The current lineup of REO Speedwagon consists of Cronin, original member Neal Doughty (keyboards), Bruce Hall (bass), Dave Amato (lead guitar) and Bryan Hitt (drums). ", "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" by Marvin Gaye was inspired by Jackie Gleason's saying, "How Sweet It Is!". 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). The career of Antonio Vivaldi defies music industry logic. 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. Now, hes all about healthy eating and working out. Since rejoining the band, Cronin has penned the bulk of their most successful songs, including Keep the Fire Burnin', I Do Wanna Know, Keep on Loving You, Cant Fight This Feeling, In My Dreams, and Dont Let Him Go. Although Philbin left the band just before they reached the heights of their commercial success, lead singer Kevin Cronin wrote that no one should forget his contribution to REO Speedwagon's sound. Read REO Speedwagon's bio and find out more about REO Speedwagon's songs, albums, and chart history. As time went on, and my buddy broke up with her, we still remained friends. Collect, curate and comment on your files. I can always pick up a guitar or sit down at the piano. Well, it turns out that the casino is on one lake and the Blue Cat on another. When my children were born, I didnt name my children when my wife was pregnant. But I was probably over halfway finished with Cant Fight This Feeling, and I felt that it was something special. When we play those songs, you can just feel the energy in the room light up. I was really focused on my wife, my children and my homemy children are all in high school now. Weiland died of an accidental overdose of alcohol and drugs, the Hennepin County (Minnesota). Do you love music? 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. 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. 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. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Who do you think is listening: old fans who were reminded of REO by the show, or young listeners just discovering the band? I had the verses already written. In the original script there was a shot of a banner that has a big REO Speedwagon logo and says "Welcome to the Missouri Dental Association Convention." I couldnt figure it out, and as a result, I had a really hard time finishing that song. Chauvin, 44, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George seen on bystander video as Chauvin pressed his knee to George's neck for nearly nine minutes while George lay handcuffed on the ground during his arrest for allegedly spending a counterfeit $20 bill. Tickets start at . DK: So what were you thinking about, when you wrote Cant Fight This Feeling? Se do you feel more comfortable writing the song by yourself, or do you also love the process of co-writing? Its an example of the power of television. Formed in 1966, the band cultivated a following during the 1970s and achieved significant commercial success throughout the 1980s. So my dental line kinda bombed. We started out as friends. Luckily, I had the sense to stick with my gut and sure enough, Cant Fight This Feeling ends up being the most popular song Ive ever written. 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. REO Speedwagon is back on the Billboard charts for songs that are many decades old. If I can inspire any young songwriter with anything that Im saying today, thats probably the most important thing that Ive learned over the years. How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names. Who knows what came first, the chicken or the egg there. How do you think Ozark meant for the song to be seen? Or maybe it was a little thing to make me feel at home? In 2008, Cronin took a break from the recording studio to appear as a celebrity contestant on Dont Forget the Lyrics! The premise of the show revolved around contestants competing for a prize pot of $1million by selecting songs to sing along to alongside a karaoke-style video screen. Theres no bigger influence for me. Had I seen [that script] But that was episode one. "I have this Forrest Gump-ian way of touching something and it becomes a hit!" Richrath was born in October 1949, according to public records. "If I want to see if . The lead singer of REO Speedwagon is Kevin Cronin and Terry Luttrell respectively. It was a little unsettling; exciting but new. On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with. I feel songs are kind of the same way. If they made a home-version of the LHC, I'd have 2. For the good ones, the inspiration is usually a pretty big piece of the song. I remember thinking to myselfWowCant Fight This Feelingwhat a horrible, f**king song title. Cronin: I would hope that the point [of this story is], when youre writing a song, you have to stick with your gut. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Learn how your comment data is processed. But at the end of the episode, Marty gets dragged out of our concert and you don't know what happens to him until the next episode, where he's in Mexico. Grazing In The Grass by The Friends Of Distinction was the first big hit to use the phrase "dig it" in the lyric. I gotta tell ya, I see the name REO Speedwagon all the time, but I don't often see my own name there. ". In the episodes opening sequence, Time for Me to Fly is used, then its on the car radio and Laura Linneys character Wendy is singing along. 