Crazy Life :: 1973

Background

After a stint in New York City, Vannelli and his brothers went to Los Angeles, California. Herb Alpert signed Gino to A&M Records, and Gino released his first album in 1973, “Crazy Life.” Gino’s brother, Joe Vannelli, served as arranger and keyboardist for most of Gino’s recording career. At a time when polyphonic synthesizers were non-existent, Joe overdubbed multiple parts on “Crazy Life” to create a texture of sound that was progressive for the early 1970s. Soon, Vannelli became the second Caucasian performer to appear on Soul Train. This was his television debut. With his records climbing the charts, Vannelli toured as the opening act for Stevie Wonder. From the age of 17, Gino Vannelli has been in the public eye, releasing masterful albums, and “Crazy Life” was the beginning of it all.