Encyclopedia Of Detroit
Rare Earth
Sometimes referred to as Motown Records’ “token rock band,” Rare Earth was a successful white band for the record company from 1970-1972. The band began in 1960 as the Sunliners and played in and around Detroit. In 1968 the group changed its name to one more reflective of the psychedelic age.
Rare Earth consisted of lead singer Peter Hoorelbeke, trumpeter Gil Bridges, guitarist Rod Richards, bass guitarist John Parrish (aka John Persh), and keyboard player Kenny James. Peter, who went by Peter Rivera on stage, and Gil were the only two original Sunliners. Another percussionist, Eddie Guzman, was added in 1969.
Before signing with Motown, Rare Earth had a contract with Verve, producing the unsuccessful album Dreams/Answers. In 1969, when the group signed with Motown Records, the company decided to have a rock division and created a rock label named for the band.
Rare Earth’s first hit was a 21-minute cover of the Temptations “Get Ready,” written by Smokey Robinson, on an album of the same name. The cover opened the doors for the rest of their music. A 1969 movie soundtrack album, Generation, for a film of the same name, was withdrawn when the movie failed. Their third album, Ecology, also contained a Temptations cover “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” and an original hit single, “Born to Wander.”
Their next album, One World, has what is perhaps their signature song, “I Just Want To Celebrate.” The album represented their third, and last, gold album. At the height of their success, such groups as Earth, Wind and Fire, the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan were their opening acts.
Members of the band started dropping out and being replaced beginning in 1971. The group stopped touring together in 1974 when a split happened. Two members, including original member Peter Hoorelbeke, left to form a short-lived group called HUB.
The remaining Rare Earth members continued with replacements and recorded Back to Earth in 1975. They produced seven more albums and continue to tour. A roster of band members from 1960 to present contains over 30 different musicians, with founding member Gil Bridges being the only constant.
Rare Earth was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005.
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