They started as a University of Illinois garage band and reached the heights of arena rock. Now the members of REO Speedwagon have been voted the top musicians in Illinois history by participants in the Illinois Top 200 project, a part of the state’s bicentennial celebration.
REO Speedwagon was followed by Alison Krauss, the fiddler with an angelic voice and more Grammy wins than any other woman in history, and Nat King Cole, the beloved crooner and trailblazing African-American entertainer.
Cheap Trick, the Rockford band that’s now in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and jazz legend Miles Davis rounded out the top five.
“Perhaps nothing better represents the state’s cultural and geographic diversity than its many contributions to American music. The most remarkable thing about this list is how many people on it were major contributors to different styles of music: blues, jazz, rock, soul, country, you name it,” said Christian McWhirter, a Lincoln Presidential Library historian and music expert. “And it’s not just Chicago, either. These great acts come from all over the state.”
“Keep On Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take It on the Run.”
Bleh. Not a big fan of hair-band arena rock.
* However, there is one track that redeems all of REO for me. “Golden Country”…
Golden country your face is so red
With all of your money your poor can be fed
You strut around and you flirt with disaster
Never really carin’ just what comes after
Well your blacks are dyin’ but your back is still turned
And your freaks are cryin’ but your back is still turned
You better stop your hidin’ or your country will burn
The time has come for you my friend
To all this ugliness we must put an end
Before we leave we must make a stand
REO Speedwagon. The best Illinois has ever produced. REO Speedwagon. I didn’t think there was anything that could make me give up on the people of Illinois, but…
Great guitar by Richrath along with Cronin vocals on Golden Country. I believe the song was written in the student union at UIUC in early 1970’s. Song reflecting the times.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:46 am:
I also don’t care for the direction REO took in the 1980’s, with the pop fluff (same with Heart and others). But I love 157 Riverside Avenue, Golden Country, the inspirational Keep Pushin’ and other songs from the 1970’s, like the Sophisticated Lady.
The late Gary Richrath was a darned good guitarist, in my opinion.
It’s certainly debatable about the state’s best musicians, but the voters made their choice.
It’s not entirely clear to me whether solo artists are considered under this, but the winner probably should have been Common, Cheap Trick, or Herbie Hancock.
“Golden Country” is indeed an awesome song, but I just can’t respect any list of Illinois musicians that does not include Big Black and/or Steve Albini.
- The Ford Lawyer - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:52 am:
REO had a lot of good rock’n roll stuff in the early ’70s before they went all mushy. Golden Country is a great track. I always enjoyed “Like You Do” for just being down and dirty rock and roll. I am surprised Chicago is not on the list.
I mean, I know that Grammy’s aren’t the end all, be all, but taking a look at nominations/wins is demonstrative of why picking REO Speedwagon is a complete joke.
They recorded Pieces of Eight at Pumpkin Studios in Oak Lawn, IL.
- Ladies And Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones! - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:25 am:
Miles Davis. Kanye West.Junior Wells. Patti Smith. Buddy Guy. Koko Taylor. Muddy Waters. Chance The Rapper. Howlin’ Wolf. Warren Zevon. Wilco. Sam Cooke. Willy Dixon. Benny Goodman. Ray Manzarek. Chaka Khan. John Prine.
Or, a white arena “rock” band from the suburbs that couldn’t fill the fairgrounds grandstand if admission was free. Who knows why, but, apparently, the Russians are hacking more than just official state electoral processes.
Gow do you pick a generic arena rock band over arguably one of the most progressive and influential jazz musicians and band leaders of the second half of the 20th century. Who votes on this stuff? I guess it’s good Miles Davis at least made the top five, but come on.
REO, Head East and Dan Fogelberg were all on campus when I attended. So maybe I am biased, but they were gaining quite a local following even back then.
Many worthy nominees in this category. I voted for Alison Krauss but do get into those moods when I want to listen to REO, Styx, Chicago or Earth, Wind and Fire. Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock have had the greatest International influences and I am disappointed they did not rate higher, but they have great respect among those who appreciate the innovative style they embodied.
