Cherry Smith (22 August 1943 – 24 September 2008) was a backing vocalist for the original Wailers from 1963 to 1966.

Smith was also called Cherry Green (her half-brother Carlton had that surname), but was born Ermine Ortense Bramwell in the Trench Town district of Kingston.^[1][2] She was nicknamed "Cherry" as a girl due to her light complexion.^[2] According to Bob Marley's official website Bunny Wailer and Beverley Kelso are the only surviving members of the original Wailers, after Smith's death. However, it did not list Smith as an official member of the group. Smith was with the group for over two years and took part in their audition for Clement "Coxsone" Dodd in 1963, but as she had a full-time job and a child to support, she was unable to attend the group's first recording session, and was replaced by Kelso.^[2]

Smith continued to contribute to recording sessions and sang backing vocals on several of the later Wailers recordings including:

• "Lonesome Feeling"
• "There She Goes"
• "What's New Pussycat"
• "Let The Lord Be Seen In You"^[2]

She left the group in late 1966, and moved to Miami, Florida in 1969 to work as a nurse.^[2] She moved around the United States, finally settling in West Palm Beach, Florida.^[2]

She died in Miami, Florida in 2008, aged 65. She is survived by her husband, a daughter, a brother and a granddaughter.^[1]

References[link]

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Cherie Currie
Cherie Currie in 2010
Background information
Birth name	Cherie Ann Currie
Born	(1959-11-30) November 30, 1959 (age 52) Encino, California, US
Genres	Punk rock Hard rock Rock and Roll
Occupations	Musician, singer, songwriter, actress, artist
Instruments	Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active	1976–present
Associated acts	The Runaways, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Lita Ford
Website	Official site

Cherie Ann Currie (born November 30, 1959) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, actress, and artist. Currie was the lead vocalist of The Runaways, a hard rock band from Los Angeles, in the mid-to-late 1970s.

Life and career[link]

Currie was born to Don Currie and actress Marie Harmon.^[1] She was raised in the Encino district of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley. Her brother is Don Currie Jr., and her sisters are actress Sondra Currie and Cherie's twin, Marie Currie.

Currie was the teenage lead vocalist for the all-female rock band The Runaways with bandmates Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West, Jackie Fox, and Vicki Blue. Bomp! magazine described her as "the lost daughter of Iggy Pop and Brigitte Bardot".^{[citation needed]}

Currie joined The Runaways in 1975, at age 15. The teen rock anthem "Cherry Bomb" was written for her at the audition. Assessments of her impact at that time differ; one reviewer has written that "the received wisdom that [the Runaways] carved out new territory for female musicians is hard to justify – it's doubtful that the predominantly male audience who flocked to see the 16-year-old [Currie] in her undies picked up any feminist subtext".^[2]

After three albums with The Runaways, (The Runaways, Queens of Noise, and Live in Japan), Currie went on to record three other albums. She recorded Beauty's Only Skin Deep as a solo artist for Polygram Records. With her twin sister Marie, she recorded Messin' With The Boys for Capitol Records and Young and Wild for Raven. She then worked as an actress, starring in movies such as Foxes, Parasite, Wavelength, Twilight Zone: The Movie, The Rosebud Beach Hotel, Rich Girl, and others, as well as numerous guest spots on TV series (Matlock and Murder She Wrote, among others).

Currie struggled with drug addiction for much of her younger life, which was a major factor in the abrupt ending of her career. She later wrote a memoir, Neon Angel, recounting life in the band and her traumatic experiences with drug addiction, sex abuse and her broken family. The Runaways, a 2010 musical biographical drama film executive-produced by Joan Jett, focuses on the group's early beginnings and explores the relationship between Currie and Jett. In the film Currie is portrayed by Dakota Fanning.

Currie was married to actor Robert Hays in the 1990s and they had one son together, Jake Hays. They are now divorced.^[3]

In 2008, Currie contributed to Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna's book, Cherry Bomb.^[4][5]

Currie is now a wood-carving artist who uses a chain saw to create her works.^[6]

Currie is putting the finishing touches on a new album, produced by Velvet Revolver drummer and ex-Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum and due out in 2011. This will be Currie's first album since 1980. During an interview with Currie and Sorum on That Metal Show, Sorum revealed that his Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver bandmates Slash and Duff McKagan as well as Smashing Pumpkins vocalist Billy Corgan, who has written and sings a duet with Currie, are also on the album. The rest of the album's lineup was also revealed on the Road Runner website.^[7]

