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{{Short description|American pop and rock band}}
{{Multiple issues|orphan = May 2010|POV = May 2010|inappropriate tone = September 2011}}
{{tone|date=September 2011}}


{{Infobox musical artist| <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = CARGOE
| name = CARGOE
| image =
| image =
| caption = {{deletable image-caption|date=July 2011}}
| caption =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]]/[[Memphis, TN]]
| origin = [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]]/[[Memphis, TN]]
| genre = [[Power pop]], [[Southern rock]], [[Tulsa Sound]]
⚫
| years_active = 1968–1973, 2009–present
| country = [[United States]]
| genre = [[Power Pop]], [[Southern Rock]]
| label = Rubbery Cargoe Records
⚫
| associated_acts =
⚫
| years_active = 1968–1973, 2009–present
| label = [[Rubbery Cargoe Records]]
| website = [http://www.myspace.com/cargoe/ Cargoe's myspace]
⚫
| current_members = Bill Phillips<br/>Max Wisley<br/>Tim Benton<br/>Steve Thornbrugh
⚫
| associated_acts =
⚫
| past_members = Tom Richard<br/>Manager/Producers:<br>Jim Peters<br>Robert W. Walker
| website = [http://www.myspace.com/cargoe/ Cargoe's myspace]
⚫
| current_members = Bill Phillips<br/>Max Wisley<br/>Tim Benton<br/>Steve Thornbrugh|
⚫
| past_members = Tom Richard<br/>Manager/Producers:<br>Jim Peters<br>Robert W. Walker|
}}
}}


'''Cargoe''' is an American Band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, originally formed in the late 1960s as Rubbery Cargoe, whose lone studio album, engineered by phonon{{clarify|date=September 2011}} [[Terry Manning]], was released on Memphis Tennessee’s legendary{{peacock term|date=September 2011}} [[Ardent Records]] in 1972. They moved to Memphis, TN in 1970 with the help of legendary{{peacock term|date=September 2011}} Radio Personalities [[Robert W. Walker]] and the infamous [[Jim Peters (radio)|Jim Peters]], to begin their recording career with legendary{{peacock term|date=September 2011}} producer [[Dan Penn]] of [[the Box Tops]] fame. They later signed with [[Ardent Records]] where they recorded alongside cult icon{{peacock term|date=September 2011}} [[Big Star]] in the original National Street Ardent Studios location, as well as the new studio built on Madison Avenue in 1971.
'''Cargoe''' is an American pop rock band from [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]], originally formed in the late 1960s as '''Rubbery Cargoe''', whose lone studio album, produced and engineered by [[Terry Manning]], was released on [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis, TN]]-based [[Ardent Records]] in 1972. They moved to [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] in 1970 with the help of Robert W. Walker and Jim Peters to begin their recording career with producer [[Dan Penn]]. They later signed with [[Ardent Records]] where they recorded alongside [[Big Star]] in the original National Street Ardent Studios location, as well as the new studio built on Madison Avenue in 1971.


[[Keyboardist]]/[[guitarist]]/[[vocalist]]/[[songwriter]] [[Bill Phillips (rock musician)|Bill Phillips]] and [[guitarist]]/[[bassist]]/[[vocalist]]/[[songwriter]] [[Max Wisley]] formed the pop/rock quartet '''Rubbery Cargoe''' in the mid 1960s. The Tulsa based group went through various incarnations, eventually choosing [[drummer]] /[[vocalist]]/[[songwriter]] [[Tim Benton]] and lead [[guitarist]] /[[vocalist]]/[[songwriter]] [[Tom Richard]] and later changed the name to '''Cargoe'''.
[[Keyboardist]]/ [[guitarist]]/ [[vocalist]]/ [[songwriter]] Bill Phillips and [[guitarist]]/ [[bassist]]/ vocalist/ songwriter Max Wisley formed the pop/rock quartet Rubbery Cargoe in the mid-1960s. The Tulsa-based group went through various incarnations, eventually choosing [[drummer]]/ vocalist/ songwriter [[Tim Benton]] and lead guitarist/ vocalist/ songwriter Tom Richard and later changed the name to Cargoe.


