Iconic Band FELT Frontman's Song Was CRAP-So HE Did it Solo…Became #1 hit of 1987!-Professor of Rock

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
  • Coming up, an interview with Lou Gramm, one of the greatest rock voices in history about his biggest hit. He was in the Hall of Fame band Foreigner, and they ruled the 70s and 80s. But as they hit their peak the Lou wanted to Rock, but their guitarist and band leader Mick Jones was writing softer ballads. So Lou brought in a rock song he’d written called Midnight Blue to possibly put on their next album. But his writing partner didn’t want to do it. So in the end Lou Gramm recorded it for his solo album. And lo and behold it became the most-played song of 1987, and out-performed every single from Foreigner's new album in direct competition. Get ready for a very funny interview with the great Lou Gramm, next on Professor for Rock.
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    I’m excited to jump into another episode of our series: Revelations- where featured artists go deep on their greatest songs and albums. In the mid-80s after moving audiences with rockers like Feels Like the First Time, Hot Blooded, and Jukebox Hero, Foreigner had their biggest hit with I Want to Know What Love Is. It went to #1 and according to the lead singer of the band at that time LOU Gramm, it pushed the band into a big of a different direction. Mick Jones was putting the guitar down and doing more with synthesizers and more and more ballads were becoming part of the current lifeblood. Lou wanted to rock so one day he brought in a song he’d written called Midnight Blue to show to Mick for their next record, Well Mick turned it down so it would get put on Lou’s first solo album… It became one of the biggest records of 1987 hitting #1 on the rock charts and was awarded the most played song of the year outdoing Foreigner’s next album…
    Up next Lou tells the story and shares his hilarious blow-by-blow in trying to sing what he thought was the most syrupy ballad of the band’s career and what Midnight Blue actually means. Let’s get into the interview. As we do, I want to thank our sponsor Zenni Eyewear Look with Summer around the corner You’re going to need some sunglasses. If you’re in the market for those or other types of frames, whether prescription or reading glasses, Zenni has you covered. Get up to 80% off the price you would normally pay for glasses. Just click on the info button right up there to get the POR rate.
    Here’s Lou with the story...
    I think Midnight Blue is the most under-appreciated song of 1987... Make sure to Leave us a comment about this amazing song… What are your memories of Midnight Blue? What would it have sounded like as a Foreigner song? What is your take what are your memories of this classic song? Stay tuned for more special episodes to celebrate a million subs. Let’s discuss in the comments. If you dig our content and our videos, make sure to subscribe below so you never miss out on our content. Make sure to look us up on Patreon for more content help us Keep the music alive my friends. Until next time.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @ProfessorofRock
    @ProfessorofRock  8 місяців тому +74

    Poll: What is your pick for the greatest "SOLO" SONG or ALBUM after "SAID" artist had been in a band?

    • @BillGraper
      @BillGraper 8 місяців тому +50

      Phil Collins - Everything he did as a soloist. 😎

    • @Whisper_292
      @Whisper_292 8 місяців тому +22

      Stevie Nicks

    • @mikenicholson7465
      @mikenicholson7465 8 місяців тому +21

      Sting. Blue Turtles. Oh my goodness!

    • @freezer8530
      @freezer8530 8 місяців тому +31

      I'll nominate ... Lionel Ritchie (formally of the Commodores).

    • @rogerdeahl9629
      @rogerdeahl9629 8 місяців тому +22

      Paul McCartney -- Wings Over America
      Rod Stewart -- Young Turks
      George Michael -- Freedom 90
      Stevie Nicks --Bella Donna

  • @davidanderson-wn4ep
    @davidanderson-wn4ep 8 місяців тому +721

    I like to remind people that Lou had hits without Foreigner, but Foreigner has never had a hit without Lou. Great tune, great voice.

    • @larrylarry739
      @larrylarry739 8 місяців тому +53

      Correct! Foreigner with Kelly Hansen is just a cover band playing Lou Gramm's big hit songs.

    • @JohnSmith-es9qx
      @JohnSmith-es9qx 8 місяців тому +11

      Lowdown and Dirty from 1991's Unusual Heat was a minor hit in the US and it did quite well here in NZ, but I find it ironic that Lou left because he wanted a more rock focused Foreigner and Mick goes and releases wha could arguably be considered the rockiest Foreigner album for a decade. Haha

    • @judymusselman567
      @judymusselman567 8 місяців тому +13

      @@JohnSmith-es9qx wtf are you fr?. I'm just asking but please name one top ten or even top twenty after Lou left them .

    • @judymusselman567
      @judymusselman567 8 місяців тому +6

      @@JohnSmith-es9qx only because Lou called him out jmo

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому +4

      Good reminder!

