Over the course of its career, the band has sold more than 40 million records and has charted thirteen Top 40 hits, including the number ones "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling". REO Speedwagon's mainstream popularity waned in the late 1980s, but the band remains a popular live act.
In the fall of 1966, Neal Doughty entered the electrical engineering program at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, coming in as a junior. On his first night, he met another student, Alan Gratzer. They held an impromptu jam session in the basement of their Illinois Street Residence Hall dormitory, and soon started a rock band. Gratzer had been a drummer since high school, and was playing in a local group on the weekends, while Doughty had learned some Beatles songs on his parents' piano.
Doughty started to follow around Gratzer's band, eventually sitting in on a song or two. The keyboard player was the leader, but several other band members were unhappy with the situation. On the last day of the university's spring semester, guitarist Joe Matt called the band's leader and told him that he, drummer Gratzer, and bassist Mike Blair had decided to leave the band and start a new one with Doughty.
They made a list of songs to learn over the summer break, and Doughty landed a summer job to buy his first keyboard. On his Farfisa organ, he learned "Light My Fire" by The Doors. The members returned to school in the fall of 1967, and had their first rehearsal before classes even started. They named the band REO Speedwagon, from the REO Speed Wagon, a flatbed truck Doughty had studied in transportation history, and the initials are those of its founder Ransom E. Olds. Rather than pronouncing REO as a single word as the motor company did, they chose to spell out the name with the individual letters each pronounced ("R-E-O"). An ad in the school newspaper produced their first job, a fraternity party that turned into a food fight. They continued to perform cover songs in campus bars, fraternity parties, and university events. The first lineup consisted of Doughty on keyboards, Gratzer on drums and vocals, Joe Matt on guitar and vocals, Mike Blair on bass and vocals.
In early 1968, Terry Luttrell became lead singer, and Bob Crownover joined as the guitar player, replacing Matt. When Mike Blair left the band in the summer of 1968, Gregg Philbin replaced Blair, Marty Shepard played trumpet and Joe McCabe played sax until McCabe moved to Southern Illinois University. Crownover played guitar for the group until the summer of 1969 when Bill Fiorio replaced him. Fiorio then departed in late 1969, eventually assuming the name Duke Tumatoe, and went on to form the All Star Frogs. Steve Scorfina (who would go on to found progressive rock/album-oriented rock band Pavlov's Dog) came aboard for over a year, composing with the band and performing live, before being replaced by Gary Richrath in late 1970.
Richrath was a Peoria, Illinois-based guitarist and prolific songwriter who brought fresh original material to the band. With Richrath on board, the regional popularity of the band grew tremendously. The Midwestern United States was the original REO Speedwagon fan stronghold and is pivotal in this period of the band's history.
The band signed to Epic Records in 1971. Paul Leka, an East Coast record producer, brought the band to his recording studio in Bridgeport, Connecticut where it recorded original material for its first album. The lineup on the first album consisted of Richrath, Gratzer, Doughty, Philbin, and Luttrell.
Richrath was a Peoria, Illinois-based guitar player and prolific songwriter who brought original material to the band including REO's signature song "Ridin' the Storm Out". With Richrath on board, the regional popularity of the band grew tremendously. The Midwestern United States was the original REO Speedwagon fan stronghold and is pivotal in this period of the band's history.
The band signed to Epic Records in 1971. Paul Leka, an East Coast record producer, brought the band to his recording studio in Bridgeport, Connecticut where it recorded original material for its first album. The lineup on the first album consisted of Richrath, Gratzer, Doughty, Philbin, and Luttrell.
The band toured relentlessly under guidance from early manager Irving Azoff. The band's most successful period featured lead vocalist Kevin Cronin who joined the band briefly for their second album T.W.O in 1972, and left in the middle of recording the Album "Ridin' The Storm Out" and returned in 1976, co-producing with Richrath their landmark Live: You Get What You Play For. Ridin' the Storm Out was completed with Michael Bryan Murphy on the microphone. Murphy stayed on for two more albums, "Lost in a Dream" and "This Time We Mean It", before Cronin returned to the fold in January 1976 and recorded "R.E.O.", which was released that same year.
They grew in popularity in the Midwestern United States during the early 1970s and peaked in popularity in the early 1980s. The band's first mid 70s FM hit was the Richrath composed concert fave "Ridin' The Storm Out", and their first gold record was a live album, 1977's "Live: You Get What You Play For". Their hard rocking live show was so integral to their success, their label released another live album in 1978, "More Live".
In 1977, Philbin was replaced with Bruce Hall to record the first studio album that reached platinum, "You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish", released in 1978 which received FM radio airplay but fell short of the Top 40. In 1979, the band took a turn back to hard rock with the release of Nine Lives.
By 1981's "Hi Infidelity" they had reached a new peak, and the LP spawned several major radio hits including "Keep On Loving You", "Don't Let Him Go" and "Take It on the Run" which went to #5 on the US charts, and the Cronin composed "Time For Me To Fly, released on the "Tuna" album.
