Not every great artist has been recognized by the very politicized Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. One such talented musician with one of the best female voices is Pat Benatar. Along with her second husband Neil Giraldo, who plays lead guitar in her band for over four decades, Benatar is a four-time Grammy Award winner with two multi-Platinum albums, five Platinum albums and 15 Billboard Top 40 singles.
After dropping out of college to marry first husband Dennis Benatar, she was a bank teller in Richmond, Virginia before quitting her job to pursue a music career. After being discovered by Catch A Rising Star comedy club owner and future manager Rick Newman after performing a cover of Judy Garland’s, “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody”, that was her big break.
It wasn’t long before Benatar followed up writing commercial jingles for Pepsi Cola regional brands that she performed at the New York City Tramps nightclub where she headlined four consecutive nights. With several representatives from record companies on hand, she was signed by Chrysalis Records the following week in Spring 1978. A year later; Benatar released her debut album In The Heat of the Night. It reached number 12 on the US charts. However, a lot more was in store for her.
After having a little success due to second single, “Heartbreaker” reaching number 23 in the US, “We Live For Love” which was written by second husband Neil Giraldo hit number 8 in Canada making it her first Top 10 hit. It was the second album Crimes of Passion that produced big hit, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” in 1980. It was so big that it sold over a million copies and achieved gold status. The very popular song which was featured in movies and even sports shows, earned her a first Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
Success continued to follow Benatar with first single “Fire and Ice” off third album Precious Time earning her a second Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. In 1982 off her fourth album Get Nervous, one of her best songs was “Shadows of the Night.” Not only was it a great song with meaningful lyrics, but the MTV video featured future star actors Judge Reinhold and Bill Paxton in a World War II themed video. It certainly captures quite an image by painting a unique picture with Benatar playing a US pilot as well on a mission in Nazi Germany. Let’s just say having Reinhold as the fighter pilot while Paxton was the German radio operator worked.
It’s a very vivid video that catches your attention. Most of Benatar’s most successful hits featured meaningful lyrics sang by her powerful voice on important issues. That’s who she is. Someone whose voice stands out. I’ve always been a fan of her music. Between the cool bass, guitar, drumming and Benatar delivering on every note, she has a classic rock look and sound. “Love is a Battlefield” provided her with a fourth straight Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
She later adjusted with pop hit “We Belong.” A catchy tune that’s got a unique sound. Combined with her raspy voice, it remains a favorite of mine. Her success over a good period of time is why she remains one of the biggest rock stars not to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. She was up for it last year. But fell short. Whatever the reason, Benatar and husband Neil Giraldo remain outside the biased Rock Hall that recognizes all music including rap with Jay Z the latest artist to be elected with other more traditional acts like the much deserving The Go Go’s.
There really is no rhyme or reason for how things are done. The Foo Fighters are an outstanding rock band that are going in after three successful decades led by lead vocalist Dave Grohl, who once drummed for Nirvana. Nothing against them. But why isn’t Soundgarden in with the late Chris Cornell recognized? Odd.
Whatever the case, the music is there to be enjoyed by fans. Pat Benatar holds up well as one of the best women’s voices. Her material remains timeless.
HITTING BACK 