  • @richpalmisano1740
    @richpalmisano1740 4 місяці тому +17

    Lou is a badass singer...such raw freaking power in that voice.

  • @counterpuncher01
    @counterpuncher01 8 місяців тому +252

    How rare is it the singer wanted to rock more than the guitar player...wow

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому +7

      That’s kinda ironic!

    • @wallofrock6725
      @wallofrock6725 8 місяців тому +11

      Yeah, Mick was a money hound.

    • @justsomeguy6133
      @justsomeguy6133 8 місяців тому +7

      Mick is an average guitarist at best anyway.

    • @Rob-dp3vr
      @Rob-dp3vr 8 місяців тому +8

      Van Halen/Roth is the only other example I can think of. And Roth was right.
      The next era with the fill-in singer was loaded with keyboards, and it became a melancholy band that sold less records and went down in popularity. Turn on the radio, all you hear is classic VH

    • @justsomeguy6133
      @justsomeguy6133 8 місяців тому +10

      @@Rob-dp3vr that’s an interesting situation. Sammy has it in him to rock hard, he has done so. I think he’s superior as a singer and musician to Roth.
      I also think it’s important to point out that Eddie wanted the band to go that direction, Dave didn’t, Sammy went along with it.

  • @MalluFilipino
    @MalluFilipino 8 місяців тому +231

    Let's not forget "Lost In The Shadows" by Lou Gramm on the Lost Boys movie soundtrack in 1987. Epic!

  • @MusicJunkiePlus
    @MusicJunkiePlus 6 місяців тому +10

    Definitely one of the most under appreciated songs of the second half of the 80’s!

  • @paulasusan63
    @paulasusan63 3 місяці тому +7

    Lou Gramm is one of my favorite singers ever!

  • @OriginalGrasshopper
    @OriginalGrasshopper 8 місяців тому +221

    I met Lou Gramm after one of his solo concerts a couple of years ago. Such a gentleman! He was so kind to all of the fans and you can tell he appreciates us as much as we appreciate him.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  8 місяців тому +22

      Such a great person.

    • @JasonGorton
      @JasonGorton 8 місяців тому +17

      @@ProfessorofRock I live in the same area as Lou. When he's performing and with his fans he's very affable and generous with his time. But he's also somewhat private and visibly uncomfortable when you run into him at the grocery store or the local diner. I can't fault him for that though. 😁

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому +10

      He’s a very nice man.

    • @harrytuttle1446
      @harrytuttle1446 8 місяців тому +6

      So glad to hear that. He has always seemed to be wonderful person.

    • @Moment-14
      @Moment-14 8 місяців тому +5

      Yeah... I lived in Webster for awhile... don't talk to Lou about music... just muscle cars ... especially novas....
      I had a friend that didn't know rock and roll, nor Foreigner, even though Tom lived in Rochester.. Tom got on great with Lou at a car show where Lou brought his Nova haha

  • @BaddogSports
    @BaddogSports 8 місяців тому +196

    Lou Gramm, one of the GREATEST rock vocalists EVER!
    Unmistakable voice, without question!

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому +1

      No doubt!

    • @coachhumph5524
      @coachhumph5524 8 місяців тому +1

      Good to see you on here Baddog. It's a great channel.

    • @sandikorevaar4743
      @sandikorevaar4743 8 місяців тому +2

      Loved Midnight Blue.

    • @BaddogSports
      @BaddogSports 8 місяців тому +2

      @@coachhumph5524 My man!!
      Hell yeah, brother!
      LOVE this channel!
      The Professor rocks!

    • @bucky4047
      @bucky4047 7 місяців тому +1

      Lou is an amazing singer and a good man.

  • @scottburton9701
    @scottburton9701 8 місяців тому +95

    "Midnight Blue" is a fantastic song-Glad it was a big hit for Lou Gramm.

    • @Mark-in1im
      @Mark-in1im Місяць тому

      So glad Mick didn't screw up Midnight Blue, easily in my top 5 of all-time favorites. And Lou Gramm is such a cool guy.

  • @photonotavailable7936
    @photonotavailable7936 4 місяці тому +8

    "Midnight Blue", two thumbs up, way UP.

  • @Binkley-rj6gf
    @Binkley-rj6gf 8 місяців тому +7

    Lou Gramm is on my Mount Rushmore of rock singers. Guy had it all - range, tone, emotion.

    • @HIgrl2024xo
      @HIgrl2024xo Місяць тому

      Still has it.. showed it on RRHOF last night🔥🤘🏼

  • @susannea142
    @susannea142 8 місяців тому +171

    Lou Gramm and Steve Perry were the iconic voices of the 70’s and 80’s !

