Call It Love

The song "Call It Love" by Poco from their 1989 album Legacy marked a significant moment for the band, becoming one of their biggest hits, peaking at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100. In a 2008 interview, Rusty Young, the song’s lead vocalist and a founding member, shared that the track was born out of the band’s reunion spirit, capturing the emotional pull of reconnecting with old friends and bandmates. He described the recording process as “like stepping back in time,” with the original lineup—Richie Furay, Jim Messina, Randy Meisner, and George Grantham—finding their chemistry instantly. A fun piece of trivia from a fan post on the Poco Nuts Facebook group highlights how the music video for "Call It Love" leaned into MTV’s aesthetic, featuring the band alongside younger actors to appeal to a broader audience, a move that some fans found amusingly out of character for the country-rock veterans.

Another story comes from a 2016 Tampa Bay Times article, which noted that "Call It Love" was a surprise hit in the late ’80s, a time when Poco was seen as a legacy act. The song’s slick production, a departure from their earlier raw country-rock sound, was both praised and critiqued. Fans on X have shared how the song’s catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics made it a staple at their live shows, with one user recalling a 1990 concert where the crowd sang along so loudly that Young paused to let them take over. The Legacy album, certified gold, was a testament to Poco’s enduring appeal, and "Call It Love" became a bridge between their classic era and a new generation of listeners.

Poco’s origins trace back to 1968 in Los Angeles, formed from the ashes of Buffalo Springfield. Richie Furay and Jim Messina, both ex-Springfield members, teamed up with steel guitarist Rusty Young, bassist Randy Meisner, and drummer George Grantham to create a band that blended country and rock in a fresh way. According to their biography on pocoband.com, the group was inspired by the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers but aimed to carve out a distinct sound with tight harmonies and Young’s innovative steel guitar work. Their debut album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, set the stage for their influence on the country-rock genre, though commercial success was initially modest. Meisner’s departure to join the Eagles and Messina’s exit to form Loggins & Messina didn’t derail Poco; instead, they evolved, with members like Paul Cotton and Timothy B. Schmit (also later an Eagle) keeping the band dynamic.

Poco’s journey wasn’t without challenges. As noted in a Americana Highways interview with Young, the band was often “too country for rock, too rock for country,” making it tough to find a mainstream audience early on. Yet their persistence paid off, with albums like Legend (1978) and Legacy (1989) showcasing their ability to adapt while staying true to their roots. Young, who remained the band’s constant until his passing in 2021, was inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s Gallery of Greats in 2012, a nod to his pioneering steel guitar contributions. The band’s official social media accounts—Facebook, Instagram, and X—keep fans updated on legacy projects, including tribute concerts like the 2022 Poconut event in Missouri, where surviving members performed in Young’s honor.

For fans looking to dive deeper, the Poco Nuts Facebook group is a vibrant community sharing memories, rare photos, and concert stories. Another fan-driven site, Poconut.com, offers a detailed discography, live show archives, and tributes to Rusty Young. These platforms reflect Poco’s dedicated fanbase, known as Poco Nuts, who continue to celebrate the band’s music and legacy. Whether through the nostalgic pull of "Call It Love" or their genre-defining catalog, Poco’s influence on Americana and country-rock remains undeniable, with their story still resonating across generations.