Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Kevin Chalfant.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Kevin Chalfant
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 |
Key Information
Kevin Chalfant is an American singer and a native of Streator, Illinois. He obtained a BMI award for co-writing and singing on one of the most frequently aired rock radio hits of 1992 and 1993, "I've Got a Lot to Learn About Love", by The Storm. In October 1993 he very briefly sat in for Steve Perry in Journey, singing lead at a roast for Journey's manager, Herbie Herbert, and in 2003, he toured as lead vocalist for the Alan Parsons Live Project.[1]
Career
[edit]707
[edit]Chalfant's first national success came when he joined AOR group 707 in 1982. With Chalfant on lead vocals, the band enjoyed its biggest hit, "Mega Force", which peaked at No. 12 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. That success, however, was not enough to assuage internal conflicts and the group disbanded before a follow-up could be recorded.
Steel Breeze
[edit]In 1984, Chalfant joined the band Steel Breeze, who were riding the success of their hit single, "You Don't Want Me Anymore." He recorded one album with the band, Heart on the Line, before leaving in 1985. Around that time, he sang "Hold On to the Vision," the theme to the film No Retreat, No Surrender, featuring Joe Satriani on guitar.
The Storm
[edit]Chalfant later formed The Storm in 1990 with guitarist Josh Ramos and (former) Journey members Ross Valory (bass), Gregg Rolie (keys), and Steve Smith (drums). Journey, a multi-platinum band that was also no stranger to internal conflict, had undergone several personnel changes over the years. Original member and early vocalist/keyboardist Rolie had left Journey to pursue a solo career in 1980, and Valory and Smith had been "replaced" in the studio and on tour in 1986. Chalfant and Valory had dabbled in the studio with a side band called The Vu (pronounced "The View") as the mega-band's (Journey's) turmoil simmered and its next step was considered. By 1989, Journey had splintered completely into a series of solo projects and side bands, and The Storm started brewing.
Released by Interscope Records in late 1991, The Storm hit the album charts and the band's first single, "I've Got A Lot To Learn About Love" surged well into the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Faring even better at Mainstream Rock radio, the single peaked at No. 6 on the national Billboard charts, and its follow-up, "Show Me The Way" went to No. 22 on the same chart. That spring, the band went on a major US tour in support of Bryan Adams, then at his commercial peak, and playing arenas, moving on to open for Peter Frampton, as well as several headlining dates.
When it came time to release the second Storm album in 1993, however, the band found their label, Interscope, entrenched in the burgeoning rap scene. The band's second album, The Eye of the Storm, did not find label release until 1996, and by then the winds powering The Storm had died out.
Journey
[edit]By 1993, Journey had been on a nearly seven-year hiatus, and the late-1970s lineup was poised to regroup, minus singer Steve Perry, who was in the midst of working on a second solo album. Chalfant stepped in to tackle Perry's parts for a live performance in October 1993 for a Herbie Herbert roast at Bimbo's in San Francisco, he performed five songs with Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, Steve Smith and Aynsley Dunbar at a roast for manager Herbie Herbert.[24]. Chalfant proved to be a good fit and was invited to formally join the band. Chalfant then began writing material in 1994 with Rolie, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain in anticipation of a full album and tour. By 1995, however Steve Perry had returned for a brief, Grammy Award-nominated reunion of their early-1980s lineup instead, leaving Chalfant suddenly on his own again.
Two Fires
[edit]Two Fires is a band formed by Kevin Chalfant in late 1999 and they have released 3 albums: - Two Fires (released 2000) - Ignition (released 2002) - Burning Bright (released 2010)
In addition to Chalfant on lead vocals, the band's members included his former Storm bandmate Josh Ramos (Guitars / Vocals), Jerry Lee Gingery (Bass / Backing Vocals), Michael Higgins (Guitars / Vocals), Timmy Higgins (Drums), and Michael Gardner (Keyboards / Backing Vocals).
Later recordings
[edit]Chalfant relocated back to his native Illinois and took a couple of years off. Upon his return to music, he brought his spirituality into the fore.[2] He released a solo album in 1997 entitled Running with the Wind. In 2003, he toured as the lead singer for the Alan Parsons Live Project.
In 2004, Chalfant released an album of traditional gospel songs and hymns, Back To Square One, with proceeds going to benefit former Chicago Bear Jerry Stillman. A Christmas CD featuring fans caroling along with Chalfant and his band was released in December 2005.
Chalfant featured in the studio project Shadows Fade, releasing a self-titled album in 2004. Chalfant then signed as the lead singer for Kansas City AOR favorite Shooting Star. He released one album, 2006's Circles, before leaving the band.
In 2007, Chalfant released Fly2Freedom, a 13-track solo album covering his favorite Journey hits. The "fly" of the album's title and its cover art are a humorously self-deprecating homage to the scarab that appeared in the cover art on many of Journey's albums of the 1970s and 1980s. Freedom was the 1985 working title for Journey's followup to their Frontiers album prior to the departure of Valory and Smith; it was ultimately released as Raised On Radio; the title would ultimately be used for the band's album released in 2022. Chalfant is quoted on the label's website as saying, "The Journey love-laden sound has won the hearts of millions of fans world wide. I am proud to consider them personal friends and label them America's Finest Rock Band."[3]
Rockingham 2016
[edit]In 2016, Chalfant appeared at the three-day Rockingham 2016 melodic/hard rock festival held in Nottingham, England. He appeared on October 23, headlining that day's seven-act programme.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Kevin Chalfant & The Storm 2004". Archived from the original on October 9, 2007. Retrieved July 30, 2007.
- ^ "Liberty n' Justice - LNJ get to know Kevin Chalfant". Archived from the original on March 27, 2007. Retrieved March 29, 2007.