    • @joseluiscintron6863
      @joseluiscintron6863 8 місяців тому +6

      I would like to add that Jimi Jamison (Survivor's 2nd and best lead singer) belongs on that list with Lou Gramm and Steve Perry.

    • @joseluiscintron6863
      @joseluiscintron6863 8 місяців тому +2

      @davidadams5280... I'm sorry Sir but, in my opinion Foreigner is superior to Bad Company. I don't believe Paul Rodgers was one of the best vocalists during his prime. I actually like the songs that the band put out from 1986 through 1994 as Bad Co. with Brian Howe (R.I.P.) as the lead singer, much better than the songs that were put out with Rodgers.

    • @DavidBennett-fv2jg
      @DavidBennett-fv2jg 8 місяців тому +1

      Great though Rogers, Gramm and Perry were... Brad Delp was, still... next-level, and easily as iconic as any of the others.

    • @DavidBennett-fv2jg
      @DavidBennett-fv2jg 8 місяців тому +1

      Rodgers

    • @Nobodyimportant696
      @Nobodyimportant696 8 місяців тому +5

      Steve Perry? barf!

  • @shotgunrebels
    @shotgunrebels 6 місяців тому +11

    I can’t believe how well Lou has bounced back. I know he worked hard for many years to get his health back to where he is. It’s really amazing.

    • @styx53ocean
      @styx53ocean 5 місяців тому

      @@shotgunrebels yes, he was quite ill there for a while, but he battled his way back. Western New York tough!!

  • @paulasusan63
    @paulasusan63 3 місяці тому +5

    Just Between You and Me is one of my favorite songs by Lou Gramm!

    • @bartsullivan4866
      @bartsullivan4866 5 днів тому

      If the album had support it would have gone to #1 that song is awesome too

  • @F1FanCanuck
    @F1FanCanuck 5 місяців тому +7

    Foreigner 4 was the first album I ever bought, and ‘Juke Box Hero’ remains one of my all-time favourite songs. To this day, when I hear it I’m taken back in time to 1981, when I rocked out to the sound of that one guitar, and like a distant scream.. it just blew me away.

  • @rhondarobin-jones6957
    @rhondarobin-jones6957 6 місяців тому +5

    I LOVE LOU GRAMM WITHOUT ANY SHAME WHAT SO EVER . EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM JUST SITS RIGHT WITH ME . HE HAS A VERY WHOLESOME PERSONALITY THAT I CAN RECOGNIZE IN MY SOUL AND SPIRIT . HE IS JUST GOOD PEOPLE . PERIOD . AND AS A MUSICIAN , SINGER AND SONGWRITER , HE'S DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BEST OF ALL TIME . I WILL ALWAYS LOVE LOU GRAMM FOREVER

    • @debbiehoyt9018
      @debbiehoyt9018 Місяць тому

      He seems like a solid dude who didn't go Hollywood

  • @terryvittitow6362
    @terryvittitow6362 8 місяців тому +40

    I love this song! When I turned 16 my dad gave me his old 1980 Ford F150 farm truck to drive. I started fixin' it up and I painted it Metallic Midnight Blue. It was a beautiful truck. Not long after painting the truck, Lou's Midnight Blue song came out and I named my truck Midnight Blue after Lou's song. When I would cruise the town I would blast Lou's song through the stereo system I had in the truck. Great times! I miss that old girl.

  • @JamesDavis-sh9gh
    @JamesDavis-sh9gh 8 місяців тому +87

    Mick Jones should be grateful that Lou Gramm brought a lot of creativity to Foreigner.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  8 місяців тому +12

      They were great together.

    • @I_Fight_Instacart
      @I_Fight_Instacart 8 місяців тому

      Perhaps Lou should be more grateful for the opportunities he got thanks to Mick. His previous band was sunk and he was cleaning public buildings when Mick called. A degree of frustration is understandable, but he's been re-hashing this Mick-bashing bit for years now. And he has continued to perform _I Want to Know What Love Is_ in his solo act. If he hates it so much, why doesn't he quit singing it?

    • @davearonow65
      @davearonow65 8 місяців тому +4

      ​​@@ProfessorofRockI agree. It's easy to downplay Micks' musical talent because of the way he treated Lou and did him dirty which is hard to imagine wasn't fueled simply by greed, but Mick was the brains and the sound of that great band and Lou was the voice. History has proven that both of them needed each other and that they were far better together than either of them were on their own.

    • @George-cn1fz
      @George-cn1fz 8 місяців тому +10

      Jones needs to understand there would be no Foreigner without Lou.

    • @ScottMeyer-g8f
      @ScottMeyer-g8f 7 місяців тому

      Should of yes

  • @chrisfreemanfilms
    @chrisfreemanfilms 8 місяців тому +56

    "My following days are over, now I just gotta follow through" changed my life in 87!

