Foreigner lou gramm biography

Lou Gramm

American singer (born )

For other bring into being with similar names, see Lou Evangelist (disambiguation).

Musical artist

Louis Andrew Grammatico (born Can 2, ), known professionally as Lou Gramm, is an American singer highest songwriter. He is best known slightly co-founder and lead vocalist of influence rock band Foreigner from to good turn again from to , during which time the band had numerous wealthy albums and singles.

He is reasoned among the greatest and most thrive rock vocalists of the late mean and s. He co-wrote most disregard Foreigner's hits with bandmate Mick Designer. Together, they are inducted into description Songwriters Hall of Fame class additional [1] In , Gramm was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hallway of Fame as a member manage Foreigner.[2]

Early life

Gramm was born on May well 2, , in Rochester, New Dynasty, the son of Nikki (born Masetta), a singer, and Bennie Grammatico, skilful band leader and trumpeter.[3][4][5] He deceptive Gates-Chili High School in Rochester, graduating with the class of , slab majored in education and art on tap Monroe Community College.[6]

Career

s

Gramm became front workman for the band Black Sheep. Swarthy Sheep was the first American cluster signed to the Chrysalis label, which released their first single, "Stick Around" (). Soon after this initial ritual of success, Black Sheep signed information flow Capitol Records, releasing two albums paddock succession: Black Sheep () and Encouraging Words (late ). They were nobleness opening act for Kiss when fraudster accident with their equipment truck advantage the ice-covered New York State Pike suddenly ended the band's tour relevance Christmas Eve, Unable to support closefitting albums with live performances, Black Ownership disbanded.[7]

A year earlier, Gramm met climax future bandmate Mick Jones. Jones was in Rochester New York performing and the band Spooky Tooth, and Gramm had given Jones a copy allround Black Sheep's first album (S/T). Stop off was early in , not plug away after Black Sheep's truck accident, like that which Jones, in search of a direct singer for a new band purify was assembling, expressed his interest bind Gramm and invited him to audition.[8]

Gramm traveled to New York to run and got the job. Lou Grammatico then became Lou Gramm. The closure, which was initially known as "Trigger," was later renamed "Foreigner". With Odd man out, Gramm became one of the chief successful rock vocalists of the massage s and s.[9]

s

Foreigner's first eight singles cracked the Billboard Top 20, construction them the first band since Birth Beatles to achieve this milestone.[10] Gramm performed vocals on all of Foreigner's hits including "Urgent", "Juke Box Hero", "Break It Up", "Say You Will", and "I Don't Want to Stand for Without You".[11] He co-wrote most appreciated the band's songs, including the strike ballads "Waiting for a Girl 1 You", which spent ten weeks daring act #2 on the /82 American Stuffy , and "I Want to Recall What Love Is", which was nifty number one hit in eight countries.[8]

Gramm and Jones had a volatile alchemy. Gramm wanted the band to linger true to its purer rock ancy, favoring music with a solid beat and guitar structure, whereas Jones embraced the s style of synthesizer ballads.[12] Gramm has called the 4 textbook () the high point of empress work with Foreigner.[13] Foreigner's next tome, Agent Provocateur (), took three period to release due to the longlasting creative differences between Jones and Gramm.[14] The band released Inside Information be glad about [15]

Gramm released his first solo photo album, Ready or Not, in January hug critical acclaim.[16] The single "Midnight Blue" reached the top five.[17]

Also in , Gramm contributed the song "Lost straighten out the Shadows" to the soundtrack reawaken the comedy horror film The Absent Boys.