Discography[link]

With The Runaways[link]

Studio albums[link]

• 1976 – The Runaways
• 1977 – Queens of Noise

Live albums[link]

• 1977 – Live in Japan

Solo[link]

Studio albums[link]

• 1978 – Beauty's Only Skin Deep
• 1980 – Messin' With The Boys (with Marie Currie)
• 1998 – Young and Wild (compilation, with Marie Currie)^[8]

Filmography[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Cherie Currie's Chainsaw Art site
• Cherie Currie on Myspace
• Official Runaways website
• Cherie Currie at the Internet Movie Database

Josh Klinghoffer
Background information
Birth name	Josh Adam Klinghoffer
Born	(1979-10-03) October 3, 1979 (age 32)
Origin	Los Angeles, California
Genres	Experimental rock, alternative rock, avant-garde, electronica, art rock, funk rock
Occupations	Musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments	Guitar, drums, synthesizer, keyboards, organ, piano, bass, vocals, cello, banjo, double bass, flute, marimba, trumpet, tuba, vibraphone
Years active	1996–present
Associated acts	Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante, Ataxia, Dot Hacker, The Bicycle Thief, Thelonious Monster, Gnarls Barkley, Warpaint, Sparks
Notable instruments
Ural Fender Stratocaster Fender Telecaster Gibson Firebird Gretsch White Penguin Gibson ES-335 Fender Jaguar

Josh Adam Klinghoffer (born October 3, 1979) is an American multi-instrumentalist, who is best known as the current guitarist and backing vocalist for the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Klinghoffer replaced his friend and frequent collaborator John Frusciante, who left the band in 2009. Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers on April 14, 2012, becoming the Hall of Fame's youngest-ever inductee.

Klinghoffer also fronts Dot Hacker, and was a member of Ataxia (alongside Frusciante), The Bicycle Thief and Warpaint. He most commonly plays guitar or drums, and sings backup as well as lead. He has also both recorded and toured as a session musician with Gnarls Barkley, Sparks, PJ Harvey, Beck, The Butthole Surfers, Golden Shoulders and Vincent Gallo amongst others.

Life and career[link]

Early career and The Bicycle Thief (1995–2001)[link]

Dropping out of formal education at age of 15, Klinghoffer became involved in performing and recording music in Los Angeles at an early age. Klinghoffer describes himself at this time as "[the] little music dork who lived around the corner, dropped out of high school, and was just playing guitar all day long."^[1] In 1997, at the age of seventeen, Klinghoffer joined The Bicycle Thief, the then-current project from former Thelonious Monster frontman Bob Forrest. Red Hot Chili Peppers vocalist Anthony Kiedis noted that, "Bob [Forrest] has always had a very keen sensibility about finding extremely talented and down-to-earth people who just want to get to a kitchen and write a song."^[2] The band's subsequent studio album, You Come and Go Like a Pop Song, marked Klinghoffer's first recording experience.^[1] Regarding bandmate Forrest's notorious drug addiction, which arguably stalled Thelonious Monster's commercial success, Klinghoffer stated at this time that he: "Pretty much had enough confidence in myself to know that I wasn't gonna be 'the next Bob Forrest'."

In 2000, The Bicycle Thief opened for Red Hot Chili Peppers, as they toured in support of their seventh studio album, Californication.

John Frusciante and Ataxia (2002–2004)[link]

Klinghoffer and then-Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante began writing together in 2002, with the hopes of recording and releasing an album under a band name. This album was eventually released as a John Frusciante solo release in 2004, entitled Shadows Collide with People.^[3] Regarding this decision, Frusciante stated:

During the first six months of 2004, Klinghoffer continued to assist Frusciante in the studio during a break from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Klinghoffer's live drums can be heard on most of John Frusciante's solo work, including The Empyrean. Together, they recorded two further Frusciante solo albums, The Will to Death and Inside of Emptiness, an electronica album credited to both musicians, A Sphere in the Heart of Silence, and two full-band albums, with Fugazi bassist Joe Lally; Automatic Writing and AW II, under the name Ataxia. Josh Klinghoffer contributed drums and keyboards to John Frusciante's solo albums, and drums for Ataxia.

