Song:In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Album:In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida: Deluxe Edition
Today In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida probably seems a little silly and self indulgent. But in 1968, the song was a huge hit and was very influential in convincing radio stations and record companies to allow artists to record songs longer than three minutes. Lead singer and keyboard player Doug Ingle formed Iron Butterfly in 1966 in San Diego. A move to Los Angeles prompted personnel changes and by the time they recorded their 1967 debut album Heavy for Atco, Ingle and drummer Ron Bushy were the only group members remaining. Guitarist Danny Weis and bassist Jerry Penrod left to form Rhinoceros. Guitarist Erik Braunn and bassist Lee Dorman joined the group. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was their second album. The song was supposed to be called In The Garden Of Eden but Ingle was so stoned that he slurred his words. Supposedly the band's inebriated state was the reason the song was so long. Recording engineer Don Casale just let the tape run. Though not credited, the band says legendary producer George "Shadow" Morton produced the song. The song was released in its entirety. A three minute edit was released as a single and reached #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. But the album reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 200 and went four times platinum. It sent a message to record companies about the marketability of extended jams. You can get the complete version, a live version and the radio edit of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida on this Deluxe Edition from Rhino. Braunn left in 1970 and was replaced by Mike Pinera of Blues Image and Larry Reinhardt. Iron Butterfly split up in 1971 and Dorman and Reinhardt joined Captain Beyond. Doug Ingle left the music business and Erik Braunn died in 2003. But Lee Dorman continues to lead a version of Iron Butterfly today. Here's a 17 minute video of Iron Butterfly performing In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.
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