Tommy Bolin

Tommy Bolin is notable for replacing Joe Walsh in The James Gang, and later taking over from Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. Bolin's earliest recordings are on albums by Zephyr; he also guested on Billy Cobham's jazz album Spectrum. James Gang Bang is considered by some Bolin aficionados to be a much underrated piece and the songs "Mystery" and "Alexis" are moving; "Must Be Love" reached the US Top 40. The James Gang's next release with Bolin was Miami. Two solo albums Teaser and Private Eyes received some critical acclaim, and "Wild Dogs" and "Post Toastee" were also reasonably well-received. Bolin joined Deep Purple for the album Come Taste The Band. He died from an overdose in 1976.