Frijid Pink

Blues and psychedelic rock band Frijid Pink was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1967. The group members first came together as a local covers band by the name of the Detroit Vibrations. Going through line-up changes, original members Richard Stevers (drums) and Tom Harris (bass) were joined by Gary Ray Thompson (guitar) and vocalist Tom Beaudry, who also performed under the name Kelly Green. The group – now known as Frijid Pink - spent their first two years touring the Detroit and Southeast Michigan club circuit before landing a label deal with Parrot Records. In 1969, Frijid Pink released their first two singles – “Tell Me Why” and “Drivin’ Blues” – but they were only marginally successful. In 1970, they released their version of the classic folk song (and 1964 hit by The Animals) “House of the Rising Sun”. The song was an international hit, reaching Number 1 in Germany and sailing into the Top 10 in the US, UK and Canada. Frijid Pink released their self-titled debut album in 1970, rising to Number 11 in the US and Number 5 in Canada. The album was also a hit in Germany and Australia, where it landed in the Top 40. The next single - a cover of “Heartbreak Hotel” – was taken from the album but was not as successful as “House of the Rising Sun.” The group were a popular live band in their native Detroit, performing alongside The Stooges, MC5, The Amboy Dukes, and having Led Zeppelin open for them at the iconic concert venue, the Grande Ballroom. Frijid Pink quickly followed up their debut album with their sophomore release, Defrosted, which was also released in 1970. Including the single “Sing a Song for Freedom,” the album was only marginally successful, and things began to fall apart for the group. Beaudry and Thompson attempted a coup and tried to take over Frijid Pink but were eventually ousted from the group. A new line-up of the band released the Earth Omen album in 1972, but it failed to chart. The fourth album, All Pink Inside (1974), was recorded by another new line-up which featured drummer Rick Stevers as the only original member. The group split up but various reunited versions of Frijid Pink– all headed by Stevers - toured and recorded several albums over the years but never achieved commercial success again. Frijid Pink was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2013.