REO Speedwagon followed up the "Hi Infidelity" LP with the power ballad "Can't Fight This Feeling" from Good Trouble in 1982, and dented the charts again with 1984's "Wheels Are Turning" album, 1987's "Life as We Know It" was the last new release to go gold, before popularity waned, and their long winning streak subsided. Founding members Richrath & Gratzer left the band, essentially ending a 20 year arena rocking run, but the band's collections continued to sell and earn classic rock & retro power pop airplay. Richrath and Gratzer was replaced by Miles Joseph and Graham Lear, Cronin's band members from jazz ensemble called "The Strolling Dudes". And soon Lear and Joseph was replaced by Bryan Hitt (formerly of Wang Chung) and Dave Amato.
Nowadays Reo Speedwagon remains a U.S concert circuit staple, mostly known as a crowd pleasing classic AOR genre rock band. Still fronted by longtime vocalist Cronin, currently the only original member in the 21st century touring lineup is keyboardist Neil Doughty. The hired guns brought in since have had stints in band's like Ted Nugent and Wang Chung. Spurred on by numerous re-packagings of their back catalog, and successful newer live recordings, in 2007 they released "Find Your Own Way Home" the group's first new studio album in more than ten years. Though it did not chart as an album, it produced two singles which appeared on Billboard's Adult Contemporary radio chart.
REO Speedwagon continues to tour regularly, performing mostly their classic hits. They are popular on the fair and casino circuits, but still team with other acts to play larger venues.
REO Speedwagon's birth place was reportedly a Red Lion Inn, on Green Street near the U of I campus (Champaign-Urbana, IL).
Principal Members (1971)
Gary Richrath - Guitar
Alan Gratzer - Drums
Gregg Philbin - Bass
Terry Luttrell - Vocals
Mike Murphy - Vocals
Current Lineup
Kevin Cronin - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Dave Amato - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Bruce Hall - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Neal Doughty - Keyboards
Bryan Hitt - Drums, Percussion
http://www.speedwagon.com
Easy Money
REO Speedwagon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Caught by a woman I trusted
Now, don't you call me a fool
It could have happened to you
It's just my luck
It had to happen to me
Sweet Carmelita betrayed me
I figured a song could do me no wrong
I didn't know how wrong I could be
Easy money for just one run to Peru
It'll be so easy, we'll have no trouble gettin' through
Well I almost made it, except for that one border guard
He opened up my guitar, hello prison yard
Goodbye easy money, easy money
The Chiquita must have told 'em my story
'Cause when my eyes finally focused next morning
Carmelita had spoken 'bout guitars and some coke
And she laughed as they slapped me in chains
I was thrown in cell with a killer
A convict who coughed through the night
While I laid awake with the chills and shakes
Hoping for a file in a cake
Easy money for just one run to Peru
It'll be so easy, we'll have no trouble gettin' through
Well I almost made it, except for that one border guard
He opened up my guitar, hello prison yard
Just to make me mad he smashed my guitar
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Easy money
The song "Easy Money" by REO Speedwagon is a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed and deceit. The singer is a man who got caught while trying to smuggle drugs across the border from Peru to the United States. He was lured into the scheme by his love interest, Carmelita, who he trusted but who ultimately betrayed him. The lyrics are about the regret and consequences of his actions, as well as the harsh reality of prison life.
The song opens with the singer admitting he got "busted" while trying to smuggle drugs across the border with "Sweet Carmelita." Despite his predicament, the singer urges the listener not to judge him, as what happened to him could have happened to anyone. He then reminisces about how Carmelita seduced him into the scheme by encouraging him to "serenade" her. The singer thought it would be an easy and safe way to make money, but he realizes that he was wrong as soon as he crosses the border. The one border guard who inspects his guitar finds the drugs hidden inside, and he is arrested and thrown into jail. The song ends with the singer reflecting on his predicament and lamenting the easy money that he will never see again.
Overall, "Easy Money" is a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the consequences of illegal activities. It highlights the harsh realities of life in prison, illustrating the dangers that lurk around every corner for those who get caught. While the song is at times dark and sobering, it is also a powerful reminder that every action has consequences, and every choice has a cost.