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. "We laughed, we joked it was like we knew each other forever. REO Speedwagon, Boz Scaggs Latest To Sue Sony Music Over Digital Downloads, I feel so sad. They were told they could either bail him out or Paris would spend the next 4 days in jail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Yes! When we play Time for Me to Fly in concert, it's always one of those songs that gets a big response. 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 Richrath released a solo album, Only the Strong Survive,in 1992. Scott Weiland, lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, died December 3 at age 48. He was there with me.". Have you ever played a dental convention or equally oddball gig? "AOR poll part 2: Which lead singer's voice do you like best? He has written many classic hit songs for REO, including Cant Fight This Feeling, Keep On Loving You, Roll With The Changes, Keep The Fire Burnin, Time For Me To Fly, Dont Let Him Go, That Aint Love, Keep Pushin and In My Dreams.. 1 of 13. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Cronin: I was kind of a late bloomer with the ladies. So when theres chaos in your personal life, then you look to the band for that security. About The Lead Singer Of REO Speedwagon "It's amazing when I walk out on stage and start playing one of the songs . Theyre all home (and becoming) young adults. After releasing one album (1972s R.E.O./T.W.O,), he left the band during the recording of 1973s Ridin the Storm Out over creative differences. REO Speedwagon has a net worth of $46 million. 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. Notably, these five band members have been together since 1989. So I called up and cancelled the songwriting session. DK: Keep On Loving You from Hi Infidelity is a great song. Afterwards, she spent time with Cronin, his daughter and his manager. Busted After Ariana Found Sexual Texts to Raquel. 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. [I think] co-writing is a lot of funit definitely makes the process of songwriting more enjoyable because youre not sitting there by yourself. How did it come about? DK: A few years later, you followed up with another big ballad, Cant Fight This Feeling. Is this song perhaps the most popular song youve written? Kevin Cronin and Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 24, 1980. Maybe it was just the timing of when it was released. So that was the song that kind of got it going. You have an entire episode of Ozark named after you (Kevin Cronin Was Here) and you and the band perform Time for Me to Fly in it. I've been singing since kindergarten. I just really felt like it was a two-person job [this past year] more than ever. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 9/28/2010 1:00 PM PT With '80s hits like " Keep On Loving You " and " Can't Fight This Feeling ," Kevin. But, spoiler alert: REO plays a major role in one Season 3 episode, which also happens to be named after the band's lead singer, Kevin Cronin. 2023 Getty Images. DK: A couple years later REO released Hi Infidelity, which became your biggest album. 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.". DK: More recently, REO has released the album Find Your Own Way Home in 2007 and REOs Christmas album in 2009. I literally woke up in the middle of the night and I had these three, simple piano chords going through my head. Cronin: Ive written songs on both, honestly. I had written some songs before that were okaythey were passable. 2023 Getty Images. It was kind of shocking in a way. I've also got a horrible habit of needing the absolute newest technological wonder, whether it's stable or not. 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. It just has this huge history to it. As a result, hes spent more time with them in the past 18 months than he ever has, and says the bond theyve formed will remain forever.. I had just stopped at a truck stop in New MexicoI had a brown paper bag that was sitting on the seat next to me, when the thoughts of the lyrics started coming to me. Find out more about their lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist as we reveal 10 things you didnt know about Kevin Cronin. It took a long time, and I wrote that song before I finally got the guts to tell her. Thats my titlethats what this song is about. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. "The lead singer of REO Speedwagon, Kevin he's a rock-n-roll Hall of Famer he said, 'How about that LaTonya, your first live performance, and you've got a platinum record already.' Usually for me, the title is the last thing that happens. When Mike Blair left the band in the summer of 1968, Gregg Philbin replaced . However, there, Read More 10 Things You Didnt Know about DJ PaulContinue, Your email address will not be published. Its kind of a blessing and a curse. Luke Bolen: Musician in Bradenton, Florida. Meanwhile, their 1988 compilation album, The Hits, entered the Top Rock Albums chart at 49. Artists and entertainers. So well seethis year should be interesting. After the stage performance, we sang, 'I Can't Fight This Feeling' and a couple of his other songs. 