Kevin Cronin

Kevin Cronin
Kevin Cronin backstage of the off-Broadway musical Rock of Ages, November 17, 2008
Background information
Birth name	Kevin Patrick Cronin
Born	October 6, 1951 Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards, bass guitar, maracas
Years active	1970–present
Associated acts	REO Speedwagon
Website	http://www.kevincronin.com
Notable instruments
1958 Fender Telecaster[1] 1952 Fender Broadcaster Gibson Les Paul Ovation Guitar Company

Kevin Patrick Cronin (born October 6, 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

Cronin is from the greater Chicago, Illinois, area. He was born in north suburban Evanston and grew up (and learned guitar) in southwest suburban Oak Lawn. He graduated from Chicago's Brother Rice High School. His brother is Wisconsin weatherman and politician Sean Cronin.

Career

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 has stated in various interviews that they "play for free but get paid for the traveling". He 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".

Constantine Maroulis, Cronin and Kelli Barrett backstage at Rock of Ages.

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 appears on infomercial advertising TimeLife's Ultimate Rock Ballads,^[2] which feature tracks by REO Speedwagon, mostly from the 1980s, when the band enjoyed their greatest success.

Personal life

Cronin's wife is named Lisa. His oldest child is a son named Paris. He also has a daughter, Holly; his youngest are twins Josh and Shane.

Gear

Guitars

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

Amps

• Vox AC-30 Combos

Gear

• Ernie Ball Acoustic & Electric Guitar Strings

References

1. "Interview with Kevin Cronin's Guitar Tech". Archived from the original on February 17, 2009. Retrieved August 17, 2010.
2. "REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin on Louisville, power ballads and if my wife's a slut". Retrieved February 24, 2010.