157 Riverside Avenue

REO Speedwagon

About 157 Riverside Avenue

"157 Riverside Avenue" is a song by REO Speedwagon from their first album, REO Speedwagon, released in 1971. It was written by all five band members at the time, Terry Luttrell, Gary Richrath, Gregg Philbin, Neal Doughty, and Alan Gratzer. The title refers to the Westport, Connecticut address where the band stayed while recording that album. The song is a standard at the band's live performances, as it has been for many years. Where the original studio version clocked in at only 3:57, live performances include a bass solo in addition to the song's piano and guitar solos, honky-tonk piano work, and an extended interlude where lead vocalist Kevin Cronin tells a story that leads up to a "conversation" between him and lead guitarist Gary Richrath (later Dave Amato) where the guitarist's side consists of guitar solos while Kevin's side is scat vocals. The version of the song on Live: You Get What You Play For is 7:38 in length. An even longer version (12:22) was included on the compilation album A Decade of Rock and Roll: 1970-1980, and a third live version (with Amato) appears on Arch Allies: Live at Riverport at a length of 7:39. 


Year:
1980
12:22
76 
#1

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We flew into town on Sunday, had to find a place by Monday
Tried Bridgeport and Westport, 'til we found a place that we thought would do
157 Riverside Avenue.

Saugatuck River's flowin', Mother nature's colors were showin'
So cold, so rainy, we couldn't help feelin' blue
Not enough time, too many things to do.

We met a young girl on Main street, wanted to just pass her by
She was homely, so lonely, She said, "Can I make love to you."
We shouted 157 Riverside Avenue.

It's over, Miss Lena, we're leaving. Such a pleasant stay, I must say.
So nice, so easy, we hate to say goodbye to you
At 157 Riverside Avenue.

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REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. Speedwagon) is an American rock band. Formed in 1967, the band cultivated a following during the 1970s and achieved significant commercial success throughout the 1980s. Hi Infidelity (1980) contained four US Top 40 hits and is the group's best-selling album, with over ten million copies sold. Over the course of its career, the band has sold more than 40 million records and has charted thirteen Top 40 hits, including the number ones "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling". REO Speedwagon's mainstream popularity dissipated in the 1990s but the band remains a popular live act. more »

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Written by: ALAN GRATZER, GARY RICHRATH, NEAL DOUGHTY, PETER PHILBIN, TERRY LUTTRELL

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Title and Band
"157 Riverside Avenue" is a song performed by American rock band REO Speedwagon.
Album Information
This song is from their second studio album titled "R.E.O./T.W.O." which was released in 1972.
Live Performance
"157 Riverside Avenue" is often extended for live performances, featuring a call and response section between lead vocalist Kevin Cronin and lead guitarist Gary Richrath.
Initial Popularity
This song, despite its popularity within live performances, was not a major commercial success when it was first released.
Studio Recording
The studio recording of "157 Riverside Avenue" was just over 3 minutes and 30 seconds long.
Connection to the Band's Origins
The song is named after the address where the band stayed during their early years, in an old Victorian home in Champaign, Illinois.
Role in Band's Evolution
During their live performances on "157 Riverside Avenue", the band often would introduce their members to the audience – an aspect considered pivotal in helping to solidify the band's lineup.
Genre
"157 Riverside Avenue" falls under the rock music genre, showcasing the band's characteristic rock sound with a touch of soft rock and hard rock elements.
Writers
This song was written by all the band members including Terry Luttrell, Gary Richrath, Gregg Philbin, Neal Doughty, and Alan Gratzer.
Present in Compilation Albums
"157 Riverside Avenue" also appears in two of the band’s compilation albums: "A Decade of Rock and Roll: 1970 to 1980" and "The Essential REO Speedwagon".
Live Album Appearance
A live version of "157 Riverside Avenue" was part of the band's 1977 live album, "Live: You Get What You Play For", which was their first live album.

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