She covers numerous genres of music but her favorites are Pop, Rock, Heavy Metal, Rap, and even the classics. 1980 - Present43 years. About The Lead Singer Of REO Speedwagon Get recommendations for other artists you'll love. Well, that got dropped. He guards that guitar with his life., The COVID lockdowns havent exactly been pleasant, but through adversity, comes opportunity, and in Cronins case, hes relished the chance to reconnect with his family. They are Do you love animals? I gotta tell ya, I see the name REO Speedwagon all the time, but I don't often see my own name there. Formed in 1967, the group originally included guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Blair, keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer. Night Ranger original guitarist formed in 1980. It was kind of shocking in a way. John Waite was the lead singer for the Babys and Bad English but most likely you know him from his smash single "Missing You." Most recently, he dropped his tenth studio album "Rough & Tumble". A dentist tells Wendy he wants REO to plays a dental convention on the Missouri Belle riverboat casino. Can't Fight This Feeling We wanted to see the Blue Cat [Lodge; the set is a shuttered bar on Lake Allatoona] and the strip club, Lickety Splitz. DK: Which album was it, where you started to write a good amount of the songs for the group? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Recording-history.org is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program. With '80s hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling," Kevin Cronin became famous as the lead singer of REO Speedwagon. Dont second guess it. Cronin had been inspired to write the album after his son, Paris, fell into drug addiction. Formed in 1967, the group originally included drummer and backing vocalist Alan Gratzer, guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and lead vocalist Mike Blair, and keyboardist Neal Doughty. You have entered an incorrect email address! The. In fact, the group's best-selling album is Hi Infidelity. In addition to REO's jaunty 1978 hit 'Time for Me . When youre writing a song, you have no idea where that songs going to end upyou dont know whats going to happen. and still couldn't believe it -- but it is one of the funniest celeb. The memoir (which is tentatively titled Roll With the Changes: My Life Within and Without REO Speedwagon) is now in its final stages -according to Cronin, it should be finished in time for a 2022 release. This album contains four US top hits and has sold more than 10 million copies! The last time they toured together was 2018, but now theyre promising a comeback to the stage with a multi-act major tour. So far, Cronin is keeping mum on who the other acts will be, telling Ultimate Classic Rock, The two other bands will remain nameless for the moment but suffice to say, theyre really both great friends of ours. Some of the greatest songs ever have been written by songwriting partnerships. So I sat there and looked at my lyric notebook and if you think about it, the opening line of the song is I cant fight this feeling any longer. That was likeBingo! Even our (REO) song Take It On The Run which Gary Richrath wrote, Heard it from a friend, who heard it from a friend, who heard it from another youve been messin aroundwhen I heard that line that Gary wrote, I said this song is amazing. I was determined to do everything I could possibly do to get that song finished and help Gary in any way, so we could record that song, because that opening line just killed me. But the records that came before it, the songs that our fans already knew about, like Keep Pushin and Roll With The Changes and Time For Me To Fly which hadnt really been hits, but our fans knew about them. This is bullst.". Cronin is known to play Ovations on tour, and even has his own signature guitar from the brand. I literally woke up in the middle of the night and I had these three, simple piano chords going through my head. [I think] co-writing is a lot of funit definitely makes the process of songwriting more enjoyable because youre not sitting there by yourself. So I called up and cancelled the songwriting session. DK: I think Keep Pushin is one of the great songs from REOs early years, and maybe if it was released later in the mid-80s when the band was so hot, it could have been another big hit. So when the Hi Infidelity album came out and Keep On Loving You went to number one, then suddenly people started looking back and realized, Wait a minute, that was REOs 11th album, maybe I should check out their earlier albums because there might be some good songs on it after all (laughs). Paul Natkin/WireImage. Gary Richrath, a former guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon who also co-wrote the group's hit song . To hear people say things like this is amazing, said Bruce Hall, bass guitarist and lead and harmony vocalist for REO Speedwagon. So that was the song that kind of got it going. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Band members read about that anecdote in PEOPLE and responded by contacting Floyd family attorney, Ben Crump, to say they'd like to give LaTonya a surprise. When I rejoined, the band had moved from Champaign, Illinois to Los Angeles. Theyre all home (and becoming) young adults. Collect, curate and comment on your files. But then looking back on it, and now seeing the impact that Cant Fight This Feeling has had on my life, the life of everyone in the REO Speedwagon family, the lives of people whom Ive never met all over the worldpeople have played that song at their weddings. [1] As we all know, those memories are Who is the lead singer in REO Speedwagon? Sure enough, its proven itself right so many times for me, that I have to really believe its a truth that I can count on. