Ep. 209 - KEVIN CRONIN of REO Speedwagon ("Can't Fight This Feeling")

Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters

SUMMARY:
REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin sits down in person with Scott and Paul for an amazingly in-depth conversation about his career and his legendary songs "Roll with the Changes," "Time for Me to Fly," "Keep on Loving You," and "Can't Fight This Feeling," and more!
PART ONE:
Paul and Scott talk about the resurgence of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car," the current historical invasion of the pop charts by the country genre, the time they absolutely massacred REO Speedwagon's "Time for Me to Fly" in their high school cover band, and how you can hear 18 minutes of bonus audio detailing the wild saga that led to this episode.
PART TWO:
Our in-depth conversation with Kevin Cronin
ABOUT KEVIN CRONIN:
Kevin Cronin joined REO Speedwagon as the band’s lead singer prior to the release of the group’s second album in 1972. He contributed three songs to the project, including “Music Man,” but departed during the recording of the follow-up LP Ridin’ The Storm Out. After a brief solo career, Kevin returned to the group in 1976 and went on to write some of its most enduring songs, including “Roll with the Changes,” “Time for Me to Fly,” and “Don’t Let Him Go.” Additionally, he wrote the band’s only number one hits, “Keep on Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” cementing REO Speedwagon’s legacy as both classic rockers and masters of the power ballad. In a career spanning more than five decades, REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million records and has landed more than a dozen Top 40 hits on the Billboard chart, including “Take it On the Run,” which was written by lead guitarist Gary Richrath. In addition to Kevin’s success with his own band, his songs have been covered by artists ranging from The Lemonheads to Dolly Parton. The Grammy-nominated music legend also happens to be just about the nicest rock star you’ll ever meet.