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What Does REO Stand For In REO Speedwagon? History, Songs & Impact

Discover the definition of REO in REO Speedwagon, their formation, hit songs like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and their influence on the music industry.

Definition of REO

Real Estate Owned

When it comes to the world of real estate, the term REO stands for Real Estate Owned. This term is commonly used in the industry to refer to properties that have been foreclosed upon and are now owned by the lender. When a homeowner fails to make their mortgage payments, the lender has the right to foreclose on the property and take ownership. This is where the term REO comes into play.

What is Real Estate Owned?

Real Estate Owned properties are typically properties that have gone through the foreclosure process and have failed to sell at auction. As a result, the lender becomes the owner of the property and is responsible for managing and selling it. These properties can range from single-family homes to commercial buildings and everything in between.

How Does a Property Become REO?

The process of a property becoming REO typically starts when a homeowner falls behind on their mortgage payments. After a certain period of non-payment, the lender will initiate foreclosure proceedings. If the homeowner is unable to bring the loan current or sell the property before the foreclosure sale, the property will be auctioned off. If the property does not sell at auction, it becomes Real Estate Owned.

What Happens to REO Properties?

Once a property becomes REO, the lender will take possession and work to sell the property to recoup their losses. These properties are often sold at a discounted price in order to attract buyers quickly. Lenders may work with real estate agents or auction companies to market and sell the properties.

Benefits of Buying REO Properties

  • REO properties can often be purchased at a lower price than market value.
  • Buyers may have the opportunity to purchase a property in need of repairs or updates at a discounted price.
  • Investors can potentially make a profit by purchasing REO properties, making repairs, and selling for a higher price.

History of REO Speedwagon

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, REO Speedwagon dominated the rock music scene with their powerful ballads and energetic performances. But how did this iconic band come to be? Let’s take a closer look at the formation of the band and their rise to fame.

Formation of the Band

REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois. The band originally started as a cover band called “The REO Speed Wagon,” named after the REO Speed Wagon truck, but later shortened their name to REO Speedwagon. The original lineup consisted of Neal Doughty on keyboards, Alan Gratzer on drums, and Joe Matt on vocals. Over the years, the band underwent several lineup changes before solidifying their most famous lineup with Kevin Cronin on vocals and Gary Richrath on guitar.

The band’s early years were marked by constant touring and hard work to establish themselves in the music industry. They released their self-titled debut album in 1971, which received positive reviews but failed to make a significant impact on the charts. It wasn’t until their breakthrough album, “Hi Infidelity,” released in 1980, that REO Speedwagon achieved mainstream success.

Rise to Fame

The release of “Hi Infidelity” marked a turning point for REO Speedwagon. The album spawned several hit singles, including “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It on the Run,” which catapulted the band to the top of the charts. Their melodic rock sound and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences around the world, solidifying their status as one of the biggest bands of the era.

As REO Speedwagon’s fame grew, so did their reputation for electrifying live performances. The band became known for their high-energy shows and passionate performances, drawing in fans from all walks of life. They toured extensively, selling out arenas and stadiums across the globe, cementing their place in rock music history.

Want to learn more about the iconic band REO Speedwagon? Check out our next section on their popular songs and the impact they’ve had on the music industry. *


Popular REO Speedwagon Songs

Keep On Loving You

One of the most iconic songs by REO Speedwagon is “Keep On Loving You.” Released in 1980 as part of their album “Hi Infidelity,” this power ballad quickly became a fan favorite and a chart-topping hit. The emotional lyrics combined with the powerful vocals of lead singer Kevin Cronin struck a chord with listeners all over the world. The song’s message of enduring love and commitment resonated with audiences, making it a timeless classic that continues to be a staple at weddings and romantic events.

The opening piano riff of “Keep On Loving You” is instantly recognizable, setting the tone for the heartfelt lyrics to come. The song explores the theme of perseverance in love, with lines like “And I’m gonna keep on loving you / ‘Cause it’s the only thing I wanna do.” This message of unwavering devotion struck a chord with fans and helped solidify REO Speedwagon’s reputation as masters of the power ballad genre.

Can’t Fight This Feeling

Another standout hit from REO Speedwagon is “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” released in 1984 on their album “Wheels Are Turnin’.” This emotional ballad showcases the band’s ability to tap into universal emotions and connect with listeners on a deep level. The song’s introspective lyrics and soaring melody struck a chord with audiences, making it one of their most beloved songs.

“Can’t Fight This Feeling” explores the vulnerability of falling in love and the struggle to resist those feelings. Lines like “And I can’t fight this feeling anymore / I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for” capture the internal conflict of realizing the depth of one’s emotions. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with Kevin Cronin’s vocals reaching new heights of passion and emotion.


Impact of REO Speedwagon

Throughout the history of rock music, REO Speedwagon has left a lasting impact that continues to resonate with audiences today. From their innovative sound to their heartfelt lyrics, the band has influenced countless artists and shaped the music industry in profound ways.

Influence on Rock Music

REO Speedwagon burst onto the music scene in the 1970s with their unique blend of rock and pop sensibilities. Their catchy hooks and anthemic choruses set them apart from their peers and helped define the sound of the era. Songs like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” became instant classics, showcasing the band’s ability to craft memorable tunes that struck a chord with listeners.

One of the key ways in which REO Speedwagon influenced rock music was through their dynamic live performances. The band’s energy and passion on stage captivated audiences and set a new standard for live shows. Their electrifying performances not only entertained fans but also inspired a new generation of musicians to push the boundaries of what was possible on stage.

In addition to their musical prowess, REO Speedwagon also made a significant impact on the business side of the music industry. Their innovative marketing strategies and savvy business decisions helped pave the way for other artists to take control of their careers and build sustainable success in the industry.

Overall, the influence of REO Speedwagon on rock music cannot be overstated. From their infectious melodies to their electrifying live shows, the band continues to inspire artists and audiences alike to this day.

Legacy in Music Industry

As pioneers of the rock music scene, REO Speedwagon has left behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape the industry. Their timeless songs have stood the test of time and remain beloved by fans around the world. The band’s ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level has solidified their place in music history.

But perhaps the most enduring aspect of REO Speedwagon’s legacy is their dedication to their craft and their fans. The band has always prioritized creating music that speaks to the human experience, tackling themes of love, loss, and perseverance with honesty and sincerity. This commitment to authenticity has earned them a loyal following that spans generations.

In conclusion, the impact of REO Speedwagon on rock music and the music industry as a whole is undeniable. From their groundbreaking sound to their unwavering dedication to their art, the band has left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire and influence for years to come.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • REO Speedwagon’s influence on rock music is profound, shaping the sound of the era with their catchy hooks and anthemic choruses.
  • The band’s dynamic live performances set a new standard for stage shows, inspiring a new generation of musicians.
  • REO Speedwagon’s legacy in the music industry is defined by their timeless songs, commitment to authenticity, and unwavering dedication to their fans.