Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon was in charge of the entertainment for his high-school prom, so he called up Jim Peterik of Ides of March, later of Survivor. The Chicago area was flush with rock talent in the late '60s and '70s, and apparently some were willing to play proms. REO Speedwagon was formed by University of Illinois students Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer. Cronin would join five years later. 

According to the Chicago Sun Times, Cronin's parents still live in the same Oak Lawn home he grew up in. Cronin is responsible for many of REO's biggest hits, including 'Keep on Loving You,' 'Can't Fight This Feeling' and 'In My Dreams.' He's been a part of various projects while continuing to stay active with the band. In 2009, they recorded a Christmas album.

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