  • @christineml1476
    @christineml1476 8 місяців тому +73

    I love the opening lyrics:
    "Ain't got no regrets
    I ain't losin' track of which way I'm going"
    Hearing it, you know you're in for a great, uplifting song.

  • @lewiscrow
    @lewiscrow 8 місяців тому +45

    When I heard Midnight Blue, I thought, "I wish Foreigner's recent stuff sounded this good."

  • @DavidMartin-tc1gl
    @DavidMartin-tc1gl 8 місяців тому +52

    Midnight Blue changed the direction in my life: "But my following days are over, now I just gotta follow through" is forever lodged in my heart and thinking. Thanks, Lou!

    • @Stoneylfm
      @Stoneylfm 8 місяців тому +4

      I think of that line sometimes to this day

  • @thetitleisours1
    @thetitleisours1 8 місяців тому +49

    Love these interview's with Lou Gramm. Inspiration how he has bounced back from his medical issues!

  • @cliffordanello1037
    @cliffordanello1037 8 місяців тому +27

    I was in the Army, stationed in South Korea. Loved Foreigner but was so glad Lou jumped the Synthing Ship!

  • @gregbuchanan1130
    @gregbuchanan1130 8 місяців тому +13

    It is not foreigner without Lou!!!! It ended when he left but loved his solo stuff!!! One of the best lead singers to ever be in a rock band!!!!

  • @andrewvail5458
    @andrewvail5458 8 місяців тому +27

    Lou Gramm is an under appreciated singer. Damn that man had and has such a powerful, evocative voice. 😎🤟

    • @johnnyxmusic
      @johnnyxmusic 8 місяців тому +2

      Always a wonderful sense of yearning and urgency.

    • @williamwarren2347
      @williamwarren2347 3 місяці тому

      I was a friend of Fee Waybill, lead singer of The Tubes back in the early '80's. Played on the same fast pitch softball team together. Bruno's. He always said Lou had the most amazing voice. For such a small guy he said he could belt out the most powerful vocals. Fee wasn't too bad either, but he really admired Lou.

  • @bettyrichmond7244
    @bettyrichmond7244 8 місяців тому +40

    Lou is my favorite Rock & Roll singer. He really bares his soul in everything he sings.

  • @dranet47
    @dranet47 8 місяців тому +39

    I can't believe this song is almost 40 years old. I feel ancient!

  • @tristramcoffin926
    @tristramcoffin926 8 місяців тому +28

    What a great interview. Definitely remember Midnight Blue. It was on the radio all the time and people didn't get tired of it.

  • @miketeeveedub5779
    @miketeeveedub5779 8 місяців тому +48

    Funny how Lou wanted to continue singing harder-edge songs while Mick the guitarist wanted to go soft rock/pop, not the other way around. Not sure if Mick was chasing the pop charts or just getting mellower with age. Glad Lou went the route he went; the real Juke Box Hero of my youth!

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому +3

      It’s ironic.

    • @wallofrock6725
      @wallofrock6725 8 місяців тому +5

      Mick was chasing money. Lou just enjoyed the music.

    • @tonycrabtree3416
      @tonycrabtree3416 8 місяців тому

      Was midnight blue a rocking song, though? It was top 40 at the “heaviest”. 😂

    • @wallofrock6725
      @wallofrock6725 8 місяців тому +3

      @@tonycrabtree3416 Midnight Blue was heavy metal compared to I Want To Know What Love Is 🤣

    • @debbiehoyt9018
      @debbiehoyt9018 Місяць тому

      @@tonycrabtree3416 If you listen to his christian album with his brothers that is even heavier. I think Lou did best with the bluesy rock stuff. I don't see lou doing heavy metal although I guess he could but during that time Midnight Blue fit in extremely well

  • @jonfargo7321
    @jonfargo7321 8 місяців тому +36

    I love how candid Lou is when he speaks of his time with Foreigner. He’s so authentic. An unforgettable voice.

    • @AlexTafoya-m5j
      @AlexTafoya-m5j 6 місяців тому +1

      Lou left the band bc He had a medical concern. No hard feelings

  • @dukeofkool
    @dukeofkool 8 місяців тому +8

    When first hearing "midnight blue," I thought wow, another great Foreigner hit. Then I found out it was just Lou and was perfectly fine with it. I just wish that Mick had given a little more room for Lou's creativity. They're both great artists.

  • @NamathCB
    @NamathCB 8 місяців тому +18

    Can't explain exactly what it is, your tone, delivery, idk but man your videos put me back by my portable radio listening to Casey back in the good, carefree days. Thank you Man!

