STEVE MILLER BAND – The Joker Gatefold Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The 1973 blues-rock classic that turned a laid-back Californian into a rock legend

Album Front Cover Photo of STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

Released in 1973, “The Joker” marked a turning point in Steve Miller’s career, blending blues, country, and laid-back West Coast rock into a sound that would define his future hits. After years of touring and experimenting with heavier blues, Miller wanted to create something fun and free-spirited. The title came from his own lyrics referencing “the space cowboy” and “the gangster of love,” recurring personas from earlier songs. “The Joker” became both a self-portrait and an anthem of carefree humor — his first major U.S. No.1 hit and the album that made Steve Miller a household name.

Table of Contents

"The Joker" Album Description:

The Steve Miller Band's 1973 album, The Joker, was a defining moment for the group and cemented their place in the rock and roll pantheon. The LP was not only a commercial success but also received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and musical style. The album's iconic artwork and packaging, featuring a gatefold cover, also played a significant role in its success.

The Joker is a diverse album that showcases the Steve Miller Band's musical range. The LP features the band's signature blues-rock sound, but also includes elements of country, jazz, and psychedelic rock. The album's title track, "The Joker," is one of the band's most popular and recognizable songs. The song features Miller's distinctive vocals and a catchy guitar riff that has become an iconic part of rock and roll history. "Sugar Babe" is another standout track that highlights the band's bluesy sound, while "Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma" showcases Miller's jazz influences.

The album's diverse musical content and Miller's experimentation with different styles and genres set it apart from the band's previous efforts. The LP marked a significant step forward in the group's musical evolution and solidified their place in the rock and roll canon.

The Joker's iconic packaging was as important to the album's success as its musical content. The LP was released in a gatefold cover that featured an iconic photograph of Steve Miller. The cover art, created by Edmund J. Sullivan, is a collage of images that includes Miller's face, a jester's hat, and various other objects. The inside of the gatefold features a black and white photograph of the band performing live.

The gatefold cover was a popular packaging choice in the 1970s and allowed for more creative album art. The Joker's cover art was particularly memorable and has become an iconic part of rock and roll history. The gatefold cover also included liner notes that provided background information on the album's recording and production.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Rock / Blues Rock (American)

Blues Rock fused with melodic West Coast rock influences, balancing groove-based rhythm sections with soulful guitar work and storytelling vocals. "The Joker" marked Steve Miller’s move toward a more laid-back, radio-friendly sound.

Label & Catalognr:

Capitol Records – Cat#: 2C 066 81.514

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl LP – Stereo
Total Weight (cover + record): 230 gram

Year & Country:

1973 – France

Album Packaging

This 12" LP vinyl record comes in a Fold-Open (Gatefold) Cover. The inner pages feature photos and artwork of the band and production team.

Producers:
  • Steve Miller – Producer for Haworth Enterprises
    American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for a string of 1970s hits such as “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and “Rock’n Me.” His fusion of blues and pop-rock defined a generation of FM radio staples.
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Jay Ranellucci – Recording & Mixing Engineer
    Veteran Capitol Records engineer who worked on major sessions for The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and other iconic acts of the label’s golden era.
  • Gene Hicks – Assistant Engineer
    Long-time Capitol studio technician active through the 1970s Los Angeles rock scene, known for precise tape mastering support.
  • Greg MacCarthy – Live Recording Engineer for Haworth Enterprises
    Specialized in mobile live concert recording, contributing to the authentic energy captured on “Evil” and “Come On In My Kitchen.”
Recording Location:

Capitol Records Studios – Hollywood, California, USA

“Come On In My Kitchen” recorded live at The Tower Theatre, Philadelphia.
“Evil” recorded live at The Aquarius Theatre, Boston.

Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • John Hoernle – Art Director
    Known for innovative 1970s album layouts at Capitol Records, blending minimal design with bold typography.
  • John Van Hamersveld – Designer
    Legendary graphic artist behind classic covers such as The Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” and The Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main St.”
  • Norman Seeff – Designer & Photographer
    Norman Seeff is a renowned photographer and album cover designer known for capturing iconic musicians and cultural figures with raw energy and authenticity. Born in South Africa, he moved to the U.S., where he worked with legends like The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, Frank Zappa, and Canned Heat. His work blends artistic vision with emotional depth, making him a key figure in visual storytelling.
Photography:
  • Norman Seeff – Album Photography
    His portraits often captured artists in candid, emotional moments, helping redefine music photography as a storytelling medium.
Special Thanks:

John Hoernle, Jay Ranellucci, Gene Hicks, Greg MacCarthy, and Norman Seeff.

