Originally created by members of Commander Cody as a side-project, The Moonlighters started out in the mid-1970s in Marin and Sonoma Counties, California as a 7-piece "Rhythm & Western" group focusing on rockabilly, western swing, cajun, and rhythm & blues. Early members included Norton Buffalo (harmonica with Steve Miller) and Bobby Black (pedal steel with Commander Cody). A short while after the release of their first album, a self-titled release on Amhearst Records, the band ended up being hired as Commander Cody's back-up group, a relationship which still lingers to some degree, and which saw the group touring all over the U.S., Canada, England, and Europe. The group evolved over the years and ended up as a tight four-piece rock/pop outfit featuring the songwriting of Tony Johnson (from the Rockabilly Rhythm Boys, Sandy & The Accents, & Junior Walker & The All Stars, writer of "Midnight & Memphis"), Tim Eschliman (from Rhythmtown-Jive, Jesse Colin Young and Etta James), and Austin deLone (founding member of pub-rock innovators -precursor to Punk Rock, Eggs Over Easy). Through Austin deLone's connection with Nick Lowe from the Brinsley Schwartz, Tally Ho (London) pub days, these originals caught the ear of Mr. Lowe and a production deal was offered, which resulted in the "Rush Hour" project, originally released in 1983 on England's Demon Records. The Moonlighters at the time of this release were: Tony Johnson: Drums, Vocals, Percussion, Piano, Bill Kirchen: Guitar, Vocals, Austin DeLone: Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals, Tim Eschliman: Bass, Vocals.