Foreigner (band)
Foreigner is a British–American rock band formed in 1976, celebrated for arena-ready singles and power ballads. They have sold over 70 million albums worldwide and remain a staple of classic-rock radio and touring.
Overview
Foreigner is a British–American rock band formed in 1976 by guitarist and songwriter Mick Jones, multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald (formerly of King Crimson) and American singer Lou Gramm. The group merged British rock craftsmanship with an American vocal and radio sensibility to produce a string of commercially successful albums and singles. Over the decades Foreigner has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide, including well over 37 million in the United States (sales figures).
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Musical style and characteristics
Foreigner's sound blends crunchy guitar riffs, prominent keyboards, tight arrangements and an emphasis on melodic hooks. Their repertoire ranges from uptempo rockers to sweeping power ballads; production values favored clarity and arena-friendly dynamics. Vocals are often a focal point, with Gramm's soulful delivery steering many of their hit singles.
History and development
The band debuted with the album Foreigner (1977), which produced radio staples and established their formula of accessible rock songs. Subsequent records in the late 1970s and 1980s—featuring hits such as "Cold as Ice," "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," "Urgent," "Juke Box Hero" and the chart-topping ballad "I Want to Know What Love Is"—expanded their international audience and secured heavy airplay.
Lineups and personnel
Foreigner's roster changed repeatedly; original contributors included Mick Jones, Ian McDonald, Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood (keyboards), Rick Wills (bass) and Dennis Elliott (drums). Over time departures, solo projects and returns altered the lineup, with Jones remaining the central creative figure and various musicians joining for recording and touring.
Legacy and notable facts
Foreigner left a durable legacy on classic-rock radio and arena programming. Their catalog is widely used in films, television and advertising, and many songs continue to be covered and played at sporting events. While the band evolved through personnel changes, several of their singles remain emblematic of late 20th-century rock radio and stadium performance.
- Notable songs: "I Want to Know What Love Is," "Cold as Ice," "Hot Blooded," "Juke Box Hero."
- Formation year: 1976.
- Sales: More than 70 million albums worldwide, including 37+ million in the U.S.
Questions and answers
Q: What is Foreigner?
A: Foreigner is a British-American rock band that was originally formed in 1976.
Q: Who founded Foreigner?
A: Foreigner was founded by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm.
Q: How many albums has Foreigner sold worldwide?
A: Foreigner has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide.
Q: How many albums has Foreigner sold in the United States alone?
A: Foreigner has sold over 37.5 million albums in the United States alone.
Q: What genre does Foreigner's music fall under?
A: Foreigner's music falls under the genre of rock.
Q: What is the name of the English musician who helped found Foreigner?
A: The name of the English musician who helped found Foreigner is Mick Jones.
Q: When was Foreigner originally formed?
A: Foreigner was originally formed in 1976.
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Author
AlegsaOnline.com Foreigner (band) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/35619