Line by Line Meaning
South of the border and busted
I got caught on the south side of the border by the cops
Caught by a woman I trusted
The woman I trusted turned me in
Now, don't you call me a fool
Don't judge me, it could've happened to you
It could have happened to you
Anyone could have been in my shoes
It's just my luck
Unfortunately, this is just how things turned out for me
It had to happen to me
It was my turn to face the consequences of my actions
Sweet Carmelita betrayed me
Carmelita, who I thought was sweet, turned on me without warning
She said, 'Take me home, serenade me'
She asked me to take her home and sing to her
I figured a song could do me no wrong
I thought that singing her a song wouldn't hurt anything
I didn't know how wrong I could be
I had no idea that things would turn out so badly
Easy money for just one run to Peru
I thought I could make good money easily by running drugs to Peru
It'll be so easy, we'll have no trouble gettin' through
I was convinced that we would be able to get past any obstacles with no difficulties
Well I almost made it, except for that one border guard
I was almost successful, but one border guard ruined everything
He opened up my guitar, hello prison yard
The guard found the drugs hidden in my guitar and arrested me
The Chiquita must have told 'em my story
The woman I was with must have told the authorities what we were doing
'Cause when my eyes finally focused next morning
When I woke up the next morning, I realized what had happened
Carmelita had spoken 'bout guitars and some coke
Carmelita had told the cops about my smuggled drugs inside the guitar
And she laughed as they slapped me in chains
She found the whole situation amusing as I was being arrested
I was thrown in cell with a killer
I was put in a cell with a convicted murderer
A convict who coughed through the night
The inmate I was with coughed all night
While I laid awake with the chills and shakes
I was so worried and scared that I couldn't sleep
Hoping for a file in a cake
I was hoping someone would smuggle a file into my cell inside a cake
Just to make me mad he smashed my guitar
One of the guards smashed my guitar just to upset me
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
I knew I was in for a long time in prison
Easy money
The quick and easy money I thought I would make turned out to be a disaster
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARY DEAN RICHRATH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Scott Marty
Someone asked for the lyrics. Here they are....
South of the border and busted
Caught by a woman I trusted
Now, don't you call me a fool
It could have happened to you
It's just my luck
It had to happen to me
Sweet Carmelita betrayed me
She said, "Take me home, serenade me"
I figured a song could do me no wrong
I didn't know how wrong I could be
Easy money for just one run to Peru
It'll be so easy, we'll have no trouble gettin' through
Well I almost made it, except for that one border guard
He opened up my guitar, hello prison yard
Goodbye easy money, easy money
The Chiquita must have told 'em my story
'Cause when my eyes finally focused next morning
Carmelita had spoken 'bout guitars and some coke
And she laughed as they slapped me in chains
I was thrown in cell with a killer
A convict who coughed through the night
While I laid awake with the chills and shakes
Hoping for a file in a cake
Easy money for just one run to Peru
It'll be so easy, we'll have no trouble gettin' through
Well I almost made it, except for that one border guard
He opened up my guitar, hello prison yard
Just to make me mad he smashed my guitar
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Easy money
C Williams
I still listen to REO every single day and to say they were part of the soundtrack to my life would be an understatement. Growing up in the Midwest in the 70's REO and Cheap Trick were the hardest working bands around. You could see them for a few bucks in a bar and both bands truly blossomed. Gary and Kevin should be mentioned in the same breath as Lennon and Mcartney, Taupin and John, Fagen and Becker,Jagger and Richards....You get the idea. I've had some great times watching Cronin, Richrath, Philben, Doughty and Gratzer as they created timeless rock and roll. From bars to arenas REO has never disappointed me and I have to say Thanks for letting me listen all these years. RIP Gary
charles viner
👍very well said
Steve Contini
Listened to more reo than most albums I had , saw them live once great band ! 🤘🤘🤘 Gary could rip it up !
roger keime
except the reo best songs were written by gary. he was the sound of the band,
charles viner
@roger keime I agree 👍, I saw them in 1980,best Concert of my life, REO TWO Is my favorite album to ✌🎼🎹🎵🎸🎸🎸R I P GARY RICHRATH, his birthday was recently ❤
Dennis Cassley
GREAT SONG... Rest in peace, Gary Richrath!! This song TOTALLY & COMPLETELY belonged on the "Essential" CD set and could have EASILY replaced "The Key," "Love is a Rock," etc.
Scott Marty
These are such cool lyrics. Not only was Gary one of the most underrated lead guitarists, he was also a really songwriter. He also wrote "Ridin' the Storm Out," probably REO's trademark song.
Wonder how autobiographical this song is? :-)
I saw REO in December '79 on this album's tour. Still one of the most memorable concerts I've ever been to. Rick Derringer opened in front of a huge crowd at the Dane County Coliseum in Madison, Wisc.
Steve Wo
He also wrote golden country
Guyle Plensky
love this tune ! nothing funny or smart to say, simply my favorite Reo tune
Scott Marty
Someone asked for the lyrics. Here they are....
South of the border and busted
Caught by a woman I trusted
Now, don't you call me a fool
It could have happened to you
It's just my luck
It had to happen to me
Sweet Carmelita betrayed me
She said, "Take me home, serenade me"
I figured a song could do me no wrong
I didn't know how wrong I could be
Easy money for just one run to Peru
It'll be so easy, we'll have no trouble gettin' through
Well I almost made it, except for that one border guard
He opened up my guitar, hello prison yard
Goodbye easy money, easy money
The Chiquita must have told 'em my story
'Cause when my eyes finally focused next morning
Carmelita had spoken 'bout guitars and some coke
And she laughed as they slapped me in chains
I was thrown in cell with a killer
A convict who coughed through the night
While I laid awake with the chills and shakes
Hoping for a file in a cake
Easy money for just one run to Peru
It'll be so easy, we'll have no trouble gettin' through
Well I almost made it, except for that one border guard
He opened up my guitar, hello prison yard
Just to make me mad he smashed my guitar
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Easy money