I’ve been transferring my favorite vinyl to MP3s and ended up revisiting a terrific country-rock (the best description we had pre-Americana) LP called “The Great Timber Rush” by a young band called Timberline. This was an energetic and highly melodic collection of songs in the spirit of Poco’s “Good Feelin’ to Know.”
They even had one of those great greet-the-audience songs in “Timberline,” a country counterpart to Cheap Trick’s “Hello There” from the same year.
I had the chance to see them perform at the University of Illinois in 1977 and was confident they had a bright future ahead.
But it wasn’t to be. Timberline never gained a commercial foothold and broke up after just one LP.
So what happened to this great lost band? According to a tribute website (and we all should have one of those), lead singer Jim Salestrom went on to a fine career in Dolly Parton’s band and was a member of the Wild Jimbos, along with the Dirt Band’s Jimmy Ibbotson.
I found that reassuring. Timberline deserved better, but it’s nice to know that at least one member is still out there making music.
Salestrom’s website offers a CD copy of “The Great Timber Rush.” Thirty-four years on, it’s still a good listen.
Great Lost Bands: Timberline
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19 responses
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This was one of the most fabulous pieces of musical work of all time. I loved it. I loved my life then, and this music was part of what made life so special then.
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Dear Ken, Celia, Raymond and Glen,
I am so happy to read your nice remarks about our band Timberline. My older brother Chuck and I started the band in our basement in 1971. I was 15- the others were in college. I can’t believe how hard we tried and how much we learned about the music business. Timberline opened the door to us, meeting and me recording with John Denver and eventually Dolly Parton. What an amazing ride- Timberline being from Nebraska and finally scoring a major label CBS EPIC. It was so hard for the band to break up. I was on a world tour last year with Dolly. I worked on a new album with songs about the ocean and exploration by Dr Robert Ballard. He found Titanic and has done so much with his research vessel called Nautilus. Thats the name of the new album and it should be out in March. (sorry for the plug) But as the lead singer and co-writer of most of the Timberline songs, if you miss that sound I know where you can find it again. Thanks again for the nice article.
Lots of Love- Jim Salestrom-
Jim: Thanks for the update. Please keep us posted on the new album.
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The artwork was approved today for my newest album Nautilus. I recorded it in Nashville with legendary producer Kent Wells and Dolly band mates on the tracks. The songs are fun- all about the research vessel Nautilus and I added re-makes of Grateful and Queen Anne’s Lace (the musicians are so good I wanted to give 2 of my favs a new life) It should be out mid March. It comes as a digi pak with a 6 page booklet. I am psyched. I spoke with my brother Chuck. We are considering a reunion with a few specific dates /tour for Timberline. Talking stages now…
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I can’t believe I found this site. I loved this band.
I met Doug Duggins when you all played at the Alley Cat in Champaign in 1977.
Brings back great memories!
Sue.
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I’m looking for the album The Great Timberline Rush. Any chance of getting one or two. I have the album but would love a couple CDs
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A girl that I was “HOT” for gave me this album in 1980. Every now and then I think about then (lost the album a long time ago)and wish that I had that music to listen to again. AWESOME music!!!
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I reflect back to 1976 when I was introduced to this phenomenal group as they were the opening act for Harry Chapin when I attended a Homecoming Concert at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. Chapin was good, Timberline was OUTSTANDING. I couldn’t get enough of Jim and the group.
As the years passed, I was able to locate a CD with most of the music in that concert. TIMBERLINE will always be one of my favorites. A VERY FOND MEMORY!
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Jim,
We have a lot of interest in having you in Tomahawk, WI. As you know, Timberline had a real spot in the hearts of many 70s and early 80s folks.Hopefully we can get you here so meet us soon!
Also, about a decade or so ago, I had asked you about finding the original “Montana” (band killed in plane crash in 1987) album? Do you have any ideas where I could find a CD? Thx!
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Saw Timberline at West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1976. Many of my friends and I still REALLY love the music…I can’t believe the band didn’t go mainstream! Such a fun concert – everyone in the audience became instant fans!! I wish there was a Timberline II CD available! I’ll have to try some of Jim’s newer music.
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Love Timberline.
I wore this one out in the 70’s. Even played a few cuts in my early days of radio…when you could play what YOU wanted to play.
Great job Guys.
I was from Beatrice Nebraska going to Kearney State College.
Mac -
I first listened to Timberline in 1978. It was such a great album. My wife and I chose “Someday” to be played by the soloist at our wedding. I lost the album, I think the soloist “forgot” to give it back. I know why. It was just that good. I finally found the cd on amazon and received it today. Wow does that bring back good memories. I think it’s even better now than it was in the ’70s. I didn’t know Jim was still making music. I will definitely be checking out his latest. -Thanks for the music Timberline. GBR!
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Just going through my album collection and came across the TIMBERLINE album, it has always been one of my favorites. I saw the band in concert in the late 70 ‘ s ..a good memory☆
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There is a theme here Jim, you truly have touched lives with your music (and I thought it was just me) I too had the Timberline spell put on me back in college in a 1977 concert they played. The music just got into our souls and we couldn’t get it out. That album became our spring ritual…first nice day of spring…Timberline at full volume. Over the years, I have kept that spring time tradition and the Timberline spell has come over the next generation. Now my youngest is in college and she plays Timberline the first nice day of spring…Keep on keepin on Jim.
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There does seem to be another Timberline album. I’m a little late to the discussion but while going through my album collection I uncovered one on ETC label. Any info? I don’t know how to upload a photo of it.
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Hello, Jim,
I saw your band live at St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN in 1977. The concert was great. One of the songs you played was “Sunshine Girl.” It was a great song. Is there a live or recorded version of the song available. Thanks, David
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Just had my 60 th birthday party and played the Timberline album on vinyl that me wife had from when we went to Kearney State!!! What good memories and I think we inspired the next generation! I would like to buy the CD for my employee to enjoy.
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I saw Timberline about 1973 in Norfolk, Nebraska at the El Toro lounge I was a student at Wayne State, and I was just blown away by their music, great songs, and musicianship. Later I picked up their cassette. I literally wore it out and have been trying to find another copy. Now I know where to get one and will be doing so shortly. Thanks for a great memory and a show. As a performer I have always tried to emulate your energy and showmanship. Thanks again
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The band is performing a 50th Anniversary series of concerts in Nebraska in late September/early October!
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