The Workhorse Movement was formed in August 1994 by singer Myron (born Matt Kozuch-Rea), guitarist Freedom (Jeff Piper), bassist Jay Vondoloski, and drummer Joe Mackie, who were all attending Central Michigan University (CMU).[1][2][3] The band took its name from a section in Tom Wolfe's The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (1968).[4] After performing several local shows, the band released their self-financed debut album, Dopamine, in 1995.[1] The band relocated to Detroit, Michigan soon after at the urging of Joe Mackie, so they could pursue the band seriously.[2] After touring with the likes of Sevendust, Skinlab and Vanilla Ice, The Workhorse Movement recruited a second vocalist, Cornbread (Chris Sparks), and signed with the local Detroit label Overcore Records. The label issued the band's only EP, Rhythm and Soul Cartel, in 1998.[2][5]
Following additional touring for the EP, the Workhorse Movement came to the attention of Roadrunner Records.[3] After signing to the label, the band replaced the recently departed Jay Vondoloski (who had moved back to CMU) with Grady (Jeff Wright).[2] The band's Roadrunner debut album, Sons of the Pioneers (2000), was recorded and produced by Overcore Records owner Scott Santos.[6][7] It was finished by October 1999.[8] Before the release of the album, the Workhorse Movement were featured on British music magazine Kerrang!'s "Hot 100" list for 2000.[3] Leading up to the album's release, the band toured the United States with Kittie, Sevendust and Fishbone.[8] Although the album garnered little attention in the United States, Sons of the Pioneers was well received by the British music press, and appeared on the best-of year lists for Kerrang!, Metal Hammer and Rock Sound.[9][10][11][12] The band gained further attention in the United Kingdom while touring as a supporting act for Pitchshifter.[12]
In late December 2000, Myron announced that The Workhorse Movement had disbanded, citing a lack of promotional and touring support from Roadrunner in the United States and their lack of enthusiasm for a third album.[12][13][14][15] The band performed their last show on December 23, 2000, at the Harpos Concert Theatre in Detroit.[12] Myron, Freedom and Pete soon joined up with drummer Jeremiah Pillbean to form the Dirty Americans in April 2001.[13][16]
