Let’s talk a little more about Steve Miller (not the evil one). William “Boz” Scaggs was an early collaborator of Steve Miller, and I mean early. In 1963, when they were both 18, they played in a band called The Ardells. And then Boz played in the Steve Miller Band very briefly from 1967 to 1968, appearing on two albums before leaving to pursue a solo career. The Steve Miller Band would go on to sell millions of records, while Mr. Scaggs’ first six solo albums unfortunately didn’t go anywhere. But then he released Silk Degrees in February 1976 to enormous success. The album went five times Platinum and received a Grammy nomination for Album Of The Year. He lost to Stevie Wonder, as did Chicago, George Benson, and the artist behind the #1 album of 1976. However, Boz did win Best Rhythm & Blues Song for “Lowdown,” which brings me to his album’s singles.
The first single, “It’s Over,” only peaked at #38 on the Hot 100. “Lowdown” was the second single and it became his biggest hit ever, peaking at #3 on the Hot 100. In fact, it was his only song to enter the top 10. Then the third single, “What Can I Say,” peaked at #42. But then the fourth single, “Lido Shuffle,” peaked at #11, making the singles from Silk Degrees the musical equivalent of Star Trek movies.
In short, Silk Degrees is a fantastic album. Every song is top-tier blue-eyed soul, especially “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle.” You should go listen to it.
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