Shortly before he became one of the top heartland rock acts of the 1970s and ’80s, and a few decades before “Like a Rock” guaranteed that he would never have to work again, Bob Seger released a pretty great and eclectic debut LP in April 1969. Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man was issued by Capitol Records (ST 172) under the group name The Bob Seger System, one of three records that group recorded for the label.

You might be wondering what that lovely portrait of a young lady in blue standing on an ice shelf has to do with the album title. Fortunately Seger explains on the back cover:

The title of this album up until three days ago was “Tales Of Lucy Blue”. At that time I realized that Lucy Blue is Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man. Thank you Doctor Fine!

I have no idea what he’s talking about either, but it’s still a really beautiful album cover. Unfortunately I can’t seem to find any credits for the painting on the front or the rather funky, psychedelic-inspired illustration on the back cover.