Kevin Cronin is a well-known American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is most famous for being the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of REO Speedwagon. With his powerful, soulful voice and impressive songwriting skills, Kevin has become a legendary figure in the rock music world. In this article, we’ll take a look at some interesting facts about Kevin Cronin, including his bio, age, relationships, children, height, career, top songs, net worth, and more.
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Singer’s Bio
Kevin Patrick Cronin was born on October 6, 1951, in Evanston, Illinois, USA. He grew up in Oak Lawn, a suburb of Chicago, and attended Brother Rice High School. Kevin’s passion for music started at a young age, and he learned to play several instruments, including guitar, piano, and harmonica. In 1968, Kevin formed his first band, called “R&B Classics,” which played covers of soul and R&B songs.
In the early 1970s, Kevin joined the band REO Speedwagon, which had already been formed by Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, and Joe Matt. Together, they went on to achieve massive success, with several hit songs and albums. Kevin’s songwriting and vocal talent were instrumental to the band’s success, and he helped to establish REO Speedwagon as one of the most popular rock bands of the 1980s.
Age
Kevin Cronin was born on October 6, 1951, which makes him currently 69 years old.
Relationships and Children
Kevin Cronin is married to his wife, Lisa, and they have two children together, a son named Paris and a daughter named Holly. Kevin has been married to Lisa since 1992 and is devoted to his family.
Height
Kevin Cronin is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
Career
Kevin Cronin’s career has spanned over four decades, and he is best known for his work with REO Speedwagon. The band released their first album in 1971, but it wasn’t until the release of Hi Infidelity in 1980 that they achieved massive success. Hi Infidelity spawned several hit singles, including “Keep on Loving You” and “Take It on the Run,” which both reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Throughout the 1980s, REO Speedwagon continued to produce hit songs and albums, including “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “I Can’t Hold Back.” Kevin’s talent as a songwriter and vocalist was a significant factor in the band’s success. He wrote many of their most memorable songs, which continue to be popular today.
In addition to his work with REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin has also released two solo albums: A Boy from Nowhere and Twice in a Lifetime. He has also collaborated with other artists, including Richard Marx and Jimmy Barnes.
Top Songs
Kevin Cronin has written and performed some of the most iconic rock songs of the 1980s. Here are some of his top hits:
– Keep on Loving You
– Take It on the Run
– Can’t Fight This Feeling
– In My Dreams
– Keep Pushin’
– Time for Me to Fly
– Roll With the Changes
– Don’t Let Him Go
– I Can’t Hold Back
– Back on the Road Again
Net Worth
Kevin Cronin’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. His success with REO Speedwagon, as well as his solo work and collaborations, have contributed to his wealth over the years.
FAQs
1. How did Kevin Cronin join REO Speedwagon?
Kevin Cronin joined REO Speedwagon in 1972, after the original lead singer, Terry Luttrell, left the band. Kevin had been playing in a band called “Travers and Appice” when he was approached to join REO Speedwagon. He agreed to audition for the band and was hired soon after.
2. Did Kevin Cronin write all of REO Speedwagon’s songs?
No, Kevin Cronin did not write all of REO Speedwagon’s songs. However, he wrote many of their most popular hits, including “Keep on Loving You,” “Take It on the Run,” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”
3. Has Kevin Cronin won any awards?
Yes, Kevin Cronin has won several awards throughout his career. In 1985, he won the ASCAP Award for most-performed song for “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” REO Speedwagon was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
4. How long has Kevin Cronin been married?
Kevin Cronin has been married to his wife, Lisa, since 1992. They have been married for 28 years as of 2020.
5. Does Kevin Cronin have any solo albums?
Yes, Kevin Cronin has released two solo albums: A Boy from Nowhere and Twice in a Lifetime. These albums were released in 1991 and 1995, respectively.
6. What is Kevin Cronin’s vocal range?
Kevin Cronin has a tenor vocal range, with a range of around two octaves.
7. Is Kevin Cronin still touring with REO Speedwagon?
Yes, Kevin Cronin is still touring with REO Speedwagon. The band continues to perform all over the world, and Kevin’s powerful vocals are still an essential part of their live shows.
8. When did REO Speedwagon first become popular?
REO Speedwagon first achieved massive success with the release of their album Hi Infidelity in 1980. The album spawned several hit singles, including “Keep on Loving You” and “Take It on the Run,” which helped to establish the band as one of the most popular rock groups of the 1980s.
9. Has Kevin Cronin collaborated with any other artists?
Yes, Kevin Cronin has collaborated with several other artists throughout his career. He has worked with Richard Marx, Jimmy Barnes, and many others.
10. What kind of guitar does Kevin Cronin play?
Kevin Cronin primarily plays Gibson guitars, including the J-45 and the ES-335. He has also played Telecasters and Les Pauls.
11. What is Kevin Cronin’s favorite REO Speedwagon song?
According to Kevin, his favorite REO Speedwagon song is “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” He has said that the song is particularly meaningful to him because it was inspired by his real-life experiences.
12. Was Kevin Cronin in any other bands before REO Speedwagon?
Yes, Kevin Cronin was in several other bands before joining REO Speedwagon. He was a member of the bands “R&B Classics” and “Universe” before joining the group.
13. What is Kevin Cronin’s writing process like?
Kevin Cronin’s writing process typically involves him writing the lyrics and melody to a song, and then collaborating with other members of REO Speedwagon to flesh out the arrangements. He has described his approach to writing music as being very personal and emotional.
14. Has Kevin Cronin ever acted in any movies or TV shows?
Yes, Kevin Cronin has made several appearances in movies and TV shows over the years. He has appeared in films like “The Last Action Hero” and “Scavenger Hunt,” as well as TV series like “The Drew Carey Show” and “Ellen.”
15. Is Kevin Cronin active on social media?
Yes, Kevin Cronin is active on social media. He has a Twitter account and an Instagram account, where he shares updates on his music and personal life.
