Formed in 1970 in Marion, Ohio, ERIC marked the debut of Willie Creagh, better known as Willie Phoenix. The biracial band quickly gained traction locally with their 1971 self-titled album. Led by Willie on vocals and lead guitar, the group included Melvin McGary (piano, organ, vocals), James Cummings (bass), and Paul McKinnis (drums). The band soon caught the attention of CEI Records. Producer Tom Terry was brought in to record their debut full-length LP at the label’s Fremont, OH, studios. With drummer McKinnis still in high school, Bill Belt stepped in as a replacement for a Canadian tour. Their distinctive psych-pop/rock sound soon caught the attention of Capitol Records. Capitol planned to record two songs and send ERIC to England to support the single, but sadly, the deal fell through. Willie went on to sign with A&M Records in the early 1980s and forge an impressive career (much of which also resides at Fervor). Now, 55 years later, Fervor Records proudly preserves ERIC’s sole album, which launched Willie’s career.

See ERIC on DISCOGS.