Millionaire

The song "Millionaire" by 707 from their album The Second Album is a lesser-known track from the early 1980s AOR rock scene, but it carries the band’s signature blend of melodic hooks and driving rhythms. While specific interviews or quotes directly about "Millionaire" are scarce, the song reflects the band’s ambition to capture the era’s fascination with wealth and success, a theme that resonated with their audience. In a 2006 interview with AllMusic, drummer Jim McClarty mentioned that the band aimed to craft songs with universal appeal, and "Millionaire" likely fit that mold with its aspirational lyrics and polished production. The track was part of The Second Album, which peaked at No. 159 on the Billboard 200 in 1981, showing modest chart success. On X, fans occasionally share nostalgic posts about 707’s music, with one user in 2023 calling "Millionaire" a “hidden gem” for its catchy guitar riffs, though no direct social media posts from the band about the song have surfaced recently.

Another piece of trivia about "Millionaire" ties to its recording context. The Second Album was recorded during a transitional period for 707, as keyboardist Duke McFadden had left before its completion, and the band brought in session player Andy Celley to finish the record. According to Wikipedia, the band was under pressure from Casablanca Records to deliver a hit, which influenced the album’s more commercial sound. While "Millionaire" didn’t achieve the radio success of their earlier hit "I Could Be Good for You," it showcased their versatility, blending hard rock with melodic sensibilities. Fan discussions on 707 Fan Group on Facebook often highlight the album’s polished production, with some members speculating that "Millionaire" was inspired by the era’s economic optimism.

The band 707 formed in Detroit in the late 1970s, a hotbed for rock music at the time. Original members included Phil Bryant (bass, vocals), Jim McClarty (drums), Duke McFadden (keyboards, vocals), Kevin Russell (guitars, vocals), and David Carr (piano). As noted in their AllMusic bio, the group came together with a shared passion for blending AOR with hard rock, drawing inspiration from bands like Journey and Styx. They signed with Casablanca Records, a label known for acts like Kiss, which gave them a platform to release their self-titled debut album in 1980. Their first single, "I Could Be Good for You," peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing their early success. The band’s name, 707, was inspired by the Boeing 707 aircraft, symbolizing their aim to soar in the music industry, as mentioned in a rare 1981 interview archived on Rate Your Music.

707’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After their debut, lineup changes and label pressures shaped their trajectory. By the time they recorded The Second Album, they were adapting to a shifting music landscape. Their third album, The Bridge, was shelved for 18 years due to contract disputes, as detailed on Wikipedia, but the band persevered, later releasing it in 2004. In 2000, guitarist Kevin Russell led a brief reunion, and independent releases featured early demos and new material. Tragically, Duke McFadden passed away in 2005, as noted in Wikipedia, but the band’s legacy endures through fan communities.

For more about 707, visit their official website, though it’s minimally maintained. Their Facebook page occasionally shares updates, and fans post memories on the 707 Fan Group. No official Instagram or X accounts for the band are active, but searching “707 band” on these platforms yields fan content. Fan sites like Rate Your Music offer detailed discographies and reviews, while AllMusic provides a comprehensive bio. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ love for 707’s music alive.