Overview
Eddie Money was the stage name of Edward Joseph Mahoney (March 21, 1949 – September 13, 2019), an American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose work bridged 1970s arena rock and the pop-rock sound of the 1980s. Born in New York City and raised in Berkeley, California, he built a career on strong, melodic hooks, a gritty vocal delivery and an accessible, radio-friendly rock style. He became widely known for a string of singles that received heavy airplay and remained staples of classic rock and adult contemporary playlists.
Musical style and notable songs
Money's music blended rock guitars, saxophone lines and sing-along choruses. His delivery often combined a working-class charisma with pop sensibility. Among the songs most commonly associated with him are:
- "Baby Hold On"
- "Two Tickets to Paradise"
- "Maybe I'm a Fool"
- "Think I'm in Love"
- "Shakin'"
- "Take Me Home Tonight" (which featured Ronnie Spector)
- "I Wanna Go Back"
- "Walk on Water"
- "The Love in Your Eyes"
- "Peace in Our Time"
Career and development
Money's debut recordings in the late 1970s helped establish him as a reliable hit-maker on both rock and pop radio. He remained active through the 1980s, a decade that brought renewed visibility as radio formats and the music-video era expanded audiences for mainstream rock acts. His recordings and live performances emphasized memorable choruses and direct, emotive vocals. He also played multiple instruments onstage and in the studio, contributing saxophone and guitar parts in addition to singing.
Later life, health and passing
In the years before his death, Money continued to tour and perform with a steady fan base. He also made appearances on television and in reality-format programs, which introduced his music to new listeners. In August 2019 he was reported to have been diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer (details), and shortly thereafter he experienced complications related to heart valve surgery (surgery report). He died on September 13, 2019, at age 70.
Legacy and influence
Eddie Money is remembered for a catalogue of upbeat, radio-friendly rock songs and a charismatic performance style that connected with a broad audience. His singles continue to receive airplay and to appear on retrospective collections and streaming playlists dedicated to classic rock and 1980s pop-rock. For many listeners, his songs evoke the blend of straightforward rock energy and pop accessibility that characterized mainstream American music across two decades.
For more on his life, recordings and touring history, see additional resources and archived coverage of his career that document his place in late 20th-century American popular music.