American hard rock band formed in Long Island, New York in 1969. Lineup historically centered on Leslie West (guitar/vocals, 1945-2020) and Felix Pappalardi (bass/vocals/producer, 1939-1983), with drummer Corky Laing (joined 1969) and various keyboardists. Pappalardi had previously produced Cream's Disraeli Gears and Wheels of Fire.
Released six studio albums during their initial run between Climbing! (1970) and Avalanche (1974). Best-known recording: "Mississippi Queen" (1970). Performed at the original Woodstock festival in 1969, only their fourth show as a band. Pappalardi was killed by his wife in 1983; West continued the band intermittently until his death in 2020.