Frusciante commented on his relationship with Klinghoffer in 2004 stating: "He's simply a very talented person and has been a very close friend for the past four years. He's one of the very few people who I really like to spend a lot of time with. In many respects he's the person who is closest to me, and with whom I can speak honestly about everything. His opinion is very important to me and I value it a lot."^[4]

In 2004, Klinghoffer also appeared on former bandmate Bob Forrest's latest studio album with Thelonious Monster, California Clam Chowder.

Dot Hacker (2008–present)[link]

Klinghoffer founded his own band, Dot Hacker, in 2008, where he holds the position of primary songwriter, singer, rhythm guitarist and pianist. They have released five songs, starting with "Order/Disorder", "Eye Opener", "Neon Arrow" (via their my space) and "Inhibition" which was first played in a Bob Forrest radio show.^[5]. "Inhibition" and a fifth, previously unreleased track, "Rewire", are included in the 4-song Dot Hacker EP, released in early 2012 for digital download via Amazon and iTunes.^[6]

Joining Red Hot Chili Peppers (2009–present)[link]

In 2007, Klinghoffer played with Red Hot Chili Peppers on the final few legs of their Stadium Arcadium tour, playing additional guitar, backing vocals, and keyboard parts alongside the band. This tour would ultimately be John Frusciante's last with the band, and Klinghoffer's first.

On May 8, 2009, amidst confusion as to whether Frusciante still remained within Red Hot Chili Peppers, Klinghoffer, Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, Ron Wood and Ivan Neville performed under the name, The Insects, at a MusiCares in honour of Kiedis's commitment to helping those struggling with addiction and recovery.^[7]

In 2009, the Red Hot Chili Peppers ended a two-year hiatus, and were joined by Klinghoffer in the studio to begin work on their tenth album. In January 2010, Klinghoffer performed with the band for the first time as their lead guitarist at a MusiCares tribute event to Neil Young for a performance of Young's "A Man Needs a Maid." It was later revealed he would permanently replace Frusciante as guitarist.^[8] Klinghoffer was officially named the replacement for John Frusciante in early 2010. Regarding his entry into the band, Klinghoffer notes, "I've always been attracted to the idea of a tight-knit unit, a band of family, a brotherhood. Since my earliest memory, they always seemed like a band with a lot of love for each other."^[9]

In May 2010, Klinghoffer along with Flea performed the United States national anthem at a Lakers home playoff game during the NBA Western Conference Finals series against the Phoenix Suns.^[10]

After eleven months of writing and rehearsing, the Chili Peppers began recording their new album on September 13, 2010.^[11] According to drummer Chad Smith, Klinghoffer also sang, wrote music and played keyboards on the upcoming album.^[12] Recording for the new album was completed on March 18, 2011 and was in the process of being mixed. The album, now called I'm with You, was released on August 29, 2011. The band's first single off the new album, "The Adventures of Raindance Maggie", features intricate, textured, and layered guitars and Klinghoffer's unique style and guitar playing has clearly taken the band in a new musical direction.^[13]

In 2011, Klinghoffer wrote and performed the original score for the documentary Bob and the Monster. Klinghoffer also appears in the documentary, which is based on the life and career of musician and drug counselor Bob Forrest.^[14]

Klinghoffer will also appear on former Jane's Addiction bassist Eric Avery's forthcoming solo album.^[15]

On July 10, 2011, Klinghoffer appeared at the 2011 School of Rock's Rock the House Tour which also featured Keith Morris and Page Hamilton. Klinghoffer joined the School of Rock kids on stage to perform Red Hot Chili Peppers songs "Dani California' and "Give It Away". This was the first time he performed any of the Chili Peppers' songs live since officially joining the band as their guitarist^[16]

In April 2012, Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. At 32 years of age, Klinghoffer is the youngest artist ever inducted, passing Stevie Wonder, who was 38 when he was inducted.^[17]

Dot Hacker released a 4 track self-titled EP on February 21, 2012. The EP is available only for download through Amazon.com and iTunes. The band will release their first full length album titled, Inhibition on May 1st, 2012^[18]. Klinghoffer played a few shows with the band in March 2012 while off from his duties with the Chili Peppers due to singer Anthony Kiedis recovering from foot surgery.