Here were the nominees, chosen to provide a balance in musical styles as well as geography. If the voters picked a top 10 that would be different from yours — well, that’s democracy! The point is to celebrate the state’s culture and have some fun.
1. Miles Davis
2. Gene Krupa
3. Benny Goodman
4. Muddy Waters
5. Willie Dixon
6. Cheap Trick
7. REO Speedwagon
8. Georg Solti
9. Rachel Barton Pine
10. Smashing Pumpkins
11. Kanye West
12. Chance the Rapper
13. Nat King Cole
14. Sam Cooke
15. Earth Wind & Fire
16. Mahalia Jackson
17. Thomas Dorsey
18. The Staple Singers
19. John Prine
20. Alison Krauss
21. Buddy Guy
Can’t see awarding this to any arena band much less one with so few hits. That said I did see them perform at Notre Dame High School in the early seventies and their warm-up band was Jade Warrior. So there’s that.
I’m taking Miles over Nat King Cole purely based on his impact on Jazz in particular and music in general. “Kind of Blue” is my “White Album.” Got in on vinyl, CD, and remastered CD (with the tracks transferred from the recoded tapes at the proper speed). On the other hand, Nat “King” Cole was not only an outstanding Jazz vocalist but also a terrific Jazz pianist. “Just One of Those Things” is one of my all-time favorite LPs. I still listen to it on a regular basis.
Glad to see this is sparking a discussion. That’s the whole point of the Illinois Top 200 project — to celebrate the state’s heritage and have a little fun.
For the record, here’s the full list of nominees voters could choose from:
1. Miles Davis
2. Gene Krupa
3. Benny Goodman
4. Muddy Waters
5. Willie Dixon
6. Cheap Trick
7. REO Speedwagon
8. Georg Solti
9. Rachel Barton Pine
10. Smashing Pumpkins
11. Kanye West
12. Chance the Rapper
13. Nat King Cole
14. Sam Cooke
15. Earth Wind & Fire
16. Mahalia Jackson
17. Thomas Dorsey
18. The Staple Singers
19. John Prine
20. Alison Krauss
21. Buddy Guy
Not that the awards and charts are the be all end all, but I didn’t realize that Disturbed had 5 consecutive albums debut at Number 1 on the Billboard 200. That merits an honorable mention.
I think its funny Chance is on the list since he’s so new and not necessarily influential. He’s a popular rapper but he isn’t breaking the mold or anything. His first two mixtapes were underwhelming. Coloring book was pretty good and those tracks he dropped last week were fire, so I’ll enjoy seeing where his trajectory goes.
After my heart surgery and stroke, I survived by listening to Benny Goodman’s The Complete RCA Victor Small Group Recordings. I consider those songs amount my favorite arraignments. And I saw BG at one of the first Jazzfests.
No. Omg no. Would not have been anywhere near my top five. I would even vote Kanye over REO and that is saying something for me. Cheap Trick, Allison Kraus, Earth Wind and Fire, Smashing Pumpkins, Chicago/CTA, Chicago Symphony Orchestra (should have been on the list that way) all would be better choices. now I can’t get “I can’t fight this feeling anymore” out of my head and it is awful.
I’d rather see Hum, Eleventh Dream Day or the New Duncan Imperials
- Six Degrees of Separation - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:05 pm:
Take heart, people. Any one of the 21 nominees for “Illinois’ top musician” is more famous than anyone in the Nebraska Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (yes, there really is one).
Jeff Tweedy/Wilco/Uncle Tupelo deserved to be on the nomination list.
Tweedy has 2 wins and 8 Grammy nominations and Wilco has 1 and 7. Uncle Tupelo were a key to starting a musical movement. I wouldn’t put them as number one, but a hell of a lot better than REO.
It’s weird that REO is on the list but Styx isn’t. Similar starts, career trajectories, success. And then REO “wins” whiles Styx isn’t even in the running.