  • @duromusabc
    @duromusabc 8 місяців тому +41

    And there was their hit Say You Will in 1987 - awesome song ! I remember it was used at my high school gym class for aerobics

    • @tony69em
      @tony69em 8 місяців тому

      I think that was the last song by them that I liked. I've never heard this song they are talking about in this video right now.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  8 місяців тому +6

      Very cool!

    • @tony69em
      @tony69em 8 місяців тому

      Oh yeah! Now that you say it, I remember that one. It was good too.

    • @deanlaterza9675
      @deanlaterza9675 8 місяців тому +7

      I actually like Say you will more than Midnight Blue

    • @tony69em
      @tony69em 8 місяців тому

      @@deanlaterza9675 me too. I don't even remember Midnight Blue.

  • @davidurban3357
    @davidurban3357 8 місяців тому +10

    Midnight Blue is on my all time favorites playlist, thanks for doing this feature!

  • @peterflynn2111
    @peterflynn2111 8 місяців тому +37

    Midnight Blue was a top tune still play it today and it is staple on the DAB radio 80s stations .Peaked at 8 in May of 1987 here in Australia

  • @Xerxes910
    @Xerxes910 7 місяців тому +3

    The one of the best, most underrated, and forgotten about singers until someone mentions him and everyone goes YES! What a great interview.

  • @counterpuncher01
    @counterpuncher01 8 місяців тому +9

    Lou calling Micks song sappy is the funniest thing I've heard a guest on your channel say yet Adam. I didn't see that coming...bless you Lou...history has vindicated you

  • @CA7VINBACH
    @CA7VINBACH 8 місяців тому +37

    Midnight Blue is something very special indeed.
    Same with 'Just Between You And Me' also,
    Simply stunning!

  • @KarlHalliday-q6j
    @KarlHalliday-q6j 5 місяців тому +2

    Professor great interview with my favorite Lou Gramm. He is an awesome singer.

  • @gailarnold2660
    @gailarnold2660 8 місяців тому +16

    I always loved Lou. Thanks for this interview.

  • @GenkiSugiru
    @GenkiSugiru 8 місяців тому +10

    Lou Gramm is one of my all-time favorite rock singers. And has always seemed like a decent person as well. I've always loved "Midnight Blue".

  • @Whisper_292
    @Whisper_292 8 місяців тому +249

    I hated Foreigner's departure from rock to adult boring. Midnight Blue was a refreshing change.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  8 місяців тому +14

      Thanks!

    • @fivestring65ify
      @fivestring65ify 8 місяців тому +13

      I didn't hate it, but the seventies rockers were much better.

    • @rhgamecock1
      @rhgamecock1 8 місяців тому +21

      REO Speedwagon and Journey made that same mistake I think. A ballad or two is okay like Keep On Loving You and Don't Stop Believin and Waiting For A Girl Like You but they all went too far with it.

    • @marktait2371
      @marktait2371 8 місяців тому +13

      same reo styx journey foreigner all went down that road

    • @karenmcdade7718
      @karenmcdade7718 8 місяців тому +13

      @@fivestring65ify I agree. The 70s rockers were better but there is just something about Lou's voice that just electrifies whatever he sings, including the songs that he said he wasn't feeling.

  • @t.o.408
    @t.o.408 8 місяців тому +13

    Midnight Blue is one of those songs that never gets old for me. I was never a big Foreigner fan, and I've always leaned more towards post-punk and power pop as my genres of choice, but I can't get enough of Midnight Blue even after listening to it hundreds of times. And I can't really explain why, but I guess that's the great thing about music... you like what you like.

  • @brianlondon5967
    @brianlondon5967 8 місяців тому +5

    This is one of your best interviews pal. I LOVE the fact that Lou wanted to rock even though his vocals stood out more and were even featured more on the synth material. Foreigner and Journey were my 2 favourite bands in the eighties but without Steve and Lou, I couldn’t get into it and I wasn’t alone.

  • @davidstremel5358
    @davidstremel5358 8 місяців тому +7

    My band @project Foreigner plays this song every show. The fans love it still! My mom and dad come to our shows a lot and it’s always special to sing “what my father said “. Thanks Lou!

  • @jasonmoquin
    @jasonmoquin 8 місяців тому +13

    I swear, I still listen to this song at least once a week and absolutely love it. I also use it as part of my vocal warm-ups when I need to do rock vocals. Amazing song!

  • @warrenny
    @warrenny 8 місяців тому +9

    One of the things I love most about these kinds of interviews is seeing the realism of the band members. Back in the day reading Rolling Stone or whatever, it was all just marketing hype.
    Here, we get the humble stories of people thinking about who they are and the legacy of their music.....and the differences of creative process within the group. They maybe close...they maybe friends, but they are also business people with careers. I love these details.

