This was written, as "Drift Away", by Mentor Williams and by John Henry Kurtz on his 1972 album Reunion. Mentor Williams was a country songwriter, and John Henry Kurtz was an actor and swamp rock singer. In 1973 the song became , peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and certified gold by the RIAA. It was the final pop hit for Decca Records in the United States.
Wow you do your homework.
I knew Dobie Grey had recorded it but thought he was first. Once again I was interested he wasn't. I'm always learning, and amazed, at the links and history of all this era's music. My site, https://musicfor.us/, (thanks to TheBuddha knowing how to do it) is a result of a 475 song catalogue of histories of early rock I had originally posted on Voat about a year ago. It's archived now and he thought we should bring it back to life.
I've seen your site I always meant to actually read through it but life just keeps getting in the way, I've got it bookmarked so I'll get there someday. TheBuddha is a smart guy probably knows more about my field that I do in addition to everything else he does.
(post is archived)