Jackie Blue – Ozark Mountain Daredevils | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#3); 1975
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Whereas most “Southern Rock” bands specialized in a hot rock/boogie hybrid, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils played a more laidback brand of country-rock.
After scoring a debut Top 40 hit in 1974 with If You Wanna Get To Heaven, the band set about recording its second album. This time they traded London’s famed Olympic Studios for Daredevil Randle Chowning’s ranch outside of Springfield, Missouri, with Glyn Johns once again in the producer’s chair.
The most pop-oriented song included on It’ll Shine When It Shines was written by blues harpist Steve Cash and drummer Larry Lee. Jackie Blue‘s irresistible groove and OMD’s smooth harmonies propelled the track to #3 on the Hot 100 in May, 1975.
The original line-up turned out two more fine albums before original members Chowning and Brayfield departed; ending the Daredevils’ time in the spotlight.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Glyn Johns
- David Anderle
Lyrics Written by:
- Steve Cash
- Larry Lee
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).