Here it is, 50 years later, and it's still out there appealing to people; bringing up emotions, making people smile. 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. It was kind of shocking in a way. Classic Rock at the best online prices at eBay! Up until then, the songwriting was credited to the whole bandthat they all wrote the songs togetherbut I think the truth was that it was mostly Gary who would spark (the songs creation) and then the band would get together and jam and finish it. 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. All Rights Reserved. She began at a small local paper covering up and coming bands. 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. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. DK: More recently, REO has released the album Find Your Own Way Home in 2007 and REOs Christmas album in 2009. REO Speedwagon - Wikipedia 10 Things You Didn't Know about Kevin Cronin - Chaospin "If I want to see if . They might not be bothering the charts quite as much these days, but they still know how to pull in the crowds at their live sets. So I called up and cancelled the songwriting session. Click to listen to REO Speedwagon on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/REOspot?IQid=RUNAs featured on The Essential REO Speedwagon. 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. Three other now-former officers on the scene face related charges in George's death, and will be tried later this summer. To hear people say things like this is amazing, said Bruce Hall, bass guitarist and lead and harmony vocalist for REO Speedwagon. Ask me about my collection of M:TG cards! The first line of "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" is "It was the 3rd of September," which is the day lead singer Dennis Edwards' father died. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. I've also got a horrible habit of needing the absolute newest technological wonder, whether it's stable or not. Click to listen to REO Speedwagon on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/REOspot?IQid=RUN Show more REO Speedwagon - Event. But this year I think I need to start tapping into the creative side of my being, because otherwise it starts exploding (laughs) in other ways. So my manager, Tom Consolo, set up a writing session with Eric Carmen, who was the lead singer of the Raspberries. Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from, Paul McCartney was in too much 'emotional pain' to keep the Beatles going after John Lennon left. Linda has been writing professionally since November 2012. (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 . "It's like a direct connection with my brother that was our song," LaTonya, 52, told PEOPLE afterward. 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. Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all. In addition to REO's jaunty 1978 hit 'Time for Me . Whether you're young or old, everyone loves a good song about memories and good times. Who do you think is listening: old fans who were reminded of REO by the show, or young listeners just discovering the band? You know, I went through some fictional years there in the past! When Mike Blair left the band in the summer of 1968, Gregg Philbin replaced . 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. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. 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. With Cant Fight This Feeling, I did not know what the name of that song was. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. "It was so inspirational.". Collect, curate and comment on your files. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. Im thankful for that and proud of that as well. I gotta tell ya, I see the name REO Speedwagon all the time, but I don't often see my own name there. When you write a song, you have no idea the journey that song may or may not take you on. 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. Cronins decision to forgo a college education for music paid off by the age of 20, hed been recruited by REO Speedwagon as a replacement to original lead vocalist, Terry Luttrell. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. 12+ Best Songs By REO Speedwagon Band (A-Z) - Song Lyrics & Facts When you feel the inspiration for a song, then you have to actually craft it. Offers may be subject to change without notice. So I wanted to drive. I had a little red Wurlitzer electric piano that Id had since I was in high school. It took a long time, and I wrote that song before I finally got the guts to tell her. So that was special. Notably, these five band members have been together since 1989. I just really felt like it was a two-person job [this past year] more than ever. 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? Midway through the song, the words disappeared from the screen and the singer had to rely on memory to get through the rest. The lead singer of REO Speedwagon is Kevin Cronin and Terry Luttrell respectively. REO Speedwagon performing on Feb. 5, 1981 in Chicago, Il. I didnt really picture myself as a Los Angeles person, Im a Midwest boy. Your email address will not be published. Paul Natkin/WireImage. In the REO Speedwagon band, there are two lead singers, and one is Kevin Cronin and Terry Luttrell. And there were some radio stations in the Midwest that were playing those songs. ", "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" by Marvin Gaye was inspired by Jackie Gleason's saying, "How Sweet It Is!". REO Speedwagon has released a number of successful albums, including 1980s Hi Infidelity,which sold 10 million copies in the United States. As we all know, those memories are Who is the lead singer in REO Speedwagon? After the stage performance, we sang, 'I Can't Fight This Feeling' and a couple of his other songs. and still couldn't believe it -- but it is one of the funniest celeb. Basically, the only songs I can play on piano are those that I wrote (he laughs). REO Speedwagon skyrocketed to fame in 1980 with their chart topping . 9/28/2010 1:00 PM PT With '80s hits like " Keep On Loving You " and " Can't Fight This Feeling ," Kevin. Gary Richrath, REO Speedwagon Guitarist, Dead at 65 - Yahoo! As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. She's thinking about what her life would be like without [Marty/Jason Bateman]. 1,248 Kevin Cronin Of Reo Speedwagon Photos and Premium High Res "When the call came in for us to appear in, REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin on the band's surprising. Kevin Cronin -- lead singer of '80s rock group REO Speedwagon -- heard the words straight from his own son's mouth . The album contained four Top 40 hits: Keep On Loving You and Dont Let Him Go (written by Cronin), plus Take It On The Run and In Your Letter (written by lead guitarist Gary Richrath, who left REO in 1989 and sadly passed away in 2015). So it all kind of came true. Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon performs at the Illinois Bicentennial party at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, December 3, 2018. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Thats another way of doing it. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Download the TMZ App on the Apple App Store, Download the TMZ App on the Google Play Store. Well, that got dropped. I learned something from thisthat if you pay attention to the song, the song will tell you what it needs. The song kind of came first. REO remains a popular live band which tours steadily throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Friday's prayer vigil with its call for justice on George's behalf "was beautiful," LaTonya said. Please subscribe. Luke Bolen - Musician in Bradenton FL - BandMix.com What are we doing here? I swear to you, all of a sudden from behind one of our road cases pops the ventriloquists dummy. How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names. Ive sat down with peopleIve written with some great writers in Nashville, and for whatever reason, none of those songs have really panned out. The episode also featured one of the bands most popular tunes, Time for Me to Fly. Its fair to say they hadnt troubled the charts for some years, but the show seemed to remind people of just how good they could be. Cronin was born on October 6, 1951, in the Chicago suburb of Evanston. Then theres gun violence. I named my children after they were born and I looked at them, and I saw their little bodies, and they kind of told me what their names should be to some degree. I used to listen to the Beatles Rubber Soul albumI know that album inside and out. Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown. REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin -- Heard It From My Son Bleeps Her It was monumental.". At that time, my [twin] sons were 19 and my daughter was 22. "Gregg . Kevin Cronin - Wikipedia It was the first song where I thought, Wow, I kind of like this song (laughs). Its an example of the power of television. It gave me an outlet for expressing myself when I was very young and didnt know any other way to do it. Its a blessing because Ive always got myself (laughs). Some of the greatest songs ever have been written by songwriting partnerships. "AOR poll part 2: Which lead singer's voice do you like best? Kevin Cronin - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays Showing Editorial results for reo speedwagon. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Usually for me, the title is the last thing that happens. DK: One of my favorite songs is Roll With The ChangesI think that song has inspired a lot of people. 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 didn't know what to make of it. Who is the lead singer in REO Speedwagon? He was 65. They are Do you love animals? REO Speedwagon tour 2023: Where to buy tickets, schedule, prices Lead Singer of REO Speedwagon: 'Memba Him? - TMZ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Recording-history.org is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program. 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. I remember that I sat down on the floor of my bedroom, and I was literally almost in tears. This is bullst.". Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. 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. "It means so much," LaTonya said. REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. Collect, curate and comment on your files. 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. George Floyd (center) with LaTonya Floyd and her stepson Treyshawn Barker. He refers to the band as The Wagon, when fans actually call you REO. I had the verses already written. George Floyd's Sister Says Trial Reminds Her of Suffering He Endured: 'He Felt Every Ounce of Pain'. In addition, his songs Roll With The Changes and Keep The Fire Burning have had an enduring impact, becoming rock anthems which convey positive and uplifting lyric themes. Its like the stars lining up. Erik Stein confirmed on Monday that Richrath passed away but offered no details about the cause of death. Maybe you have and maybe you havent, at least not yet. 1980 - Present43 years. Then on the day that Eric and I were supposed to co-write, I literally woke up that morning and I felt like I had the flu. I was kind of a late bloomermusic was my vehicle. Biggest hit "Sister Christian" (1984) took the band to . 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. Richrath last played with the band in 2013, when the band performed a benefit concert in Bloomington, Illinois, to raise money for tornado victims. Richrath released a solo album, Only the Strong Survive,in 1992. He goes, [Spanish accent] This is bullst. "I had my eyes closed the whole time picturing my brother. Bay Area. It must have been 1989 after [late guitarist/songwriter] Gary Richrath and I parted ways and the band was at kind of a low point. "It was just amazing," she said. So the earlier songs were given a second chance as a result of the Hi Infidelity album. About The Lead Singer Of REO Speedwagon But the whole thing about the dentists, that happened in episode one. 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. Cronin: Well for me, songwriting has been kind of a solitary journey. Its kind of a blessing and a curse. But I remember when I just struggling to figure it out and the journey that a song takes is so remarkable and thinking back as a young songwriter, I remember that Keep Pushin was the first song that I actually wrote that I thought Yeah, I could hear this on the radio. If it came on the radio, I dont think I would turn the channel (laughs). 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 Gregg left the band in 1977, he took with him the prog-leaning extended instrumental section aspect of the REO sound," Cronin wrote. Now, hes all about healthy eating and working out. 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. Now I kind of see how it feels when your own name is up there. We wanted to see the Blue Cat [Lodge; the set is a shuttered bar on Lake Allatoona] and the strip club, Lickety Splitz. REO Speedwagon CD Lot! 4 CD Lot! Classic Rock 74643598828 | eBay 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). DK: I know you play both guitar and piano onstage. 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.