The absence of Uncle Tupelo/Wilco/Son Volt, Steve Goodman, and Curtis Mayfield while including Rachel Barton Pine and the Smashing Pumpkins shows how these lists are never complete.
It did, however, make me google Rachel, thus learning that one of her musical genres is heavy metal. I’ve got some more googling to do.
That’s part of the diversity of musical types as she is a classical violinist–I get her inclusion even if she never had a chance given the genre–though I’m curious about the heavy metal too now.
Styx by far is the greatest ever produced in Illinois. Four straight platinum albums, first to ever do that. Versatile and world famous trend setting band!
No Pork and the Havana Ducks? Adrian Belew (lived in Champaign), Coal Kitchen, Slink Rand, Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows, Take a Turtle to Dinner? Many great Illinois bands who never hit the big time
What about the group CHIGACO is that not illinois.Reo is playing as there opening act on tour is there a reason there not on top 25 I always thought chigaco was in Illinois.
Gosh, no love for the other Goodman…Steve Goodman? Author of Go Cubs Go? Maybe because of that…and that his big hit was The City of New Orleans. I kid. Shame he wasn’t included among the original list to vote on.
- Ok - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:39 am:
I am just surprised Boaty McBoatface didn’t win. Or Sanjaya.
- Montrose - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:40 am:
REO Speedwagon. The best Illinois has ever produced. REO Speedwagon. I didn’t think there was anything that could make me give up on the people of Illinois, but…
- Res Melius - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:43 am:
Great guitar by Richrath along with Cronin vocals on Golden Country. I believe the song was written in the student union at UIUC in early 1970’s. Song reflecting the times.
- So_Ill - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:44 am:
Ugh, REO Speedwagon is brutal.
Earth, Wind and Fire?
Muddy Waters?
Willie Dixon?
Wilco?
Smashing Pumpkins?
- Downstater - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:46 am:
Styx?
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:46 am:
I also don’t care for the direction REO took in the 1980’s, with the pop fluff (same with Heart and others). But I love 157 Riverside Avenue, Golden Country, the inspirational Keep Pushin’ and other songs from the 1970’s, like the Sophisticated Lady.
The late Gary Richrath was a darned good guitarist, in my opinion.
It’s certainly debatable about the state’s best musicians, but the voters made their choice.
- Chris Widger - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:47 am:
It’s not entirely clear to me whether solo artists are considered under this, but the winner probably should have been Common, Cheap Trick, or Herbie Hancock.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:47 am:
CTA, and then later Chicago? Peter Cetera? Styx? Especially though, Earth, Wind & Fire!
REO? Wow.
- Ok - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:48 am:
Now I see that it was a predetermined list of 10. So blame the predetermined list pickers.
- SAP - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:49 am:
In a world where REO Speedwagon beats out Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, and Alison Kraus, maybe it’s time to stop voting on this stuff.
- Phil King - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:51 am:
This is no surprise to anyone who tried that 1818 beer that was picked. It was…fine. But there are much better beers in IL.
- Nick Name - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:51 am:
“Golden Country” is indeed an awesome song, but I just can’t respect any list of Illinois musicians that does not include Big Black and/or Steve Albini.
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:51 am:
Oops
- The Ford Lawyer - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:52 am:
REO had a lot of good rock’n roll stuff in the early ’70s before they went all mushy. Golden Country is a great track. I always enjoyed “Like You Do” for just being down and dirty rock and roll. I am surprised Chicago is not on the list.
- Leigh John-Ella - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:53 am:
This is why we need term limits
- Anonimity - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:53 am:
The people on this list shows that the SJ-R will be going out of business in the next 15 years due to their readership dying of old age.
- Nanker Phelge - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:56 am:
REO Speedwagon over Miles Davis. C’mon! This only shows once again the intelligence of the Illinois voters.
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:57 am:
Well that tops the honor of having plaques on the dorm rooms they lived in at UIUC.
- cdog - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:00 am:
When I was in junior high, maybe even grade school, I used to ride my bike through the quad at ISU, a lot.
