Marshall Crenshaw, born and raised in Michigan, used theater as the back door to a career in rock 'n' roll. He fronted many popular but unsigned bar bands in and around Detroit, but none of these acts succeeded in grabbing the attention of A&R execs. Frustrated, he answered a classified ad in Rolling Stone Magazine recruiting potential actors for a new Broadway play that simulated the entire history of Beatles performances, complete with look and sound-alike musicians, called Beatlemania. Crenshaw and his…entire summary
Marshall Crenshaw - vocals, guitar
Robert Crenshaw - vocals, drums
Chris Donato - bass
Marshall Crenshaw, born and raised in Michigan, used theater as the back door to a career in rock 'n' roll. He fronted many popular but unsigned bar bands in and around Detroit, but none of these acts succeeded in grabbing the attention of A&R execs. Frustrated, he answered a classified ad in Rolling Stone Magazine recruiting potential actors for a new Broadway play that simulated the entire history of Beatles performances, complete with look and sound-alike musicians, called Beatlemania. Crenshaw and his younger brother, Robert, moved to New York City, where Marshall landed a role as understudy to the character of John Lennon. When the show went on the road, Crenshaw played the part on stage for years.
While touring the country, he brought a guitar and four track porta-studio where he spent his days laying down demos of original songs. Upon leaving Beatlemania in 1982, he was able to get a singles deal on the indie label Shake It Records and, due to the response he received, a full blown recording contract with Warner Brothers Records.
His debut LP, released in 1982, featured an offering of carefully crafted power pop hits - hip enough to appeal to fans of New Wave but radio friendly enough to attract mainstream rock fans. The single "Some Day, Some How" broke Crenshaw onto the radio stateside and abroad, although it was not quite popular enough to make him a household name. That song is featured in this performance, as is a great version of his hit "Something's Gonna Happen," which directly contributed to his 1982 signing with Warner.
This performance, recorded for the King Biscuit Flower Hour, is from his debut tour promoting his self-titled first album. With his brother Robert on drums and friend Chris Donato on bass, Crenshaw presented his songs within the context of a tight trio full of energy and musicianship.
Listen and enjoy the fruits of a ripe and uniquely realized career.
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