So, you're at a trivia night, or maybe a karaoke bar. Someone shouts, "Who’s the lead singer of REO Speedwagon?" Don't panic. I've got you. It’s a fun question, because the answer is Kevin Cronin.
But wait—it wasn't always him. That’s the juicy part. REO Speedwagon started with a guy named Terry Luttrell. He sang on their first album in 1971. Then he left. Poof. Gone.
Enter our hero: Kevin Cronin. He joined in 1972. Then he got fired. Yes, you read that right: fired from REO Speedwagon. He was too "pop" for the band’s early hard rock sound. Imagine that!
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Kevin Cronin didn't stay away for long. He returned in 1973. The band realized they made a huge mistake. And boy, did they fix it.
With Kevin back, REO Speedwagon changed everything. He brought a huge voice and a knack for writing catchy songs. Suddenly, they weren't just a bar band anymore.
The proof? The album Hi Infidelity. It sold over 10 million copies. That’s ten million friends who heard Kevin Cronin scream "Keep on loving you!" through your car speakers.
That Crazy Voice
Here’s a quirky fact: Kevin Cronin has a unique vocal style. He yells, he croons, he whispers. It’s like he’s having a conversation with a microphone that’s also a boxing match.
He is the guy behind "Can't Fight This Feeling." That song is pure, epic cheese. But you love it. You know you do. And Kevin sings it like his life depends on it.
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He also writes the lyrics. Most of them are about love, heartbreak, and not giving up. It’s simple, but it works. Why? Because he believes every single word.
Wait, Is There Anyone Else?
Now, don't confuse the lead singer with the other guys. The band has Gary Richrath on guitar. He played insane solos. But he didn't sing lead. That was Kevin’s job.
Neal Doughty plays keyboards. He wrote the riff for "Roll with the Changes." But you won’t hear him crooning. That’s Kevin again. Every time. Every song.
Today, REO Speedwagon still tours. Kevin Cronin is still the frontman. He’s in his 70s now. He still jumps around the stage like a caffeinated kangaroo. It’s adorable.
Why Does This Even Matter?
Because knowing this fact makes you sound smart. At a party, you can say, "Actually, the lead singer wasn’t always Kevin Cronin." People will nod. You’ll look like a hero.
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It’s also fun trivia because REO Speedwagon is a total 80s powerhouse. They bridged the gap between hard rock and pop. Kevin’s voice was the bridge itself.
Plus, there's a weird story. Kevin once said he was so nervous during a famous recording that he sang lying down. On the floor. In the dark. That’s commitment, folks.
The Final Answer
So, who’s the lead singer of REO Speedwagon? It’s Kevin Cronin. Case closed. But now you know the drama behind it. The firing. The return. The hits.
Next time you hear "Take It on the Run," remember: that’s Kevin Cronin. The guy who got fired, came back, and sold 40 million records. Not bad for a guy they almost let go.
Go ahead. Impress your friends. Or just crank up the volume and sing along. Kevin won't mind. He’s too busy still keeping the rock alive.
And if anyone argues? Just smile and say, "Terry Luttrell? Yeah, he was first. But Kevin is the one." You’re welcome.