Kevin Cronin

About

Kevin Patrick Cronin Jr. (born October 6, 1951) is an American musician who was the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band REO Speedwagon. The band had several hits on the Billboard Hot 100 throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including two chart-toppers written by Cronin: “Keep On Loving You” (1980) and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” (1984).

Cronin is from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. He was born in north suburban Evanston but grew up in southwest suburban Oak Lawn, where he learned to play guitar. He attended St. Linus Catholic Elementary School. Cronin went on to graduate from nearby Brother Rice High School in Chicago.

Cronin joined REO Speedwagon shortly after the group recorded its debut album in 1971. He recorded one album with the band, 1972’s R.E.O./T.W.O., but left the band soon after because of missed rehearsals and creative disagreements. Following a brief solo career, Cronin returned to the band in 1976.
Cronin’s return came after Greg X. Volz turned down the lead vocalist position due to his conversion to Christianity. Even though the band’s success hit its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it still released records in the…