The Joker: A Do or Die Album
Their song Living in the U.S.A. actually peaked at 94 on the top 100 Billboard chart. Things weren’t looking good for the band. When it came time to make their eighth album, The Joker, the discussion with the record label was pretty grim.
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Capitol Records told the band that if their next album didn’t culminate in a hit, the Steve Miller Band would essentially come to an end. In other words, The Joker was a “do or die” album. Stressful? Sure. But Miller was up for the challenge. So, Miller got to it.