Mike Reno
Mike Reno, born Joseph Michael Rynoski on January 8, 1955, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, is a seminal figure in rock music. His journey began in the early 1970s, playing with cover bands like Morning Glory and Synergy before joining the band Moxy. Despite limited success, it was a pivotal experience. In 1979, he co-founded Loverboy with guitarist Paul Dean, launching a meteoric rise to fame. Their self-titled debut album in 1980 catapulted them to stardom with hits like "Turn Me Loose" and "Working for the Weekend." Throughout the 1980s, Loverboy dominated the charts with multi-platinum albums and contributed to the "Top Gun" soundtrack with "Heaven in Your Eyes." Reno's vocals, showcased in films like "Footloose" with the duet "Almost Paradise," solidified his status as an icon. Despite solo projects like "Renovation" (2002), his passion remains with Loverboy, celebrated with their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2009. Reno's legacy transcends music, marked by philanthropy and a lasting impact on the industry. Mike continues to tour, his legend as a rock icon endures, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
John Cafferty
Formed in 1972 in Rhode Island, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, originally known as Beaver Brown, found their niche as a beloved bar band in New England's music scene. Despite early comparisons to Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, they rose to international fame with their contributions to the soundtrack of "Eddie and the Cruisers," with hits like "On the Dark Side" and "Tender Years." The band's success continued with albums like "Tough All Over" (1985), featuring chart-toppers such as "C-I-T-Y." Over the years, they've weathered personnel changes and label shifts, maintaining a devoted fan base. Their music has left an indelible mark on pop culture, appearing in films like "There's Something About Mary" and "Dumb and Dumber To." Today, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band continue to captivate audiences with their timeless rock anthems.
Joe Lynn Turner
Joe Lynn Turner, born Joseph Arthur Mark Linquito on August 2, 1951, in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and musician. Known for his tenure with iconic bands like Rainbow ("Stone Cold" and "Street of Dreams."), Yngwie Malmsteen, and Deep Purple ("Slaves and Masters"), Turner has left an indelible mark on the hard rock genre. His versatile vocals and songwriting prowess have garnered him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base worldwide. With a career spanning over five decades, Turner has released numerous solo albums, collaborated with esteemed musicians, and earned prestigious awards for his contributions to music. From his early days with Fandango to his recent solo endeavors, Joe Lynn Turner continues to captivate audiences with his unmistakable voice and enduring passion for rock and roll.
Benjamin Orr
Benjamin Orr, born Benjamin Orzechowski on September 8, 1947, was an influential American musician best known as the bassist, co-lead vocalist, and co-founder of the new wave band the Cars. From their early hits like "Just What I Needed" to the haunting ballad "Drive," Orr's voice became synonymous with the band's signature sound. Beyond his work with the Cars, Orr released a solo album titled "The Lace" in 1986, featuring the hit single "Stay the Night." His musical journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, with bands like the Grasshoppers and later led to collaborations with Ric Ocasek in various musical ventures. Orr's enduring legacy in the world of rock and roll was solidified with his posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cars in 2018.
Pat Travers
Pat Travers, born and raised in Toronto, embarked on his musical journey at age 12 after witnessing Jimi Hendrix perform. He quickly honed his skills in bands like Merge and caught the attention of rock legend Ronnie Hawkins. Travers moved to London in his early twenties, signing with Polydor Records and releasing his self-titled debut album in 1976. With hits like "Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)" and "Snortin' Whiskey," he rose to prominence with the Pat Travers Band, featuring guitar wizardry and powerhouse vocals. Despite changes in the band's lineup and shifts in musical trends, Travers maintained a dedicated fan base. His impact on the rock scene earned him acclaim from fellow musicians like Paul Gilbert and Kirk Hammett.
Glenn Hughes
Glenn Hughes, born on August 21, 1951, in Cannock, Staffordshire, England, rose to fame as the bassist and vocalist for Trapeze before joining Deep Purple's Mk. III and IV line-ups. His tenure in Deep Purple, marked by powerful vocals alongside David Coverdale, solidified his status as a rock icon. Hughes briefly fronted Black Sabbath in the mid-1980s and pursued a solo career, releasing albums like "Play Me Out." Overcoming health struggles, he rejuvenated his career in the 1990s with collaborations and solo projects, including work with bands like Black Country Communion and California Breed. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Deep Purple in 2016, Hughes continues to captivate audiences with his soulful voice and virtuoso bass playing.