Cargoe epitomized the funky Tulsa sound.
Cargoe were first-rate{{peacock term|date=September 2011}} musicians who epitomized that funky Tulsa Sound every bit as well{{says who|date=September 2011}} as [[Leon Russell]] or The [[Dwight Twilley]] Band, to name two acts with which they share musical heritage. Their peers in Tulsa went on to back artists like [[Eric Clapton]], [[Delaney & Bonnie and Friends]], [[Bob Seger]], [[Kris Kristofferson]], and [[Moon Martin]].


==The Memphis years==
==The Memphis years==
The band that would become '''Cargoe''' established major roots in the Tulsa Music scene of the mid to late 1960s. They were [[Rubbery Cargoe]], the psychedelic “house” band of the progressively up-scale teen only night club “[[The Machine]]”. It was there that Cargoe became forever linked with [[Jim Peters (radio)|Jim Peters]] of local AM radio [[KAKC]] fame, who was the Sound, Lighting, and Voice of “The Machine”. As Rubbery Cargoe, they began writing original material, and were the opening act for many major [[Hit Maker]]s of the day, including [[The Cowsills]], and [[Eric Burdon]] and [[the Animals]]. Rubbery Cargoe was considered one of the premier Tulsa bands, if not THE premier Tulsa band at the time. But things changed. “The Machine” closed, and there were few places that catered to musicians playing original material. Bill began College in Norman and there were weeks and even months when the band would not get together or would not have gigs to play. Things were falling apart fast. It was summer break 1969, and the band were all free for the summer. They somehow got a gig in Colorado Springs at a club that allowed them to do their own material. This turned out to be a turning point for the band. After they returned to Tulsa, Peters organized a recording session at [[KFAQ|KVOO]], where the first Rubbery Cargoe demos were created. Fellow Disc Jockey and close personal friend [[Robert W. Walker]] had moved to Memphis, TN where he was Music Director and radio personality for [[WHBQ (AM)|WHBQ]]. Through Rob’s connection with [[Dan Penn]] of [[The Box Tops]] fame, he created the opportunity for the band to make their very first record at Penn’s new [[Beautiful Sounds]] studio in Memphis. Rob and Jim would co-produce, engineer, and mix, while Beautiful would own the masters and recoup their expenses upon sale or lease of the masters to a record company. Jim and the band moved to Memphis in 1970, living with Rob, while they recorded their Album in 4 days. Later that year they all moved into an old Antebellum house at 1972 Cowden. For all involved, the address had a “magic ring” to it.
The band that would become Cargoe established major roots in the Tulsa Music scene of the mid to late 1960s. They were Rubbery Cargoe, the psychedelic "house" band of the teen-only night club, The Machine. It was there that Cargoe became forever linked with Jim Peters of local AM radio [[KAKC]] fame, who was the sound, lighting, and voice of The Machine. As Rubbery Cargoe, they began writing original material, and opened for bands of the day including [[The Cowsills]], and [[Eric Burdon]] and [[the Animals]].


When “The Machine” closed, there were few places that catered to musicians playing original material. Phillips began college in Norman, and the band did not get together for weeks and months at a time. During the summer of 1969, Rubbery Cargoe got a gig in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado|Colorado Springs]] at a club that allowed them to play their own material. This turned out to be a turning point for the band.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} After they returned to Tulsa, Peters organized a recording session at [[KTSB (AM)|KVOO]], where the first Rubbery Cargoe demos were created. Peters' younger brother Tim, who was a soprano at the Trinity Church men and boys choir, sang high note harmony on their demo tape. Disc Jockey and close personal friend Robert W. Walker had moved to Memphis, TN where he was music director and radio personality for [[WHBQ (AM)|WHBQ]]. Through Walker's connection with [[Dan Penn]] of [[The Box Tops]] fame, he created the opportunity for the band to make their very first record at Penn's new Beautiful Sounds studio in Memphis. Walker and Peters would co-produce, engineer, and mix, while Beautiful would own the masters and recoup their expenses upon sale or lease of the masters to a record company. Peters and the band moved to Memphis in 1970, living with Walker, while they recorded their album in four days. Later that year they all moved into an old Antebellum house at 1972 Cowden. For all involved, the address had a “magic ring” to it.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
⚫
[[Dan Penn]] and his partner at Beautiful, [[Eddie Braddock]], had significant connections in the record business, so when the album neared completion, Rob and Jim went looking for bidders. [[Epic Records]] and [[Atlantic Records]] were ready to sign the original Beautiful Sounds album Jim and Rob had produced - firm offers were made - but Penn's business partners wanted to hold out for more advance money. Meanwhile, they put out a single on their own, on Penn's in-house label "Beautiful". The original ''Feel Allright'' went to [[#1]] on Memphis radio and started spreading across the South, only to be stymied because Beautiful lacked the national distribution necessary to make it an across-the-board smash. Another major missed opportunity (harbinger of problems that would spill into the years ahead.)