Additional Production Notes:

Capitol Records coordination by John Palladino. Recorded and mixed in Hollywood with live segments from Philadelphia and Boston, showcasing the band’s evolving sound between studio polish and live authenticity.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Steve Miller – Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica
    Founder and frontman of the Steve Miller Band, Steve Miller emerged from the San Francisco blues-rock scene of the late 1960s. His blend of blues, rock, and pop brought major chart success with “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and “Abracadabra,” earning multi-platinum albums and enduring FM radio rotation.
  • Gerald Johnson – Bass Guitar
    A versatile session bassist who worked with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Dave Mason. Johnson’s fluid basslines anchored “The Joker”’s signature groove and helped define the album’s relaxed California rock feel.
  • John King – Drums
    American drummer active through the early 1970s, noted for his solid backbeat and blues-based approach that gave “The Joker” its tight, rhythmic drive.
  • Dickie Thompson – Organ, Clavinet
    Keyboardist who contributed warm Hammond organ and clavinet textures throughout the album, giving the band its soulful tone during Miller’s early 1970s transformation toward mainstream success.
Guest Musicians:
  • Lonnie Turner – Bass on “Evil”
    Founding member of the Steve Miller Band, Turner played on many of Miller’s early blues-rock albums. His groove-oriented style laid the groundwork for hits like “Living in the U.S.A.” and “Space Cowboy.”
  • Sneaky Pete Kleinow – Pedal Steel on “Something To Believe In”
    A legendary pedal steel guitarist and founding member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Kleinow’s innovative, effects-driven style bridged country and rock, influencing countless country-rock artists including Gram Parsons and Linda Ronstadt.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Sugar Babe
    The opening track reflects Steve Miller’s shift toward melodic, easy-flowing California rock with subtle blues influences.
  2. Mary Lou Cover
    A cover of the 1955 rock and roll song originally performed by Young Jessie, reimagined here with Miller’s smooth blues phrasing.
  3. Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma
    One of Miller’s catchiest rhythmic experiments, this track was also released as the B-side to "The Joker" 1990 single reissue.
  4. Your Cash Ain’t Nothing But Trash Single Cover
    Originally recorded by The Clovers in 1954, this humorous blues-rock cover was released as the second single from the album.
Video: Shu ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma - Steve Miller Band | The Midnight Special
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. The Joker Single
    The album’s title track and Miller’s breakthrough hit, reaching No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974. Known for its iconic “space cowboy” lyric and laid-back humor.
  2. The Lovin’ Cup
    A mid-tempo blues-rock track featuring Miller’s smooth vocal delivery and relaxed California groove.
  3. Come On In My Kitchen Cover Live
    A live rendition of Robert Johnson’s blues classic, recorded at **The Aquarius Theatre in Boston, MA**. Features rich instrumental interplay highlighting the band’s roots in Delta blues.
  4. Evil Cover Live Guest
    Cover of Willie Dixon’s composition made famous by Howlin’ Wolf. Recorded live at The Aquarius Theatre in Boston, with guest bassist **Lonnie Turner** adding a heavier blues foundation.
  5. Something To Believe In Guest
    Closing track featuring **"Sneaky" Pete Kleinow** on pedal steel guitar, giving a country-rock edge to this soulful ballad of longing and redemption.
Video: Steve Miller Band - The Joker (Official Music Video)
Front Cover Photo Of STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover
Front Cover Photo Of STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to camera flash. Images can be zoomed in/out (e.g. pinch on a tablet or smartphone).

Back Cover Photo Of STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover
Back Cover Photo Of STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover

 

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover
Photo of the left page inside cover STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover

 

Photo Two Of The Inside Pages STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover
Photo of the right page inside cover STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover

 

Close up of record's label STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover Side One
Close up of Side One label for STEVE MILLER BAND - The Joker Gatefold Cover

CAPITOL 2C 066 – 81.514 • Record Label Details: SACEM t ℗ 1973 Capitol Records Inc.

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