieces, and
Meisner quit soon afterward. The band continued as a quartet, building a reputation at the Troubadour.
Timothy B. Schmit was added as their second album, Poco, was released. After Poco's third album, Deliverin,
Messina quit and was replaced by
Paul Cotton (ex-
Illinois Speed Press).
Poco went on to cut albums such as
From the Inside, A Good Feeling to Know, and
Crazy Eyes before
Furay left. At David Geffen's request,
Furay formed the
Souther Hillman Furay Band with
Chris Hillman (ex-
Byrds) and
J.D. Souther. The band split after two unsuccessful albums in 1974 and 1975.
Furay then converted to Christianity and formed The Richie Furay Band, a Christian group featuring
Jay Truax,
John Mehler (ex-
Love Song), and
Tom Stipe. After two albums -- Dance a Little Light and
I Still Have Dreams -- the band recorded
Seasons of Change for Myrrh Records, Furay's first album for a Christian label.
Furay became a minister in Colorado and continued singing and recording. He rejoined
Poco in 1990 for their comeback album,
Legacy, which included the hit single "Call It Love." In 1997,
Furay recorded his fifth solo album, In My Father's House, for the Christian Calvary Chapel label. ~ Mike Edmunds, All Music Guide