⚫
[[Dan Penn]] and his partner at Beautiful Sounds, Eddie Braddock, had connections in the record business, so when the album neared completion, Walker and Peters went looking for bidders. [[Epic Records]] and [[Atlantic Records]] were ready to sign the original Beautiful Sounds album Peters and Walker had produced - firm offers were made - but Penn's business partners wanted to hold out for more advance money. Meanwhile, they put out a single on their own, on Penn's in-house label "Beautiful". The original ''Feel Allright'' went to No. 1 on Memphis radio and started spreading across the South, only to be stymied because Beautiful lacked the national distribution necessary to make it an across-the-board smash. Another major missed opportunity (harbinger of problems that would spill into the years ahead.)
⚫
Jim and Rob had Managed the band all the way from Tulsa and into an opportunity few bands ever get the chance to experience. As musicians, the band members were disengaged business-wise. They became disenchanted that nothing was happening and things were falling apart again. Tensions were rising between them all, and the spirit of the adventure was fading. By the end of 1970, Rob was offered a job in Miami radio, and was ready to go. The band and Peters remained in Memphis. Ardent owner John Fry, through Rob and Jim’s introduction, had lent the band money to buy equipment, so that relationship developed into the Ardent recordings. Regrettably, that was the end of Rob and Jim’s involvement with Cargoe.

⚫
Peters and Walker had managed the band all the way from Tulsa and into an opportunity few bands ever get the chance to experience. As musicians, the band members were disengaged business-wise. They became disenchanted that nothing was happening, and things were falling apart again. Tensions were rising between them all, and the spirit of the adventure was fading. By the end of 1970, Walker was offered a job in Miami radio, and was ready to go. The band and Peters remained in Memphis. Ardent owner John Fry, through Walker and Peters' introduction, had lent the band money to buy equipment, so that relationship developed into the Ardent recordings. That was the end of Walker and Peters' involvement with Cargoe.


==Moving on to Ardent Records==
==Moving on to Ardent Records==
Often associated with the [[Power Pop]] genre given to Ardent Label Mates [[Big Star]], Cargoe projected more of a stylized artistic nuance to their songwriting and performing, with harmonies exhibiting a strong American/Southern Roots cultural influence.
Often associated with the [[Power Pop]] genre given to Ardent label-mates [[Big Star]], Cargoe projected more of a stylized artistic nuance to their songwriting and performing, with harmonies exhibiting a strong American/Southern Roots cultural influence.


The band recorded their Album ''CARGOE'' with [[Terry Manning]] producing at, [[John Fry (record producer)|John Fry]]'s [[Ardent Studios]]. They scored numerous ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' and ''[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]]'' Top 100 listings, and reviews from 1970 through 1973, along with major radio play of their first single “Feel Alright” and follow-up “I Love You Anyway”. The band’s studio LP ''CARGOE'' was even featured, with [[Isaac Hayes]] ''[[Theme from Shaft|Shaft]]'', which won an [[Academy Award]]/Oscar that year for [[Academy Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song]], in a Special Edition section of ''Billboard''’s June 3, 1972 “The Deck is STAX” promotion.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=8ycEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA30-IA8&lpg=PA30-IA8&dq=Cargoe+in+Bilboard&source=bl&ots=RL-_-Krqez&sig=Qhi-iGt68z5SXR0YYiWnoC8nF3c&hl=en&ei=IjSDS6j7FpCXtgei3azyAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=&f=false</ref>
The band recorded their Album ''CARGOE'' with [[Terry Manning]] producing at, [[John Fry (record producer)|John Fry]]'s [[Ardent Studios]]. They scored numerous ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' and ''[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]]'' Top 100 listings, and reviews from 1970 through 1973, along with major radio play of their first single “Feel Alright” and follow-up “I Love You Anyway”. The band's studio LP ''CARGOE'' was even featured, with [[Isaac Hayes]] ''[[Theme from Shaft|Shaft]]'', which won an [[Academy Award]] that year for [[Academy Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song]], in a Special Edition section of ''Billboard''’s June 3, 1972 “The Deck is STAX” promotion.<ref name="google">{{cite book|title=Billboard|date=1958-12-15|issn=0006-2510|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_7AoEAAAAMBAJ|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_7AoEAAAAMBAJ/page/n29 30]|access-date=2014-10-24}}</ref>


