Hearts and Flowers stood out as one of the most varied acts on the Southern California folk-rock circuit during the 1960s, leaning closer to folk traditions while incorporating touches of psychedelia along with prominent bluegrass and country influences. Guitarist Larry Murray, originally from Georgia, established the group after relocating to California in the late 1950s, where he had already performed with the bluegrass outfit the Scottsville Squirrel Barkers. That ensemble once counted Chris Hillman and Bernie Leadon among its members and issued a scarce album on Crown in 1962 prior to its dissolution. Murray subsequently joined additional ensembles, among them the Green Grass Group alongside Hillman, before assembling Hearts and Flowers with vocalist and guitarist Dave Dawson and vocalist Rick Cunha, the latter pair having previously performed as a folk duo in Hawaii. The three musicians navigated the Los Angeles club circuit either unaccompanied or supported by a rhythm section and eventually secured a contract with Capitol. Their first release, Now Is the Time for Hearts and Flowers, appeared in 1967 and reflected the approach of the Byrds, the Stone Poneys, and the Dillards. Despite an assortment of original material and an expansive selection of covers, the album achieved limited commercial traction, prompting Capitol to recommend changes that brought in Terry Paul and Dan Woody to strengthen their stage presence; both musicians departed before the completion of the follow-up. Cunha also exited at this stage, with Leadon stepping in on guitar. The resulting sophomore album, Of Horses, Kids and Forgotten Women, arrived in 1968 and leaned further toward pop and psychedelic textures than its predecessor, even as the band concentrated on folk-rock renditions of country material during live appearances. Like the debut, Of Horses failed to attract buyers, leading to the group’s dissolution shortly thereafter. Murray and Cunha each proceeded to issue solo country-rock recordings.
