Chart Performance: Pop (#2 for 4 weeks); 1980
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
In 1980 Christopher Cross could do no wrong. His debut album moved several million units past the cash registers, four singles from it were hits, and he walked away with five awards at the Grammies. Not bad for a 29 year old guy from San Antonio whom Warner Brothers Records took three years – from demo tape to live audition – to sign. Cross originally drummed, then switched to guitar, and on the way to solo stardom played in a cover band called Flash. When time came to record his first album, he was joined in the studio by the elite of the LA music scene: Don Henley of the Eagles, songwriter/musician J.D. Souther, and guitar ace Larry Carlton, plus session vocalists Nicolette “Lotta Love” Larson and Valerie Carter. Cross’ first smash, Ride Like The Wind, harkened back to his younger days when he loved watching the Lone Ranger on TV. Riding the musical range with Chris was Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, whose his distinctive voice helped take Wind to #2
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2023 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Michael Omartian
Lyrics Written by:
- Christopher Cross
Awards:
- Nominated for Grammy Award for Record of the Year (1981)
- Nominated for Grammy Award for Song of the Year (1981)
- Nominated for Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) (1981)
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).
You must be logged in to post a comment.