YOUR PASSPORT TO THE WORLD
/Ever wonder about where a band's name comes from...or, where a band actually comes from! Like peanut butter and chocolate, we were curious about what we would get if we put these two questions together. So, hold on tight and enjoy the trip! We invite you to review our list of some notable bands whose name is actually a place.
Nazareth – Who knew? All these years I thought this band took its name from the promised land. Wrong! Hailing from Scotland, this hard rock band, formed in 1970, took its name from Nazareth, Pennsylvania mentioned in their song The Weight.[i] Best known for the 1975 hit Love Hurts, Nazareth is still touring.
Boston – This makes more sense. Boston actually comes from Beantown. Another 1970s band, best known for the hits More than a Feeling and Amanda, Boston started out opening for acts such as Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult. A guitar shaped spaceship became the signature for their album covers.
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Kansas – Travelling now to the mid-west, this popular 1970s fusion rock band is named for its home state. Its breakthrough album, Leftoverture, put the band on the charts with the hit single Carry on Wayward Son. Perhaps the band’s most memorable recording is the acoustic Dust in the Wind; a spiritual reflection with biblical themes, it is a must listen. Love the violin!
Chicago – Ah, the windy city! Eclectic and sophisticated, just like the band that borrowed its name. One of the most successful and enduring bands in musical history. Really, I am not worthy, despite that slump in the early 1980s. There are no words - listen and you will understand.
Alabama – Do I have to say it! This country and southern rock band from Payne, Alabama made it big in the 1980s. They were part of a wave of country artists who successfully crossed over into the mainstream earning superstar status. One the best-selling bands of all times, you could not watch an award show in the 1980s without these guys walking away with a prize.
Chilliwack – Moving north of the 49th parallel to beautiful British Columbia, this band from Vancouver is best known for that catchy, or annoying, tune Whatcha Gonna Do, as well as My Girl. Oh, she’s been gone so long. This band helped put Canada on the map in the 1970s, paving the way for future generations of Canadian artists.
Berlin – Home of some of the hippest and most happening music and dance festivals in the world….wait, stop the presses! My bad, nothing to do with Germany. From the O.C. in California, this group’s anthem is Take My Breath Away from the 1986 movie Top Gun. Enough said.
Spain – Home of the great mystics and the Camino de Santiago, it is fitting that this band is from the City of Angels, L.A. Even more fitting, try out their single Spiritual from the album Blue Moods of Spain. Spain’s music has been covered by Johnny Cash, and Pat Methany played with them. Not bad! Currently touring in Los Angeles, catch a show if you are in the area. www.spaintheband.com
We’d like to hear from you! Where would you go?
Sheila's passion for music emerged at a young age. From dancing around the house to Motown beats, she experimented with road trip rhythms, holding her own with Elton & Kiki. These early influences surface on her latest release Shower Serenades. Her repertoire stands the test of time.
[i] Official Nazareth Web-site
