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REO Speedwagon Biography

Formed during an era that bred hard rock, REO Speedwagon began its musical journey in 1967. The original lineup consisted of pianist Neal Doughty [b. July 29, 1946, Evansville, IN] and drummer Alan Gratzer [b. November 9, 1948, Syracuse, NY]. After donning its unusual name (derived from the early American version of the fire engine that was developed by Ransom E. Olds), the band added 21 year-old songwriter and guitarist Gary Richrath [b. October 18, 1949, Peoria, IL], vocalist Terry Luttrell and bass player Gregg Philbin to round out the group.
These five young and eager men set out to leave their mark on the music industry, and hoped to reach the pinnacle of success where other famous hard rock artists resided. REO Speedwagon made its first attempt with 1971's Epic Records release of the self-titled album REO Speedwagon. Despite high hopes, the record failed to even scrape the bottom of the charts.

A year later, after Terry Luttrell was replaced by Kevin Cronin [b. October 6, 1951, Oak Lawn, IL], the band released R.E.O/T.W.O, which also failed find an audience. After Kevin Cronin left, Michael Murphy filled his shoes. The band persevered and released its third album, Ridin' The Storm Out, in 1973 with Epic Records. Finally, the band had made a record that managed to hit the charts and climb to No. 174.

Continuing its momentum, REO Speedwagon released Lost In A Dream, which climbed to No. 98 on the charts. This Time We Meant It was released in 1975 and weighed in at No. 74 on the charts. This album was Michael Murphy's last record with the band due to creative differences, but REO Speedwagon kept finding more and more fans.

The band's first live album, You Get What You Play For, brought REO Speedwagon its first moderately successful single, "Ridin' the Storm Out." This album marked the beginning of a series of hit albums and singles for the group.

Change was in the air in 1978, as Bruce Hall [b. May 3, 1953, Champaign, IL] succeeded Gregg Philbin as bass guitarist and was featured on the band's next album, You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish. The record, which was the group's greatest success to date, shot up to No. 29, and went platinum.

The band released two more albums, but it wasn't until Hi Infidelity was released in 1981 that REO Speedwagon had its first No. 1 record. The album also produced a series of hit singles that included "Keep On Loving You," "Take It On the Run," "Don't Let Him Go" and "In Your Letter."

The album exemplified the band's change in its musical direction as it began moving from hard rock to power ballads, and produced more mainstream rock. The band continued to release hit albums such as Good Trouble in 1982 and Wheels Are Turnin' in 1985. Both albums peaked at No. 7.

The band finished out the '80s with the 1987 album Life As We Know It, which capped off at No. 28. The next year found REO Speedwagon releasing a greatest hits album that also did well, and it managed to capture many of the band's successful recordings. The greatest hits album was also responsible for July 1988's No. 20 hit, "Here With Me."

Once again, the band shifted members when Alan Gratzer left and was replaced by Graham Lear, and when Richrath left only to be replaced with Miles Joseph on lead guitar. Dave Amato [b. March 3, 1953, Framingham, MA] was added as lead guitarist and background vocalist, and Bryan Hitt [b. January 5, 1954, Center, TX] filled out the new group on percussion.

This new lineup set out to record a 1990 release, The Earth, A Small Man, His Dog, and A Chicken, which failed to chart.

In 1991, Harms left the band, and REO Speedwagon has continued with only five members. Subsequent albums made with the remaining members have also failed to chart, as the band continues to play songs that were hits more than 20 years ago. (edit)