The James Gang are best known for their guitarist, Joe Walsh, whose playing helped establish him as a superstar guitarist. Walsh joined the Cleveland-based group in 1969 after making a name for himself as one of the top guitarists in Ohio.
I’ve always liked the edge of the James Gang. I like the rawness they had and wish they would have stayed together longer. With just three members, it meant Walsh had to play both rhythm and lead guitar parts, and also sing (he got a lot more help when he joined the Eagles in 1975). It was quite a learning experience for Walsh, who left the James Gang in 1971 after recording three studio albums with the group. It was the producer Bill Szymczyk who signed the James Gang to ABC Records after seeing them perform at a show in Ohio. Szymczyk produced the band and began a long association with Joe Walsh, producing his solo albums and most of the Eagles output in the ’70s.
The James Gang released the album Thirds in 1971 which yielded this song their highest-charting single, “Walk Away.” The band released live album James Gang Live In Concert in 1971. Joe Walsh had left the group in 1971 to form his next group Barnstorm. He then later joined The Eagles .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo0vBdlWQs0
The James Gang had many changes through the years after Walsh left including bringing in Tommy Bolin but the lineup they are most remembered for is Joe Walsh, Jim Fox, and Dale Peters.
The biggest chart hit for the James Gang would be “Walk Away,” which made #51 in 1971 and was later reworked for Walsh’s 1976 solo album You Can’t Argue with a Sick Mind.
The other great song is from their album “Thirds.” Joe Walsh sang with Mary Sterpka, One of the band’s own personal favorites, “Midnight Man” was easily one of the highlights of the Thirds album, the group’s last with guitarist Joe Walsh. A simple and slightly sentimental ballad, the song is an excellent example of Walsh’s overall charm and style. Ostensibly about a clandestine affair, there is a strong and sweet atmosphere here, which is highlighted by guest vocalist Mary Sterpka’s lovely harmonies. A strong Buffalo Springfield/Poco-inspired, country-rock feel highlights this tune, which is a cult favorite of James Gang fans, and for good reason.
The classic James Gang lineup — Walsh (Guitarist), Peters (Bass Player), and Fox (Drums) got together again for the first time to perform for then-president Bill Clinton’s election rally in late 1996. The group also made appearances on The Drew Carey show during the late 1990s and performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio in February 2001.
The classic James Gang trio also toured across the country in the summer of 2006, where they were supported by backing vocalists and other musicians.
The Fat Angel Sings 