Introduction to Larry Graham Larry Graham is an American bass player and soul singer who is credited with the slapping technique on the bass guitar (which would then be emulated by other bass players). He played bass with the influential soul/funk group Sly and the Family Stone and after that formed his … Read more
Introduction Billy Joel is a known pianist and singer-songwriter known for the hit pop classics such as “The Piano Man”, “Just The Way You Are” and “She’s Always A Woman”. Seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 made a turning point in the life of this native New Yorker; … Read more
Early life and career, and as member of Simon and Garfunkel Paul Simon was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1941. A few years later his family moved to Queens, New York, where he spent his formative years. He met his friend and future musical partner Art Garfunkel while they were grade … Read more
Introduction Journey is an American rock band who started their career during the 70s but achieved astronomical success during the 80s music scene. The group has undergone several lineup changes. During their heyday, Journey released smashes such as “Who’s Crying Now,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Open Arms.” Lead vocalist Steve Perry left … Read more
Early days The roots of the ZZ Top originated in Houston Texas. During the late 1960s, guitarist Billy Gibbons formed a band together with other members Lanier Greig (keyboards) and drummer Dan Mitchell. Immediately after they recorded their first single “Salt Lick”, Greig was replaced by another bassist Bobby Cartlidge and Frank … Read more
Cetera’s career at a glance Peter Cetera (born in Chicago, Illinois in 1944) is an American singer-songwriter known as one of the core members of the soft-rock band Chicago (starting in the 70s) as well as for having his own solo career in the 80s music era. He first joined a band … Read more
Introduction to one of successful rock bands in history Genesis are a British classic rock and pop band formed in Surrey, England. It also launched the careers of eventual superstars Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. It all started in 1967 with Gabriel and Tony Banks, and others – Gabriel, Banks, Anthony Philips, … Read more
Introduction Pat Benatar is an American rock and pop singer whose operatic voice brought many hits include “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”, “Love Is A Battlefield”, “We Belong” and Invincible, all of which became Top 10 hits during the 80s music era. Her first album In The Heat Of The Night, … Read more
Introduction to one of the few successful all-girl rock acts The Bangles are an American all-girl rock group who won both critical and commercial appeal during the 80s music era. Formed in California, the classic Bangles lineup consisted of Susanna Hoffs, sisters Debbi and Vicki Peterson and Michael Steele. Their breakthrough album … Read more
Introduction to one of the most successful rock groups of all time As one of the most successful soft rock/arena rock acts of all time, Foreigner’s career has spanned more than three decades, having sold over 80 million albums worldwide. Formed in New York City in 1976 by English musician Mick Jones, … Read more
Air Supply is a soft rock duo consisting of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock formed in 1975 in Melbourne, Australia. Early on they were considered a band with various musicians, but Russell & Hitchcock were always the key performers and eventually became a duo. Along with original member Chrissie Hammond, the two met … Read more