Clover

Clover stands out among bands whose legacy stems primarily from notable connections instead of their own achievements. Formed as a country-rock outfit in July 1967 in Mill Valley, California, the group originated with Johnny Ciambotti handling bass duties alongside John McFee on guitar and vocals, Alex Call also on guitar and vocals, and Mitch Howie on drums. The original quartet issued a pair of releases via Fantasy Records, located in the vicinity, during the initial years of the 1970s. Following Howie's departure, the ensemble grew into a six-piece through the inclusion of Huey Lewis on harmonica and vocals, Sean Hopper on keyboards and vocals, and Mickey Shine on drums. In 1976, prompted by Nick Lowe, Clover relocated to England, producing an additional two albums and providing instrumental support for Elvis Costello's first record, My Aim Is True. Upon their 1978 homecoming to the United States, the band dissolved, after which McFee joined the Doobie Brothers while Lewis and Hopper became central to Huey Lewis & the News.