Electric Light Orchestra, or ELO, blended guitars, cellos, violins, drums, horns and keyboards to produce some of the most original and dynamic progressive rock music in the 1970s and '80s.
The group, formed in 1970 by Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, scored 27 Top 40 hits on the Billboard charts including seven that hit the Top 10. Interestingly, ELO never hit No. 1 in the United States despite selling more than 50 million units. But they were certainly one of a kind.
Among their biggest hits were No. 4 "Don't Bring Me Down," No. 7 "Telephone Line," No. 8 "Shine A Little Love," No. 9s "Can't Get It Out of My Head" and "Turn to Stone," and No. 10s "Evil Woman" and "Hold on Tight." They also hit No. 8 with Olivia Newton-John with "Xanadu."
Among my favorites, in addition to their hits, include "Mr. Blue Sky," "Sweet Talkin' Woman," "Livin' Thing" and "Calling America." And their rousing cover of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" is unforgettable.
Needless to say, if you've read previous "Spotlight on...." posts, ELO hasn't been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not even nominated even though they've been eligible since 1996. Unreal.
I believe Lynne should be inducted in the Rock Hall simply for his solo work, as a musician (ELO and Traveling Wilburys), producer, and songwriter. Read a great interview with Lynne in Billboard.
Now enjoy few music videos from this great band:
Roll Over Beethoven
Don't Bring Me Down
Telephone Line
Until the next time...
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