The Origin of the Name REO Speedwagon
The band name REO Speedwagon comes directly from the REO Speed Wagon, a light motor truck produced by the REO Motor Car Company. The company was founded by Ransom E. Olds, who also created the Oldsmobile brand. The truck gained fame in the early 20th century for its durability and cargo capacity, and it became a recognizable name in American automotive history. The band adopted this name to reflect a rugged, working-class image that matched their Midwestern rock sound Forbes.
REO stands for the initials of Ransom Eli Olds, the automotive pioneer behind the company. The Speed Wagon model was introduced around 1915 and was designed for both commercial and personal use. Its boxy, utilitarian frame made it a popular choice for small businesses and travelers. The band's founders chose this name to honor the vehicle's legacy and to create a strong, memorable identity that stood out in the rock music scene.
The REO Motor Car Company and Its Legacy
The REO Motor Car Company operated from 1905 to 1975 in Lansing, Michigan. It produced a range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses. The REO Speed Wagon became one of the company's most iconic models, known for its reliability and versatility. The vehicle was often used by small businesses, delivery services, and even early fire departments Hagerty.
By the 1920s, REO was one of the leading automobile manufacturers in the United States. The company competed with Ford and Chevrolet, and its trucks were a common sight on American roads. The REO Speed Wagon's design influenced many later utility vehicles. The band's name preserves this piece of industrial history, connecting their music to an era of American innovation and manufacturing SEMA.
How the Band Adopted the REO Speedwagon Name
REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 at the University of Illinois by singer Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer. The original members were students who shared a love for rock and blues music. They chose the name REO Speedwagon as a tribute to the historic truck and the spirit of hard work and movement it represented. The name also had a rhythmic quality that fit the band's energetic performance style.
The band's early performances in the Midwest helped them build a loyal following. Their name sparked curiosity and became a conversation starter. Over time, REO Speedwagon became one of the most successful rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, with hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling." The name remains a unique part of rock history, linking the band to a bygone era of American industry Rolling Stone.