Personal life[link]

Josh is distantly related to Leon Klinghoffer who was murdered by terrorists aboard Achille Lauro in 1985. According to Josh, Leon was a fourth or fifth cousin of his grandfather.^[19]

Josh met John Frusciante while recording music for The Bicycle Thief's album. John came in to record a solo and they began to hang out. He would visit John's house and they would listen to music. ^[20]

Discography[link]

Solo

• A Sphere in the Heart of Silence (2004) (credited to both John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer)

with Dot Hacker

• Inhibition (2012)
• Dot Hacker EP (2012)

with Red Hot Chili Peppers

• I'm with You (2011)
• Official Bootlegs (2011-2012)
• 2011 Live EP (2012)
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Covers EP (2012)

with The Bicycle Thief

• You Come and Go Like a Pop Song (1999)

with Ataxia

• Automatic Writing (2004)
• AW II (2007)

with John Frusciante

• Shadows Collide With People (2004)
• The Will to Death (2004)
• Inside of Emptiness (2004)
• The Empyrean (2009)

with Warpaint

• Exquisite Corpse (2008)

with Golden Shoulders

• Let My Burden Be (2002)
• Friendship Is Deep (2004)
• Get Reasonable (2009)

Other appearances

• Pop Killer – Paul Oakenfold (2010)^[21]
• Bambi Lee Savage – "GJ and the PimpKillers" (2009)
• The Last Laugh – Joker's Daughter (2009)
• The Silence of Love – Headless Heroes (2008)
• Chains- Pocahaunted (2008)
• The Blue God – Martina Topley-Bird (2008)
• The Odd Couple- Gnarls Barkley (2008)
• Stainless Style – Neon Neon (2008)
• The Deep Blue – Charlotte Hatherley (2007)
• Nun Lover! – Spleen (2007)
• A Loveletter to the Transformer, Pt. 1 The Diary of IC Explura (2007)
• The Peel Sessions 1991-2004 – PJ Harvey (2006)
• Dog Problems – The Format (2006)
• Modern Folk and Blues: Wednesday – Bob Forrest (2006)
• The Roads Don't Love You – Gemma Hayes (2005)
• California Clam Chowder – Thelonious Monster (2004)
• Blowback – Tricky (2001)
• Song Yet to be Sung – Perry Farrell (2001)

Tours[link]

• The Bicycle Thief (Guitar, 2000)
• Vincent Gallo (Guitar, Bass, Piano, 2001)
• Butthole Surfers (Guitar, 2001)
• Beck (Guitar, 2003)
• Golden Shoulders (Bass, 2003)
• PJ Harvey (Guitar, 2004)
• Sparks (Guitar, 2006-2008)
• Gnarls Barkley (Guitar & Synthesizer, 2006–2008, Vocals, 2008)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers (Guitar, Vocals, Synthesizer, Drums & Percussion, 2007)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Fan Site about Josh Klinghoffer
• Josh Klinghoffer on Myspace
• The Bicycle Thief on Myspace
• Dot Hacker on Myspace

Chad Smith
Chad Smith performing with Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Prudential Center in Newark on May 4, 2012.
Background information
Birth name	Chadwick Smith
Born	(1961-10-25) October 25, 1961 (age 50) St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Genres	Funk rock, alternative rock, funk metal, experimental rock, hard rock, heavy metal, jazz-funk
Instruments	guitar, Piano, Guitar, Oboe, Saxophone, Didgeridoo, Flute
Years active	1982–present
Associated acts	Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot, Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats, Glenn Hughes, Dave Navarro, Toby Redd

Chadwick "Chad" Gaylord Smith (born October 25, 1961)^[1][2][3] is an American musician, best known as the longtime and current drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers whom he joined in 1988. Smith is also the drummer of the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot, which formed in 2008.

Smith has also worked with Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes' backing band and on his own instrumental side-project, Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats. In 2010 Smith released a children's record, Rhythm Train which he recorded with legend, Dick Van Dyke, and Leslie Bixler. In April 2010 MTV named Rhythm Train one of the best children's records of all time.

In addition to Smith's bands, he also records with many other musicians including The Dixie Chicks, Kid Rock, George Clinton and Outernational. Smith was ranked #87 on Rolling Stone list of "100 Greatest Drummers of All time". He entered the Guinness book of the world records for playing the world's largest drum kit consisting of 308 pieces. In March 2012 Modern Drummer named Smith #2 on its list of best living drummers.

Smith, along with his Red Hot Chili Peppers bandmates, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, 2012.

