After the demise of the Atlantic Coast Show, J.K. formed his next band during his senior year in high school with guitarist Bill Lyerly. Lyerly is still performing today as a blues artist, living in Spain and touring consistently throughout Europe. The group was initially called The Soulsations, playing top 40 and emphasizing soul. "As our influences were broadened by acts like the Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, Humble Pie, and Santana we began to play more rock-oriented songs," states Loftin. The group soon changed their name to Medusa, opening for Steppenwolf at the peak of their popularity. But the influences of the band members began to vary, and Loftin and another band member joined with some other like-minded musicians to form the first version of the rock band, Pegasus in the fall of 1971.

By 1972, the band was based out of Greenville, NC, home of East Carolina University where J.K. was attending school, and also the home of The Attic which was one of the most influential rock clubs in the Southeastern U.S. at the time. The Attic and its owner, Tom Haines, would remain as a constant nourishing force throughout the life of Pegasus. With various configurations as members came and went, Pegasus not only became a fixture at The Attic but did many local shows at Wilmington’s Mad Monk, the Rec Hall at Carolina Beach and The Crest at Wrightsville Beach.

"In 1976, disco music made it difficult for Pegasus to continue as a rock band," remembers Loftin. "Almost all the clubs and venues that had presented rock groups became discos, and so we had to disband temporarily, though for the next two years we got back together for ‘reunion’ shows, and even recorded a 45 single that got a bit of airplay."

Finally in the fall of ‘78, the climate had changed a bit and rock was making a comeback, and so did Pegasus. They reformed, played old and new venues, made several videos, before it became a common thing to do, and came back even stronger. "We made connections with agents in Atlanta, which provided us with work in Florida for about six months a year, from ‘79 to ‘81," recalls Loftin. "We recorded a demo by a producer from Los Angeles named Velton Ray Bunch, who saw us while home for Christmas in Goldsboro, NC. He was Mac Davis’ musical director and was also the musical director for the Dolly Parton TV shows." The band continued touring quite successfully until Halloween of 1981, when they finally realized they had achieved all that they would achieve. Their last gig was at Trask Coliseum on the UNCW campus.

After 10 years on the road in a rock band with vans, trucks, PA, lights, and roadies to make it all work, the time seemed ripe for a change or least a different approach. During his time on the road, J.K. had met a vocalist whom he felt had what it would take to go further. To J.K., Charles Laughon, was an incredibly talented singer/songwriter. He first met him when he had opened up for Pegasus at their ‘78 reunion performance at "The Crest" at Wrightsville Beach. "I tried to get up with Charles, who by now had moved to Atlanta, with no luck," states Loftin. "But by the summer of ‘82 his life was in flux as well, and he came home to Roanoke Rapids, and then came to visit old friends in Wilmington, which is where we got together to talk."

Soon Charles moved to Greenville, with the idea of working with J.K. They decided to change his stage name to the "pronounced-the-same-but-easier-to-spell, Lahnn and became "Lahnn and Loftin."

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