INTERVIEW: How Jim Messina Left Poco After Richie Furay Friction

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lp.constantcontactpages.com/s... INTERVIEW #4: How Jim Messina Left Poco After Richie Furay Friction. In some ways, in the beginning at least, Poco was a reaction to the ending of Buffalo Springfield. At the end the band had two member who would later be in CSNY Neil Young and Stephen Stills and two that would create Poco - Jim Messina and Richie Furay. We should mention Poco founding member had also been a guest on the last Buffalo Springfield album, “Last Time Around.” which was released in the summer of 1968. Messina produce the first two studio albums from Poco and their first live album. In this clip we talk about why Messina had to leave Poco, some friction with Furay and working in his replacement Paul Cotton.
Jim Messina has an amazing memory doesn't he? He is doing shows this year right up to November. Go to Jim Messina.com for details. We'll have more of our conversation with Jim in one week. - by John Beaudin
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John Beaudin has been in major market radio (Edmonton, Vancouver & Calgary) for 35 years and a music journalist since 1989. He graduated from Broadcasting school as a news man so he would have the skills to write about the artists that inspired him since he bought his first album, “Madman Across The Water” by Elton John as a teen. In the 80's Beaudin was the host of the syndicated radio show “The Cross Canada Report” which had two version (Rock and A/C). Beaudin was also asked to be a judge at the Juno Awards (Canada's answer to the Grammys) Twice. He has anchored every position in radio including morning and afternoon drive and was a Program and Music Director for The Breeze and California 103 in Calgary. He currently hosts the popular Lovesongs at QM-FM in Vancouver and on iHeartRadio.
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[@pattiholzheimer4572]

Very interesting . I saw POCO several times and Jim had already left . In my opinion Richie Furay had a unique and amazing voice. Let’s Dance is in my top 10 all time favorite songs. Paul Cotton - also a unique and wonderful voice and a killer guitarist. I think people who never heard the band ( in any of the incarnations) have missed something truly magical. I never stopped playing my Poco record/ cd s . And RIP Rusty Young and Paul Cotton 💔

[@DoofsterDan]

Should be noted that Randy Meisner had also quit due to Richie's temperament. Randy wanted to join Richie and Jim for the mixdown of the first album, and Richie barred him. I read Richie's book and, reading between the lines, you could detect that he was driven, maybe a little pushy. (Many of us look back at our 20s and shake our heads at how we were).

[@jonathannieto4343]

Wow. Excellent. I follow you since '70. Congratulations!😊

[@rdmineer1]

The model of emotional maturity and integrity. Jim Messina.

[@marcm9999]

As a longtime POCO aficionado, this Messina series has been extremely insightful. Thanks for sharing!

[@mary3242011]

“I am a child” still moves me deeply, after all these many years. I’m so grateful for all the music I heard, and all the bands I saw at the Fillmore East. It seems like forever ago, yet I remember so much.

[@briananderson2320]

Jim Messina personifies the gift of music: positive and civil with fellow players.

[@blazeeisner9620]

Brother John. Ahh! The penalty of youth. Situations like this I believe helped Richie later in his life as well as today. You know Jim is pretty amazing. When my wife and I saw him and Kenny on their reunion tour. Kenny first came out and did his stuff and then Jim came out. He performed Richies “Kind Woman “ and said that this is for you Richie. What a class act. Looking forward to the rest of your interview with him. Thank you. God bless.

[@RockHistoryMusic]

Thanks.

[@Gilyslas]

Jimmy is a class act and an excellent producer guitarist, bassist. He deserves his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A true living legend!

[@mitchgawlik1175]

John Beaudin is a breath of fresh air in the world of online rock music news and interviews. He doesn't try to kill us with either "inside" information or his hipness. I guess I wasn't particularly impressed when Jim Messina appeared on the final Buffalo Springfield album, but that changed with the advent of Poco and Loggins & Messina.

[@rickhager3288]

Hey, Jim Messina is indeed a class act, as others here have said. That, and a mighty talented musician, singer and engineer/producer. Not many people can claim that, now an they? He is also a talented visual artist/painter, from what I've seen online. Keep on goin', Jim!!!

