Southwind

The country-rock outfit Southwind brought together vocalist and guitarist John Martin, vocalist and bassist Jim Pulte, organist Phil Hope, and drummer Eric Dalton. They first assembled at the University of Oklahoma under the rockabilly name the Disciples. Prompted by musician acquaintance Fontaine Brown, the group headed to Los Angeles in 1967, took on the updated name Southwind, and broadened its approach to blend British Invasion pop, psychedelic rock, and traditional country. After inking with the small Venture imprint, Southwind delivered its self-titled debut in 1968. Brown soon stepped in for Hope on a permanent basis, and the band’s subsequent shift to Blue Thumb yielded the 1970 album Ready to Ride, portions of which were captured live at the Fillmore West. The 1971 release What a Strange Place to Land emphasized a stronger blues direction than earlier work. Southwind called it quits shortly after that record appeared. Martin adopted his nickname “Moon,” supported Linda Ronstadt, issued several solo albums, and penned the Robert Palmer hit “Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor).” Pulte likewise issued two solo LPs on United Artists in 1972 before stepping away from music altogether.