Throat singer Paul Pena's "Jet Airliner" (Paul Pena) comes from his 1973 album "New Train" but the release didn't happen until 2000. On the album were Jerry Garcia and the Persuasions. The sessions had been produced by Ben Sidran who played keyboard for Steve Miller at the time.

In 1977 The Steve Miller Band recorded the track after Ben Sidran brought it to Steve's attention. It was cut for the album "Book of Dreams". The single peaked at number eight. The album cover focused on a winged horse (pegasus) for the first of what became many album covers. One of those who taught a young Steve Miller a few chords were Les Paul and T-Bone Walker.