[@BlueSkies32]

What a fabulous and insightful interview. I hasten to add, Deliverin’ is an amazing record, and Mr. Messina’s solos, probably an old Tele through a Twin Reverb, are so beautiful.

[@Miatacrosser]

So are Rusty Youngs'. That lp is criminally under rated. It was the finest live recording ever when it was released.

[@BlueSkies32]

@@Miatacrosser Totally agree, I meant to mention that. Some of his best work, also the Poco Seven Album, fogettabouttit, RIP Rusty Young.

[@LPCustom3]

Paul Cotton, who came from the band "Illinois Speed Press", is a great guitarist. I remember when all this was going down. I saw the original Poco the week that Timmy Schmit joined the band at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach.

[@Miatacrosser]

Paul Cotton is the most under appreciated talent in Rock History. He wrote some classic great songs for Poco. Railroad Days being my favorite.

[@Mr05Chuck]

I met Richie a couple times and he was always very friendly and encouraging. Saw Loggins and Messina in 1975 in Seattle loved em.

[@peterdvideos]

I love these Jim Messina interviews!

[@dainhuston999]

The 2nd album POCO there all great song grew up listening to that record & still do You better think twice & Don't Let it pass by are master peices. Jim's a cool dude his unplugged version of Kind Women at the Sana barber bowl is epic.

[@Miatacrosser]

Did Ritchie sing it? Did Rusty play that incredible peddle-steel? Then no.

[@alanschneiderjudylohrer5690]

The Poco lineup of Young, Cotton and Timothy B Schmitt was the best Rose of Cimarron, Bad Weather, Magnolia awesome songs Rusty never truly got his due

[@MrBixsonic]

Very True. George Grantham too.. underated drummer and the highest of high harmonies..The Era after Richie was better.

[@Rick-jg8vx]

Of course that lineup you just listed included Richie as well before he left and I’m conflicted. I think the albums he made with the band are slightly better than after he left because they basically lost their leader. At the same time, pretty darn impressive the way the band continued on without him. With everybody stepping up as songwriters and singers, most especially rusty really came into his own.

[@uncleelmer]

Good interview. Jim Messina has never been so forthcoming in previous interviews and, in fact, seems to be reluctant to talk about his past in a real depth. Good job bringing Messina out.

[@RockHistoryMusic]

Thanks so much.

[@debbieedwards711]

Yes I agree. These interviews are outasight! Thanks totally appreciate your wotk.

[@kande6916]

Great classic interview!!! Thanks Jim!!!!

[@RobHollanderMusic]

Also keep in mind the recording technology of those days was primitive compared to today's digital magic carpet studios. Those guys were working within a reality when you had to do edits with actual reel to reel tape splices using scissors and scotch tape. So, being an engineer or producer during that period was demanding and tense from the jump.

[@BlueSkies32]

The transition from Mr. Messina to Paul Cotton was seamless, thanks to Jim’s benevolent nature. The first several Poco Albums, or the telecaster thru twin reverb solos and playing on Deliverin’ , particularly the solo on Grand Junction, are beautiful. Still some of my favorite music. That Telecaster solo on Grand Junction (Live) in my humble opinion, is one of only a handful of perfect guitar solos I have ever heard, i mean in my life. That gold standard solo and tone is to the Telecaster, what Statesboro Blues, Live at the Fillmore, is to the Les Paul. . . and all that before Loggins & Messina, man that’s a lot of talent, skill, groove, and hard work. Pete Fornatale, 102.7 WNEW, a Bronx Italian Fordham man, knew when he wrote those liner notes-

[@ziblot1235]

I remember those liner notes on Deliverin. True poetry. I was moved when I read it. He was a true fan.

[@dcarson993]

Poco was a mighty tight and powerful live act with Jim and the early days when Paul took his place. No meandering jams, thank goodness.

[@paulapeterson-warnock3030]

Jim is an amazing musician.

[@fitzgreg1]

Great interview! Was a huge follower of BS, Poco and LM

[@Zanniroxwell]

Still, "Better Think Twice " is still one of my fave Messina/Poco songs

[@richardgrier8968]

Me too. Great guitar work on that.

