The 1970s, often characterized as the “Me Decade,” was a vibrant era of musical exploration, yet amidst the prevailing trends of disco and punk, a gentler sound emerged, offering listeners a moment of respite and reflection. England Dan & John Ford Coley were at the forefront of this movement, crafting songs that resonated with elegance and unassuming charm. Though sometimes remembered merely for their biggest hit, their discography is rich with melodies that continue to captivate. This article delves into the world of England Dan And John Ford Coley Songs, exploring their journey, their music, and the enduring appeal of their soft rock classics.
Dan Seals and John Coley’s story began in Dallas, Texas, in the early 1960s, as high school classmates drawn together by a shared passion for music. Seals, born into a musical family – his brother Jim Seals was part of the Champs, and his lineage included country music figures – was immersed in music from a young age. Coley brought classical piano training to the mix. Their initial collaborations were in local bands, navigating the evolving music scene as members of groups like the Playboys Five and Theze Few. An early attempt at recording in Nashville as the Shimmerers was unfortunately cut short by tragedy.
Their first taste of broader recognition came with Southwest F.O.B., a band that allowed Seals and Coley to further develop their musical partnership. “Smell of Incense,” released in 1968, offered them a glimpse of chart success, reaching number 56. During this period, Seals and Coley’s songwriting began to lean towards a softer, more harmonious style, distinct from the band’s rock and R&B sound. They started performing acoustic sets as an opening act for Southwest F.O.B., showcasing their vocal harmonies and hinting at the duo they would soon become.
In 1969, they made the pivotal decision to leave Southwest F.O.B. and venture to California, seeking a recording contract as a duo. Initially known as Colley & Wayland, a suggestion from Jim Seals led to the moniker England Dan & John Ford Coley. “England Dan” playfully referenced Dan Seals’ brief fascination with a British accent during the height of Beatlemania, while “Ford” and the shortened “Coley” were adopted for John Coley. The name was distinctive, memorable, and perfectly suited their emerging musical identity.
Alt text: Young England Dan and John Ford Coley performing together, showcasing their early collaboration.
Signing with A&M Records in 1970, with the assistance of Louis Shelton, marked a new chapter. Their first two albums, England Dan and John Ford Coley and Fables, produced by Shelton, explored a sound that was still developing, a precursor to their signature style. These albums yielded a minor chart entry with “New Jersey” and a number one hit in Japan with “Simone,” demonstrating their burgeoning international appeal. Despite featuring seasoned session musicians and Marty Paich’s string arrangements, these early releases achieved only modest commercial success in the US, and they were dropped by A&M in 1972.
The years that followed saw them performing and honing their craft, with Coley also contributing to Seals & Crofts albums. A turning point arrived in 1976 when their manager presented them with a demo of “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” penned by Parker McGee. Their demo, again produced by Shelton, caught the ear of Doug Morris at Big Tree Records, leading to a contract. Produced by Kyle Lehning, the released version of “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” became a phenomenal hit, reaching number two on the pop charts and number one on the adult contemporary chart, selling two million copies and firmly establishing England Dan and John Ford Coley songs in the mainstream.
This monumental success launched their album Nights Are Forever, also released in 1976. The second single from the album, “Nights Are Forever Without You,” another McGee composition, climbed to the Top Ten, solidifying their status as hitmakers. While these two songs brought them widespread fame, they only hinted at the breadth of their musical talent. Nights Are Forever revealed a diverse collection of tracks, ranging from country-rock to topical songs and romantic pop, showcasing their versatility and depth beyond their smooth, harmonious hits. Songs like “Showboat Gambler,” “The Prisoner,” “Westward Wind,” and “Lady” demonstrated their songwriting range and musical sophistication.
Alt text: England Dan and John Ford Coley performing live in the 1970s, capturing their stage presence and musical harmony.
Their 1977 album, Dowdy Ferry Road, further explored their songwriting and musicality. “Soldier in the Rain,” co-written by Coley, stood out as a poignant and timely song addressing the experiences of Vietnam veterans. The album also produced moderate hits with “It’s Sad to Belong” and “Gone Too Far,” the latter being a self-penned Top 20 single. However, pressure from the record label to replicate the success of “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” with songs by other writers began to steer them away from their own compositions.
Some Things Don’t Come Easy, their 1978 album, perhaps unintentionally reflected this tension in its title. It featured the Top Ten hit “We’ll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again,” a song penned by Jeffrey Comanor. The album’s production and mixing also shifted, indicating a subtle change in direction sought by the label. Despite continued success, the creative core of England Dan and John Ford Coley songs, rooted in their personal songwriting, was being somewhat diluted.
As the 70s drew to a close, the music landscape was shifting. Disco and punk were ascendant, and the soft rock sound of England Dan & John Ford Coley was perceived by some as less relevant. Their album Dr. Heckle and Mr. Jive in 1979 yielded their final Top Ten hit, “Love Is the Answer,” written by Todd Rundgren. Despite its beautiful arrangement, the album title unfortunately missed the mark, and it proved to be their last significant effort together.
England Dan & John Ford Coley officially disbanded in 1980, marking the end of an era for their harmonious sound. Dan Seals initially continued in pop/rock before reinventing himself as a highly successful country artist, achieving numerous number one hits under the name Dan Seals. John Ford Coley stepped back from performing for a period before returning as a solo artist in the 90s.
Despite their relatively short time in the spotlight as a duo, the legacy of England Dan and John Ford Coley songs endures. Their music evokes a sense of nostalgia for a gentler time, a pre-1980s innocence that resonates with listeners even today. Compilations like The Very Best of England Dan & John Ford Coley continue to keep their music alive, reminding us of the beauty and craftsmanship of their timeless songs. For those seeking the comforting embrace of 70s soft rock, the discography of England Dan & John Ford Coley offers a treasure trove of melodies that are sure to bring smiles and warm memories. Their songs remain a testament to the enduring power of harmony, melody, and heartfelt songwriting.
