Debut Album
In the balmy month of July, the entire band, along with guitarist James Gurley’s wife, Nancy, migrated to a charming abode nestled in the heart of Lagunitas, California. Amidst the towering redwoods, they frequently indulged in wild soirées with their fellow cosmic explorers, The Grateful Dead, who resided just a stone’s throw away. Janis, the band’s siren, shared a fleeting romance and enduring friendship with The Dead’s founding member, the enigmatic Ron “Pigpen” McKernan.
In the heart of the swinging sixties, between December 12th and 14th, 1966, a band embarked on a musical journey to Los Angeles. There, they birthed ten vibrant tracks, including the hits “Down on Me”, “Bye Bye Baby”, “Call On Me”, and “Coo Coo”. These gems were unveiled to the world on their debut album, released in August 1967, after their star-making performance at the legendary Monterey Pop Festival in June.