The band began a west coast tour the summer of 1972, but was caught up in the distribution and bankruptcy label problems at Stax/Volt, who distributed the album and owned the masters. Distribution was sold to [[Columbia Records]] who failed to include Cargoe in their catalog, which meant that listeners who heard the hit could not actually buy the record. “Feel Alright” and their debut ''CARGOE'' LP fell off the charts instantly.
The band began a west coast tour the summer of 1972, but was caught up in the distribution and bankruptcy label problems at Stax/Volt, who distributed the album and owned the masters. Distribution was sold to [[Columbia Records]] who failed to include Cargoe in their catalog, which meant that listeners who heard the hit could not actually buy the record. “Feel Alright” and their debut ''CARGOE'' LP fell off the charts instantly.


The same label troubles caused both Cargoe and [[Big Star]] to disband within a short time. Big Star went on to become one of the most beloved and influential bands of the entire decade, while Cargoe pretty much disappeared out of the popular memory.
The same label troubles caused both Cargoe and [[Big Star]] to disband within a short time.


[[Ardent Records]] contracts for distribution with Stax/Volt gave [[Stax Records|Stax]] ownership of the master tapes. When Stax went bankrupt in the mid-'70s, ownership of the masters eventually wound up in the hands of [[Fantasy Records]] Saul Zaentz, and no one's been able to get the tapes for domestic release.
[[Ardent Records]] contracts for distribution with Stax/Volt gave [[Stax Records|Stax]] ownership of the master tapes. When Stax went bankrupt in the mid-'70s, ownership of the masters eventually wound up in the hands of [[Fantasy Records]] Saul Zaentz, and no one's been able to get the tapes for domestic release.


After nearly 40 years of producing and engineering countless hit records including [[ZZ Top]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[George Thorogood]], [[Celine Dion]], [[Björk]], [[Lenny Kravitz]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[Shania Twain]], and many others, [[Terry Manning]] to this day regards Cargoe as “the great record he helped make that no one ever discovered”.<ref>The Cargoe Story by Frank Gutch Jr.</ref>
After nearly 40 years of producing and engineering countless hit records including [[ZZ Top]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[George Thorogood]], [[Celine Dion]], [[Björk]], [[Lenny Kravitz]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[Shania Twain]], and many others, [[Terry Manning]] to this day regards Cargoe as “the great record he helped make that no one ever discovered”.<ref name="ReferenceA">The Cargoe Story by Frank Gutch Jr.</ref>

==30 years later==
Their lone album, simply titled ''CARGOE'' released in 1972 on [[Ardent Records]] but available now only via a pricey Japanese [[JVC]] 2003 import, has been unavailable for fans to hear for decades.

*When Ardent Records was launched in Memphis in 1972, it was Cargoe who label owners/producers/engineers [[John Fry (record producer)|John Fry]] and [[Terry Manning]] thought were going to put [[Ardent Records]] on the map.
*It was Cargoe who were known as the hottest live band in the Memphis area in 1971-74.
*It was Cargoe who scored Ardent Records first big radio hit.

In 2004, when [[Terry Manning]] belatedly released an undiscovered live Stereo FM ''[[Live in Memphis, Lucky Seven Records]]'', [[Big Star]]'s [[Jody Stephens]] told author/writer [[Frank Gutch Jr.]]—not kidding at all—that he almost hated for people to hear this album, and realize that Big Star were not such a good live band after all.<ref>The Cargoe Story by Frank Gutch Jr.</ref>

Cargoe's final live performance was on Halloween Night, October 31, 1972, where they opened for the legendary band [[Poco]] at the Overton Park Shell in [[Memphis, Tennessee]]. The band had planned a follow-up album, but material written back then was never recorded or released until now.

