Rare Earth

Rare Earth, a band hailing from Detroit, found a unique niche straddling hard rock and soul music. As the only white act signed to Motown Records, they achieved chart success by infusing classic Motown songs with a blend of rhythm & blues and bar band rock & roll. Their tight musicianship allowed for extended jams in their live performances, with hits like "Get Ready" often reaching 30 minutes onstage. Rare Earth's evolution from their origins as the Sunliners in 1960 to their peak in the late '60s and '70s showcased a lineup that shifted over the years, culminating in a mix of funk and disco influences by the late '70s.

Rare Earth's journey continued with albums like Get Ready and Ma, where they explored original material and worked with renowned producer Norman Whitfield. Despite lineup changes and shifts in musical approach, the band maintained a steady presence in the music scene, releasing albums like Back to Earth and Midnight Lady. Their association with Motown, Prodigal, and independent labels led to a diverse discography that showcased their enduring passion for live performances. The band's longevity was marked by lineup changes and various musical experiments, with their final original member, Gil Bridges, sadly passing away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of boundary-pushing music from their Detroit roots.