No. 50: Peter Frampton, ‘Show Me The Way’

Peter Frampton’s ‘Show Me The Way’ was originally featured on the guitarist's 1975 ‘Frampton’ album, but the version that has entered our Top 100 Classic Rock Songs -- and our hearts -- is the live take from ‘Frampton Comes Alive!,' released the following year.

Frampton is deservedly celebrated for his guitar playing and songwriting, but should also be recognized as a survivor in an industry that chews up and spits out even the best of them.

The longevity of his career is nothing short of remarkable. Remember, he started out as the vocalist and guitarist in the British teen band the Herd, and then followed that up by co-founding the mighty Humble Pie before going solo.

Frampton released four mildly successful solo albums before millions and millions of copies of ‘Frampton Comes Alive!’ surprisingly flew off the record store shelves in 1976, and 'Show Me the Way' is a big part of why his music suddenly clicked with audiences. It was also one of the first singles to introduce us to Frampton’s talk box skills, which to this day fascinates and entertains his followers.

The victory of ‘Show Me The Way’ is that the masses were more than willing to participate in Frampton’s quest. He was calling out for guidance and the audience made the connection. So, while the boys tried to figure out how he achieved that unique talk-box sound (could it be he got some inspiration from Joe Walsh?), girls across the globe were gazing upon the bronzed, shirtless blonde that was pinned up on their bedroom walls. Thirty plus years later, Frampton has proven, he knew the way all along.

No. 50: Peter Frampton, ‘Show Me The Way’ – Top 100 Classic Rock Songs