Kevin Cronin

Kevin Cronin - © www.kevincronin.com

born on 6/10/1951 in Evanston, IL, United States

Kevin Cronin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Kevin Cronin

Kevin Patrick Cronin (born 6 October 1951) is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and occasional pianist for the American rock band, REO Speedwagon. REO Speedwagon had several hits on the Billboard Hot 100 throughout the 1980s, including two chart-toppers written by Cronin: "Keep on Loving You" (1981) and "Can't Fight This Feeling" (1985).

Early life and career

Cronin was born in Evanston, Illinois. He graduated from Brother Rice High School in Chicago, Illinois.

REO Speedwagon switched lead vocalists three times for their first three albums. Terry Luttrell left the band shortly after the group recorded its debut album in 1971, and was replaced by Cronin. Cronin recorded one album with the band, 1972's R.E.O./T.W.O., but left the band soon after, because of missed rehearsals and creative disagreements. Ridin' the Storm Out was the band's third release with as many singers; this time Mike Murphy took the microphone. Murphy stayed on for two more albums, before Cronin returned to the fold in 1976. Cronin's return came after Greg X. Volz turned down the position for lead vocals due to his conversion to Christianity. The band's success hit its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but are still releasing records such as Find Your Own Way Home in 2007. Their most famous album, Hi Infidelity, sold over 10 million copies. Kevin is always in a good mood but has stated in various interviews that they "play for free but get paid for the traveling".

Kevin has written or co-written many of the band's hit songs such as "Keep on Loving You", "Can't Fight This Feeling", "The Key", "Keep Pushin'", "Roll With the Changes", "Time for Me to Fly", "Movin'", "Here With Me", "In My Dreams", "Tough Guys", "Don't Let Him Go" and "Music Man".

Cronin was a celebrity contestant on Don't Forget the Lyrics! on March 27, 2008. He reached $350,000 before forgetting the lyrics to "Last Dance" by Donna Summer.

He has a wife named Lisa and an older son named Paris. He also has a 16 year-old daughter, Holly, and two 13 year old twins, Josh and Shane (ages as of 03/25/2013).

He appears on infomercial advertising TimeLife's Ultimate Rock Ballads,[1] which feature tracks by REO Speedwagon, mostly from the 1980s, when the band enjoyed their greatest success.

Guitars

  • 1952 Fender Telecaster
  • 1958 Fender Broadcaster
  • Gibson Les Paul
  • Ovation Viper Series 6 & 12 String
  • Takamine Guitars

Amps

  • Vox AC-30 Combos

Gear

  • Ernie Ball Acoustic & Electric Guitar Strings

References

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This page was last modified 12.05.2014 00:24:09

This article uses material from the article Kevin Cronin from the free encyclopedia Wikipedia and it is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.