[@Miatacrosser]

Especially the live version on Deliverin'

[@julierood1228]

Great video. Love your outtro music, too!

[@luciusmalou4906]

"Putzes", lol. You can tell Jimmy spent time in Hollywood. Very fascinating interview with a true pro and legend, and much appreciated. I think he's underrated as a producer. Those tracks with Poco are amazing, and Deliverin' is among the best live albums ever. I love his guitar tone too. The James Burton influence is obvious. Imagine walking into a room with Burton, Joe Osborne, and those guys--smart move becoming a producer even though he's a good guitarist. Jim and Richie Furay were at the very forefront of "country rock" and influenced a galaxy of country/folk/rock bands. I think the Eagles used Poco's sound as their template and Poco was more original and better musicians overall. "Take It Easy" sounds like it came right off "Pickin' Up The Pieces". Glyn Johns probably copped Jim's production style along with the Eagles absconding their harmonies and overall sound. As far as Poco, I hear a lot of Everly Brothers and James Burton infused with Buffalo Springfield. Rusty Young is what the Eagles didn't scavenge from Poco, although they grew fat on Randy Meisner and Tim Schmidt. Poco was the real deal though, whereas the Eagles were clever and talented corporate interlopers who rode on Furay/Messina's brainchild. After Jim left Poco, they were still a great band. Jim became more associated with Loggins & Messina, and I believe that is why his other significant contributions tend to be undersold. Hearing this stuff fifty years later and it sounds better than ever.

[@cindyschneider4728]

I can hear a lot of Gram Parsons, especially when they covered "Brass Buttons." Eagles were in the right place, the right time, with the right people, evolved from Laurel Canyon.

[@chiplovitt8538]

Great interview!

[@TheNigelr]

great interview style...respectful

[@cg77539]

Richie was young and it's probably more the rule than exception that artists on the brink can let it go to their head...lotta stress. A great friend was at Colorado School of Mines when fellow student from up in the mountains invited him to do weekend electrical work at the Caribou ranch...met very high Stills, Joe Lala....and Souther, Hillman, Furay (note, last in list) were recording. My buddy had just become a Christian and was in soundroom listening to a beautiful song of a Psalms when a guy with wire rim glasses came in...my buddy pointed up and said 'isnt this beautiful'....was Ritchie of course and they sat and talked for a long time about their great decision....Richie kept saying that for him it was 'you gotta have a reason'...I later found an lp in budget bin called just that, by Richie, and got it for my bud. Both guys are great guys and great musicians

[@CHUMPTYTRUMPTY]

Messina is brilliant and so god-damned talented. When he teamed up with Loggins, they created timeless musical magic!

[@bobw.991]

Jim Messina is a class act!

[@michaelwas8549]

Cool stuff

[@plalelal]

Call it Love is an amazing song!

[@williamcarnell2251]

One night watching Johnny Carson about this time, he had the actor Barry Sullivan on and he said that his daughter had married Jim Messina. Just thought I'd throw that into the mix as it was about all I knew about Jim Messina aside from the bands he worked with.

[@TheRycooder]

One of the GREAT guitar players....

[@paulj.ingram2839]

Kind of makes you understand why Richie became a Calvary Chapel pastor.

[@williammontgomery6132]

Smooth way to bring Jim back on subject."Remember what song that note was from?"

[@slimjim71]

Jim knew the song but lied to keep it a secret. Lol

[@jeffwisener1378]

Messina is certainly able to have his opinion but I personally believe Paul Cotton and Rusty Young created fantastic music together. For example, I believe the album "Legend" is as good as any Eagles album and one of my 10 ten all time favorite albums .

[@Kim-iv4ty]

Those two, Young and Cotton were the success of Poco. Not Richie or Jimmy.

[@matthewfritz3930]

Jim seems like a class act

[@MarkDSisk]

Jim is a class act and this is his truth.

[@petersuson8852]

very insightful interview I've been following your interviews with Jim Messina quite interesting esp. I'm a fan of BS, a little of Poco and of course L & M. Could you ask Jim was his relationship with Richie was disrupted? if yes, how did they reconcile? for I know they're friends again.

