Richie Furay will be the subject of two upcoming films that cover a classic rock legacy that spans Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Souther-Hillman-Furay and his solo career.
The singer and songwriter, who turned 75 this year, is also working on a new studio album.
Both films are being crowdsourced with many unique opportunities for his legion of fans to get involved.
A concert film, DeLIVErin’, is from Furay‘s performance at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, Calif., on November 16, 2018, where he celebrated the 50th anniversary of Poco’s album of the same name. As the campaign notes: “With six accomplished musicians backing him, the sound was perfectly blended with the addition of pedal steel guitar, dobro, banjo, Hammond organ, piano, and soaring vocal harmonies.”
Joining Furay on several of the songs that evening was his former Poco bandmate Timothy B. Schmit.
The evening’s first set included various songs from Furay’s career including the Springfield’s “Go and Say Goodbye” and “On the Way Home.” The second set featured DeLIVErin’ in its entirety, including such favorites as “You Better Think Twice” and “Kind Woman.” The band performed Poco’s “A Good Feelin’ To Know” as an encore.
Watch a fan video of Furay and Schmit on the evening’s finale, “A Good Feelin’ To Know”
The film is being crowdsourced through Kickstarter with various pledges netting fans various opportunities. $30 gets you the 2-CD set of the entire concert; up that to $65 and you’ll also get a commemorate t-shirt. Those interested in something more unique can buy an autographed acoustic guitar for $525 (which is priced significantly lower than what Furay normally charges on his website). For those looking to make a huge splash, there’s even an opportunity for a private concert for you and 30 friends for $10,000.
There are many other levels to contribute. The campaign concludes July 30. Click here for more information and to make a pledge.
Also in the works is a documentary about Furay’s career. The authorized film is being produced by Furay’s manager, David Stone, and Furay’s friend, Denny Klein.
The project, being crowd sourced GoFundMe, notes: “Widespread commercial and financial success evaded Richie, all while many other musicians he played with or influenced experienced hit songs and gold or platinum records.
“A combination of unfavorable circumstances, deficient management, inadequate record label support, and immeasurable chaos and drama, all contributed to his frustration and stagnation as a working musician.
“Still, his influence is immense. Most noteworthy, at an Eagles concert in Denver a few years back, Glenn Frey pointed Richie out in the audience with the acknowledgement, ‘If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here.’”
Despite their pedigree and acclaim, Poco never truly achieved their predicted success. Through their first 10 releases, no album ever reached higher than #38 on the album chart. The same held true for pop radio: memorable songs such as “You Better Think Twice,” “A Good Feelin’ To Know” and “Rose of Cimarron” all failed to click with Top 40 radio programmers at a time when country rock bands were being embraced by the format.
Filmmaker Cameron Crowe, whose first professional assignment at age 15 was interviewing Furay for Rolling Stone, narrates a trailer for the ambitious film.
Click here for further details on the documentary.
Furay was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as a member of Buffalo Springfield.
Watch the trailer
Related: Our interview with Furay
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