Introduction
The Chicago Loop was a short-lived pop/rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois. The core members of the group were former folk singers Judy Navy and Bob Slawson, and the group was rounded off by other musicians Carmen Riole, Jack Siomoms, Barry Goldberg and John Savanna. Bob Crewe was the group’s producer, who produced their only hit single “(When She Needs Good Lovin’) She Comes to Me,” which made a crack at the Top 40 in 1966. Following singles became less successful, and the band broke up soon afterwards.
Who was The Chicago Loop?
Originating from Chicago, Illinois, The Chicago Loop was a rock group who gained popularity during the mid-60s music scene with their only hit single “(When She Needs Good Lovin’) She Comes to Me.” The short-lived band consisted of guitarists John Savana and Mike Bloomfield, bassist Carmine Riole, keyboardist Barry Goldberg, drummer John Siomoms and vocalists Bob Slawson and Judy Novy. Bloomfield and Goldberg were well-known and well-regarded studio musicians during that time.
“(When She Needs Good Lovin’) She Comes to Me” — The Chicago Loop’s only hit
Getting signed to DynoVoice Records in 1966, The Chicago Loop released their first single “(When She Needs Good Lovin’) She Comes to Me.” It reached #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. It was produced by Bob Crewe, who also had worked with other artists such as the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli. After several attempts for another hit with “Richard Cory,” Technicolor Thursday” and “Saved,” they all went for naught and The Chicago Loop disbanded in 1968. They are now mostly considered as a “one-hit wonder” act.
The former members Riole, Slawson and Siomos formed The Mitch Ryder Show which was the rhythm section of the touring group.
About The Pianist – Barry Goldberg
Barry Goldberg was a pianist for the Chicago Loop, but he is also famous for his songwriting and record-producing abilities. He is known to have co-produced albums with Percy Sledge, James Cotton, and Charlie Musselwhite.
Early Life
When Goldberg was a teenager, he played the keyboard with the Paul Butterfield Blues band, which backed Bob Dylan when he appeared at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. He went on to form a band with Mike Bloomfield in 1967 called The Electric Flag.
In 1965, he moved to Chicago and continued to play the blues, and with Steve Miller, he founded the Goldberg-Miller Blues band. Later bassist Roy Ruby, drummer Maurice McKinley and rhythm guitarist Claymore Stevens were added to the group. The band signed a contract with Epic Records and recorded a single called “The Mother Song.”
Goldberg was a very active songwriter and had written songs that have been recorded by many musicians like Gladys Knight, Steve Miller, Rod Stewart, Gram Parson, and Bobby Blue Bland. His first professional writing session was “Devil with the Blue Dress On” by Mitch Ryder and Detroit Wheels. He released a self-titled album in 1974, produced by Jerry Wexler and Bob Dylan.
Current Work
Goldberg is still an active musician. In 2012, he was recruited by Stephan Stills, who convinced him to form a band called the Rides. This band added a guitarist Kenny Wayne and a drummer Chris Layton. The music produced by the Rides was some of Still’s best works. When the band released their first album, Goldberg helped with songwriting and co-wrote four songs. The album was called Can’t Get Enough and reflected Stills’s work on his album with Mike Bloomfield in 1968 called Super Session. The album was a hit and was nominated for Best Rock Blues Album at the 2014 Blues Music Awards.
In 2016, the Rides played with Neil Young at the Light Up the Blues event at Pantages Theater in Los Angeles. The same year, the band released their second album titled Pierced Arrow. In November 2021, Goldberg appeared on the BMG album called American Railroad, backed by James Intveld and Rocky Burnette.
The Chicago Loop’s discography (may be impartial)
DynoVoice Records
(Oct 1966)
- A: (When She Wants Good Lovin’) My Baby Comes To Me
- B: This Must Be The Place
(Feb 1967)
- A: Richard Corey
- B: Cloudy
Mercury Records
(Nov 1967)
- A: Saved
- B: Can’t Find The Words
(May 1968)
- A: Technicolor Thursday
- B: Beginning At The End
Conclusion
Chicago Loop was a 60s American rock band formed in the United States that had a short career and released a few songs, such as When She Needs Good Lovin’. This song, in particular, hit 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. They also recorded with notable musicians, including Michael Bloomfield and Barry Goldberg.