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REO? Really? Well, yeah, kinda

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* My first thought when I saw this story was: Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public…

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”…

* Some lyrics…

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

So, I guess I’m cool with this award.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:34 am

Comments

I am just surprised Boaty McBoatface didn’t win. Or Sanjaya.

Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:39 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…

Comment by Montrose Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:40 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.

Comment by Res Melius Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:43 am
Ugh, REO Speedwagon is brutal.

Earth, Wind and Fire?
Muddy Waters?
Willie Dixon?
Wilco?
Smashing Pumpkins?

Comment by So_Ill Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:44 am
Styx?

Comment by Downstater 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.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:46 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.

Comment by Chris Widger Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:47 am
CTA, and then later Chicago? Peter Cetera? Styx? Especially though, Earth, Wind & Fire!

REO? Wow.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:47 am
Now I see that it was a predetermined list of 10. So blame the predetermined list pickers.

Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:48 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.

Comment by SAP Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:49 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.

Comment by Phil King 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.

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:51 am
Oops

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:51 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.

Comment by The Ford Lawyer Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:52 am
This is why we need term limits

Comment by Leigh John-Ella 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.

Comment by Anonimity Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:53 am
REO Speedwagon over Miles Davis. C’mon! This only shows once again the intelligence of the Illinois voters.

Comment by Nanker Phelge Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:56 am
Well that tops the honor of having plaques on the dorm rooms they lived in at UIUC.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 10:57 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.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:00 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.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:03 am
I vote for Burl Ives, from Jasper County.

Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:04 am
Curtis Mayfield needs to be on that list.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:11 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

Comment by SaulGoodman Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:20 am
Los Crudos tops my list of Illinois Bands.

Wesley Willis has to be up there somewhere, too.

Comment by sulla Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:20 am
Not a good choice.

But “Golden Country?” Yeah, that song rules. As does “Roll with the Changes.” Just a great, great song.

Comment by paddyrollingstone Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:22 am
How many votes did Loose Gravel get?

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:22 am
I guess the people of Illinois just needed to find somebody to love. Either that or logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead.

Comment by Bigtwich Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:23 am
==Styx?==

They recorded Pieces of Eight at Pumpkin Studios in Oak Lawn, IL.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:24 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.

Comment by Ladies And Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones! Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:25 am
I vote for Koko Taylor.

Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:30 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.

Comment by Bumblin stumblin rumblin Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:32 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.

Comment by Rumblin stumblin rumblin Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:36 am
Heh. Buddy Guy. The Boyzz from Illinoizz

Comment by lost in the weeds Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:45 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?

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon 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.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:56 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.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 11:58 am
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…

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:10 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

Comment by Union thug Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:13 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

Comment by Chris Wills Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:21 pm
I believe that Champaign native Alison Krauss has won more Grammy’s than any female artist in history.

Comment by Chad Hays Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:26 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.

Comment by 37B Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:30 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

Comment by Chris Wills, ALPLM Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:40 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.

Comment by Can Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:49 pm
Buddy Guy grew up in Louisiana and moved to Illinois. Ya’ll need to brush up on your blues history.

Comment by Bumblin stumblin rumblin Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:52 pm
My bad, did not realize buddy guy and muddy were on the full list to vote from.

Comment by Bumblin stumblin rumblin Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:54 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.

Comment by Bumblin stumblin rumblin Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 12:57 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.

Comment by one hit wonder Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:21 pm
What is wrong with people? How could anyone not vote for the Staple Singers?

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:23 pm
Twista should be on the list of 21.

Comment by Baloneymous Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:30 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.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:40 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.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 1:51 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.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 2:02 pm
Should have been John Prine. Still putting out quality material and touring.

Comment by Stoney Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 2:11 pm
I’d rather see Hum, Eleventh Dream Day or the New Duncan Imperials

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 2:37 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).

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:05 pm
No Ides of March?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:17 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.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:26 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.

Comment by Archpundit Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 3:42 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.

Comment by Lefty Lefty Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:03 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.

Comment by Archpundit Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:06 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!

Comment by Styx fan 63 Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:09 pm
REO? Ugh.
Also:
Mavis!
Roger McGuinn.
Fall Out Boy.
Win Stracke?

Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:53 pm
Was this poll done in Springfield or someone’s best guess listg

Comment by Teacher Sub Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 4:53 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

Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jul 24, 18 @ 7:03 pm
I love reo it’s about time they get some recginition.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 25, 18 @ 5:44 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.

Comment by Dots Wednesday, Jul 25, 18 @ 10:19 am
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.

Comment by simplytroy Wednesday, Jul 25, 18 @ 1:45 pm