Who Are the Band Members in Poco?

Introduction to Poco’s Lineup

Poco is an influential American country rock band formed in 1968. Over more than five decades, the roster of who are the band members in Poco has evolved through multiple phases, with several musicians contributing as core players at different times. This breakdown clarifies the current members, documents the classic lineup, and maps how roles and membership have shifted across the years. Understanding these personnel changes helps explain the band’s varied sound and enduring presence in the country rock genre.

Founding Members and Early Core

Jim Messina

Co-founder and original lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. His background in folk and country-rock instrumentation shaped Poco’s early direction, including writing or co-writing key tracks like “Pick Up the Pieces” and “From the Inside.”

Richie Furay

Co-founder, lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist. Furay brought a harmony-driven vocal style and country sensibility, anchoring early classics such as “You Better Think Twice” and “Bad Weather.”

Randy Meisner

Bassist and vocalist, known for his strong melodic bass lines and lead vocals on early hits like “You Better Think Twice.” He provided a foundational low end in the band’s formative sound.

George Grantham

Drummer and vocalist whose steady groove and backing vocals helped establish Poco’s rhythmic identity in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Paul Cotton

Guitarist and vocalist who joined shortly after formation, later becoming a principal songwriter and lead vocalist. Cotton’s slide-inflected guitar and songs like “Heart of the Night” defined much of POCO’s mature sound.

Classic Lineup Era (1970s–Early 1980s)

The most celebrated stable configuration of POCO included Jim Messina, Richie Furay, Paul Cotton, George Grantham, and later Rusty Young. This grouping produced enduring albums such as From the Inside and Legend. Each member contributed tight vocal harmonies, instrumental versatility, and a blend of country, folk, and rock elements that defined the band’s mainstream peak.

Rusty Young: Longtime Steel Guitar and Pedal Steel Voice

Joining in the early 1970s, Rusty Young became POCO’s signature pedal steel guitarist and a prolific songwriter. His distinctive twin-pedal steel sound appears on classics like “Crazy Love” and “Streets of Fire.” Young remained a consistent presence across multiple lineup shifts, often serving as a bridge between the band’s classic and later iterations.

Later Additions and Refinements

Cotton, Furay, Meisner, Grantham, Young

During the mid-1970s, this quintet represented POCO at its commercial and artistically focused peak, delivering tightly arranged country rock with strong vocal harmonies and instrumental interplay.

Timothy B. Schmit

Bassist and vocalist who joined in the late 1970s after Randy Meisner’s departure. Schmit’s smooth voice and precise bass work added a new dimension to recordings such as Legend and contributed to the band’s radio presence in the early 1980s.

Steve Chapman

Session drummer and later full-time drummer in the early 1980s, providing a powerful rhythmic foundation during a period of significant touring and recording activity.

Charlie Harrison

Bassist and vocalist who replaced Tim Schmit in the early-to-mid 1980s, offering solid low-end support and backing vocals during a transitional phase for the band.

Thom Flora

Bassist and vocalist who joined in the late 1990s and contributed across multiple lineups, maintaining continuity during a time when touring schedules remained active despite shifting personnel.

Carlos Vega

Drummer who brought a high-energy, technically proficient approach to the kit in the 1990s and 2000s, supporting renewed touring and studio output.

Michael Webb

Keyboardist and vocalist who joined in the 2000s, adding layered textures and keys that expanded the band’s studio and live palette without departing from their country rock roots.

Current Members and Modern Era

As of the most recent decade, POCO has largely stabilized around a core group that emphasizes the classic country rock formula. This current configuration balances veteran songwriting with experienced session musicians, allowing the band to tour consistently and preserve its catalog.

Rusty Young

Steel guitar, pedal steel, occasional lead vocals. The last remaining original-era member still actively performing, Young is the keeper of POCO’s signature acoustic and steel guitar tones.

Jack Sundrud

Bass, vocals. A dependable bassist who anchors the live sound and contributes backing vocals, maintaining the group’s tight harmonic blend.

Richie Malone

Guitar, vocals. Tasked with covering Paul Cotton’s parts and contributing his own stylings, Malone helps preserve the band’s guitar-driven hooks in a modern touring context.

Rick Lonow

Drums, vocals. A steady, reliable drummer who supports the band’s energetic live sets and keeps the classic groove intact.

Mike Causey

Keyboards, vocals. Completes the current five-member lineup, adding synth and organ textures that complement the country rock aesthetic.

Member Roles at a Glance

Summary of Lineup Changes

The question who are the band members in Poco has different answers depending on the era in question. Early on, the interplay among Jim Messina, Richie Furay, Randy Meisner, George Grantham, and Paul Cotton defined the group’s country rock foundation. Over time, figures like Rusty Young and Tim Schmit became central, while the modern iteration features Rusty Young, Jack Sundrud, Richie Malone, Rick Lonow, and Mike Causey. Despite these shifts, the band has consistently delivered tightly harmonized, guitar-oriented country rock across more than 50 years.