First time I ever heard REO Speedwagon they were playing on a stage for some festival, on the quad.
I still have the live LP. Probably blew a car speaker, and damaged my ear drums, in high school listening to them on cassette.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:03 am:
REO?
I don’t think I’ve ever heard any of their songs to the end. I’m clawing at the OFF switch the moment I hear that dreck.
We’ve got great music from Illinois, but REO didn’t supply any of it.
- NoGifts - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:04 am:
I vote for Burl Ives, from Jasper County.
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:11 am:
Curtis Mayfield needs to be on that list.
- SaulGoodman - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:20 am:
I mean, I know that Grammy’s aren’t the end all, be all, but taking a look at nominations/wins is demonstrative of why picking REO Speedwagon is a complete joke.
Grammy’s:
REO Speedwagon: 1 nomination, 0 wins
Common: 20 nominations, 3 wins
Miles Davis: 32 nominations, 8 wins
Alison Krauss: 42 nominations, 27 wins
Nat King Cole: 7 nominations, 1 win
Herbie Hancock: 34 nominations, 14 wins
Chance: 7 nominations, 3 wins
Earth, Wind and Fire: 17 nominations, 6 wins
Smashing Pumpkins: 11 nominations, 2 wins
Curtis Mayfield: 8 nominations, 0 wins
- sulla - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:20 am:
Los Crudos tops my list of Illinois Bands.
Wesley Willis has to be up there somewhere, too.
- paddyrollingstone - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:22 am:
Not a good choice.
But “Golden Country?” Yeah, that song rules. As does “Roll with the Changes.” Just a great, great song.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:22 am:
How many votes did Loose Gravel get?
- Bigtwich - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:23 am:
I guess the people of Illinois just needed to find somebody to love. Either that or logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:24 am:
==Styx?==
They recorded Pieces of Eight at Pumpkin Studios in Oak Lawn, IL.
- Ladies And Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones! - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:25 am:
Miles Davis. Kanye West.Junior Wells. Patti Smith. Buddy Guy. Koko Taylor. Muddy Waters. Chance The Rapper. Howlin’ Wolf. Warren Zevon. Wilco. Sam Cooke. Willy Dixon. Benny Goodman. Ray Manzarek. Chaka Khan. John Prine.
Or, a white arena “rock” band from the suburbs that couldn’t fill the fairgrounds grandstand if admission was free. Who knows why, but, apparently, the Russians are hacking more than just official state electoral processes.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:30 am:
I vote for Koko Taylor.
- Bumblin stumblin rumblin - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:32 am:
Gow do you pick a generic arena rock band over arguably one of the most progressive and influential jazz musicians and band leaders of the second half of the 20th century. Who votes on this stuff? I guess it’s good Miles Davis at least made the top five, but come on.
- Rumblin stumblin rumblin - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:36 am:
Also, @ so_ill
Muddy wasn’t from illinois, he was born in Mississippi. Most of the big name blues guys moved to Chicago because that’s where the music scene was.
- lost in the weeds - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:45 am:
Heh. Buddy Guy. The Boyzz from Illinoizz
- Streator Curmudgeon - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:56 am:
Alison Krauss has a voice so pure and beautiful it makes your mouth drop open when she sings. And she was second to REO?
- illini - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:56 am:
Second attempt -
REO, Head East and Dan Fogelberg were all on campus when I attended. So maybe I am biased, but they were gaining quite a local following even back then.
Many worthy nominees in this category. I voted for Alison Krauss but do get into those moods when I want to listen to REO, Styx, Chicago or Earth, Wind and Fire. Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock have had the greatest International influences and I am disappointed they did not rate higher, but they have great respect among those who appreciate the innovative style they embodied.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:58 am:
=Miles Davis. Kanye West.Junior Wells. Patti Smith. Buddy Guy. Koko Taylor. Muddy Waters. Chance The Rapper. Howlin’ Wolf. Warren Zevon. Wilco. Sam Cooke. Willy Dixon. Benny Goodman. Ray Manzarek. Chaka Khan. John Prine.=
Sam Cooke wasn’t born in Illinois, if he was it would be no contest.
