The J. Geils Band was an American rock band formed in 1968, in Worcester, Massachusetts, under the leadership of guitarist John “J.” Geils….when the original band members included vocalist Peter Wolf, harmonica and saxophone player Richard “Magic Dick” Salwitz, drummer Stephen Bladd, vocalist/keyboardist Seth Justman and bassist Danny Klein…..while Wolf and Justman served as principal songwriters.
The band played R&B-influenced blues rock during the 1970’s….and soon achieved commercial success before moving towards a more mainstream radio-friendly sound in the early 1980’s….which brought the band to its commercial peak. After Wolf left the band in 1983 to pursue a solo career, the band released one more album in 1984 with Justman on lead vocals before breaking up in 1985.
The band first released several Top 40 singles in the early 1970’s…..including a cover of the song “Lookin’ for a Love” by The Valentinos….which reached # 39 in the Billboard Top 100 in 1972….as well as the single “Give It to Me”….which reached # 30 in 1973. Their biggest hits included “Must of Got Lost”….which reached # 12 in the Billboard Top 100 in 1975….”Come Back” which reached # 32 in 1980….“Love Stinks” which reached # 38 in 1980, and was featured in several films….“Freeze-Frame” which reached # 4 in the Billboard Top 200 in 1981….and “Centerfold” which reached # 1 in the United States in early 1982.
This piece on the J Geils Band was part of the Boston Rocks program which aired on USA Network’s Night Flight program in 1982….which features music group like The J Geils Band, Spit and Aerosmith…..who were all successful band that came from the Boston area.
