Roll With The Changes

Zoo Freaks, get ready to roll with the vibes as we spin "Roll With The Changes" by Kevin Cronin from the album You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish—not Beastly Ball, as that’s a mix-up in the vinyl stack! This 1978 REO Speedwagon classic, written by Cronin, was born during a cross-country drive from Chicago to Los Angeles. After rejoining the band in 1976, Cronin was reflecting on life’s shifts while cruising in his Ford Pinto. Inspiration struck, and he scribbled the lyrics on a brown paper bag, capturing the song’s free-spirited energy. In a 2018 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Cronin recalled this moment, noting how the song’s theme of embracing change mirrored his return to the band after a brief exit in 1972. The track, driven by Cronin’s rolling piano and Gary Richrath’s searing guitar solos, hit #58 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming REO’s biggest hit at the time.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s recording process, detailed in a 2023 Mix Online article. Producer Paul Grupp and Richrath spent Christmas Day 1977 perfecting the guitar parts at Sound City Studio A, while Cronin laid down his vocals in just two takes at Record Plant’s Studio B. His ability to double his vocals with uncanny precision gave the track its polished yet raw edge. Cronin shared in a 2016 REO Speedwagon website interview that he wrote the song on piano, despite being a trained guitarist, highlighting his knack for crafting hits on an instrument he taught himself. The song’s uplifting vibe and gospel-style backing vocals, paired with Neal Doughty’s B-3 organ, make it a staple for fans, often performed live with the same band lineup Cronin tours with today, as seen in his Facebook posts about the 2025 Brotherhood of Rock Tour.

Kevin Cronin, born October 6, 1951, in Evanston, Illinois, grew up in Oak Lawn, where he picked up the guitar as a teen. According to his Wikipedia bio, he attended St. Linus Catholic Elementary School and later graduated from Brother Rice High School in Chicago. His musical journey began at 14, playing in local bands like Fuchsia, as noted on Geneastar. Cronin’s big break came when he joined REO Speedwagon in 1971, shortly after their debut album. Though he left briefly in 1972 due to creative clashes, his return in 1976 solidified his role as the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, penning hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Can’t Fight This Feeling." His dramatic tenor voice and heartfelt songwriting, shaped by influences from Chicago’s music scene, propelled REO to sell over 40 million records.

Today, Cronin continues to perform with the Kevin Cronin Band, featuring Dave Amato, Bryan Hitt, Derek Hilland, and Matt Bissonette, as announced on his official website, kevincronin.com. Fans can catch updates on his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour dates and personal reflections. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with fellow fans, check out the REO Speedwagon Fans Facebook Group, a lively community sharing concert memories and song love. Another fan hub is reospeedwagon.com, which, while focused on the band, celebrates Cronin’s legacy with news and merch. Keep rollin’ with the changes, Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the positive energy flowing!