Music Monday: Hometown Music

Here's a post I've been wanting to do for years about the famous musicians who were from my hometown of Akron, Ohio. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, putting it together.

James Ingram was a singer, songwriter, and record producer born in Akron in 1952. He attended East High School and The University of Akron on a track scholarship (GO ZIPS!) before leaving his sophomore year to pursue a music career in Los Angeles. He collaborated with all of the great musicians of his time: Ray Charles, Linda Ronstadt, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Michael McDonald. He is best known for this song, 'Just Once,' as well as his duet with Patti Austin, 'Baby Come to Me,' which was featured prominently on General Hospital during the Luke and Laura years. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 66 from brain cancer.

The Waitresses were formed by three native Akronites, Chris Butler (guitarist and songwriter) and Patty Donahue (vocals) along with Ralph Carney on saxophone. They met while attending Kent State University in the late 1970's and were originally part of other local bands. Their New Wave sound in the early 1980's spawned hits such as, 'I Know What Boys Like' and the holiday favorite, 'Christmas Wrapping.' In addition, they wrote the theme song for the TV show, 'Square Pegs' and performed the above song on one of the episodes. Various musicians joined them here and there, but they split up in 1983 to pursue other projects. Only Butler survives of the original trio. As a weird bit of trivia, he owns the house Jeffrey Dahmer grew up in and where his first murder took place.

The Black Keys were formed by childhood neighbor friends Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney (nephew to the above-mentioned Ralph Carney of The Waitresses) in 2001. They had dropped out of The University of Akron and re-connected over their love of music, leaning into blues, alternative, and indie rock. Their first album was recorded in Carney's rat-infested basement using equipment purchased off of E-Bay. They have five Grammys under their belts, including what I consider one of the best albums of all-time, 'El Camino.' It was hard for me to pick a favorite song, but 'Little Black Submarines' ranks up there. Other well-known hits include 'Lonely Boy,' 'Gold on the Ceiling,' 'Howlin' For You,' and 'Tighten Up.' Over their 25-year career, they've recorded twelve albums and are currently on tour. I have never seen them live as my husband cannot stand their music! I may have to see them with my brother-in-law or nephews someday, as they are big fans.

Devo was formed in 1973 by two sets of brothers, Mark & Bob Mothersbaugh of Akron, and Gerald & Bob Casales of Kent. They converged on the scene of Kent State University after the infamous shootings with the band's concept being devolution: that mankind has finished evolving and is regressing into a less civilized state. I think they were on to something! They are known for their new wave/art punk sound and outlandish outfits, such as yellow jumpsuits and the red dome hats. I've chosen 'Whip It' as it's their biggest hit from 1980, but they had others such as, 'Freedom of Choice,' 'Girl U Want,' 'Uncontrollable Urge,' and 'Jocko Homo.' Various other musicians have joined and left the band over the years, with Bob Casales passing away in 2014. The band went their separate ways in the 1990's. Gerald worked with other well-known artists such as Rush, Soundgarden, and Foo Fighters. Mark had great success composing music for Pee-Wee's Playhouse and Rugrats as well as various movies and commercials. They've reunited over the years for tours, including their current 'Mutate, Don't Stagnate' tour. They will be performing at the Akron Civic Theatre in June, but we will not be in attendance. While we loved them in college, they are not a band we care to see perform live.

Iconic singer, songwriter, and guitarist Chrissie Hynde was born in Akron and attended Firestone High School (earlier than The Black Keys, but at the same time as another famous Akronite, astronaut Judith Resnik of the Space Shuttle Challenger). She attended Kent State University and performed in a band with Mark Mothersbaugh before moving to London in 1973 and forming The Pretenders in 1978. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, she has amassed many hits such as 'Back on the Chain Gang,' 'Don't Get Me Wrong,' 'Middle of the Road,' 'Brass in Pocket,' '2000 Miles,' and 'I'll Stand by You.' I've included my personal favorite, 'My City Was Gone' about our mutual hometown, Akron. Hynde splits her time between England and Akron and will periodically perform locally. I hope to see her in the near future.

Are there any famous musicians from the town you were born and/or raised?