Genres Psychedelic rock Labels Elektra | Years active 1967–1969 Genre Psychedelic rock | |
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Past members Peter Rowan
David Grisman
Bill Stevenson
Paul Dillon
Billy Mundi
John Nagy Origin Boston, Massachusetts, United States (1967) Albums The Great American Eagle Tragedy, Earth Opera Members Peter Rowan, David Grisman, Billy Mundi, Bill Stevenson | ||
Earth Opera was an American psychedelic rock group, active during 1967–1969 and featuring Peter Rowan and David Grisman.
Contents
Earth opera the great american eagle tragedy home to you
History
Both Rowan and Grisman were virtuoso folk and bluegrass performers in Boston clubs, who became caught up in the changes in the music scene in the mid-1960s. They formed Earth Opera in 1967 in Boston, Massachusetts, and were joined by John Nagy on bass, Paul Dillon on drums, and Bill Stevenson on keyboards and vibraphone.
The group was signed by Jac Holzman to Elektra Records. Their self-titled debut album, produced by Grisman's ex-bandmate Peter Siegel, and including veteran drummer (and Mothers of Invention alumnus) Billy Mundi, was a mixture of folk and psychedelic influences. The group frequently opened for The Doors, who were also on Elektra Records.
Although the first album never charted, Elektra was willing to record a second LP, "The Great American Eagle Tragedy". By this time, Stevenson had left. The second album featured an array of eminent guests including John Cale (viola) and Bill Keith (pedal steel).
“The Great American Eagle Tragedy” managed to reach the lower end of the national charts, the cover featuring a parody of the US presidential seal with a superimposed death skull and what looks like blood stains. However, the band’s relative lack of success caused Earth Opera to break up in 1969. Rowan, Grisman, Nagy and Stevenson all continued their careers in the music business.
In 2002, both of Earth Opera's LPs were reissued on CD.
Members
Discography
Songs
The Red Sox Are WinningEarth Opera · 1968
When You Were Full of WonderEarth Opera · 1968
Mad Lydia's WaltzThe Great American Eagle Tragedy · 1969