Keep on Loving You - REO Speedwagon (1981) 7/30/23

Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon had written a ballad, and was quite proud of it. But when he sat down at the piano and played it for the rest of the band, they looked at him like he was from Mars.

According to Kevin, they told him it wasn't an "REO Speedwagon Song."

He told THEM that he was a member of REO Speedwagon and when he writes a song, it's AUTMOMATICALLY an REO Song, and it was up to them to help him finish it.

Well, the logic was impeccable, and before long, the guys were working hard on what turned out to be their first #1 hit...and a Great Song of 1981: "Keep on Lovin' You."

Kevin's love song became a power ballad, that powered it's way into the Top 10 in 11 countries. In the US, it had the rare distinction of topping the charts at all three of the major radio trade magazines of the day: Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World!

TRIVIA: "Keep on Lovin' You" was one of the very first videos played on the very first day of MTV.

To channel Kevin Cronin (sort of): It's an REO Speedwagon Song, dammit (from the album "Hi Infidelity,")...and it's a "Great Song of 1981! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJzNZ1c5C9c

Tomorrow: Checking in with the Motels.