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? I didnt really picture myself as a Los Angeles person, Im a Midwest boy. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. The title line is, Cant you see, Ill always be a music man. It basically talked about my story in a song. Id just started to write a couple little silly songs. Back in the day of the album, that was very important. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Three other now-former officers on the scene face related charges in George's death, and will be tried later this summer. The song kind of came first. These days, though, its a different story. It just so happens that the album came out when I was in junior high school. S.F. "The lead singer of REO Speedwagon, Kevin - he's a rock-n-roll Hall of Famer - he said, 'How about that LaTonya, your first live performance, and you've got a platinum record already.' ". Now Central Louisiana fans will have the chance to hear those songs and more live in concert when REO Speedwagon performs at 7:30 p.m. on March 16 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. Because of all the traveling wed done, and the work wed been doing over the years, we all just arrived at this place where we really needed each other as brothers for mutual support. Friday's prayer vigil with its call for justice on George's behalf "was beautiful," LaTonya said. On Friday, as the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin for George Floyd's murder continued in Minneapolis, REO lead singer Kevin Cronin joined LaTonya and others for a vigil honoring George, 46, at The Community of Faith Church in Houston, where Cronin and LaTonya stood on stage and sang the song together. At that point, Cronin decided to dole out some tough love and stop enabling his son. I remember that I sat down on the floor of my bedroom, and I was literally almost in tears. I can tell when a song is too much craftsmanship and not enough inspiration. 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. We are pleased to do a new interview with Cronin, about how he wrote his classic REO songs, and his creative songwriting process. 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. 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. From Austin Butler and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. George Floyd (center) with LaTonya Floyd and her stepson Treyshawn Barker. Sold in excess of 17 million records worldwide. I was writing [the words] on this brown paper bag as I was rolling down the road. REO Speedwagon performing on Feb. 5, 1981 in Chicago, Il. The first was a Hey, everybody, how you doing? thing. She's thinking about what her life would be like without [Marty/Jason Bateman]. Theres something going on emotionally for me, usually some kind of a feeling that I either dont understand yet, or I understand and havent figured out how to express it yet. "When Gregg left the band in 1977, he took with him the prog-leaning extended instrumental section aspect of the REO sound," Cronin wrote. She doesn't hold back. The subjects that we were writing about were what was going on in our lives, since we were all in the same boat in a lot of ways. Cronin is known to play Ovations on tour, and even has his own signature guitar from the brand. REO Speedwagon's official music video for 'Take It On The Run'. After realizing his lifestyle was starting to overshadow his work and family life, he made a 180-degree turn. So thats going to be a lot of fun. Considering the band has toured with everyone from Def Leppard to Status Quo and Chicago, it promises to be unmissable. I was talking to someone today about how the opening line of a song is so important to me. The first time I was introduced to her, when I saw herit was that love at first sight feeling. "It's like a direct connection with my brother that was our song," LaTonya, 52, told PEOPLE afterward. I think the opening scene is more a literal translation of what the song is about. Cronin: Well, I will tell youI was thinking about this todaythis year (2016) will be the year that I get back to knucklin down. 12 best REO Speedwagon songs 1. He was like, 'Oh my God, you're a true fan!' Richrath co-wrote some of the band's songs, including "Take It on the Run," which became a Top 5 pop hit on the Billboard charts. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. After all, hes been a mainstay in the world of rap music since the late 1980s. I couldnt do it the real way that human beings communicate (laughs). REO Speedwagon performing on Feb. 5, 1981 in Chicago, Il. I saw both seasons, all the way through, and I was like, Im ready to go. 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. When youre writing a song, you have no idea where that songs going to end upyou dont know whats going to happen. 