Smoke Rise (band)
Smoke Rise was an American rock band, primarily active in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They are best known for their 1971 hit single, "Duncan." The band was formed in New York City and originally consisted of Norman Mershon (vocals), Marty Krystall (saxophone), Frank Barbalace (guitar), Bob Lazar (bass), and Joe Baber (drums).
The group signed with Laurie Records and released several singles before achieving their breakthrough with "Duncan," which reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's popularity helped them gain national recognition, and they toured extensively to promote their music.
While "Duncan" remains their most well-known song, Smoke Rise released other singles and albums, exploring a blend of rock, pop, and soulful influences. However, they were unable to replicate the success of "Duncan," and the band eventually disbanded in the mid-1970s. Despite their relatively short period of mainstream fame, Smoke Rise is remembered for their distinctive sound and the enduring appeal of their hit song. Information about individual band members' subsequent careers is limited.