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REO Speedwagon originated out of Champaign, Illinois, in 1967. Named after the classic REO Speed Wagon, a truck produced by the REO Motor Car Company, the band emerged on the scene through the collaborative efforts of keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer, who initially met as engineering students at the University of Illinois. The group quickly developed a solid fan base through relentless touring across the Midwest, building their reputation on energetic performances.
The band’s lineup evolved frequently during their early years, but it solidified notably in the early 1970s when guitarist Gary Richrath joined, injecting a distinctive guitar style into their sound. Kevin Cronin first joined REO Speedwagon as lead vocalist in 1972 but departed briefly, returning permanently in 1976. This lineup, including Cronin, Richrath, Gratzer, Doughty, and bassist Bruce Hall, went on to become the band’s classic formation, responsible for many of their most significant hits.
Throughout their lengthy career, REO Speedwagon has released sixteen studio albums, with their commercial peak arriving in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their first taste of success was with their 1978 album, You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish, which reached platinum status. However, it was their 1980 album, Hi Infidelity, that catapulted them into the stratosphere, achieving diamond certification for sales exceeding ten million copies in the United States alone.
Hi Infidelity produced the band’s most enduring singles, including “Keep On Loving You,” which became their first number-one hit, and “Take It on the Run,” another major chart success. These tracks defined the band’s sound, characterized by melodic hooks, passionate vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, earning REO Speedwagon widespread acclaim and a permanent place on classic rock radio.
The band’s impressive run continued into the early 1980s, with subsequent albums like Good Trouble (1982) and Wheels Are Turnin’ (1984) further cementing their status. The latter featured another number-one hit single, “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” which is remembered as one of the band’s most iconic ballads. Both albums achieved multi-platinum status, underscoring the group’s ability to consistently connect with audiences.
Though their commercial success slightly tapered off by the late 1980s, REO Speedwagon continued to tour extensively, maintaining a devoted fanbase. Their live performances have consistently drawn praise, renowned for their high energy and the band’s ability to replicate studio-quality sound live. These tours have often featured notable collaborations and joint ventures with fellow classic rock bands like Styx, Journey, and Chicago, further showcasing their ongoing appeal and camaraderie within the rock music community.
Over the decades, REO Speedwagon has received significant recognition, including notable accolades such as induction into the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. While major music awards like Grammys have eluded them, their lasting impact is evident through continued airplay, enduring popularity of their signature songs, and high attendance at their live shows.
Beyond music, the members of REO Speedwagon have frequently engaged in charitable efforts. Kevin Cronin, for instance, has been active in supporting numerous causes, participating in benefit concerts and charitable events aimed at providing relief and assistance to communities in need. This humanitarian side has further endeared the band to the public, highlighting their genuine dedication to making a positive impact beyond their musical legacy.
In more recent years, the band has continued to tour extensively, maintaining their place as a staple of classic rock concerts and festivals around the globe. Despite lineup changes, notably following Richrath’s departure and subsequent death in 2015, founding member Neal Doughty and vocalist Kevin Cronin have kept the band’s spirit and identity intact. Their consistent performances, nostalgia-driven sets, and commitment to authenticity ensure their relevance to both longtime followers and new generations of listeners.
Ultimately, the enduring legacy of REO Speedwagon rests upon their substantial discography, beloved hit singles, and unwavering dedication to live performances. They remain a defining fixture of American rock music, recognized for their passionate delivery, musical craftsmanship, and sincere engagement with their fans. It’s this combination of heartfelt artistry and approachable authenticity that has kept REO Speedwagon beloved in the rock community for over five decades.
Complete List Of Songs From A to Z
- 157 Riverside Avenue – R.E.O. Speedwagon – 1971
- Accidents Can Happen – Life as We Know It – 1987
- After Tonight – Building the Bridge – 1996
- All Heaven Broke Loose – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- Angels We Have Heard on High (Gloria) – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Another Lifetime – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Any Kind of Love – R.E.O. – 1976
- Anti-Establishment Man – R.E.O. Speedwagon – 1971
- Back in My Heart Again – Good Trouble – 1982
- Back on the Road Again – Nine Lives – 1979
- Ballad of the Illinois Opry – Building the Bridge – 1996
- Being Kind (Can Hurt Someone Sometimes) – R.E.O./T.W.O. – 1972
- Blazin’ Your Own Trail Again – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- Blue Christmas – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Born to Love You – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Break His Spell – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- Breakaway – R.E.O. – 1976
- Building the Bridge – Building the Bridge – 1996
- Candalera – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Can’t Fight This Feeling – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- Can’t Get You Out of My Heart – Life as We Know It – 1987
- Can’t Lie to My Heart – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- Can’t Stop Rockin’ – Building the Bridge – 1996
- Children Go Where I Send Thee – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Dance – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Dangerous Combination – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Dead at Last – R.E.O. Speedwagon – 1971
- Deck the Halls – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Don’t Let Him Go – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- Do You Know Where Your Woman Is Tonight? – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- Do Your Best – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- Down by the Dam – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- Dream Weaver – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Drop It (An Old Disguise) – Nine Lives – 1979
- Easy Money – Nine Lives – 1979
- Every Now and Then – Good Trouble – 1982
- Everything You Feel – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Find My Fortune – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- Find Your Own Way Home – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Five Men Were Killed Today – R.E.O. Speedwagon – 1971
- Flash Tan Queen – R.E.O./T.W.O. – 1972
- Flying Turkey Trot – R.E.O. – 1976
