The Electric Flag was an American blues rock soul group, founded in 1967 by guitarist Mike Bloomfield, who had previously gained fame as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Bloomfield's intent was to form a band that fused an array of genres, including rock, blues, soul, and jazz. The group was known for their rich brass section, which was unusual for rock bands at the time, enhancing their sound with layers of soulful complexity.

The band's debut performance was a memorable set at the Monterey Pop Festival, which helped immediately catapult them into the public eye. Their first full-length album, "A Long Time Comin'," released in 1968, reflected their innovative spirit with its blend of genres and remains a critically acclaimed work. Through their short-lived original run, which ended in 1969, The Electric Flag released several albums, notably including the soundtrack for the film "The Trip," directed by Roger Corman and starring Peter Fonda, which further showcased their versatility and musical prowess. Although the group disbanded quickly due to various issues, including internal disagreements and Bloomfield's departure, their influence within the rock and blues fusion genre persisted. The band has reunited occasionally through the decades, each time reminding audiences of their unique contribution to the American music tableau with live albums capturing some of these reunion performances.