by Richard Skelly » Fri Nov 16, 2018 2:55 am
I remember a nifty print ad for A Country Boy Named Willy. A reverse head and torso shot, it showed the back of a leather jacket clad young man. Presumably the new-to-the-big-city protagonist described in the song. Only one problem. The name on the jacket read Willie. The name on the record label read Willy.
Still, a mighty fine tune. Earlier Spring singles were produced at PBS Studios nestled in the Panorama film complex on Folkstone Way in West Vancouver. And released on London-distributed Coast Records. That niche label and the studio were at least partly owned by Steve Grossman (aka CKLG Boss Jock Steve Wonder). Willy saw Spring signed directly to London and produced by Terry Jacks of the label's premier Canadian act The Poppy Family.
Original Spring bassist Pete McKinnon may still have been on board for Willy. If not, his place had been taken with a visiting American, Kenny Passarelli. He later returned to the States, joined Joe Walsh's band Barnstorm and co-wrote Rocky Mountain Way. Meanwhile, remaining Spring stalwarts Terry Frewer (guitar/lead vocals), Bob Buckley (keyboards/reeds/harmonies) and drummer Kat Hendrikse started to wind down. A final 45 credited to Spring featuring Terry Frewer made a minor ripple when released on Mushroom Records in 1975.