Sing Me Away

The song "Sing Me Away" by Night Ranger from their debut album Dawn Patrol holds a special place in the band’s history as a fan favorite, often highlighted for its energetic live performances. Sung by drummer Kelly Keagy, it marked his first lead vocal on a Night Ranger album, showcasing his versatile role in the band. In a 2012 article from Ultimate Classic Rock, the song was praised for its dynamic interplay between Keagy’s drumming and the guitar riffs of Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson, with Keagy’s drums acting almost like a lead instrument, driving the song’s momentum. This distinctive style made "Sing Me Away" a signature track in the band’s live sets, cementing its status as a concert staple. The song reached number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 39 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in 1983, gaining traction through its exposure on MTV, where its music video captured the band’s early ‘80s rock aesthetic.

Another layer of trivia comes from the band’s own reflections on social media. In a 2021 post on X, Night Ranger celebrated the 39th anniversary of Dawn Patrol, asking fans to share their memories of the album, with "Sing Me Away" often cited for its memorable intro and Keagy’s emotive vocals. A fan on X in 2024 described the song’s intro and Keagy’s voice as particularly striking, noting its melodic and dramatic qualities alongside the band’s twin guitar harmonies. These fan interactions highlight the song’s enduring appeal and its role in connecting Night Ranger with their dedicated audience, affectionately known as “Zoo Freaks” in the context of this radio station’s vibe.

Night Ranger began in San Francisco in 1982, evolving from a band initially called Ranger. The group was formed by bassist and vocalist Jack Blades, guitarists Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson, drummer and vocalist Kelly Keagy, and keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald, many of whom had prior experience in other Bay Area bands. Blades, Keagy, and Gillis had played together in Rubicon, while Fitzgerald brought experience from his time with Montrose. According to their biography on Wikipedia, the band’s name changed to Night Ranger after a song written by Blades for their debut album, prompted by a naming conflict with a California country band. This pivot was crucial, as their debut album Dawn Patrol, released in November 1982 by Boardwalk Entertainment, marked their breakthrough, selling over a million copies and establishing their arena rock sound.

The band’s early success was fueled by their ability to blend hard rock with melodic hooks, a formula that resonated in the ‘80s music scene. Their first five albums, including Dawn Patrol and Midnight Madness, sold over 10 million copies worldwide, driven by hits like "Sister Christian" and "Don’t Tell Me You Love Me." Night Ranger’s rise was also tied to their relentless touring and early adoption of MTV, where videos for songs like "Sing Me Away" showcased their high-energy performances. Over the years, the band has maintained a core lineup, with Gillis and Keagy as constants, while Blades returned after a brief hiatus in the ‘90s. Their longevity is evident in their continued touring and releases, with over 17 million albums sold and 3,000 live shows performed, as noted on MelodicRock.com.

Fans can connect with Night Ranger through their official website, where tour dates, music, and merchandise are available. Their social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share updates and engage with fans. For deeper fan interaction, the Night Ranger Fan Club on Facebook offers a space for enthusiasts to discuss the band, share memorabilia, and organize meetups at shows. Additionally, fan-driven sites like MelodicRock.com provide news, interviews, and reviews, keeping the Night Ranger community thriving for Zoo Freaks spinning their records at THE ZOO.