In 1984, Bo Jackson was not just a college football star; he had become a folk hero. He was the athletic equivalent of legendary figures like lumberjack Paul Bunyan or steel driver John Henry. Jackson’s remarkable athletic abilities, rebellious attitude, and inspiring underdog story turned the Auburn University running back into a larger-than-life figure, blending reality with myth.
Leading up to Jackson’s highly anticipated junior year at Auburn, he was celebrated in song. Randy Campbell, Jackson’s former teammate and quarterback for the 1982 and 1983 seasons, composed, recorded, and released a country-style song called “Mr. Bo Jackson.” At the time, Campbell was finishing his degree at Auburn, and he pressed the song onto vinyl, selling it in local sporting goods stores.
Campbell, a novice in the studio, was fortunate to have the popular Auburn folk-pop band Muse back him during the recording. The lyrics of “Mr. Bo Jackson” chronicled key moments of Jackson’s journey, from his roots in the Birmingham area to his decision to play at Auburn instead of Alabama, and notable achievements like his 80-yard touchdown against the University of Florida and the victory over the University of Michigan in the Sugar Bowl.
The final track had a catchy, twangy vibe reminiscent of Waylon Jennings’ “Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard,” and was far removed from novelty songs like the “Super Bowl Shuffle.” Reflecting on the experience, Campbell recalls, “I’d never been in the studio before. Just seeing how all that process works was really interesting.”
Jimbo Leach, bassist and backing vocalist for Muse, remembers the recording session at Rainbow River Studios, a converted garage owned by a local doctor. Muse had been playing in Auburn since 1978, drawing inspiration from artists like Crosby, Stills & Nash, and James Taylor. When Campbell contacted them to help record “Mr. Bo Jackson,” they were eager to contribute, having become friends over time. Leach, guitarist George Konstant, and rhythm guitarist Tom Harper worked on the song’s arrangements after Campbell gave them a demo.
The recording featured Konstant’s catchy guitar lick, Leach’s fretless bass, and Harper’s acoustic guitar, with other local musicians like drummer John Halley and pedal steel player Fred Lord also contributing. Despite Campbell’s modesty about his vocal abilities, his connection to the song and the music was clear.
Campbell’s musical tastes during his time as Auburn’s quarterback were heavily influenced by ’70s rock, with favorites like the Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton. He was also a big fan of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and had a particular fondness for John Prine’s songwriting. Additionally, Campbell’s interest in music was nurtured by his cousin, Rob Lowry, a talented guitarist in North Carolina.
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