Nearly 40 years later, three of the original members, [[Keyboardist]]/[[guitarist]]/[[vocalist]]/[[songwriter]] [[Bill Phillips (rock musician)|Bill Phillips]], [[guitarist]]/[[bassist]]/[[vocalist]]/[[songwriter]] [[Max Wisley]], and [[drummer]]/[[vocalist]]/[[songwriter]] [[Tim Benton]] have finally come together with undiscovered Tulsa based [[record producer|producer]]/[[engineer]]/[[lead guitarist]] /[[vocalist]]/[[songwriter]] [[Steve Thornbrugh]], to create the follow-up album that never was.

Maintaining an affinity to the original Cargoe sound and harmonies, this new adventure promises to pick up where they left off in 1972. Recording songs they wrote “in the day” for the follow-up 1972 album, this new venture moves the band back in the spotlight of original Classic core Rock Studio Performances.

*Exclusive "WFMU Talks with Ardent and Lucky Seven's Terry Manning and Cargoe's Max Wisley & Bill Phillips" Interview.<ref>http://www.angelfire.com/retro2/cargoe1/WFMU.html</ref>


==Members==
==Members==
*Bill Phillips: Hammond B3, Rhodes and Grand Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
*Bill Phillips - Hammond B-3, Rhodes and Grand Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
*Max Wisley: Hofner Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
*Max Wisley - Höfner Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
*Steve Thornbrugh: Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
*Steve Thornbrugh: Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
*Tim Benton: Drums, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
*Tim Benton: Drums, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
*Tommy Richard: Guitar & Vocals
All members contributed as Writers and Lead Vocalist
All members contributed lead vocals and songwriting.


==Discography==
==Discography==
*''CARGOE'' - 1972
*''CARGOE'' - 1972
*''[[Cargoe “Live in Memphis”]]'' - 2004
*''Cargoe “Live in Memphis'' - 2004
*''[[Cargoe - Twenty-Ten]]'' - 2010
*''Cargoe - Twenty-Ten'' - 2010


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Authority control}}
==Notes==
<references />


{{DEFAULTSORT:Cargoe}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cargoe}}

Latest revision as of 16:42, 24 June 2024

CARGOE
OriginTulsa, Oklahoma/Memphis, TN
GenresPower pop, Southern rock, Tulsa Sound
Years active1968–1973, 2009–present
LabelsRubbery Cargoe Records
MembersBill Phillips
Max Wisley
Tim Benton
Steve Thornbrugh
Past membersTom Richard
Manager/Producers:
Jim Peters
Robert W. Walker
WebsiteCargoe's myspace

Cargoe is an American pop rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, originally formed in the late 1960s as Rubbery Cargoe, whose lone studio album, produced and engineered by Terry Manning, was released on Memphis, TN-based Ardent Records in 1972. They moved to Memphis in 1970 with the help of Robert W. Walker and Jim Peters to begin their recording career with producer Dan Penn. They later signed with Ardent Records where they recorded alongside Big Star in the original National Street Ardent Studios location, as well as the new studio built on Madison Avenue in 1971.

Keyboardist/ guitarist/ vocalist/ songwriter Bill Phillips and guitarist/ bassist/ vocalist/ songwriter Max Wisley formed the pop/rock quartet Rubbery Cargoe in the mid-1960s. The Tulsa-based group went through various incarnations, eventually choosing drummer/ vocalist/ songwriter Tim Benton and lead guitarist/ vocalist/ songwriter Tom Richard and later changed the name to Cargoe.

Cargoe epitomized the funky Tulsa sound.

The Memphis years

[edit]

The band that would become Cargoe established major roots in the Tulsa Music scene of the mid to late 1960s. They were Rubbery Cargoe, the psychedelic "house" band of the teen-only night club, The Machine. It was there that Cargoe became forever linked with Jim Peters of local AM radio KAKC fame, who was the sound, lighting, and voice of The Machine. As Rubbery Cargoe, they began writing original material, and opened for bands of the day including The Cowsills, and Eric Burdon and the Animals.

