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The year was 1972. For those who don’t remember, or perhaps weren’t born yet, here’s a quick glimpse at things that were of interest.
Five White House operatives were arrested for burglarizing the offices of the Democratic National Committee which started the Watergate Scandal. The digital watch made its debut. HBO came to a television near you, bringing violence, nudity, and obscenity to the comforts of your living room. The Dow Jones closed above 1,000 for the first time in history. And the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, a group of musicians from the Springfield, MO, area began a musical journey that continues today.
2022 marks the 50th anniversary for The Daredevils. The band has a large and loyal following that stretches way beyond those humble beginnings here in the Ozarks. We are talking global recognition for half a century.
The first time this writer saw the Daredevils was 1974 at the Baker University Auditorium in Baldwin City, KS. I remember the car we drove to the show, the girl I was with, and the songs that were played. I also remember thinking that was the best band I had ever seen (for reference, at that point in my life I had seen Elton John, James Taylor, and other major acts). I have lost track of how many times I’ve seen the Daredevils live since then. Enough about me, this is about the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
The group began in Springfield, circa 1971. The original band consisted of Larry Lee, Steve Cash, Michael “Supe” Granda, John Dillon, Buddy Brayfield, and Randle Chowning. They originally called themselves the Family Tree, then Burlap Socks, and then the Emergency Band. According to band members they settled on Cosmic Corncob & His Amazing Ozark Mountain Daredevils (a nod to Commander Cody who was one of their musical heroes). The band would be forever known as the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
It is well documented that acclaimed music producers Glyn Johns and David Anderle heard the band play at the infamous Cowtown Ballroom in Kansas City. Johns and Anderle were on a scouting mission, and they had their sights set on the Daredevils. The band had diverse influences and a wealth of original material. Johns was particularly intrigued by their harmonies, having recently produced the Eagles’ album, Desperado (you may also recognize that name as Johns was the recording engineer for the famous Get Back sessions for the Beatles). Based on the recommendations of Johns and Anderle, a recording deal was struck with A&M Records.
Through the years, the Daredevils have recorded eight studio albums. The first album, simply titled The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, was released in 1973. It is a classic recording full of incredible original music such as: “If You Want To Get To Heaven”, “Country Girl”, “Chicken Train”, and “Beauty In The River”. The album cover featured a quilt design and for many of us it is simply referred to as “the quilt album.”
The second album, It'll Shine When It Shines (October 1974) produced the song Jackie Blue which became the Daredevils’ signature song and a huge hit (No. 3) in the spring of 1975. Subsequent album releases followed through the decades.
In 2018, the band released a new album, Off The Beaten Path. In 2019, the band self-released Heaven 20/20, a 7 track EP featuring five new songs, one live song, and a re-recording of “If You Want To Get To Heaven." It would be the last album to feature co-founder Steve Cash before his death later that year. The band has also released numerous live and compilation recordings.
Fast forward to 2022 and it’s time to celebrate 50 years of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. The group has achieved ethereal status in Springfield -- and legendary status around the world. It has been a long road since their coming out party at the Landers Theatre in Springfield. The band first appeared at the Landers in March of 1972 (still known as the Family Tree). By the time January 1973 rolled around, they had become The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. And 50 years later the “Time Warp” celebration once again begins at the Landers in March.
The one thing that has remained constant are the two men leading the way. Michael “Supe” Granda and John Dillion. The 50th Anniversary Celebration is intended to pay tribute to every single person, past and present, who has contributed to the band through the years, and to honor the songs. The material has always been original and heartfelt. It has always been, and will always be, about the songs.
Sadly, founding member Steve Cash passed away in 2019. Other former Daredevils who are no longer with us include, Steve Canaday (passed in 1999), Bobby “Lloyd” Hicks (passed in 2017), and Bill Brown (passed in 2004). The band carries on and is still entertaining fans young and old.
If you get the opportunity to catch a performance during the 50th Anniversary Celebration (2022) do not miss it. The band will bring back memories and create new ones that will stay with you forever.
I also suggest you take a deep dive into the history of the Daredevils, including the backstory for the album covers. It is well worth the time.
To keep up to date with the Ozark Mountain Daredevils visit their Facebook page, facebook.com/ozarkmountaindaredevils, or visit the band’s website at theozarkmountaindaredevils.com.
Our very own Acoustic Shoppe Academy Instructor, Molly Healey, is a highly acclaimed teacher and working musician. She performs live as a special guest with the Daredevils as often as her schedule allows.
The Acoustic Shoppe is proud to carry on the tradition of producing and promoting live, and taped, music featuring local and national musicians from our Springfield, MO sound stages. Be sure to watch our television show Ozark Music Shoppe and follow us on our social media channels.
For more information, give us a call at 417-720-1223, shoot us an email at info@theacousticshoppe.com, visit www.theacousticshoppe.com, or stop by our showroom at 1913 E Seminole St. in Springfield, Missouri.