Spencer Davis
Spencer Davis, born Spencer David Nelson Davies on July 17, 1939, in Swansea, Wales, was a renowned musician known for founding the Spencer Davis Group, which produced iconic hits like "Keep On Running" and "Gimme Some Lovin'." His early musical influences included jazz, blues, and skiffle, paving the way for his distinctive sound. Davis's talent and passion for music led him to form lifelong connections in the industry, collaborating with artists like Steve Winwood and Christine Perfect. Beyond his musical career, Davis enjoyed success as an A&R executive with Island Records, working with legends such as Bob Marley and Robert Palmer. His contributions to the music world continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
Jimi Jamison, singer with Survivor
Jimmy Wayne Jamison, born on August 23, 1951, in Durant, Mississippi, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, embarked on his musical journey in the mid-1960s, inspired by Blues-Rock and Soul. He rose to prominence as the frontman for rock bands like Target and Cobra before gaining widespread recognition with Survivor in the 1980s. Jamison's tenure with Survivor produced hits like "Burning Heart" and "The Search Is Over." Beyond his band affiliations, he carved out a successful solo career, notably co-writing and performing the iconic theme song for the TV series Baywatch. Jamison's enduring legacy is marked by his distinctive vocal abilities and contributions to the rock music landscape.
Alex Ligertwood
Alex Ligertwood, born in Drumchapel, Glasgow, Scotland, is celebrated as the lead vocalist of Santana during multiple periods from 1979 to 1994, leaving an indelible mark with hits like "All I Ever Wanted" and "Winning". Beyond Santana, Ligertwood collaborated with acts like the Jeff Beck Group, Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, and the Grateful Dead offshoot, Go Ahead. His influence extends beyond borders, touring globally with World Classic Rockers and leaving his vocal imprint on projects like El Chicano's studio collaboration. Ligertwood's journey continues to captivate audiences, showcasing his enduring passion for music and his remarkable vocal prowess.
Larry Hoppen
Larry Hoppen, a founding member of pop-rock band Orleans, shaped the sound of a generation with his soulful vocals and timeless hits like "Dance with Me" and "Still the One". Hailing from Woodstock, New York, Larry's musical journey began in the late 1960s with bands like Boffalongo before co-founding Orleans in 1972. Despite facing industry challenges and lineup changes, Larry's dedication to his craft never wavered. His vocals and infectious energy captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a place in music history. Beyond his contributions to Orleans, Larry's solo endeavors and collaborations showcased his versatile talent and enduring passion for music.
Peter Rivera
Peter Rivera, known for his dynamic vocals and rhythmic drumming, was a key member of Rare Earth, the pioneering American rock band from Detroit, Michigan. With their genre-defying blend of classic rock and R&B, Rare Earth achieved widespread success, becoming one of Motown's first successful all-white acts. Rivera's soulful performances, including hits like "(I Know) I'm Losing You" and "Get Ready," propelled the band to stardom in the early 1970s. Despite lineup changes and industry challenges, Rare Earth continued to record and tour into the 1990s, leaving a lasting impact on the music landscape.
David Jenkins
David Michael Jenkins, born on August 29, 1947, is a singer-songwriter and guitarist and acclaimed lead singer and guitarist of the California smooth rock band Pablo Cruise. A founding member of Pablo Cruise in 1973, Jenkins remained with the band until their dissolution in 1986, later reuniting with new members in 1996. Beyond Pablo Cruise, he also contributed to the country rock band Southern Pacific during the late 1980s, touring extensively and producing hits like "Midnight Highway" and "New Shade of Blue." Jenkins's musical collaborations extend to acts like Jefferson Starship and Huey Lewis and the News. Currently touring with co-founder Cory Lerios and original member Steve Price, Jenkins's love for Hawaii and surfing remains a passion alongside his musical career.
Leslie West
Leslie Abel West, born Leslie Abel Weinstein on October 22, 1945, was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, renowned as the co-founder of the rock band Mountain. Rising to prominence in the late 1960s, West's career spanned over five decades, marked by his distinctive contributions to the genres of hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal. From his formative years with the Vagrants to his pioneering work with Mountain, West's musical journey has influenced many generations of musicians. Despite health challenges, including a battle with diabetes and the amputation of his right leg, West remained dedicated to his craft, continuing to record and perform until his passing on December 23, 2020, leaving behind a profound impact on the world of rock music.