The Scratch Band was best remembered as
Don Williams' backing unit, but in 1982, the quartet stepped into the limelight to record their own album,
The Scratch Band Featuring Danny Flowers. Lead guitarist and frontman
Flowers, a native of North Carolina, arrived in Nashville around 1971, where he worked as a session guitarist; he met
Williams during one of these sessions. In addition to playing music,
Flowers was also a songwriter; in 1973,
Emmylou Harris recorded his "Before Believing."
Flowers joined
Williams' band in 1974. Four years later, he wrote "Tulsa Time" while stranded in that city during a snow storm, and it became a number one hit for
Williams;
Eric Clapton later recorded the song as well. Keyboard player and guitarist
Biff Watson was born and raised in Virginia and he too came to Nashville in 1971, where he joined Tennessee Pulleybone and went on to work with
Tracy Nelson and
Crystal Gayle's band
Peace and Quiet. He joined
Williams in 1979. Bass guitarist
Dave Pomeroy was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and briefly studied history in college before dropping out to become a full-time musician. After playing with other bands, he toured with
Sleepy LaBeef and came to Music City in 1978. He joined
Williams in 1980 after working with
Guy Clark and
Billy Joe Shaver. Drummer
Pat McInerney was born and raised in England. He earned a college degree in sociology and in 1974 became a full-time musician, playing with
Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, a popular soul band. By 1976, he was playing in a rock band,
Limey, and later subbed for
Williams' drummer during a European tour in 1977. He ended up joining
Williams' band the following year. After releasing their only album,
Scratch went back to working with
Williams until he stopped touring.
–
Sandra Brennan, Rovi