Originally conceived as a rock vehicle for folk singer/songwriter Dino Valente, Quicksilver Messenger Service was formed in San Francisco with members John Cipollina, Jim Murray, David Freiberg, Greg Elmore, and Gary Duncan. Valente was briefly imprisoned, delaying his return to the band. Quicksilver gained a following through live performances before signing with Capitol in 1967 and releasing their debut album in 1968.
The band went through several lineup changes over the years, recording albums like "Happy Trails" and "Shady Grove." After a brief period of success with Valente as the lead vocalist, Cipollina, Freiberg, and Hopkins departed, leaving a trio of Valente, Duncan, and Elmore to continue before ultimately disbanding. Quicksilver briefly reunited in 1975 for a new album and tour, and in 1986, Duncan revived the name for another album featuring Freiberg.
