Kevin Cronin | #007 The Kenny Aronoff Sessions

Joining Kenny on the podcast today is none other than legendary musician, multi-talented artist and lead singer of REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin. Having achieved remarkable success in the music industry with over 40 million records sold worldwide, Kevin’s dedication to teamwork and his ability to connect with audiences render him an exceptional team player and performer, very much like our own humble host. In this engaging conversation, Kenny and Kevin discuss various topics related to their musical careers, their early influences and experiences, and the secret to their enviable longevity in the industry.

Their conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Kevin reminisces about his early musical journey and the support he received from his parents, particularly his mother, who was a performer herself. Together, he and Kenny exchange stories about their musical influences, including their shared connection with musician Jim Peterik, and Kevin goes on to describe the spontaneous and intuitive nature of his songwriting. They also touch upon Kevin’s many achievements in his work with REO Speedwagon and beyond, as well as his deep appreciation for the musicians he performs with, especially Kenny.

Tune in today to listen to these two rock and roll legends reminisce about their experiences in the music industry, the allure of fame and parties, memorable collaborations, and the significance of ‘magic, time, or money’ in their lives. This is an episode that gloriously showcases a shared journey through the world of rock and roll, offering unique insights into these highly successful and sought after artists - a fascinating, informative, and entertaining conversation you do not want to miss!

Episode highlights:

• The essential role that drums play in a band
• Kevin and Kenny’s musical origins
• Kevin’s writing process
• Jimmy Peterik and the story behind his song, “Vehicle”
• The impact of Kevin’s parents on his music career
• Kevin and Kenny’s natural ability to motivate others
• REO Speedwagon’s origin story
• REO Speedwagon’s history with Styx
• Kevin and Kenny’s commitment to preparation and improvement
• Kevin’s acting work on Ozark
• The areas where Kevin and Kenny grew up
• Focusing on career over partying
• Kevin’s work with Dolly Parton
• His ‘bucket list’ experience with Stephen Stills and Kenny
• Kevin and Kenny’s choices of “money, time, or magic”
• Their upcoming collaboration

Quotes:

"He makes you want to be on his team or in his band. He makes the musicians on stage, and the audiences love him because he cares."

"If the drummer isn't playing what the song wants to have on it, it's not going to work. So to me, that's where it always starts.”

"I just start playing the guitar. And if you sit there long enough, a song is going to come."

"My songs always sound better when someone else sings them.”

"Right around 1982… the thought occurred to me that our priorities have gotten out of whack."

"She [Dolly Parton] goes in the studio and freaking does a vocal... That blew my mind. That is like the coolest thing ever."

"I heard the first Crosby, Stills & Nash record when it came out... I couldn't believe what I had just heard.”

Links:

Kenny Aronoff

Kevin Cronin