Cry of Love

Cry of Love was a rock band that emerged in the early 1990s, blending elements of blues, southern rock, and hard rock into their music. Here are some key facts about the group:

1. Formation and Early Years: Cry of Love was formed in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1989 by guitarist Audley Freed, vocalist Kelly Holland, bassist Robert Kearns, and drummer Jason Patterson. The band quickly gained attention for their soulful vocals, gritty guitar riffs, and dynamic live performances, drawing comparisons to classic rock acts like The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

2. Debut Album: Cry of Love released their self-titled debut album in 1993, which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Produced by Eddie Kramer, known for his work with iconic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, the album featured standout tracks such as "Peace Pipe" and "Bad Thing". Cry of Love's debut showcased their ability to seamlessly blend bluesy melodies with hard-hitting rock, earning them a dedicated fanbase and recognition within the music industry.

3. Mainstream Recognition: With the release of their debut album, Cry of Love achieved mainstream success, receiving significant airplay on rock radio stations and MTV. Their single "Peace Pipe" became a hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and solidifying the band's status as rising stars in the rock scene. Cry of Love's soulful vocals and infectious grooves resonated with audiences, leading to extensive touring and high-profile appearances alongside established acts like Aerosmith and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

4. Lineup Changes and Later Work: Despite their early success, Cry of Love faced challenges, including lineup changes and label issues, which impacted the band's trajectory. Following the departure of vocalist Kelly Holland and drummer Jason Patterson, Audley Freed assumed lead vocal duties, and the band released their sophomore album, "Diamonds & Debris", in 1997. While the album received positive reviews, it failed to replicate the commercial success of their debut. Cry of Love disbanded shortly after, with Freed going on to join The Black Crowes as their lead guitarist.

5. Enduring Legacy: Despite their relatively short-lived career, Cry of Love's music continues to resonate with fans of classic rock and blues-infused hard rock. Their debut album remains a beloved staple of the genre, celebrated for its raw energy, soulful performances, and timeless songwriting. Cry of Love's influence can be heard in the work of contemporary rock bands, ensuring their legacy lives on in the annals of rock music history.