Chaka Khan on the other hand was born in Chicago and can sing and dance circles around REO in her sleep.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:10 pm:
If you use the Grammy thing than it should have been Sir Georg Solti
31 wins 74 nominations
https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/georg-solti
or the CSO…
- Union thug - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:13 pm:
Everyone is missing who should be #1 and they ain’t even in the top 10. How could it be possible to miss the blues Brothers? /S
- Chris Wills - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:21 pm:
Here were the nominees, chosen to provide a balance in musical styles as well as geography. If the voters picked a top 10 that would be different from yours — well, that’s democracy! The point is to celebrate the state’s culture and have some fun.
1. Miles Davis
2. Gene Krupa
3. Benny Goodman
4. Muddy Waters
5. Willie Dixon
6. Cheap Trick
7. REO Speedwagon
8. Georg Solti
9. Rachel Barton Pine
10. Smashing Pumpkins
11. Kanye West
12. Chance the Rapper
13. Nat King Cole
14. Sam Cooke
15. Earth Wind & Fire
16. Mahalia Jackson
17. Thomas Dorsey
18. The Staple Singers
19. John Prine
20. Alison Krauss
21. Buddy Guy
- Chad Hays - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:26 pm:
I believe that Champaign native Alison Krauss has won more Grammy’s than any female artist in history.
- 37B - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:30 pm:
Can’t see awarding this to any arena band much less one with so few hits. That said I did see them perform at Notre Dame High School in the early seventies and their warm-up band was Jade Warrior. So there’s that.
I’m taking Miles over Nat King Cole purely based on his impact on Jazz in particular and music in general. “Kind of Blue” is my “White Album.” Got in on vinyl, CD, and remastered CD (with the tracks transferred from the recoded tapes at the proper speed). On the other hand, Nat “King” Cole was not only an outstanding Jazz vocalist but also a terrific Jazz pianist. “Just One of Those Things” is one of my all-time favorite LPs. I still listen to it on a regular basis.
- Chris Wills, ALPLM - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:40 pm:
Glad to see this is sparking a discussion. That’s the whole point of the Illinois Top 200 project — to celebrate the state’s heritage and have a little fun.
For the record, here’s the full list of nominees voters could choose from:
1. Miles Davis
2. Gene Krupa
3. Benny Goodman
4. Muddy Waters
5. Willie Dixon
6. Cheap Trick
7. REO Speedwagon
8. Georg Solti
9. Rachel Barton Pine
10. Smashing Pumpkins
11. Kanye West
12. Chance the Rapper
13. Nat King Cole
14. Sam Cooke
15. Earth Wind & Fire
16. Mahalia Jackson
17. Thomas Dorsey
18. The Staple Singers
19. John Prine
20. Alison Krauss
21. Buddy Guy
- Can - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:49 pm:
Not that the awards and charts are the be all end all, but I didn’t realize that Disturbed had 5 consecutive albums debut at Number 1 on the Billboard 200. That merits an honorable mention.
- Bumblin stumblin rumblin - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:52 pm:
Buddy Guy grew up in Louisiana and moved to Illinois. Ya’ll need to brush up on your blues history.
- Bumblin stumblin rumblin - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:54 pm:
My bad, did not realize buddy guy and muddy were on the full list to vote from.
- Bumblin stumblin rumblin - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:57 pm:
I think its funny Chance is on the list since he’s so new and not necessarily influential. He’s a popular rapper but he isn’t breaking the mold or anything. His first two mixtapes were underwhelming. Coloring book was pretty good and those tracks he dropped last week were fire, so I’ll enjoy seeing where his trajectory goes.
- one hit wonder - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:21 pm:
After my heart surgery and stroke, I survived by listening to Benny Goodman’s The Complete RCA Victor Small Group Recordings. I consider those songs amount my favorite arraignments. And I saw BG at one of the first Jazzfests.