[@PhilSartori]

Yes, does sound reasonable, but I always like to get the other side of the story.

[@Padoinky]

He sounds like a reasonable guy - probably an oddity in the industry

[@ziblot1235]

I really cant imagine Furay getting mad. or having a beef with anybody

[@dennis-1983]

Did he say November 31? 1970? Anybody else catch that?

[@kitcat4650]

30 days hath September, April June and November. All the rest have 31, except February which has 28, And every 4 years 29. And then theres the Jim November.

[@jrpipik]

The best part is the interviewer tells him he has "such an amazing brain!"

[@c.s.mcleod7383]

My guess of the song Furay couldn't hit the note was probably 'Hurry Up' on the 2nd album.

[@lockedin60]

I had always thought that Jim Messina and Kenny Loggins got along well. Heck they did about 6 albums together. I know Jim was primarily his producer but to record 6 albums together I would think that things would be somewhat good between the two. But I recently read their was some contention between the two. So I wonder if Jim Messina has difficulty being in a group situation. Or was he brought in to produce groups that were at the end of their group time? But I think Jim did get the right impression of Richie. Richie was frustrated that his music and musical direction did not bring him the success he sought and I think Richie was also having frustration in his personal life( his marriage).

[@richdys]

Richie's creative impulses were taking him into uncharted grounds. Country rock was not the juggernaut it has become at that time. He was breaking new ground. Stills and Young were making great rock music in a market that was robust and thriving. Rusty's muscial choice was much heavier lift.

[@ardylang8467]

The group was better with Paul. Along with Rusty n TBS , the best line up n best albums.

[@JeffMcCalib]

Agree. I prefer Young's and Cotton's songs and musicianship over Furay's. Like the albums after Schmit left too.

[@Baci302]

What a great guy

[@deniseg812]

My example as a surgical coordinator/medical secy, sometime Unions are nothing but a hindrance.

[@VoxLesPaul]

True, Denise. I've been both a union member, and also work alongside union members in a non-union capacity. If the union didn't exist, greedy/narcissistic members of management would starve workers and write themselves a big bonus. But, unions have also historically protected incompetent workers, driven employers to extinction (see "Detroit"), and used violent tactics. It's a fine balance.

[@scottblanton5220]

Honestly Poco is great even without these 2 guys

[@ziblot1235]

Jim Messina wasnt missed. He played such a small part. But Furay was Poco. Jim only played on the first album. Didnt read music?? WHo does? I played in bands for 10 years and meve met anyone who did. None of the Beatles did.

[@krisscanlon4051]

I don't think Richie pushed anyone out truly Jim was a budding producer and label guy. Richie struggled with identity overall and was young. Jim was destined to work with Loggins.

[@ziblot1235]

The team of Loggins and Messina produced some epic tunes. Yes I think that was his re ordained path is there is such a thing. I think he needs to lighten up on the bad mouthing tho what does it serve? I like all of these people ad it hurts me to hear dirt. I dont carry a grudge that long. It makes Jimmy look like a very small person.and I dont think he is.He is a giant to me just as Richie is.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Ritchie never got 1 short top 40 song till way after Ritchie left

[@shelbys6572]

I thought I heard long ago the Jim Messina was hard to work with.

[@chrisdaykin3899]

Jeff Cotton who was in the Magic Band was his replacement .. or someone else?

[@garypatton4668]

I believe you meant Paul Cotton who was in Illinois Speed Press.

[@SWOTBWOT]

If you've ever read Kenny Loggins' autobiography, he says Messina was a fanatical control freak, a trait that drove Loggins crazy and which eventually broke up their partnership. I suspect Richie had the same trouble with Messina.

[@guillermoazul220]

Well in fairness, Messina was/is that good ..... musically, vocally, production wise, tele master etc. He has better ears than most professional musicians and so capable with everything he does. Proof is in those 1st two Poco recordings, they're Messinas, control freak or not.

