I'm Back And I'm Proud was the legendary rocker's comeback album, recorded for John Peel's Dandelion label in 1969. Quite apart from the stellar performances, the album was notable for being produced by arch maverick Kim Fowley and arranged and conducted by The Byrds' Skip Battin. The musicians included Steppenwolf's Mars Bonfire (rhythm guitar), Skip Battin (bass), Jim Gordon (drums), Red Rhodes (dobro) and Gene's original Blue Caps guitarist Johnny Meeks. Special guests on the record included The Doors, The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian, Linda Ronstadt (backing vocals) - an all-star cast! Highlights included heavy reworkings of George Jones' White Lightning', The Drifters' Ruby Baby' and Bobby Day's Rockin' Robin' alongside updates on Gene's own Be-Bop-A-Lula' and Lotta Lovin' '. |