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Thats not to say they never willsongs have a way of surfacing in the future sometimes. Andrew Baena was born on July 18, 1992, in Canada. Id just started to write a couple little silly songs. After all, hes been a mainstay in the world of rap music since the late 1980s. "It was just amazing," she said. Offers may be subject to change without notice. REO Speedwagon's official music video for 'Take It On The Run'. Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Kodak Black Ordered Into Rehab By Florida Judge, Kodak Black Arrest Warrant Issued in Florida Over Failed Drug Test, Brad Paisley Drops Song Featuring Ukrainian Pres. Cronin, 68, spoke to EW by phone about how his band ended up in the show, what it was like being on set, and also revealed one of the weirdest gigs REO Speedwagon ever played. Cronin: The first album that I made with them was an album called R.E.O./T.W.O., which was our second album. So when theres chaos in your personal life, then you look to the band for that security. Next year is set to be a big one for Cronin and the rest of REO Speedwagon. Cronin: I first joined the band in 1972. It's been a pretty amazing journey. Collect, curate and comment on your files. He was 65. I didn't know what to make of it. Whether you're young or old, everyone loves a good song about memories and good times. Speaking to Guitar World about his favorite piece of kit, he said: People tell me its too valuable to take on tour, but I love playing that guitar so much that I dont care. The song kind of came first. Kevin Cronin took over that role for their next effort, R.E.O./T.W.O. October 6, 1951 Birthplace Evanston , IL Age 71 years old Birth Sign Libra About American guitarist and lead singer for the rock band REO Speedwagon who wrote "Keep on Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling." Before Fame He was first chosen as the second lead singer of REO Speedwagon at age twenty in 1971. It was basically Garys responsibility to write the songs, and I think he realized thatyou know what they saythat you have your whole life to write your first album but only a year to write your second albnm. REO Speedwagon has released a number of successful albums, including 1980s Hi Infidelity,which sold 10 million copies in the United States. So well seethis year should be interesting. The songs for that album had a certain cohesive nature to them. In our episode, my line is, Hey, are there any dentists in the crowd tonight?" Fortunately, I stumbled into my home studio, which was a very humble little studio back in those days. Tickets start at . What was it that inspired you to write it? Was "Ring Of Fire" really used to sell hemorrhoid cream? I feel songs are kind of the same way. Now, hes all about healthy eating and working out. I'm self-taught on. (1972), but it was rough sledding, and while they were making their third album, Ridin' the Storm Out (1973), he left over conflict with guitarist Gary Richrath and other creative tensions . 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. He left education after graduating from Chicagos Brother Rice High School, having already become convinced that his future lay in music, not business. How do you think Ozark meant for the song to be seen? The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. I think the main reason that I got the gig, was that REO had released one album, and they were working on songs for their second album for Epic Records. "It's like a direct connection with my brother that was our song," LaTonya, 52, told PEOPLE afterward. Turning 17 is a big deal. I remember that I sat down on the floor of my bedroom, and I was literally almost in tears. I wanted to put any extra time that I hadobviously the band tours and thats very important to all of us. Cronin: I cant say that we felt that. So I think that really helped for the album, that it felt like all the songs belonged together. Still now, this band is remarked and will be noted for its best performance in rock kinds of music. My biggest inspiration in music is the Beatles, and Lennon & McCartney in my mind are the great songwriting duo in the history of the world, and I owe everything that I know about being in a band, writing a songI owe it all to the Beatles. 'Heartland' Actor Robert Cormier Dead at 33 Lead Singer of REO Speedwagon: 'Memba Him? Having accidentally begun writing his autobiography during REO Speedwagons 2016 tour with Status Quo, the enforced hiatus from touring bought about by the pandemic has made him get serious about it. Read REO Speedwagon's bio and find out more about REO Speedwagon's songs, albums, and chart history. I could have very easily followed that fear that I had about that title and thought Oh Man, I better not call it this, because of some commercial concern. Hearing Time for Me to Fly in that show, there may well be people who heard that song for the first time and went, Oh, that's cool. But if theres one guitar he never leaves home without, its his trusty 52 Fender Telecaster. She doesn't hold back. Directed by Arnold Levine, the black-and-white footage was shot at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri at their show on May 13, 1978. "AOR poll part 2: Which lead singer's voice do you like best? So it all kind of came true. I sat down and started playing those chordsthat was what the song came from. During the peak of their success, the band was an almost permanent fixture on the Billboard Hot 100, racking up 13 Top 40 