[@bloozedaddy]

@@guillermoazul220 no kidding....many of these guys with great ears get the "control freak" rap...Tom Scholz , Fogerty, Knopfler , etc. I'm sure they are...but making albums is kinda like making babies...a tad messy...but usually something beautiful comes out at the end 🙂

[@phildirt3]

Yea loggins and messina were pretty good

[@ultrakool]

good stuff. then he recorded your mama don't dance😣

[@Doones51]

I saw Loggins and Messina play a few years ago and they did the medley side of Sitting In along with other great stuff. They totally aced it on a very hot and humid Cape Cod summer night. Bands are fragile things. It's like a marriage without the benefit of sex to smooth things over when times get tough. Messina did the right thing whether he was right to be upset or not with Richie. Just leave. Be cool and go elsewhere. No one wants to work with someone they don't get along with. It worked out for both of them. Richie's disappointment with his 'lack' of success in comparing himself to Neil and Stephen is almost comical. Aren't Neil and Stephen two of the most driven overachievers in the music scene of their time? They both have written tons of great songs and are great musicians. I like Richie's voice, but he is a simple guitar player and hasn't written anywhere near as many songs as the others. Play music because you love it, not for ego or personal ambition. if it's good and from the heart, people will notice.

[@bingbangbong2552]

The problem with making music is money. Like oil and water. Most people do not care about the bands in fighting. Just want good music. The music industry is dead.

[@Miatacrosser]

Ritchies problem was he was driven to be a Star and not just in it for the music. I think that's what finally drove him to God...he realized he was doing things for the wrong reasons. So he went and sat by him and asked for his guiding hand....... But don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me too.

[@HungryH1951]

Some people are not meant to be the star. Some people are just a member in a band. An important member but not the big star. Neil Young, Stephen Stills, had star ability, superior talent. Furay not so much, and it got to him. Messina also became a much bigger star than Furay but he was happy to let Loggins take most of the limelight. Furay wanted something that was beyond his ability in my opinion. He does nice stuff, but not great stuff. Not top dog stuff. On top of that he apparently was rather bossy which is not a good thing.

[@candyjohnson3302]

Fairy tales are for kids.

[@bobbystereo936]

@@HungryH1951 There was no need for big stardom, he had a kickass band & should've stayed put. Why would you wanna go mainstream? Hearing your song over& over again on the radio.

[@peterbland7227]

I listened to early Poco again recently. Sorry to say, but it is hard for me to listen to - too much of Richie’s voice, and not enough balance like in Buffalo Springfield or Loggins and Messina. And thus the were only middling successful because his material just not strong enough.

[@cindyschneider4728]

Listen to Poco after Richie left, some of their most successful years. Richie always had a higher opinion of himself than was warranted with the talent he was surrounded with IMHO. The years with Rusty, Paul, Tim, and George were highly underrated. Jim Messina was already gone, and that was a shame.

[@davidwalton5257]

politics aside, Poco never managed to pick up the pieces after you, Richie and Timothy left. so sad. still pissed you never toured Oz!

[@Miatacrosser]

Uh they had their greatest commercial success AFTER those three left...what are you talking about?

[@azjames8789]

Oh please! Really? Richie went on to have one commercial failure after another when he left Poco. The Souther Hillman Furay band was a flop commercially. Good albums I have both of them but not great and certainly not successful. Richie's solo albums which I have two of we're also not that great and Commercial failures. Poco went on to Greater success with songs like Crazy Love, Heart of the Night and of course Call it Love which of course Richie refused to be in the video because it depicted inmorality. They had to rewrite and redirect the whole video to accommodate him.

[@bobbystereo936]

Not just Ritchie! Randy Meissner objected to the video also,wow! For once him & Randy agree on something. It wasn't their fault,back in those days MTV was owned by the playboy channel which explains the raunchy style of the video even after they cleaned it up.

[@dadduorp]

There's a reason why Richie Furay never "made it' to his liking as well as being extremely envious of his rivals who did-he sounded like someone extremely difficult to get along with. It's not surprising that he went the natural progression from egomaniac to "Christian" pastor.

[@tw364]

Funny how he out sung and out performed Neil and Steve during their Buffalo Springfield Reunion tour. Messina is a beta man.