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. achieved significant commercial success during the 1980s. When you feel the inspiration for a song, then you have to actually craft it. Night Ranger original guitarist formed in 1980. When Gary (Richrath) heard that song, it signaled to him that I had some ability as a songwriter. Then I thoughtyou know what, so be it, then thats how it has to be, because thats what this songs name is. But it would be fun to have some success as a co-writer. As forbes.com reports, the end result was that thousands of viewers flocked out to buy or stream the bands back catalog, leading to a major resurgence on a number of Billboard charts. [REO band member] Gary Richraththe late, great Gary Richrath who unfortunately passed away this past yearwas my partner in crime, so to speak. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. One day, I was really frustrated because we had an album that was due, and we really needed that song that was going to pick up where Keep On Loving You left off, and we didnt have it. Tell me about being on set to film your scene. But the whole thing about the dentists, that happened in episode one. The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album. "It was so inspirational.". Biggest hit "Sister Christian" (1984) took the band to . He was 65. "I had my eyes closed the whole time picturing my brother. Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon performs at the Illinois Bicentennial party at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, December 3, 2018. The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned. But, spoiler alert: REO plays a major role in one Season 3 episode, which also happens to be named after the band's lead singer, Kevin Cronin. So we wrote that into the script. Are you and the band working on a new studio album? Then theres gun violence. Here it is, 50 years later, and it's still out there appealing to people; bringing up emotions, making people smile. But it certainly did come together. "When the call came in for us to appear in, REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin on the band's surprising. I didnt put a whole lot of time and energy into the creative part of what I do. In addition to REO's jaunty 1978 hit Time for Me to Fly being used during a drug cartel kidnapping sequence, the group also makes a cameo, playing a concert at the casino and entering into a money laundering arrangement with Marty (Jason Bateman). I just havent had a great deal of success with it (laughs). How much is REO Speedwagon worth? Gary Richrath, a former guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon who also co-wrote the groups hit song Take It on the Run, died Sunday, according to a publicist for the band. For our episode, they had me on stage delivering a couple of lines. LaTonya Floyd, at right, with sister Zsa Zsa Floyd at their brother George's funeral June 9, 2020. Because I had a couple lines, they gave me the script, and it didn't dawn on me at first, but then I noticed the name of the episode was Kevin Cronin Was Here. I thought that was just a working title. 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. I sat down and started playing those chordsthat was what the song came from. Additionally, I've been playing music for the better part of 14 years. [1] In addition to being in the band Carcosa, he has also been in Galactic Pegasus and One More Slice. To hear people say things like this is amazing, said Bruce Hall, bass guitarist and lead and harmony vocalist for REO Speedwagon. So I was quite literally and figuratively rolling with the changes (laughs). Linda has been writing professionally since November 2012. He was a member of the band when it released its self-titled debut in 1971 and was with REO Speedwagon until 1989. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Its funnyeven though it was 35 years ago, it still feels like it was just yesterday to me, because I remember writing it so vividly. Stevie Wonder wrote the Rufus funk classic "Tell Me Something Good. Is the lead singer of REO Speedwagon married? But I think it served its purpose because people at the record company heard it, REO Speedwagon fans heard itif they didnt hear it on the radio they heard us playing it live. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Cronin: Well for me, songwriting has been kind of a solitary journey. When I rejoined, the band had moved from Champaign, Illinois to Los Angeles. 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. It was number one (on the Hot 100 chart) for I think three weeks, which back in the 80s was quite an accomplishment. I remember where I was when I wrote that song. REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. 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. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. Search instead in. I thought that if I co-wrote it with someone, I had a feeling it would lose something that was really necessary for the song to happen. 1980 - Present43 years. I kind of want to hear some more about that. To a lesser extent perhaps, [its like] when Journeys Dont Stop Believin got played on the Sopranos final episode and that just breathed new life into that song. Offers may be subject to change without notice. She covers numerous genres of music but her favorites are Pop, Rock, Heavy Metal, Rap, and even the classics. 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.
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