Foreigner
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Questions
Who founded Foreigner and when?
Guitarist Mick Jones founded Foreigner in 1976 in New York City. He recruited vocalist Lou Gramm and several others to complete the original lineup.
Where does the name Foreigner come from?
The original six-man lineup was split between British and American members, so no matter which country they played in, at least half the band would be considered foreigners. That mix inspired the name.
Who was in the original 1976 lineup?
Lou Gramm on vocals, Mick Jones on guitar, Dennis Elliott on drums, Al Greenwood on keyboards, Ian McDonald on multiple instruments, and Ed Gagliardi on bass. Jones, Elliott, and McDonald were British while Gramm, Greenwood, and Gagliardi were American.
What did Mick Jones do before Foreigner?
Jones had already been around, having played in Nero and the Gladiators, Johnny Hallyday’s band, Spooky Tooth, and the Leslie West band before starting Foreigner.
What was the connection to King Crimson?
Multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald, one of the founding members, had previously been in the progressive rock band King Crimson.
What were their first hit singles?
Their 1977 self-titled debut album produced two US Top 10 singles, "Feels Like the First Time" (No. 4) and "Cold as Ice" (No. 6).
Was I Want to Know What Love Is their only number one?
Yes. The 1985 power ballad "I Want to Know What Love Is" was their only No. 1 US hit, and it also topped the charts in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Who sang backup on I Want to Know What Love Is?
The ballad was backed by Jennifer Holliday and the New Jersey Mass Choir, which gave the song its huge gospel-flavored sound.
Is it true a famous soul saxophonist played on one of their songs?
Yes. The hit "Urgent" features the famous saxophone solo by Motown legend Junior Walker.
Did Thomas Dolby really play on their records?
He did. Thomas Dolby played synthesizers on the album 4, contributing the signature synth sound on "Urgent" and playing the intro to "Waiting for a Girl Like You".
What chart record does Waiting for a Girl Like You hold?
The ballad reached No. 2 on the US Hot 100 and stayed there for a record 10 consecutive weeks.
How well did the album 4 do?
Released in 1981, 4 spent 10 weeks at No. 1 in the US. Their 1982 compilation Records became their best-selling album, certified 7 times platinum in the US.
How many records has Foreigner sold?
Worldwide sales exceed 80 million records, including 38 million in the US, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
Did Lou Gramm ever leave the band?
Yes, Gramm departed twice, first in 1990 and again in 2003. In April 1997 he also underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. Kelly Hansen was invited to join as lead singer in March 2005.
Are they in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes. In 2024 Foreigner was selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.