- Cheryl44 - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:23 pm:
What is wrong with people? How could anyone not vote for the Staple Singers?
- Baloneymous - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:30 pm:
Twista should be on the list of 21.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:40 pm:
Illini, we were on campus around the same time. Small world.
I chased Richrath around for awhile. Dude hung more bad paper in C-U than a 50’s decorator.
- illini - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:51 pm:
I started in’67 and left in ‘72 with 2 degrees. So yea, we are both getting older.
My tastes in music have changed over the years, but I still relate to the music of that era and find that to be a special place for me at times.
And, yes, I remember hearing some stories about that bad paper.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 2:02 pm:
No. Omg no. Would not have been anywhere near my top five. I would even vote Kanye over REO and that is saying something for me. Cheap Trick, Allison Kraus, Earth Wind and Fire, Smashing Pumpkins, Chicago/CTA, Chicago Symphony Orchestra (should have been on the list that way) all would be better choices. now I can’t get “I can’t fight this feeling anymore” out of my head and it is awful.
- Stoney - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 2:11 pm:
Should have been John Prine. Still putting out quality material and touring.
- Michelle Flaherty - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 2:37 pm:
I’d rather see Hum, Eleventh Dream Day or the New Duncan Imperials
- Six Degrees of Separation - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:05 pm:
Take heart, people. Any one of the 21 nominees for “Illinois’ top musician” is more famous than anyone in the Nebraska Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (yes, there really is one).
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:17 pm:
No Ides of March?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:26 pm:
Uncle Tupelo was from Belleville. A great band in its own right, and the founders then started two other noteworthy bands — Son Volt and Wilco.
- Archpundit - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:42 pm:
Jeff Tweedy/Wilco/Uncle Tupelo deserved to be on the nomination list.
Tweedy has 2 wins and 8 Grammy nominations and Wilco has 1 and 7. Uncle Tupelo were a key to starting a musical movement. I wouldn’t put them as number one, but a hell of a lot better than REO.
- Lefty Lefty - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:03 pm:
It’s weird that REO is on the list but Styx isn’t. Similar starts, career trajectories, success. And then REO “wins” whiles Styx isn’t even in the running.
The absence of Uncle Tupelo/Wilco/Son Volt, Steve Goodman, and Curtis Mayfield while including Rachel Barton Pine and the Smashing Pumpkins shows how these lists are never complete.
It did, however, make me google Rachel, thus learning that one of her musical genres is heavy metal. I’ve got some more googling to do.
- Archpundit - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:06 pm:
===Rachel Barton Pine
That’s part of the diversity of musical types as she is a classical violinist–I get her inclusion even if she never had a chance given the genre–though I’m curious about the heavy metal too now.
- Styx fan 63 - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:09 pm:
Styx by far is the greatest ever produced in Illinois. Four straight platinum albums, first to ever do that. Versatile and world famous trend setting band!
- Keyrock - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:53 pm:
REO? Ugh.
Also:
Mavis!
Roger McGuinn.
Fall Out Boy.
Win Stracke?
- Teacher Sub - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:53 pm:
Was this poll done in Springfield or someone’s best guess listg
- zatoichi - Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 7:03 pm:
No Pork and the Havana Ducks? Adrian Belew (lived in Champaign), Coal Kitchen, Slink Rand, Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows, Take a Turtle to Dinner? Many great Illinois bands who never hit the big time
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 25, 18 @ 5:44 am:
I love reo it’s about time they get some recginition.
- Dots - Wednesday, Jul 25, 18 @ 10:19 am:
What about the group CHIGACO is that not illinois.Reo is playing as there opening act on tour is there a reason there not on top 25 I always thought chigaco was in Illinois.
- simplytroy - Wednesday, Jul 25, 18 @ 1:45 pm:
Gosh, no love for the other Goodman…Steve Goodman? Author of Go Cubs Go? Maybe because of that…and that his big hit was The City of New Orleans. I kid. Shame he wasn’t included among the original list to vote on.