REO Speedwagon
Biography
In the pantheon of American arena rock, few bands have managed to capture the hearts of middle America quite like REO Speedwagon, a quintet whose journey from college town bar band to stadium-filling superstars reads like the ultimate blue-collar rock and roll fairy tale. Named after the REO Speed Wagon, a flatbed truck manufactured in the early 20th century, the band emerged from the fertile musical soil of Champaign, Illinois in 1967, when keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer began jamming together at the University of Illinois.
The band's early incarnation was a far cry from the polished, power-ballad purveyors they would eventually become. Throughout the early 1970s, REO Speedwagon was a hard-driving, guitar-heavy outfit that owed more to the blues-rock tradition than the soft rock sensibilities that would later define their commercial peak. With Terry Luttrell handling vocal duties and Gary Richrath's searing guitar work providing the musical backbone, they cut their teeth in Midwest clubs and released a string of albums that showcased their raw, uncompromising sound.
The pivotal moment came in 1972 when Kevin Cronin joined as lead vocalist, bringing with him a more melodic sensibility and an uncanny ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics that spoke directly to the working-class experience. Though Cronin would briefly depart in the mid-70s, his return in 1976 marked the beginning of REO Speedwagon's transformation into one of America's most beloved rock acts.
The band's breakthrough arrived with 1978's "You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish," an album that perfectly balanced their hard rock roots with increasingly sophisticated songcraft. But it was 1980's "Hi Infidelity" that catapulted them into the stratosphere of rock stardom. The album spent 15 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and became one of the best-selling rock albums of all time, spawning massive hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It on the Run." These songs showcased the band's evolution into masters of the power ballad, with Cronin's earnest vocals and Richrath's soaring guitar work creating anthems that resonated with millions of listeners navigating the complexities of love and relationships.
What set REO Speedwagon apart from their contemporaries was their unwavering commitment to authenticity. While other bands chased trends or affected poses, REO remained steadfastly themselves – five guys from the Midwest who understood the hopes, dreams, and disappointments of ordinary Americans. Their music became the soundtrack to countless proms, weddings, and late-night drives, earning them a devoted fanbase that has remained loyal for decades.
The early 1980s represented their commercial zenith, with albums like "Good Trouble" and "Wheels Are Turnin'" continuing their streak of multi-platinum success. Songs like "Can't Fight This Feeling" became cultural touchstones, their emotional directness cutting through the increasingly synthetic sound of mid-80s pop music. The band's live performances during this period were legendary affairs, with Cronin's passionate delivery and the band's tight musicianship creating an almost religious experience for audiences.
As musical tastes shifted in the late 1980s and 1990s, REO Speedwagon faced the challenge that confronted many of their arena rock peers. While they never again achieved the commercial heights of their early 80s peak, they continued to tour relentlessly and record new material, maintaining their connection with fans who had grown up with their music. The departure of Gary Richrath in 1989 marked the end of an era, but the band soldiered on, adapting to changing times while staying true to their core identity.
REO Speedwagon's influence extends far beyond their impressive sales figures and chart positions. They helped define the template for American heartland rock, proving that sincerity and craftsmanship could triumph over flash and pretension. Their songs have been covered by countless artists and continue to find new audiences through film soundtracks and television placements.
Today, with Kevin Cronin still fronting the band and Neal Doughty remaining from the original lineup until his recent retirement from touring, REO Speedwagon continues to perform for audiences spanning multiple generations. Their legacy as one of America's most enduring rock bands remains secure, their music serving as a reminder of a time when rock and roll could unite rather than divide, speaking to
