Plainsong was formed by Ian Matthews (previously in Fairport Convention) in 1972 with Andy Roberts, Bob Ronga, and Dave Richards. In Search of Amelia Earhart was released the same year with relatively poor sales. However the critical response was largley positive. Their follow-up, Plainsong III was more country orientated. During its production, Ronga quit and Matthews and Richards were unable to agree on future direction. They disbanded before the album's completion.