Paul Cotton (musician)
Encyclopedia
Paul Cotton is an American guitarist
and singer-songwriter
, most notable as a member of the band Poco
and as the writer of the international hit song from that band, "The Heart of the Night".
. Cotton joined Poco in 1970, replacing Jim Messina. Cotton's best known song with Poco is "The Heart of the Night", which was a major hit from the band's Legend
album, released in 1978. He also penned such Poco classics as "Indian Summer", "Ride The Country", and "Bad Weather". Prior to Poco, he co-founded, with Kal David
, Illinois Speed Press
, which released two albums. Cotton left Poco in early 2010 and now works and tours as a solo act. He lives in Key West, Florida where he goes fishing, sailing and sunning when not working on his music. Cotton is actively involved in the Key West community performing at various benefit shows in the area.
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
and singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
, most notable as a member of the band Poco
Poco
Poco is an Southern California country rock band originally formed by Richie Furay and Jim Messina following the demise of Buffalo Springfield in 1968. The title of their first album, Pickin' Up the Pieces, is a reference to the break-up of Buffalo Springfield. Highly influential and creative,...
and as the writer of the international hit song from that band, "The Heart of the Night".
History
Most of Paul Cotton's music career has been as songwriter, guitarist and singer for the band PocoPoco
Poco is an Southern California country rock band originally formed by Richie Furay and Jim Messina following the demise of Buffalo Springfield in 1968. The title of their first album, Pickin' Up the Pieces, is a reference to the break-up of Buffalo Springfield. Highly influential and creative,...
. Cotton joined Poco in 1970, replacing Jim Messina. Cotton's best known song with Poco is "The Heart of the Night", which was a major hit from the band's Legend
Legend (Poco album)
Legend is the 13th album by the Country rock band Poco, released in 1978.After ABC Records cancelled the release of Poco's planned 13th album The Last Roundup. the three remaining members of the band agreed to take a break. Rusty Young and Paul Cotton formed a new group called the Cotton-Young...
album, released in 1978. He also penned such Poco classics as "Indian Summer", "Ride The Country", and "Bad Weather". Prior to Poco, he co-founded, with Kal David
Kal David
Kal David is an American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter, whose 50-year musical career in Illinois, New York and California extended through various phases, including a highly-regarded stint with Columbia Records in early 1970s....
, Illinois Speed Press
Illinois Speed Press
Illinois Speed Press was an American rock band formed - originally, in 1965, as The Rovin' Kind - in Chicago, later relocating to California. The band was formed by Paul Cotton - later of Poco - and Kal David...
, which released two albums. Cotton left Poco in early 2010 and now works and tours as a solo act. He lives in Key West, Florida where he goes fishing, sailing and sunning when not working on his music. Cotton is actively involved in the Key West community performing at various benefit shows in the area.
Solo discography
- 1990 Changing Horses (CurbCurb RecordsCurb Records is a record label started by Mike Curb originally as Sidewalk Records in 1963...
) - 2001 "Firebird"
- 2004 "When The Coast Is Clear"