Of course in the late 70's and early 80's Journey, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Heart and many, many others were very popular. But REO Speedwagon stands out for inventing the power ballad. Of course they didn't say in the studio "Let's Invent The Power Ballad". It just turned out that way. In 1980 as they sat down to lay tracks for a song that would go on their 11th album "HI INFIDELITY" the song was KEEP ON LOVING YOU. With Lead Vocalist KEVIN CRONIN's very distinctive voice and Lead Guitarist GARY RICHRATH's loud Les Pal, they ended up with a love song that had balls. Hence, the birth of the Power Ballad, which is a slower love song with loud lead guitar riffs in the mix. That song went to #1 and went gold. The album Hi Infidelity as sold 10 million copies to date. Then they re-did it with CAN'T FIGT THIS FEELING in 1985 for the album Wheels Are Turnin'. That song went number 1 for 3 straight weeks and went double platinum. Journey did the same thing, just a little later than REO with OPEN ARMS which came out in 1982 and again with FAITHFULLY in 1984. So a lot of bands owe it to REO Speedwagon. But REO doesn't walk around with a huge ego. They like to rock with the best of them. They love touring with Styx and Journey and have in the last 5 or 6 years. All those bands make a GREAT Touring package. Here's to Classic Rock Bands!!!

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If You're Tired of the same old story, turn some pages(Kevin Cronin 1978)