Biography[link]

Smith was born Chadwick Smith on October 25, 1961 in Saint Paul, Minnesota but spent most of his childhood in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where he attended Andover High School and graduated from Lahser High School in 1980. Following high school, Smith spent his time playing in many local bands and the local club scene. It wasn't until 1988 when Smith decided to fly to California to visit his brother that his life changed. While in California, Smith was one of the last drummers to audition for the vacant spot left open by D. H. Peligro in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Smith completely blew the other three band members away with his aggressive drumming, although Smith's personal style and background of hard rock and motorcycles didn't completely mesh with the other three, who came from a punk rock background. Singer Anthony Kiedis hired Smith to be in the band although he insisted that he needed to get rid of his bandana and long hair. The following day, Smith showed up for another audition wearing the same bandanna and sporting the same long hair. Kiedis admired Smith and found his persistence pretty impressive.^{[citation needed]} Smith joined the Chili Peppers in December 1988 and within a few months was recording his first album with the band, Mother's Milk. Smith reflected on joining the band in a 2012 interview by saying “I remember thinking, ‘Oh, cool, they have a record deal. Great! I’d love to be in a band that has a record deal. We started playing, and right away we just hit it off musically. I was like, ‘Man, this is a blast! These guys are great!’ … We were just doing what we do. We just jammed, which is what we still do today. It’s very similar.”^[4]

In 2008, during a break for the Chili Peppers, Smith joined the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot. The group has released two album to date. In 2011, due to touring commitments with the Chili Peppers, Smith was unable to tour with Chickenfoot and was replaced by Kenny Aronoff although Smith still remains a member of the band and plans to record more music with them during the next break away from the Chili Peppers.

In August 2011, the Chili Peppers released I'm with You, their tenth studio album, seventh with Smith. The band expects to be on the road until at least 2013 supporting the album although Smith said a new album isn't expected until at least late 2013. In April 2012, the band was inducted by Chris Rock into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Personal life[link]

On May 8, 2004 in Hopetown, Abaco, Bahamas, Smith got married for the second time to architect Nancy Mack. They have two sons together, Cole and Beckett Cash and as of March 2012 are expecting their third child as announced by Smith on his Twitter page. Smith has 3 other children from previous relationships; daughter Manon St. John Smith with first wife, Maria St. John, daughter Ava Smith, and son Justin Smith.^[3][5]

Smith is a diehard Detroit Pistons fan and loves playing golf, riding motorcycles, surfing and watching Saturday Night Live. He has a striking resemblance to actor Will Ferrell and has acknowledged the resemblance in various interviews.^[6]

Smith regularly contributes to many non profit organizations including: MusiCares, Surfer's Healing, an organization which provides aid to children facing Autism, Right Turn in Boston, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Hospitals across the United States and Camp Korey, which is one of Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall summer camps for children with serious illness.

Equipment[link]

Chad Smith drumming at the London Guitar Show 2008

Chad's Pearl Acrylic kit:

• 12x8 tom
• 14x14 floor tom
• 16x16 floor tom
• 24x18 kick drum
• 14×5 Pearl Ultracast Snare

Note: Chad rarely uses his signature snare.

Sabian cymbals:

• 14" AAX-Celerator Hats,
• 21" AA Rock Ride,
• 20" AA Rock Crash,
• 19" AA Medium Crash,
• 19" Vault Holy China,
• 10" AAX Splash

Vater Percussion sticks:

• Chad Smith Funk Blaster

Pearl hardware:

• C1000 straight stand x 5
• P2000C bass drum pedal
• H2000 hi-hat stand
• S2000 snare stand
• D1000S throne
• T2000 double tom stand
• B1000 boom stand
• AX20 adapter

Remo drumheads:

• Clear Powerstroke 4 (Bass Drum Batter): 24"
• Clear Ambassador (Tom Resonants): 12", 14", 16"
• Clear Controlled Sound(Tom Batters):12", 14", 16"
• Coated Controlled Sound (Snare Batter): 14"
• Ambassador Hazy (Snare Side): 14"

Selected discography[link]

