From:   "Dik de Heer" 
Date:  Fri Jul 19, 2002  1:13 am
Subject:  Born To Be With You : Commander Cody
 
COMMANDER CODY

Born George Frayne, 19 July 1944, Boise, Idaho

Although renowned for its high-energy rock, the Detroit/Ann Arbor region
also formed the focal point for the country-rock band Commander Cody
and his Lost Planet Airmen. The first of several tempestuous line-ups was
formed in 1967, comprising Commander Cody (piano), John Tichy (lead
guitar), Steve Schwartz (guitar), Don Bolton (pedal steel), Stephen Davis
(bass) and Ralph Mallory (drums). Only Frayne, Tichy and Bolton remained
with the group on their move to San Francisco the following year. The line-up
was completed on the Airmen's debut album, "Lost In The Ozone" by Billy
C. Farlowe (vocals/harp), Andy Stein (fiddle/saxophone), Bill Kirchen (lead
guitar), 'Buffalo' Bruce Barlow (bass) and Lance Dickerson (drums).
This earthy collection covered a wealth of material, including rockabilly,
western swing, country and jump R&B, a pattern sustained on several
subsequent releases. Despite attaining a US Top 10 single with Hot Rod
Lincoln (1972), the group's allure began to fade as their albums failed to
capture an undoubted in-concert prowess. Although the albums "Live From
Deep In The Heart Of Texas" and " We've Got A Live One Here" redressed
the balance, what once seemed so natural became increasingly laboured as
individual members grew disillusioned. John Tichy's departure proved crucial
and preceded an almost total desertion in 1976. The following year Cody
released his first solo album, "Midnight Man", before convening the New
Commander Cody Band. Cody and Farlowe re-formed the Lost Planet
Airmen in the '90s.

Website: http://www.commandercody.com/index.html
Recommended listening:
Lost In The Ozone (MCA)
Live From Deep In The Heart Of Texas (MCA)
We've Got A Live One Here (Warner Bros)