"Free Ride" is a song written by Dan Hartman and performed by

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. The single, engineered by Jim Reeves, was a top 15 U.S. hit in

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, hitting number 14 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100''Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990'' – and number 10 on ''Cash Box.'' In Canada, it peaked at number eight.

Background

The single 45 version is distinctly different from the LP version. The 45 version contains a significantly brighter guitar track (that opens the song only on the left channel), added harmonics, a fuzz bass added to the bridge and other changes that contrast sharply with the "dry" LP mix. Most classic rock radio stations play the LP version, and the original 45 mix is much less commonly available online. Both versions clock in at virtually the same length because each was based on the same core "take" and remixed with different tracks to the fore as well as added enhancements to the single.

Personnel

* Edgar Winter – clavinet, electric piano, backing vocals, ARP 2600 synthesizer * Ronnie Montrose – lead guitar, backing vocals * Dan Hartman – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, percussions * Randy Jo Hobbs – bass guitar * Johnny Badanjek – drums

Other versions

Tavares recorded a version of the song for their 1975 album, '' In the City''. Their version would peak at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. Audio Adrenaline recorded a version of the song for their 1996 album, ''

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''. Hartman himself re-recorded the song and released it on his 1979 album '' Relight My Fire''.

Charts

Weekly charts

;Edgar Winter Group ;Tavares

Year-end charts

In popular culture

The song was featured in '' Air America'' and in '' The Drew Carey Show'' episode " The Dog and Pony Show". The song is featured in the 1993 film, '' Dazed and Confused'' while Hartman's recording appeared in '' Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie'' and on its soundtrack album. The song is on '' Rock Band 3'' as downloadable content along with " Frankenstein". Song was also used in 2006 video game '' Cars'' as well as '' Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned''. In 2022 the song was included on the soundtrack of '' The Black Phone''.

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Free Ride (Song) 1972 songs 1973 singles 1975 singles 1979 singles The Edgar Winter Group songs Tavares (group) songs Songs written by Dan Hartman Epic Records singles Capitol Records singles