Biography
Rock Island, a Chicago-based ensemble, maintained activity for only a short stretch from the late 1960s into the early 1970s. Its roster comprised vocalist B.J. Taylor, guitarist Mike Kennedy, keyboardist Bob "Cobb" Bussinger, bassist Tony Curcio, and drummers Frank Schallis and Ray Mancino. Though adaptable across styles, the band lacked a consistent vision, experimenting with Nuggets-style garage rock, trippy psychedelia, and bluesy hard rock that carried proto-progressive leanings, yet these attempts generally yielded derivative and uninspired outcomes. As a result, the self-titled album issued in 1970 served as both the group’s debut and its sole release. Kennedy subsequently pursued an extended path as a session musician and, in an unexpected turn, received limited early-’80s notice through his involvement with New Wave of British Heavy Metal band Horsepower.
Albums
Singles