hits, two number 1s, and selling over 40 million records in total. Click to listen to REO Speedwagon on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/REOspot?IQid=RUN Show more REO Speedwagon - Event. DK: A couple years later REO released Hi Infidelity, which became your biggest album. At that point, Cronin decided to dole out some tough love and stop enabling his son. When you talk about (the line) I once had a girl, or should I say, she once had me, the opening line from Norwegian Wood, which is arguably the greatest opening line in the history of songwriting. After the stage performance, we sang, 'I Can't Fight This Feeling' and a couple of his other songs. When you were recording Hi Infidelity, did you and the band feel that this was your best album up to that point? "Pretty In Pink" by Psychedelic Furs was released in 1981. Send me email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates. It shows how my manager calls me and asks if Im willing to launder money through our merchandise company for an extra hundred thousand dollars. When Gary (Richrath) heard that song, it signaled to him that I had some ability as a songwriter. Yet Im thinking this song is so important to me and I think its got the potential to be a real special song in the world, but this title is going to kill it. Michael Murphy (actor) (born 1938), American actor Mike Murphy (musician) (1946-2006), American drummer for the Bee Gees and Chicago Michael Bryan Murphy, lead singer of REO Speedwagon; Michael John Murphy, American folk musician; Mike L. Murphy (born 1975), American film maker and animator; Michael Murphy (singer) (born 1986), New Zealand Idol runner up "When the call came in for us to appear in, REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin on the band's surprising. The band is actually mentioned two episodes before you appear. And then if Im lucky enough to capture that, then the actual craftsmanship comes into play. Ozark, a dark, violent drama about family both the crime and blood variety is not the kind of show where youd expect to hear the light classic rock stylings of REO Speedwagon. Required fields are marked *. But with [Music Man] I thought, Hmmmthis song had structure to it, it has a nice feel to it, there were some nice rhymes in it. "It was so inspirational.". I sat there on the floor of my bedroom, and I thought, Alright, what is this song all about? Why cant I name this songwhy cant I write the chorus for this song? REO Speedwagon's 1971 debut album was with their original lead singer, Terry Luttrell. Kevin Cronin -- lead singer of '80s rock group REO Speedwagon -- heard the words straight from his own son's mouth . I was an unknown, unproven commodity as far as performingGary never really saw me play anywherehe just came up to my apartment and we got out a couple acoustic guitars, and I played some of my songs. I just couldnt get the courage up, to make that leap of vulnerability, to share with her that I had feelings for her that were more than friendship. So we wrote that into the script. 10 Things You Didnt Know about Andrew Baena, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Angel Vivaldi, The Top 10 Ice Nine Kills Songs From The Silver Scream, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Steve Jordan. Usually for me, the title is the last thing that happens. I think the opening scene is more a literal translation of what the song is about. Theres no bigger influence for me. REO Speedwagon lead singer Kevin Cronin turns to his kids for advice when deciding on new projects including the band's recent cameo on Netflix's "Ozark.". Currently seeking: Band to Join, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and more.Hi my name is Luke Bolen! 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But it would be fun to have some success as a co-writer. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, REO Speedwagon scored numerous hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including two chart-topping singles written by Cronin: "Keep on Loving You" (1981) and "Can't Fight This Feeling" (1982). When we play Time for Me to Fly in concert, it's always one of those songs that gets a big response. Ask me about my collection of M:TG cards! I didnt just want to jump on an airplaneit was too big of a move for me. And my immediate reaction was, Wait a minute, all the other characters are fictional, except for us. I'm strictly nonfiction at this point in my life. I've been singing since kindergarten. Please subscribe. Before we start the interview, here is some information about REO Speedwagons hit discography, and about the other members of the band, both past and present. Even though it wasnt a hit, its a REO fan favorite. REO Speedwagon, Boz Scaggs Latest To Sue Sony Music Over Digital Downloads, I feel so sad. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. The career of Antonio Vivaldi defies music industry logic. Notably, these five band members have been together since 1989. All the songs I write, they spring from an initial burst of creativity that kind of gets the ball rolling. When you start second guessing yourself, thats when you get lost. These are ten things you didnt, Read More 10 Things You Didnt Know about Andrew BaenaContinue, Angel Vivaldi is a New Jersey-based progressive metal guitarist, composer, producer, environmentalist, and philanthropist. Search instead in. He was a member of the band when it released its self-titled debut in 1971 and was with REO Speedwagon until 1989. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Download the TMZ App on the Apple App Store, Download the TMZ App on the Google Play Store.