Jo Jo Gunne

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Jo Jo Gunne is a rock group, formed in Los Angeles in 1971 by Jay Ferguson (keyboards, vocals and guitar) and Mark Andes (bass and vocals) after the two of them had left Spirit. With the addition of Mark's brother, Matt Andes (b. California) (guitar, vocals), and William "Curly" Smith (b. January 31, 1952; Wolf Point, Montana) (drums, vocals and harp), the four of them were signed to Asylum Records. They had a Top 40 hit with the song, "Run, Run, Run" off of their 1972 self-titled debut album.

The group did not maintain the commercial momentum of its debut, (Jumpin' the Gunne's tasteless album cover being blamed for drastically falling sales) and broke up in 1975. However they made several excellent tracks, especially "Take It Easy," "Broken Down Man," "Neon City," and "Falling Angel." The original lineup reformed in 2005, and are touring and recording again.

[edit] Personnel changes

Following the first album, Mark Andes left the band and was replaced by Jimmie Randall (b. February 14, 1949, Dallas, Texas). Randall introduced a brighter bass sound, and helped hike up the band's overall volume.

Matt Andes departed after Jumpin' the Gunne. He was briefly replaced by Star Donaldson. A more permanent replacement was found in John Staehely,(b.January 25, 1952; Austin, Texas), who had played on Feedback, the Spirit album the followed Jay and Mark's departure. Staehely's overdriven guitar was a complete change from Matt Andes's Ry Cooder style slide.

After the band broke up, Jay Ferguson went on to record several solo albums and to score movies. Mark Andes joined Firefall, and later, Heart.