[@bobbystereo936]

Ritchie did sound awesome on that reunion, he must've had alot of practice singing with his church! Wish Jimmy could've been apart of that Springfield reunion.

[@sbearly]

@@bobbystereo936 I think Jimmy was part of the Poco reunion tour and album in '89.

[@c.s.mcleod7383]

'DeLivering' was a Great album. The Poco 'Live' album 4 years later was crap.

[@meridianleeward6370]

why?

[@julierauthshaw8556]

I disagree. Although DeLIVErin' was the first Poco album I ever bought, the Poco Live album had a great version of Ride the Country. I'll admit that some of the other song choices on that album were unfortunate. They had better songs that could have been included on that album.

[@martinrice9190]

That was the beginning of when music began getting too complicated. If someone has to re record many times over a single note they probably shouldn't be performing that song. Ego's got way too big. Give me live music with no gimmics any day. Many musicians became too self important to themselves.

[@bloozedaddy]

well...that....and you have dumbass union rules about who can push buttons and when and where in ART....that MIGHT have been part of the issue.

[@GH-iw5ew]

Thank goodness he left Poco. Yes, my mommy don't dance and my daddy don't rock and roll....

[@barryfohn4385]

Poco was not a "pop' act like Loggins and Messina turned into.

[@jysmtl]

I wish he had toughed it out and stayed. Work through the personality stuff. The first three Poco albums, when Jim was still with them, are e best by anybody. And way better than anything he did after.

[@Miatacrosser]

@@barryfohn4385 ya at least Poco never turned pop until they gained success years later....and still they didn't change their sound with Legend. They refined it and created Platinum.

[@davidhiser2266]

And...unions screw up things again...

[@richdys]

Next time you got to a live show and see all the lighting and rigging hanging over the stage and audience. Be thankful it is an IATSE Union Member that rigged it.

[@DutcherDog]

I am not buying Messinas I was a good guy , Richie had problems , story . Especially when he mentions he’s a union guy ! Like that meant anything in the music industry , ever !

[@williamlangan5902]

It sounded like Jim cared about Richie but even he had his limits.

[@jeffwisener1378]

It says a lot that you somehow connect he was in the union to being the bad guy. I think your perception is flawed by your biases and political perceptions.

[@Guacamolequeenx2]

Worked as a professional union guy my whole career and I don’t doubt that story line at all. If you try to do someone else’s job, just saying, it’s usually not tolerated by the guy whose job you’re try to do.

[@ziblot1235]

I think its time to put on his big boy pants and get over it. If there wver were any problems.Richie was a genune sweet natured guy every concert I ever saw. I saw them 3 times. None with Jom, which I do regret. But Paul Cortton was a great guy and a perfect fit.

[@azjames8789]

Jimmy Messina did move on. It's called Loggins & Messina and they achieved great success together. He was asked a question and he answered it honestly that doesn't mean that he didn't move on. Neil Young also moved on. Stephen Stills also moved on. Paul cotton and Rusty young moved on. Chris Hillman and JD Souther moved on. All of them to Greater success.

[@slimjim71]

Poco, one hit wonder. Overall, the band was never all that great except for Rusty, one of the best in the business.

[@andrewjackson6103]

"One hit wonder"? You're crazy. You must have been listening to Dick Clark.

[@OWR0406]

poco had a quality like the eagles. instrumentally maybe even bettet than the eagles. if poco had been on asylum or reprise and geffen as wholetime manager they would have had a greater successful

[@geu6270]

1 hit wonder ? Don't know much about music do ya. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Dave-ol7cc]

Apparently you never saw the early band live.

[@fritzcat6198]

Boy are you way off base. Study the facts before you make blanket remarks.

[@josephguthrie9140]

Poco it seems to me was an "eh" band. You know; "Move along, nothing to see here."

[@DutcherDog]

Poco was a big deal thru 1974

[@bobbystereo936]

@@DutcherDog Everyone forgets, there was so much shit going on in the early seventies that you couldn't just focus on one band (poco). Led Zeppelin,kiss, progrock,Metal,glam-glitter, Grandfunk.