The Legend of Caribou
The Rocky
Published January 25, 2008 at 11:13 a.m.
Photo by Rocky Mountain News
John Lennon, left, and Elton John are just two of the many legendary musicians who recorded at Caribou Ranch.
Photo by Javier Manzano / The Rocky
Bassist Kenny Passarelli, who recorded with Elton John and Joe Walsh, credits Guercio with turning Caribou Ranch into the first "destination recording spot."
- Reliving the ranch
- Music isn't only thing Caribou's Guercio has turned to gold
- Lennon's visit had the staff on their toes
- A musical timeline
- Pioneer Inn eventually warmed to musicians
- Land around ranch used in many ways
- VIDEO: The Legend of Caribou
- VIDEO: Inside Caribou
- AUDIO SLIDE SHOW: Caribou Stars
- Full report
Some of the greatest names in rock history -- John Lennon, Elton John, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, U2, Chicago, Joe Walsh -- recorded at the Caribou Ranch. The brainchild of frustrated record producer Jim Guercio, the ranch, just outside Nederland, grew to a legendary outpost in the music world with its own distinctive sound.
Stories abound from the studio's heyday, when it was constantly booked with the biggest names in music. A space heater fire ended an astonishing era at Caribou Ranch.
Now Guercio has swung the ranch's gates open for the first time since the fire to tell the story of the legendary studio that got its start after a missed flight.
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January 26, 2008
11:01 a.m.
Suggest removal
NickT writes:
Here is some great footage of Chicago playing at the Ranch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCAbdN...
January 26, 2008
6 p.m.
Suggest removal
musiclover1965 writes:
Glad you all feel the same!
Bring Back Caribou!
January 29, 2008
11 a.m.
Suggest removal
artysue writes:
While I really enjoyed the great articles about the Pioneer Inn and Caribou Ranch which appeared last week, I have received numerous calls from 'old Pioneer' friends who question why Bunny Spangler, my former wife, takes all the credit for the inception and growth of the wonderful institution the Pioneer became and remains! While it is not a big concern in the scheme of things,it was me, Art Yeotis, who bought, promoted and nurtured the Pioneer Inn from my purchase in 1971 until I sold to her, through divorce, in 1990. While I do not deny that she was a valued wife/pertner, she did little to cultivate the majority of the valued patrons from Caribou Ranch! I want my Pioneer friends and family to know I am alive and doing very well in Michigan!