• Jam Sessions - Jamming with Linc (1977)
• Pharaoh - Point Of Entry (1982)
• Toby Redd - In the Light (1986)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - Mother's Milk (1989)
• Second Self - Mood Ring (1990)
• Twenty Mondays - Twist Inside (1992)
• Queen Remix (1991)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)
• Wild Colonials - Fruit of Life (1994)
• General Clusterfunk - Starin' Straight at the Sun (1994)
• Various Artists - A Means to an End: The Music of Joy Division (1995)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - One Hot Minute (1995)
• Original Soundtrack - Grace of my Heart (1996)
• Wayne Kramer - Dangerous Madness (1996)
• Thermadore - Monkey on Rico (1996)
• Howard Stern's Private Parts (1997)
• Lili Haydn - Lili (1997)
• John Fogerty - Blue Moon Swamp (1997)
• Leah Andreone - Alchemy (1998)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication (1999)
• Fishbone - The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerk (2000)
• Various Artists - Loud Rocks (2000)
• Dave Navarro - Trust No One (2001)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the Way (2002)
• Johnny Cash - Unearthed (2003)
• Glenn Hughes - Songs In The Key Of Rock (2003)
• Hughes Turner Project - HTP 2 (2003)
• John Frusciante - Shadows Collide With People (2004)
• Glenn Hughes - Soulfully Live In The City Of Angels (2004)
• Glenn Hughes - Soul Mover (2005)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium (2006)
• Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way (2006)
• Glenn Hughes - Music For The Divine (2006)
• Glenn Hughes - First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (2008)
• George Clinton - George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love (2008)
• Chickenfoot - Chickenfoot (2009)
• Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats - Meet The Meatbats (2009)
• B'z - Ichibu to Zenbu/Dive (2009)
• Rhythm Train with Leslie Bixler, Chad Smith and Featuring Dick Van Dyke - (2010) ^[7]
• Paul Oakenfold - Pop Killer (2010)
• Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats - More Meat (2010)
• Kid Rock - Born Free (2010) ^[8]
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm with You (2011)
• Chickenfoot - Chickenfoot III (2011)
• Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats - Live Meat And Potatoes (2012)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Red Hot Chili Peppers Official website
• Chad on Twitter
• Rhythm Train
• Guitarworld
• Chad Smith on Drum Channel

Richie Ranno (b. January 21, 1950 in Bronx, New York) is a musician, most famous as a member of Starz.

Early life[link]

Ranno's family moved to Teaneck, New Jersey, in 1956. After high school Ranno moved to Wisconsin and put together a rock trio, Bungi, consisting of Jon Parrot (of Washington, DC) on bass and Steve Mundt (Appleton, Wisconsin) on drums. The band recorded the single "Six Days on the Road" on the Target label. The record received some airplay in Madison, Wisconsin, and other areas. The band opened for such Midwest locals as Bob Seger, Fuse (later Cheap Trick), REO Speedwagon, Styx and many more.

In 1973 Ranno moved back to Teaneck and shortly after joined the band Stories in September. Stories' "Brother Louie" had just reached #1, and guitarist Steve Love quit to join Jobriath. Ranno was among about 20 guitarists who auditioned for the position. Stories in September continued to tour as a headliner and as an opener for such acts as Black Oak Arkansas, Johnny Winter, The Eagles and others. The band appeared on American Bandstand on April 13, 1973. The band also consisted of vocalist Ian Lloyd, bassist Kenny Aaronson, drummer Bryan Madey, and keyboardist Ken Bichel. After the band split in October 1974, Ranno stayed on with Lloyd's solo project, which included drummer Gregg Diamond, bassist Jim Gregory, and saxophonist/guitarist Ian McDonald (King Crimson). Ranno left in March 1974 and was replaced by Mick Jones (Foreigner). Jones put Foreigner together around this time and recruited McDonald for the band. He also tried to get Lloyd as vocalist, but Lloyd was close to getting a solo recording contract that he eventually did get.

Later in 1975 Ranno auditioned for the band Fallen Angels. He had heard they were managed by Rock Steady/Bill Aucoin who managed Kiss at the time. Ranno was one of about 75 guitarists to audition and quickly landed the position. After a month the band fired the keyboard player and changed their name to Starz. The band immediately began writing and recording demo songs. They also toured with ZZ Top and Peter Frampton.

Starz got their recording deal with Capitol Records in the spring of 1976 and recorded their debut album, Starz, at the Record Plant Studios, considered by some to be the best recording studio in history. Producer Jack Douglas took the band into the studio and made a brilliant album supported by a long tour with Aerosmith for a while and Ted Nugent at times.

The band recorded and released their second album, Violation. That album had two hit singles; "Cherry Baby" was a national Top 40 hit, and "Sing It Shout It" went to #65. The first two albums are on Kerrang! magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time^[1] and Hit Parader magazine's Top 100 Rock Albums of All Time.^[2] Violation is also listed in Classic Rock magazine's "150 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" issue.^[3]

References[link]