This is the album cover that we all know. The LP was released earlier, in 1976, with an incognito album cover, but it didn't stop, "Smoke From a Distant Fire" from being a big hit. I'd like to find the release date for that album.
The LP debuted, with its new album cover, on 13 August 77. However, the album track, "Smoke From a Distant Fire", was very popular in late 1976. The original LP was given a full page new album advertisement by Billboard Magazine on November 20, 1976. Can we nail up its actual release date?
Produced by Jerry Wexler & Barry Beckett
Recorded & Mixed at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Sheffield, Alabama
Engineer : Greg Hamm, Jerry Masters, Steve Melton
Mixing Engineer : Barry Beckett, Gregg Hamm, Steve Melton
Arranged by Barry Beckett, Jerry Wexler, The Sanford-Townsend Band
Sanford-Townsend Band
John Townsend : Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Ed Sanford : Keyboards, Vocals
Roger Johnson : Lead Guitar
Otis Hale : Guitar, Woodwind
Jerry Rightmer : Bass
Jim Varley : Drums
Additional Musicians
Billy Townsend : Backing Vocals
George Hawkins : Backing Vocals
Tex Wex : Bass Vocals
Jon Clarke : Woodwind
and
Barry Beckett Keyboards
Tom Roady : Percussion
Kenny Loggins : Vocals