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The 1976 Album That Accidentally Created TOTO

Yesterday's America

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Boz Scaggs had spent six albums trying to make a hit. Then he brought three young session musicians into the studio for Silk Degrees.
The album changed his career. Those musicians became TOTO.

What followed was one of the strangest turns in 1970s rock, and it all started with a handful of musicians most record buyers had never heard of.

Who did you hear first? Boz Scaggs or TOTO? Let us know in the comments below 👇

#bozscaggs #toto #rockdocumentary #legendarysongs

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20 Comments

@andrewfurst5711 2 days ago

Silk Degrees still stands up as an all-time great album.

@bakedbruincolorado 2 days ago

Boz Scaggs is another egregious omission by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

@salienteye-z2v 2 days ago (edited)

I had Silk Degrees in 1977 as a sixteen-year-old, and it remains my favorite album of all time. Looking back, I think the reason is the beauty of its arrangements. To me, they feel like an evolution of classical music into the modern era—richly structured yet contemporary, with a remarkable variety of sounds and styles. Listening to it today makes me realize that my musical taste at sixteen was more sophisticated than I appreciated at the time. I'm proud of who I was back then.

@salienteye-z2v 1 day ago

My sister-in-law returned from a trip to the US talking about an amazing concert, but she couldn't remember the performer's name. Based on her description, I guessed Boz Scaggs. "That's the one!" she said. She left happy, carrying off my vinyl copy of Silk Degrees—fortunately, I still had the CD.

@williamkoenig7486 1 day ago

Not just "silk degrees" but "Middle Man" employed just about all of toto. A great bunch of musicians.

@robertcurragh790 1 day ago

Boz Scaggs is one of the most underrated artists ever. Listen to his singing ‘we’re all alone’ a song he also wrote. Such a classy clever man. Toto?

@stevetruth2696 2 days ago

I always love Boz's voice. He should be getting more credit for what he can do. But that's okay, we that know... Know

@socalltd 1 day ago

Boz and Steve Miller also went to college together. Scaggs went to Scandinavia and Steve went to Chicago after college.
Later, Steve went to San Francisco, hearing about the Haight/Ashbury scene, called Boz and told him he needs to come to San Fran. . Steve Miller gets signed to Capitol in late '67 with Boz in the band.

@cutty-sark 3 hours ago

I graduated high school in 1977 so Low Down was a huge part of my growing up. Also a huge Steely Dan fan before I knew of all the great session musicians that played for them. In college in 1978 everyone listened to Toto! I’m 67 and I love learning about the great singers and musicians from the 70s. Thank you.

@tomjoewatson 2 days ago

he was amazing with duane allman

@tipring6956 1 day ago

I never realized the connection between Boz and Toto. I love both of their music. You always hear about Ronstadt and the Eagles.

@HowToHomeLife 22 hours ago

In 1970 I was repairing car stereos while listening to KMET FM in Los Angeles and I heard "Loan Me a Dime" and when the announcer said it was by Boz Scaggs, I went out and purchased the album. I've been a listener to his music and have several of his albums, and eventually when I purchased Silk Degrees, every aspect of his music was truly enhanced and changed with the band that he assembled! David Riddle

@GolfCoachBuddy 1 day ago

Just starting high school in 1976 so I heard Lowdown first. I've been a big Boz Scaggs fan ever since. Toto IV was epic and by then I was playing drums and became a huge fan of Jeff Porcaro. I've enjoyed the music of everyone he ever recorded with--and still going strong. RIP Jeff. You're a legend and your music defined a life. Excellent video!

@prajnachan333 1 day ago (edited)

I went to one of greatest concerts and "Day On The Green" 💚 shows ever. The line was Nils Lofgren, Tower of Power, Journey, Jeff Beck, Santana, and Boz Skaggs. Every set was outstanding 👏

@ricco-o1c 2 days ago

My older brother had silk degrees album i would play it over and over, later rosanna was my favorite from toto, Africa was played to death on the radio imo

@allenboogaard5690 4 hours ago

I heard Low Down first. But boy, do I remember where I was and what I was doing the first time I heard Africa. Totally blown away by that song. Still am. Then Miss Sun, also blown away. Great composition. What a great article. thanks.

@OZRIC1985 14 hours ago

I heard "Lowdown" right when it aired on the radio. It was so funky and smooth at the same time, and the awesome horns added an extra excitement in the song. The backup vocals are awesome too! It's a perfect song!

@kathyprettyman3 1 day ago

I have always loved Boz Scaggs and thought he had a string of hits! I saw a concert with him and a big band called, "Boz Scaggs Greatest Hits Live." It was excellent! I remembered all of those songs being HITS on the local radio station. His voice is still rich and smooth! i have also seen concerts with "The Dukes of September" and heard him sing "Love Train." He even did an excellent job with that!

I love love love Toto too!

@teodelfuego 2 days ago

I listened to Silk Degrees so much I can anticipate every note. When I was 18 I bought the Silk Degrees piano music folio and still have it to this day.

@3landii 1 day ago

Interesting. I love both Scaggs and Toto, and have all of their biggest albums. But I never connected the dots before - I had no idea that the same folks made all of that great music. Thanks for producing this video!