  • @tinahs8269
    @tinahs8269 8 місяців тому +13

    I completely agree with you about Midnight Blue...not played enough on the radio but it always commands attention when it is.

  • @cindyjames100
    @cindyjames100 8 місяців тому +4

    Great interview. I’ve always loved Lou’s voice. So glad he has enjoyed such success.

  • @dabbozknowz4845
    @dabbozknowz4845 8 місяців тому +11

    I love that song. Makes me nostalgic for my youth lol. Love the line "When I win your heart I'm gonna paint it cherry red". Thanks for covering this song and for reminding me of the other great tunes on this album. What a great interviewee Lou is! Great job Adam!

  • @cklow100
    @cklow100 8 місяців тому +10

    For me, I Don't Want To Live Without You was just a beautiful song and Lou Gramm's vocals
    were amazing. It reminds me when I first met my wife back then and now we have been married over thirty years. I'll always love that song.

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому +1

      Congrats!

    • @trebillis7399
      @trebillis7399 8 місяців тому +1

      I agree with you. It should not be dissed.

    • @kathycuster1714
      @kathycuster1714 3 місяці тому

      One of my favorites!

    • @debbiehoyt9018
      @debbiehoyt9018 Місяць тому

      @@trebillis7399 As he got older it got bluesy too. I think he would have been amazing doing a 100% blues album

  • @outernationalstudios
    @outernationalstudios 8 місяців тому +5

    Midnight Blue is one of the greatest songs of the 80s and i love it so much!!! Lou Gramms voice is one of the greatest of all time- he puts more soul in one word than most singers have in their whole careers-

  • @fivestring65ify
    @fivestring65ify 8 місяців тому +6

    THANK YOU PROFESSOR!! This is one of the greatest songs of the 80s, and it has a 70s feel to it. Lou Graham is a classic rock icon. This is one of my favorite songs.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  8 місяців тому +2

      Thanks for listening

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому +1

      It’s so simple that it rocks!

    • @fivestring65ify
      @fivestring65ify 8 місяців тому

      @@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yep, the intro grabs you, then the rhythm kicks in, and you're hooked.

  • @MyName-pl7zn
    @MyName-pl7zn 8 місяців тому +9

    I was the trouble boy looking for a double dare! I loved Lou's solo album. I had no idea what was going on behind the scenes with Lou and Mick, seems Mick was a bit of a control freak when it came to ideas and direction. Maybe that's a good thing because that got us Lou's fantastic solo album with his creations. Love Foreigner and glad they could work it out but Lou definitely could have stayed solo and he proved that. Great interview professor with so much insight!!

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому +2

      He seemed like the kind of guy that wanted to take over everything.

    • @MyName-pl7zn
      @MyName-pl7zn 8 місяців тому

      @@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 yes it seems Lou was kind of upset about his input not being taken but maybe I'm wrong

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 8 місяців тому

      @@MyName-pl7zn No I totally agree with you. It’s ironic considering the guy has a guitar in hand.

  • @karenmilovich8557
    @karenmilovich8557 4 місяці тому +2

    Saw Lou walk on stage from the audience of a small club in Buffalo at a 12 yr old Derek Trucks show and just slay on an impromptu version of Dirty White Boy. 🔥Big fan!

  • @shanestewart4814
    @shanestewart4814 8 місяців тому +7

    I remember recording this off the radio one morning before going to school. I was at the window watching for the bus as I was recording it, hoping the bus didn't show before the song ended. Just as soon as the song went off, here comes the bus and I went on out. I never thought I'd be going on a bus taking me to the place I hated most with a smile on my face.

  • @heatherwarner865
    @heatherwarner865 7 місяців тому +4

    My 1st rock concert as a teen in 1995 was Foreigner at the Van Wert County Fair. It was sold out and the crowd went nuts on Juke Box Hero. Lou's voice is iconic. Lost In the Shadows is my favorite Lou song but JBH and Until the End of Time are my favorite songs he's ever written.

  • @mariocampa4647
    @mariocampa4647 8 місяців тому +1

    Midnight Blue is one of my favorite songs of the decade. And Signor Grammatico one of my favorite singers. Great interview, Professor. And, even better tune!

  • @trinaq
    @trinaq 8 місяців тому +25

    Lou took a chance on this tune, and it eventually paid off. It might not have been right up Foreigner's alley, but it was a perfect solo song.

  • @lornacharles5380
    @lornacharles5380 3 місяці тому +3

    The background singers, of the midnight. Blue, are Awesome 😊😊😊😅

  • @deantoso5376
    @deantoso5376 8 місяців тому +28

    Was a big fan of rocking Foriegner. I was with Lou Gramm on that front.