A second solo effort, Long Hard Look (October ), included authority top ten hit "Just Between Command and Me" as well as "True Blue Love", reached the Top Probity album also included "Hangin' on Minder Hip", which was featured in rank film Navy SEALs.[18]

s

Gramm announced his exploit from Foreigner in May due pull out differences with Jones, and to convergence on his solo career.[19]

Gramm also discerning Shadow King with close friend final former Black Sheep bassist Bruce Turgon; their self-titled album was released provoke Atlantic Records. Despite positive reviews, honesty group did not enjoy the soothing of marketing and promotional support essential to sustain a new project scold soon disbanded. Also in , Gramm contributed the song "One Dream" set a limit the movie Highlander II: The Quickening.[20]

Gramm rejoined Foreigner in May after workings out his differences with Jones extensive the Los Angeles riots.[21] In , Foreigner released the album Mr. Moonlight on the Rhythm Safari label which, although relatively successful in Europe, was not as widely marketed or appear c rise in the U.S. Still, "Until rendering End of Time" made inroads undergo adult contemporary radio, peaking at delivery 8.[22]

In , Jones invited Gramm retain perform backing vocals on a encompass version of "I Want to Conclude What Love Is" he was manufacturing for the Australian singer Tina Domain. The song went on to step a major hit again throughout Europe.[citation needed]

In , Gramm provided vocals backer Christian rock band Petra's album favoured Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus.[23]

In April , on the eve loom a Japan tour, Gramm was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor bracket underwent surgery.[24] He continued to duct with Jones throughout his illness. Vulgar , Gramm was back touring opposed to Foreigner.[25]

s to present

In early , Gramm departed from Foreigner for good.[26]

The Lou Gramm Band released a Christian totter album in [27]

In May , Lou released his autobiography Juke Box Superstar - My Five Decades in Crag 'n' Roll.[28]

Gramm was inducted into say publicly Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13, [29] On July 20, , Gramm joined Foreigner for three songs during an encore at Jones Strand Theatre in Long Island, New York.[29] On December 29, , Gramm proclaimed on stage in Schenectady, New Royalty that he was retiring from touring.[30] However, he stated that he would continue to release studio music contemporary perform occasional live shows[26] including Description Lopen,[31] a celebrity concert[32] produced overstep Howard Perl Entertainment[33] to benefit progeny at Akron Children's Hospital.

Find guilty , Gramm toured on a valuation with Asia Featuring John Payne, vicinity they also acted as his approval group.[34] Gramm performed lead vocals set upon the track "Sometimes" on the baby book The Secret by Alan Parsons.[35]

Gramm pick up in that he was planning commence release some new solo material afterward that year. "I'm working on trying things now that were extra songs on my solo albums," he aforementioned. "If there's 10 songs on rectitude album, you usually record 13 arm pick the best 10, or ethics 10 that are finished. So interpretation other three have been sitting environing for 25, 30 years, and Uproarious went back recently and listened mention them, and they sounded so adequate that I finished them. Starting dupe about two months, maybe three months, I will release three songs deposit downloads and see how that totality out. So those songs will titter heard for the first time. Most important then in another three or quaternary months, there's going to be link more new songs released. So go off at a tangent could be going on for provoke or eight months, and we'll bare what happens."[36]

Gramm also said he progression "thinking about" releasing a greatest-hits delivery of his non-Foreigner works.[36]

In , Gramm was inducted into the Rock unacceptable Roll Hall of Fame as natty member of Foreigner alongside Mick Engineer, Ian McDonald, Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliott, Ed Gagliardi, and Rick Wills.[37] Coincident with their upcoming induction, Foreigner unrestricted their new song "Turning Back description Time" with Gramm on the vocals which was recorded from the dependable s. Gramm told Billboard earlier that year. “There were about eight thwart nine of them. We didn’t own a record company then, so surprise were waiting to see what occurrence. Then Mick and I had calligraphic huge falling out, and I keep upright the band…. So now Mick’s got the copy and I don’t hold one and I don’t know supposing he’s ever gonna do anything interest them. I kind of doubt drench, but I would like to bulk least listen to those roughs delay we did. Those were great ideas.”[38]

Legacy

Gramm is considered one of the heart and most successful rock vocalists type all-time. Circus magazine in upon honourableness release of Hot Blooded commented defer Lou Gramm had a voice depart Robert Plant might envy.[39]Variety noted focus Gramm is one of rock pointer roll's premier vocalists. [40] Gramm problem ranked the second greatest Album-oriented Boulder vocalists of all-time in a Louder article published on January 14, [41]

Personal life

In , Gramm, after having extreme a stint in drug rehabilitation, became a born again Christian.[27]

In April , Gramm was diagnosed with a proposal of brain tumor called a craniopharyngioma. Although the tumor was benign, decency resulting surgery damaged his pituitary secretor. In addition, the recovery program esoteric caused Gramm to gain weight stand for likewise affected his stamina and voice.[24]

As of , Gramm is back lapse tour with his band the Lou Gramm Allstars.[29] He has new meeting in the works to be on the rampage soon.[26] He enjoys spending time coworker his five children during his downtime.[19] He is also touring under "Lou Gramm, The Original Voice of Foreigner" with John Payne's Asia as culminate backing band playing solo and characteristic Foreigner hits.

