September 13, 2019 — In 1977, I spent most of my free time in the attic of my best friend Mike’s family home, where, among other things, he had a full-sized pool table and a terrific sound system with massive speakers. On arrival there one day, Mike spun the eponymous debut album by Eddie Money, whom I had not previously heard of, and it rapidly became a favorite. I listened to the record so much at his house that I never got around to buying my own copy! Today, Eddie Money died at age 70, just weeks after telling the world about the extent of the illnesses he was facing.
September 13, 2019 — In 1977, I spent most of my free time in the attic of my best friend Mike’s family home, where, among other things, he had a full-sized pool table and a terrific sound system with massive speakers. On arrival there one day, Mike spun the eponymous debut album by Eddie Money, whom I had not previously heard of, and it rapidly became a favorite. I listened to the record so much at his house that I never got around to buying my own copy! Today, Eddie Money died at age 70, just weeks after telling the world about the extent of the illnesses he was facing.
Money, who was born in Brooklyn, was a rocker with gravitas and soul. He was decidedly cool yet also seemed genuine, like an everyman whom you’d enjoy meeting. His muscular, powerful voice was serrated at its edges and pitted with gravel, the kind of voice that made you stop what you’re doing and pay attention. Money’s time on the Billboard charts was limited to the late 70’s and 80’s, but his hits have endured to the present day.
If all the man ever did was release “Two Tickets to Paradise,” that alone would have been a life well lived, but of course he had a string of Top 40 hits and platinum albums, including the smashes "Baby Hold On" and "Take Me Home Tonight." Rest In Peace, Eddie, we’ll miss you.
By Robb Patryk