  • @MrChrisStingray
    @MrChrisStingray 8 місяців тому +1

    Lou Gramm is from my hometown of Rochester, New York so as a kid, I remember cranking the Ready Or Not tape. That whole album is as good as the best Foreigner albums.

  • @xifled63
    @xifled63 8 місяців тому +12

    Was fortunate enough to see Lou’s solo tour of this album. Great show

  • @seereadnhear
    @seereadnhear 8 місяців тому +12

    I can't tell you how much I love this channel. To be honest I don't think there's that many people that do it better than you.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  8 місяців тому +3

      Wow! Thanks!

    • @AnnaTrail-xp8pr
      @AnnaTrail-xp8pr 8 місяців тому +2

      He was born to do this and because of his passion that is what makes him great! Glad you discovered it.

    • @seereadnhear
      @seereadnhear 8 місяців тому +1

      @@ProfessorofRock no problem and thank you

  • @devonbrooks246
    @devonbrooks246 8 місяців тому +8

    Thank You for this Adam! I LOVE this song. Lou Gramm is the best. And I agree with you. His best song from him!

  • @petegregory517
    @petegregory517 8 місяців тому +8

    '87, first full year of single after 18 years (16 married) from my ex. Driving around the mountains of south central PA (somtimes very late at night) with LG and MB in the cassette, over and over again and again.
    '88, met my babydoll, swept her up....still got 'er! Meant to be (as is everything).

  • @bicyclist2
    @bicyclist2 8 місяців тому +6

    I fondly remember this song being played multiple times a day on our local radio station in northern Michigan. Really great song. I love it. I know some of us would get up and dance when ever it came on at the local roller skating rink. Great memories. Thank you.

  • @counterpuncher01
    @counterpuncher01 8 місяців тому +11

    There's nothing funnier than iconic bandmates at odds with each other... What I would do to be a fly on the wall during those sessions.

    • @exvan3571
      @exvan3571 8 місяців тому +2

      The Black Crowes' Robinson brothers engaged in fisticuffs and swung mic stands at each other

  • @vanatic22
    @vanatic22 8 місяців тому +6

    Midnight Blue is a defining track for Lou Gramm. That song just blew me away back then, and I would sing that to my girlfriend at the time that I chased until she married me, albeit quite a few years later! The song perfectly fit us . . . from "When I win your heart I'm gonna paint it cherry red. I don't wanna talk about it, What you do to me, I can't live without it" to "I won't say where and I don't know when Soon there's gonna come a day, baby I'll be back again" In my opinion, Lou was the driving force in Foreigner's success.

  • @bigtods001
    @bigtods001 8 місяців тому +4

    Loved that song and loved that album! I wore that cassette OUT. Great interview. Thanks, P.O.R.

  • @rattyguitars
    @rattyguitars 8 місяців тому +5

    I saw them when I was in high school for the cold as ice tour. Las Vegas in the convention center, and Pat Travers was the warm-up band. The smoke of weed was so thick in the air, you could cut a knife with it. One great and memorable concert for a teenager.

  • @saigonexile531
    @saigonexile531 3 місяці тому +1

    I had forgotten about that song! It is a great one, for sure. I always enjoy interviews with Lou, thanks a lot Adam!

  • @michaelrochester48
    @michaelrochester48 8 місяців тому +6

    It’s always good when you mention Lou because in Rochester New York, he is it when it comes to rock ‘n’ roll stars

  • @stevenedwards5356
    @stevenedwards5356 5 місяців тому +1

    Amazing song, such a good message and great beat! Loved that whole album and his 2nd solo album as well. Lou is an amazing singer, one of the best of all time in my book!

  • @jennyjenny4501
    @jennyjenny4501 8 місяців тому +13

    Turn it up louder!!!
    This song is a total jam!

  • @paulasusan63
    @paulasusan63 3 місяці тому +2

    I guess I hate to say I Dont Wanna Live Without You is one of my favorite songs plus Say You will..Lou Gramm singing a ballad is very romantic to me! He was my secret lover....lol

    • @debbiehoyt9018
      @debbiehoyt9018 Місяць тому

      I wrote a letter to Lou I am sure he probably didn't read it but I told him how I had a band and sang that song to my bass player because I was so in love with him lol. If he did read it he probably thought it was corny as hell LOL

  • @drew7257
    @drew7257 8 місяців тому +7

    Lou Gramm is a truly appreciative gentleman.

  • @jasonmoquin
    @jasonmoquin 8 місяців тому +10

    Adam, I love what you do! You have the coolest job imaginable, in my opinion….LOVE this background history stuff. Keep rocking, dude.

