Todd Rundgren certainly is not a familiar name to younger audiences of good music, nonetheless he is a fascinating mainstream artist, that helped to shape the sound of pop and rock music, after entering the musical scene, in the mid-sixties. Since then, he has released a huge number of albums, and has collaborated with a respectable diversity of other artists, in live performances, songwriting partnerships and production managements, in a very splendid, prolific and solid career, that only has evolved, as time passed by.
Born Todd Harry Rundgren, in June 22, 1948 in the United States, the sixty eight years old musician has a legendary career behind him. Splendidly prolific, he has twenty five solo recordings to his name alone, not including albums he has produced, or played as a member of a band, or as a guest musician for other artists. Generally believed to be his first solo album, Runt, released in 1970, was in fact the self titled debut of the eponymous band, of which Rundgren was a member. Later re-issues of the album credited the record to Rundgren, instead of Runt. Having divided critics and music enthusiasts when released, Runt was a very controversial success, given its experimental and exceedingly versatile nature, that presented songs that ranged from power pop to more flavored and romantic styled ballads, with progressive rock numbers as well. His second album, Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren, released in 1971, was way more of a solo effort than the previous record, although in both albums Rundgren had written all the music, and arranged mostly all production efforts alone. Nonetheless, in The Ballad of Todd Rundgren, he played most of the instruments himself, although he acknowledges the fact that he was still very much dependable on other musicians, especially on drums and bass, instruments upon which he was not very skilled at the time.
Born Todd Harry Rundgren, in June 22, 1948 in the United States, the sixty eight years old musician has a legendary career behind him. Splendidly prolific, he has twenty five solo recordings to his name alone, not including albums he has produced, or played as a member of a band, or as a guest musician for other artists. Generally believed to be his first solo album, Runt, released in 1970, was in fact the self titled debut of the eponymous band, of which Rundgren was a member. Later re-issues of the album credited the record to Rundgren, instead of Runt. Having divided critics and music enthusiasts when released, Runt was a very controversial success, given its experimental and exceedingly versatile nature, that presented songs that ranged from power pop to more flavored and romantic styled ballads, with progressive rock numbers as well. His second album, Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren, released in 1971, was way more of a solo effort than the previous record, although in both albums Rundgren had written all the music, and arranged mostly all production efforts alone. Nonetheless, in The Ballad of Todd Rundgren, he played most of the instruments himself, although he acknowledges the fact that he was still very much dependable on other musicians, especially on drums and bass, instruments upon which he was not very skilled at the time.
From then on, his career only progressed in several other artistic media and frontlines. Besides writing songs, playing and producing for other musical groups – especially on the grounds of production, Rundgren evolved to be an expert, a pioneer and a household name, becoming a reference and a preference for several artists and bands that look out for his professionalism – he also has developed a strong line of work, creating music for film scores, video games, commercials and television, showcasing his overwhelming versatility as a musician.
His most recent albums, Global and Runddans, were both released in 2015. Despite the fact that Rundgren is little known among younger generations, his work provides us a formidable legacy, that rests not only on his music, but in all artists and musicians that were influenced by him. Nonetheless, his immense and colossal body of work speaks for itself. He certainly deserves all recognition, for the splendid, dedicated and versatile artist that he always revealed himself to be, in the captivating and flexible journey of his fifty years career, that constantly revolved around the best he had to offer to his audiences.
Wagner
His most recent albums, Global and Runddans, were both released in 2015. Despite the fact that Rundgren is little known among younger generations, his work provides us a formidable legacy, that rests not only on his music, but in all artists and musicians that were influenced by him. Nonetheless, his immense and colossal body of work speaks for itself. He certainly deserves all recognition, for the splendid, dedicated and versatile artist that he always revealed himself to be, in the captivating and flexible journey of his fifty years career, that constantly revolved around the best he had to offer to his audiences.
Wagner