- Follow My Heart – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- Gambler – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Girl with the Heart of Gold – Good Trouble – 1982
- Give Me a Ride (Roller Coaster) – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- Go for Broke – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Golden Country – R.E.O./T.W.O. – 1972
- Good Trouble – Good Trouble – 1982
- Gotta Feel More – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- Gypsy Woman’s Passion – R.E.O. Speedwagon – 1971
- Half Way – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Headed for a Fall – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Heavy on Your Love – Nine Lives – 1979
- Hey Wait a Minute – Building the Bridge – 1996
- How the Story Goes – R.E.O./T.W.O. – 1972
- (I Believe) Our Time Is Gonna Come – R.E.O. – 1976
- I Believe in Santa Claus – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- I Do’ Wanna Know – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- I’ll Follow You – Good Trouble – 1982
- I Need You Tonight – Nine Lives – 1979
- I Needed to Fall – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- I’m Feeling Good – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- In My Dreams – Life as We Know It – 1987
- In Your Letter – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- I Still Love You – Building the Bridge – 1996
- It’s Everywhere – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- I Wish You Were There – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- Joy to the World – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Keep On Loving You – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- Keep Pushin’ – R.E.O. – 1976
- Keep the Fire Burnin’ – Good Trouble – 1982
- Lay Me Down – R.E.O. Speedwagon – 1971
- Let Me Ride – R.E.O./T.W.O. – 1972
- Let My Love Find You – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Let’s Be-Bop – Good Trouble – 1982
- L.I.A.R. – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- Lies – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Lightning – R.E.O. – 1976
- Like You Do – R.E.O./T.W.O. – 1972
- Little Drummer Boy – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Little Queenie – R.E.O./T.W.O. – 1972
- Live Every Moment – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- Live It Up – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- Look the Other Way – Building the Bridge – 1996
- Lost in a Dream – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- Lost on the Road of Love – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Love in the Future – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- Love Is a Rock – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- Love to Hate – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- Lucky for You – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- Meet Me on the Mountain – Nine Lives – 1979
- Movin’ – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- Music Man – R.E.O./T.W.O. – 1972
- New Way to Love – Life as We Know It – 1987
- Oh Woman – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- One Lonely Night – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- One Too Many Girlfriends – Life as We Know It – 1987
- One True Man – Building the Bridge – 1996
- (Only A) Summer Love – R.E.O. – 1976
- Only the Strong Survive – Nine Lives – 1979
- Open Up – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- Out of Control – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Out of Season – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- Over the Edge – Life as We Know It – 1987
- Prison Women – R.E.O. Speedwagon – 1971
- Reelin’ – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Ridin’ the Storm Out – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- River of Life – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- Rock & Roll Music – Nine Lives – 1979
- Rock ‘N Roll Star – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- Roll with the Changes – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- Run Away Baby – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Runnin’ Blind – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- Say You Love Me or Say Goodnight – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- Screams and Whispers – Life as We Know It – 1987
- Shakin’ It Loose – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- She’s Gonna Love Me – Building the Bridge – 1996
- Silent Night – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Sing to Me – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- Sky Blues – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- Sleigh Ride – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Smilin’ in the End – Find Your Own Way Home – 2007
- Someone Tonight – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- Son of a Poor Man – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- Sophisticated Lady – R.E.O. Speedwagon – 1971
- Start a New Life – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- Stillness of the Night – Good Trouble – 1982
- Sweet Time – Good Trouble – 1982
- Take It on the Run – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- Take Me – Nine Lives – 1979
- That Ain’t Love – Life as We Know It – 1987
- The First Noel – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- The Heart Survives – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
- The Key – Good Trouble – 1982
- The Unidentified Flying Tuna Trot – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- The White Snows of Winter – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Then I Met You – Building the Bridge – 1996
- They’re on the Road – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- Throw the Chains Away – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- Thru the Window – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- Time for Me to Fly – You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish – 1978
- Tired of Getting Nowhere – Life as We Know It – 1987
- Tonight – R.E.O. – 1976
- Tough Guys – Hi Infidelity – 1980
- Variety Tonight – Life as We Know It – 1987
- We Three Kings – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Wheels Are Turnin’ – Wheels Are Turnin’ – 1984
- When I Get Home – Building the Bridge – 1996
- Whiskey Night – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- Wild as the Western Wind – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- Winter Wonderland – Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon – 2009
- Without Expression (Don’t Be the Man) – Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1973
- You Better Realize – This Time We Mean It – 1975
- You Can Fly – Lost in a Dream – 1974
- You Won’t See Me – The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken – 1990
Albums
R.E.O. Speedwagon (1971): 8 songs
R.E.O./T.W.O. (1972): 8 songs
Ridin’ the Storm Out (1973): 10 songs
Lost in a Dream (1974): 10 songs
This Time We Mean It (1975): 10 songs
R.E.O. (1976): 8 songs
You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish (1978): 9 songs
Nine Lives (1979): 9 songs
Hi Infidelity (1980): 10 songs
Good Trouble (1982): 10 songs
Wheels Are Turnin’ (1984): 9 songs
Life as We Know It (1987): 10 songs
The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken (1990): 11 songs
Building the Bridge (1996): 11 songs
Find Your Own Way Home (2007): 10 songs
Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon (2009): 17 songs
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