  • @9alerix
    @9alerix 8 місяців тому +4

    I like how Lou’s camera angle makes it seem like he’s speaking to us from the stage lol

  • @robertchutonogbanua2564
    @robertchutonogbanua2564 8 місяців тому +2

    Lou Gramm is such an iconic artist. Interestingly, his career arc is very similar to Steve Perry's career. Both have great voices!

  • @mrchromaticable
    @mrchromaticable 8 місяців тому +6

    Mick Jones seems to be a very difficult person to work with. That being said, Midnight Blue is a great song and I'm glad that Lou was able to record it. I still enjoy listening to it to this day

  • @christianboyd4635
    @christianboyd4635 8 місяців тому +3

    Midnight Blue is one of my favorite songs of the decade. It’s been on rotation on my playlist on my phone for decades and I still love it every time I hear it.

  • @brentcox7772
    @brentcox7772 8 місяців тому +8

    Such a great band!! Saw them in OKC in ‘78!! Awesome interview Professor. 🤘🔥

  • @northstar7501
    @northstar7501 8 місяців тому +2

    As a young teen growing up in northern Minnesota in the early 80’s, a buddy played the Double Vision cassette and I was hooked. After that I bought Dirty White Boy and still can hear my mom yelling at me to turn it down!!! A Great time to be young.

  • @JaneSmith0709
    @JaneSmith0709 8 місяців тому +3

    Lou Gramm has one of the best voices ever! I loved the lyrics to this song, it's one of my all-time favorites.

  • @dwells37
    @dwells37 8 місяців тому +7

    I'd love to hear Lou talk about the Long Hard Look album. Such a great album, especially the song Broken Dreams!
    I think a lot of people don't realize that Vivian Campbell played on that album.

  • @wtfayfrffs
    @wtfayfrffs 8 місяців тому +5

    Midnight Blue was an instant hit for me. Still love hearing that song, made me want to show my independance as a teenager. Always felt a surge of confidence when I hear that song.

  • @TB6791
    @TB6791 8 місяців тому +7

    Lou 😮 solo it's an underrated Gem. It seemed the timing was right for it. Such a master vocally 🎙

  • @okrajoe
    @okrajoe 8 місяців тому +8

    Bizarre coincidence, this song got stuck in my head a few day ago!

  • @Herb-and-Harmony
    @Herb-and-Harmony 8 місяців тому +16

    Thanks Adam I really appreciate your videos

  • @MikeB-1965
    @MikeB-1965 8 місяців тому +4

    Very interesting and entertaining chat with a legend in rock music. It's a shame to hear about the battling behind the scenes between Lou and Mick. It's sad when egos can get in the way of great music. Midnight Blue is definitely a great song, and I agree that it's underappreciated.

  • @melaniecraze8043
    @melaniecraze8043 8 місяців тому +2

    my son and i saw lou and if he hadn't included midnight blue, i may have lost my tiny mind. 🤣 he did sing it, and i was thrilled! made the night for me.

  • @laudanum669
    @laudanum669 8 місяців тому +5

    This story reminds me of when Johnathan Cain was in "The Baby's" and wrote "Open Arms". Only to have John Waite and the other members of The Baby's take a hard pass at recording the song. "Open Arms" went on to be a massive hit for Journey and the theme for 1000's of High School Proms back then.

  • @DF-ee8vt
    @DF-ee8vt 8 місяців тому +2

    I had mostly stopped listening to new radio music in the early '80s, but this song stood out when I heard it.

  • @shanewise7625
    @shanewise7625 8 місяців тому +9

    There are definitely days when I think pound for pound Lou Gramm is the best rock singer that ever lived!

  • @user-xt7rs8md7p
    @user-xt7rs8md7p 8 місяців тому +1

    I grew up in the town next to where Lou grew up… I remember the kids on my elementary school bus rocking to Foreigner every morning lol…. Myself included. When Midnight Blue hit the radio, I absolutely loved it… still do. Definitely one of the very best songs of the 80s… ever actually. I met Lou at a meet and greet at the House of Guitars in Rochester about 14 or so years ago. It was the Lou Gramm Band… he signed my son’s guitar. What a gentleman! He thanked me when I asked him to keep my paint pen… he was impressed by how it looked when he signed the guitar… What a gracious person. Thanks for all the music Lou! God bless

  • @laraschauble
    @laraschauble 8 місяців тому +10

    I loved Midnight Blue when it was first released...and I STILL love it to this day...Thank you Lou Gramm for a fantastic hit song!! ❤❤

  • @sandrabugler9813
    @sandrabugler9813 5 місяців тому +1

    I love hearing all of these stories but when I see the people the magic somehow fades away. Why do we have to get old? I'll add I'm the same age as these guys but in my heart and mind I'm still 18.