The Lee Riders-The Lee Riders (1972)

The Lee Riders were a short-lived Southern rock band that spawned one of the iconic country rock groups, the enduring Pure Prairie League. Hailing from Woodstock, New York, the band was formed by singer Robert Lee, who recruited musicians with similar Southern musical tastes. These included Bill Hinds (drums), Mike Reilly (bass), Mike Connor (organ), and Matt Presby (guitar). A contract with United Artists led them to England, where they recorded their self-titled debut album. However, drummer Bill Hinds chose to remain in the United States and was replaced in Britain by Roy O'Temro. Released in mid-1972, this single album features everything from classic Western country rock to stellar Southern rock tracks like "Ruby Valentino", "Highway Queen", "The Moment", and "Pale Horse", which, despite their undeniable quality, failed to garner the widespread public attention they deserved. A promotional tour across the UK, opening for David Bowie, who was touring in support of his album "Ziggy Stardust", marked the end of The Lee Riders' time in Britain. They would eventually return to the United States some time later. Once back in their home country, Connor and Reilly, along with Bill Hinds, founded the aforementioned Pure Prairie League, thus beginning a fruitful and successful career that produced some of the best albums in American country rock, such as "Bustin' Out", "Two Lane Highway", "If the Shoe Fits", and "Firin' Up".