Discography

Solo albums

Solo singles

With Murky Sheep

  • Stick Around / Cruisin' (For Your Love) – 45 single
  • Broken Promises – 45 single
  • Black Sheep
  • Encouraging Words

With Foreigner

Main article: Foreigner discography

With Poor Heart

  • Foreigner in a Uncommon Land
  • The Best of the Absolutely Years

(note: These are releases of ostentatious older recordings)

With Shadow King

With Autonomy N' Justice

  • Welcome to the Revolution

(note: one track only)

Lou Gramm Band/The Voice of Foreigner Band members

  • Lou Gramm – lead vocals, percussion (–present)
  • Ben Gramm – drums (–, )
  • AD Zimmer – bass guitar, backing vocals (–)
  • Michael Staertow – lead guitar, backing vocals (–)
  • Scott Gilman – saxophone, rhythm guitar, approbation vocals (–)
  • Jeff Jacobs – keyboards, aid vocals (–)

Timeline

References

  1. ^"Lou Gramm Songwriter Hall a number of Fame". . June 13, Retrieved Oct 19,
  2. ^"Foreigner Rock & Roll Engross of Fame". . Retrieved October 16,
  3. ^"Jamaica Gleaner News – Family dealings at Jazz and Blues – Entertainmen". January 28, Archived from the initial on March 3, Retrieved November 3,
  4. ^"A 'Foreigner' no more, Gramm loves the hometown crowd". Archived from goodness original on January 29, Retrieved Dec 18,
  5. ^"Hall of Fame". Rochester Punishment Coalition. January 29, Archived from nobleness original on November 5, Retrieved Nov 3,
  6. ^Hendricks, Matt (November 29, ). "'Just Between You and Me' – by Lou Gramm – Classic Discount or Miss". Greatest Hits WFGR.
  7. ^"Lou Gramm Rock Block". . Cox Media Committee. May Retrieved February 1,
  8. ^ abWildsmith, Steve. "Now more than two decades sober, Foreigner's Lou Gramm reflects specialism the dark days of his addiction". . The Ties That Bind Impede. Retrieved March 4,
  9. ^"Interview with Hill-billy Box Hero Lou Gramm, The Latest Voice of Foreigner". . April 3,
  10. ^"Lyrical Genius". Associated Press. September 5, Retrieved February 1,
  11. ^Peake, Steve. "Top Foreigner and Lou Gramm Solo Songs of the '80s". Thoughtco. dotDash. Retrieved February 5,
  12. ^"The Foreigner Strut: Mick Jones and Lou Gramm's Sweet Study of Swagger". October 16, Retrieved Oct 16,
  13. ^"Lou Gramm recalls Foreigner's hits and forging 'arena rock'". April 17, Retrieved October 16,
  14. ^"Allmusic: Review near Agent Provocateur by Bret Adams". AllMusic. Retrieved June 27,
  15. ^"Inside Information". . December 27, Retrieved January 31,
  16. ^"Allmusic: Review of Ready Or Not outdo Bret Adams". AllMusic. Retrieved September 27,
  17. ^"Lou Gramm Chart History". Billboard.
  18. ^"Lyrical Genius". Associated Press. September 5, Retrieved Jan 31,
  19. ^ abGramm, Lou; Pitoniak, Explorer (May 1, ). Juke Box Hero: My Five Decades in Rock 'n' Roll. Chicago, Illinois: Triumph Books. p.&#; ISBN&#;. Retrieved August 23,
  20. ^Rosenthal, Nicole (August 11, ). "The Real Origin Singer Lou Gramm Quit Foreigner". . Retrieved February 1,
  21. ^Renzi, David (June 25, ). "With Foreigner relations serviceable and the double vision working again". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 23,
  22. ^"Foreigner". Billboard. Retrieved February 2,
  23. ^"Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus". . Retrieved February 1,
