well known in the jam-grass scene, but it’s perhaps not as widely known that Peter Rowan wrote the song. It was originally a 1973 hit for the New Riders of the Purple Sage, and the first popular version with Rowan singing and playing it came when the super-group Old & In the Way, released their eponymous album in 1975, two years after their seminal time,], he spoke fondly of Old & In the Way, saying, “Jerry gave us a tremendous gift, he gave us his blessing.” Rowan went on to offer his insights into “Panama Red,” which was perfect for a complementary Learn column.
