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Band Timeline
1966
Formation of REO Speedwagon at University of Illinois
In the fall of 1966, Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer met as students at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Their mutual interest in music led to jam sessions in their dormitory basement. Along with other members, they formed a new band named REO Speedwagon, inspired by the name of an early 20th-century truck, with Neal on keyboard and Alan on drums. This marked the beginning of what would become a significant American rock band.
1967
Band Name and Early Rehearsals Established
By fall 1967, the band rehearsed regularly and settled on the name REO Speedwagon, pronounced by spelling out each letter. They began playing cover songs at university events, fraternity parties, and bars, building early local recognition. The name was inspired by a historical transportation class noted by Neal Doughty, giving the band a unique identity reflective of American industrial history.
1971
Signing with Epic Records and Debut Album Release
REO Speedwagon signed their first major record deal with Epic Records after gaining regional popularity. In 1971, they released their self-titled debut album 'R.E.O. Speedwagon', marking their entry into the professional music industry. This period featured lineup changes and a focus on developing original material, setting the stage for their future national success.
1972-1979
Building National Presence with Multiple Albums and Touring
Throughout the 1970s, REO Speedwagon released several albums including 'R.E.O./T.W.O.' (1972), 'Ridin' the Storm Out' (1973), and 'Lost in a Dream' (1974), steadily growing their fanbase. The band's touring increased, expanding beyond the Midwest. A significant addition was guitarist Gary Richrath, whose songwriting enhanced their rock sound. These years refined their style and prepared them for major commercial breakthroughs in the next decade.
1980
Release of Hi Infidelity and Commercial Breakthrough
1980 was a landmark year with the release of 'Hi Infidelity', their best-selling album, which sold over 10 million copies in the US alone. This album produced four Top 40 hits including the number one singles 'Keep On Loving You' and 'Take It on the Run'. The massive success expanded their national and international recognition, making REO Speedwagon a staple of the 80s rock scene and significantly boosting their commercial profile.
1981-1984
Sustained Success and Popular Hits
Following Hi Infidelity's success, REO Speedwagon released 'Good Trouble' (1982) and 'Wheels Are Turnin'' (1984). The latter featured the hit 'Can't Fight This Feeling', which reached number one on the US charts. This period maintained their visibility with charting singles and arena tours. They became known for their blend of rock and power ballads, securing a strong fanbase and radio presence throughout the early 80s.
Late 1980s-1990s
Lineup Changes and Evolving Musical Direction
As the 1980s progressed toward the 1990s, REO Speedwagon experienced several lineup changes and a shift in musical trends. Although new albums like 'Life as We Know It' (1987) and 'The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken' (1990) did not replicate earlier commercial success, the band continued to tour and release music. This era marked a transition phase, focusing on maintaining their legacy while adapting to the changing music industry landscape.
2000s-Present
Legacy, Continued Touring, and Modern Era
In the 21st century, REO Speedwagon has focused primarily on touring, celebrating their legacy with classic hits performed live. The core lineup includes longtime members and newer additions as of January 2023. The band remains a significant presence on classic rock circuits and continues to attract new generations of fans. Their enduring influence is recognized in the breadth of their catalog and their impact on American rock music history.
Albums
R.E.O. Speedwagon
8 tracks
1971
R.E.O./T.W.O.
8 tracks
1972
Ridin' the Storm Out
10 tracks
1973
Lost in a Dream
10 tracks
1974
This Time We Mean It
10 tracks
1975
R.E.O.
8 tracks
1976
You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish
9 tracks
1978
Nine Lives
9 tracks
1979
Hi Infidelity
10 tracks
1980
Good Trouble
10 tracks
1982
Wheels Are Turnin’
9 tracks
1984
Life as We Know It
10 tracks
1987
The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken
11 tracks
1990
Building the Bridge
11 tracks
1996
Find Your Own Way Home
10 tracks
2007
Not So Silent Night: Christmas With REO Speedwagon
18 tracks
2009
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Dave Amato
1989
Guitar
Background vocals
Bruce Hall
1977
Background vocals
Bass guitar
Neal Doughty
1967
Piano
Keyboard
Organ
Synthesizer
Kevin Cronin
1976
Lead vocals
Guitar
Keyboard
Piano
Bryan Hitt
1989
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Joe Matt
1967
1968
Guitar
Lead vocals
Carla Day
1989
1989
Background vocals
Marty Shepard
1968
1968
Trumpet
Steve Scorfina
1969
1970
Guitar
Alan Gratzer
1967
1988
Background vocals
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
Mike Murphy
1973
1976
Lead vocals
Keyboard
Guitar
Gary Richrath
1970
1989
Background vocals
Guitar
Mike Blair
1967
1968
Bass guitar
Lead vocals
Bill Fiorio
1969
1969
Guitar
Kevin Cronin
1972
1973
Piano
Guitar
Keyboard
Lead vocals
Graham Lear
1988
1989
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Gregg Philbin
1968
1977
Bass guitar
Background vocals
Melanie Jackson
1989
1989
Background vocals
Miles Joseph
1989
1989
Guitar
Terry Luttrell
1968
1972
Lead vocals
Jesse Harms
1989
1991
Keyboard
Background vocals
Joe McCabe
1968
1968
Saxophone
Bob Crownover
1968
1969
Guitar
Story of REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. Speedwagon, or simply REO) roared out of Champaign, Illinois, in 1967. The band built a strong following throughout the 1970s, exploding into mainstream success during the 80s. Their 1980 album, Hi Infidelity, became a multi-platinum juggernaut, spawning four Top 40 hits and selling over 10 million copies. In total, REO Speedwagons electrifying sound has sold over 40 million records and yielded 13 Top 40 hits, including the number-one anthems "Keep On Loving You" and "Cant Fight This Feeling."
History: Formation
The band`s genesis took place in the fall of 1966. Neal Doughty, a junior electrical engineering student at the University of Illinois, Champaign, met fellow student Alan Gratzer on his very first night of classes. Doughty, a self-taught pianist familiar with Beatles tunes, and Gratzer, a seasoned high school drummer with local band experience, launched an impromptu jam session in the basement of their Illinois Street Residence Hall dorm. Gratzer continued playing with his existing band, while Doughty became a frequent guest, eventually joining in on several songs, laying the groundwork for the rock behemoth to come.
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