LAW releases greatest hits

YOUNGSTOWN — LAW, one of the most popular bands to emerge from Youngstown’s prolific 1970s rock scene, has released a 16-track compilation of its greatest hits.

“Best of LAW 1971-1977” is available online for $9.95 at steveacker.com/law. Tracks can also be downloaded for 99 cents at the site.

The band released three albums during its seven-year run, including two for major label MCA Records. The recordings have not been commercially available in 30 years.

The band was formed in 1971 by Steve Lawrence, Steve Acker and Mickey Williamson, who derived the from their initials.

A “boogie band” similar in style to Z.Z. Top, LAW quickly rose in popularity. The band soon evolved into a five-piece unit, performing what it called rock ’n’ soul music.

In 1975, the expanded LAW signed with Atlanta’s GRC Records and recorded its first album. One song from the release, “Wake Up,” caught the ear of the Who’s Roger Daltrey, who put the band on tour with The Who and signed it to MCA Records. For the next three years, LAW opened for many of the era’s major acts, including Boston, Jethro Tull, Bob Seger and Alice Cooper.

LAW broke up in 1978 after its third album mustered disappointing sales.