The Steve Miller Band hosted The Midnight Special in season 2, just three months after the release of their breakthrough album, “The Joker.”
After seven albums, Miller shifted his musical focus from a improvisational, psychedelic sound to a more melodic, smooth rock/pop one while maintaining a blues base – it was a turning point in his career and a style that would be Steve’s template for years to come.
The laid-back, good time sound clicked, BIG time, with fans as “The Joker” was a smash: the album reached #2 on Billboard and went Platinum with 1 million in US sales; the title track topped Billboard’s singles chart on January 12, 1974 – just 2 weeks before Miller hosted The Midnight Special.
Alongside guests Brownsville Station, Genesis, Tim Buckley, The James Cotton Band and The James Gang, Miller and crew played four songs: "The Joker," "Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma," “Sugar Babe” and "Fly Like an Eagle” – the first three were from the new album, while “Eagle” wouldn’t be released until the spring of 1976.
Steve Miller Band - The Joker - Greatest Hits 1974-78 The Steve Miller Band – The Joker
The Midnight Special – aired January 25, 1974
Steve Miller Band - Fly Like an Eagle - Fly Like an Eagle (30th Anniversary Special Limited Edition) The Steve Miller Band – Fly Like An Eagle
The Midnight Special – aired January 25, 1974
