Sanford & Townsend, an American rock and roll band from Alabama, was formed in 1974. The group consisted of keyboardists Ed Sanford from Montgomery and Johnny Townsend from Tuscaloosa, who had previously collaborated in a local band called The Heart. After reuniting in Los Angeles, Sanford and Townsend signed a publishing deal with Chappell Music and began writing songs, notably "Peacemaker" for Loggins and Messina. Their self-titled debut album Sanford Townsend Band was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in 1976. The album gained traction when the single "Smoke from a Distant Fire" reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 9 in Cash Box, and number 13 in Record World. The band supported the song by opening for Fleetwood Mac during their Rumours tour, as well as concerts with The Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Buffett, Foreigner, and Heart. Following the success of "Smoke from a Distant Fire", the album was retitled and re-released as Smoke From A Distant Fire. Subsequent albums included Duo-Glide (1978) and Nail Me To The Wall (1979), which were less successful. Sanford & Townsend disbanded, with members returning to careers as session musicians and songwriters. Long-time bassist Jerry Rightmer died in 2007 at the age of 57 from cirrhosis of the liver brought on by hepatitis C.