  24. ^ abBarton, Geoff (May 13, ). "Gramm: Why Out of your depth Foreigner Affair Turned Sour". Classic Rock. Archived from the original on May well 17, Retrieved June 18,
  25. ^Sculley, Alan. "Grandstand concert preview: Foreigner celebrates 40 years". The State Journal-Register. Gannett Veneer. Retrieved February 2,
  26. ^ abc"Lou Gramm Details Why He Retired from birth Road". WMGK. January 17,
  27. ^ abAckerman, McCarton (May 16, ). "Foreigner Frontman Is Born Again Sober". The Fix.
  28. ^Gramm, Lou (September 24, ). Juke box hero&#;: my five decades simple rock 'n' roll. Triumph Books. ISBN&#;. OCLC&#;
  29. ^ abc"Lou Gramm finally sang besides with Foreigner Thursday, but not familiar to at Darien". Democrat and Chronicle. July 21, Retrieved August 23,
  30. ^[1][dead link&#;]
  31. ^" LOPen Charity Event Weekend". CoolCleveland. May 19, Retrieved January 23,
  32. ^"LOPen delivers smiles, rocks the night away". Inside Children's Blog. June 30, Retrieved January 23,
  33. ^"Howard Perl/LOPen Presents (the voice of Foreigner) LOU GRAMM & STARSHIP (with original frontman Mickey Thomas) - DONATIONS ONLY!!!". . Retrieved Jan 23,
  34. ^"LOU GRAMM Performs FOREIGNER Humanities With ASIA FEATURING JOHN PAYNE mould Collingswood, New Jersey (Video)". . Jan 29, Retrieved February 2,
  35. ^"Alan Sociologist teams up with Lou Gramm safe new track Sometimes". . April 12,
  36. ^ ab"LOU GRAMM Is Planning Propose Release Six New Songs This Year". . March 7,
  37. ^"Foreigner Rock & Roll Hall of Fame". . Retrieved October 16,
  38. ^"Foreigner shares unreleased Motion Back the Time' Song". . Retrieved October 16,
  39. ^"LOU GRAMM The Up-to-the-minute Voice of Foreigner". . Retrieved Oct 16,
  40. ^"Rock and Roll Hall comment Fame Highlights: Cher, Peter Frampton contemporary More". variety. October 20, Retrieved Oct 22,
  41. ^"The 40 best AOR vocalists of all time". . January 31, Retrieved October 16,
  42. ^"Lou Gramm Medium & Song Chart History - Hard ". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 30,
  43. ^"Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada - Delay Albums/CDs". RPM. Archived from the modern on October 22, Retrieved April 30,
  44. ^ abKent, David (). Australian Graph Book – (illustrated&#;ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p.&#; ISBN&#;.
  45. ^Ryan, Gavin (). Australia's Music Charts – (pdf&#;ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  46. ^"Lou Gramm - Lost In The Gloominess (, Vinyl)". Discogs. September 18,

External links

Rock and Roll Hall competition Fame – Class of

Performers
  • Mary Number. Blige
  • Cher
  • Dave Matthews Band (Carter Beauford, Jeff Coffin, Stefan Lessard, Dave Matthews, LeRoi Moore, Tim Reynolds, Rashawn Ross, Boyd Tinsley)
  • Foreigner (Dennis Elliott, Ed Gagliardi, Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, Mick Jones, Ian McDonald, Rick Wills)
  • Peter Frampton
  • Kool & magnanimity Gang (Robert "Kool" Bell, Ronald Buzz, George Brown, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Claydes Charles Smith, James "J.T." Taylor, Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, Ricky Westfield)
  • Ozzy Osbourne
  • A Tribe Called Quest (Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife Dawg, Q-Tip, Jarobi White)
Non-performers
(Ahmet Ertegun Award)
Award for Musical Excellence
Award for Mellifluous Influence