When “The Machine” closed, there were few places that catered to musicians playing original material. Phillips began college in Norman, and the band did not get together for weeks and months at a time. During the summer of 1969, Rubbery Cargoe got a gig in Colorado Springs at a club that allowed them to play their own material. This turned out to be a turning point for the band.[citation needed] After they returned to Tulsa, Peters organized a recording session at KVOO, where the first Rubbery Cargoe demos were created. Peters' younger brother Tim, who was a soprano at the Trinity Church men and boys choir, sang high note harmony on their demo tape. Disc Jockey and close personal friend Robert W. Walker had moved to Memphis, TN where he was music director and radio personality for WHBQ. Through Walker's connection with Dan Penn of The Box Tops fame, he created the opportunity for the band to make their very first record at Penn's new Beautiful Sounds studio in Memphis. Walker and Peters would co-produce, engineer, and mix, while Beautiful would own the masters and recoup their expenses upon sale or lease of the masters to a record company. Peters and the band moved to Memphis in 1970, living with Walker, while they recorded their album in four days. Later that year they all moved into an old Antebellum house at 1972 Cowden. For all involved, the address had a “magic ring” to it.[citation needed]

Dan Penn and his partner at Beautiful Sounds, Eddie Braddock, had connections in the record business, so when the album neared completion, Walker and Peters went looking for bidders. Epic Records and Atlantic Records were ready to sign the original Beautiful Sounds album Peters and Walker had produced - firm offers were made - but Penn's business partners wanted to hold out for more advance money. Meanwhile, they put out a single on their own, on Penn's in-house label "Beautiful". The original Feel Allright went to No. 1 on Memphis radio and started spreading across the South, only to be stymied because Beautiful lacked the national distribution necessary to make it an across-the-board smash. Another major missed opportunity (harbinger of problems that would spill into the years ahead.)

Peters and Walker had managed the band all the way from Tulsa and into an opportunity few bands ever get the chance to experience. As musicians, the band members were disengaged business-wise. They became disenchanted that nothing was happening, and things were falling apart again. Tensions were rising between them all, and the spirit of the adventure was fading. By the end of 1970, Walker was offered a job in Miami radio, and was ready to go. The band and Peters remained in Memphis. Ardent owner John Fry, through Walker and Peters' introduction, had lent the band money to buy equipment, so that relationship developed into the Ardent recordings. That was the end of Walker and Peters' involvement with Cargoe.

Moving on to Ardent Records

[edit]

Often associated with the Power Pop genre given to Ardent label-mates Big Star, Cargoe projected more of a stylized artistic nuance to their songwriting and performing, with harmonies exhibiting a strong American/Southern Roots cultural influence.

The band recorded their Album CARGOE with Terry Manning producing at, John Fry's Ardent Studios. They scored numerous Billboard and Cashbox Top 100 listings, and reviews from 1970 through 1973, along with major radio play of their first single “Feel Alright” and follow-up “I Love You Anyway”. The band's studio LP CARGOE was even featured, with Isaac Hayes Shaft, which won an Academy Award that year for Best Original Song, in a Special Edition section of Billboard’s June 3, 1972 “The Deck is STAX” promotion.[1]

The band began a west coast tour the summer of 1972, but was caught up in the distribution and bankruptcy label problems at Stax/Volt, who distributed the album and owned the masters. Distribution was sold to Columbia Records who failed to include Cargoe in their catalog, which meant that listeners who heard the hit could not actually buy the record. “Feel Alright” and their debut CARGOE LP fell off the charts instantly.

The same label troubles caused both Cargoe and Big Star to disband within a short time.

Ardent Records contracts for distribution with Stax/Volt gave Stax ownership of the master tapes. When Stax went bankrupt in the mid-'70s, ownership of the masters eventually wound up in the hands of Fantasy Records Saul Zaentz, and no one's been able to get the tapes for domestic release.

After nearly 40 years of producing and engineering countless hit records including ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, George Thorogood, Celine Dion, Björk, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, and many others, Terry Manning to this day regards Cargoe as “the great record he helped make that no one ever discovered”.[2]

Members

[edit]
  • Bill Phillips - Hammond B-3, Rhodes and Grand Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
  • Max Wisley - Höfner Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
  • Steve Thornbrugh: Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
  • Tim Benton: Drums, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
  • Tommy Richard: Guitar & Vocals

All members contributed lead vocals and songwriting.

Discography

[edit]
  • CARGOE - 1972
  • Cargoe “Live in Memphis - 2004
  • Cargoe - Twenty-Ten - 2010

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Billboard. 1958-12-15. p. 30. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 2014-10-24.
  2. ^ The Cargoe Story by Frank Gutch Jr.
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