Kathy, definitely check out "Bubblegum Music in the Naked Truth" by Kim Cooper. It's an incredible read that gets into the '70s business of manufacturing teen idols and creating hit singles. If Ron Dante and Tony Burrows recorded under their own names, instead of "ghost groups," we'd revere them in whole new light. If I recall, at one point, Tony had six singles in the Top 50, between the different studio projects he worked on. And Barry Manilow owes much to Dante's guidance.

Ah, the forgotten '70s: Exile makes me think of Orleans. Orleans make me think of Pilot, which makes me think of Player, then Ambrosia. Then Little River Band. All great bands with great songs.

Speaking of Rex Smith. Wow, his career. Luckily, he managed to shake his teen-idol phase and squeak one in there (two if you count his duet with Rachel Sweet that hit the Top 40). Guys like Lane Caudell and Kim Milford were not as fortunate. Look up Rex's hard-rock era, Rex, that put out two mid-'70s albums. Really different from the romantic-hit he had.

As usual: another great piece. Thanks!