Rare Earth is a multi-platinum selling band that is credited for being Motown’s first highly successful rock act and ushering in a brand new sound for the company. The original five members—Gil Bridges (saxophone), Rod Richards (guitar), Pete Rivera (drums), John Persh (Parrish) (bass guitar) and Kenny James (keyboard)—signed to Motown’s Rare Earth label (named after the band) in 1968. Ed Guzman (percussionist) joined the group after the release of the album Get Ready.
The group achieved success a year later with a cover of The Temptations’ hit “Get Ready.” Their version peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #4 and went on to receive a Gold certification. The resulting album of the same title became even more successful, going on to sell millions of copies worldwide.
The release of Rare Earth’s second album Ecology produced more hit records for the group, including the Top Ten Pop hits “(I Know) I’m Losing You” and “Born To Wander.” The popularity of the singles gave the group another million-selling Gold album. Other hits from Rare Earth include the single “I Just Want To Celebrate” (1971), peaking at #7 on the Pop charts, and the group’s certified Gold live album, Rare Earth in Concert (1971).
All Members of Rare Earth
- Gil Bridges
- Rod Richards
- Pete Rivera
- John Persh (Parrish)
- Kenny James
- Ed Guzman
- Ray Monette
- Mark Olson
- Mike Urso
- Reggie McBride
- Paul Warren
- Jerry La Croix
- Barry Eugene Frost
- Gabriel Katona
- Frank Westbrook