- ^ "Welcome to KevinChalfant.com". Kevinchalfant.com. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
- ^ "rockinghamlive.com/#lineup". Rockinghamlive.com. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
External links
[edit]| Studio albums | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack albums | |
| EPs | |
| Live albums | |
| Compilation albums | |
| Singles |
|
| Videos | |
| Documentaries | |
| Tours | |
| Video games | |
| Related articles | |
| Authority control databases: Artists |
|---|
Kevin Chalfant
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Upbringing in Illinois
Kevin Chalfant was born on March 27, 1955, in Streator, Illinois, a small industrial city in LaSalle County known for its coal mining and glass manufacturing heritage.[10][11][12] He grew up in a working-class family as the son of Melvin L. Chalfant and Vincentina J. (Verdiramo) Chalfant, who had married in 1942 after meeting in Streator, where Vincentina was born in 1920 and later worked at the Owens Illinois Glass Factory until her retirement.[13] Chalfant was one of six children, including siblings Melva Solon, Rosalyn Abadie, Leslie Chalfant, Nancy Arozamena, and Lisa Easi, in a household that emphasized family bonds amid the town's blue-collar environment.[13] Streator's mid-20th-century culture reflected its roots as a hub for railroads, coal extraction, and silica sand-based glass production, fostering a tough, community-oriented atmosphere influenced by immigrant labor and manufacturing jobs that shaped daily life for residents like the Chalfants.[12][14] This Midwestern small-town setting, with its prairie surroundings and economic focus on industry, provided the backdrop for Chalfant's formative years before his interests turned toward music.[12]Initial musical pursuits
Chalfant began his musical journey in the late 1970s in his native Illinois, immersing himself in the local scene around Chicago and Streator. He started performing with The Jones Band, an original outfit that later evolved into Fortran, where the group focused on crafting and delivering original material while opening for established acts at regional venues.[3] His early influences drew heavily from the eclectic programming of Chicago's WLS 890 AM radio during the 1950s through 1970s, exposing him to a range of genres including R&B staples like Aretha Franklin and The Temptations, which shaped his soulful vocal style and R&B roots alongside emerging rock interests.[5] These formative experiences in Illinois local circuits laid the groundwork for his professional aspirations, blending rhythmic blues elements with the melodic rock he would later pursue.[4] To sustain his growing family while chasing music opportunities, Chalfant took on construction work in the pre-professional phase of his career, reflecting the determination honed from his Midwestern upbringing.[2] In 1981, seeking broader prospects, he relocated to California, connecting with studios like Cherokee in Los Angeles and auditioning for bands in the vibrant West Coast scene.[3]Band career
707
Kevin Chalfant joined the American AOR rock band 707 in 1982 as lead vocalist, marking his entry into national prominence in the music industry.[5] Recruited by the label to provide a more distinctive voice for the group's evolving sound, Chalfant fronted the band during the recording of their third studio album, Mega Force, released that year on Boardwalk Records.[15] His powerful tenor delivery, honed through earlier local performances, infused the tracks with a dynamic energy that aligned with the album's hard-edged rock style.[4] The album's title track, "Mega Force"—written by band members Jonathan Cain, Tod Howarth, Jim McClarty, and Kevin Russell—served as its lead single and achieved significant chart success.[16] Peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 62 on the Hot 100 in 1982, the song's anthemic chorus and driving guitars captured the era's arena rock ethos, tying into the soundtrack for the film Megaforce.[16] Chalfant's vocal performance on the track, along with others like "Hell or High Water" and "Can't Hold Back," showcased his ability to blend melodic hooks with gritty intensity, contributing to the album's commercial breakthrough.[15] Despite the momentum from Mega Force, internal challenges and label shifts led to 707's disbandment in 1983, shortly after the album's release.[17] This brief tenure with the band solidified Chalfant's reputation as a versatile frontman in the AOR scene, paving the way for his subsequent projects.[4]Steel Breeze
In 1983, following the dissolution of 707, Kevin Chalfant joined Steel Breeze as lead vocalist, bringing momentum from his prior AOR rock experience to the Sacramento-based pop-rock band.[18] The group, which had debuted with a self-titled album in 1982 on RCA Records, underwent lineup changes including the addition of keyboardist Loren Haas, also formerly of 707.[19] Steel Breeze recorded their second album, Heart on the Line, independently that same year after being dropped by their label, resulting in a self-released effort that showcased Chalfant's soaring vocals alongside guitarist Ken Goorabian's production and contributions.[19] The 10-track album blended pop-oriented AOR with melodic hooks, featuring songs like the title track "Heart on the Line" and "Easy Way Out," though it received limited distribution until later reissues in the 1990s.[20] Chalfant described the recording process as a grassroots endeavor without major label support, emphasizing the band's commitment to performing live during this phase.[21] During their collaboration, Steel Breeze contributed the single "Hold On to the Vision" to the 1985 soundtrack for the martial arts film No Retreat, No Surrender, with Chalfant on lead vocals and guitar by session musician Joe Satriani.[22] The uplifting track, featuring Satriani's distinctive solo, served as a thematic anthem for the movie's training sequences and highlighted the band's film soundtrack potential.[22] The band remained active through 1984 and 1985, focusing on live performances to promote their material, but disbanded shortly after Chalfant's departure in 1985, marking the end of their mid-1980s phase.[21]The Storm
In 1990, Kevin Chalfant formed the hard rock supergroup The Storm, serving as lead vocalist alongside guitarist Josh Ramos, former Journey bassist Ross Valory, former Journey drummer Steve Smith, and former Journey keyboardist Gregg Rolie.[23] The band drew on their collective experience in the AOR scene to create a sound blending melodic rock with powerful anthems, positioning The Storm as a notable act in the early 1990s music landscape.[24] The band's self-titled debut album, The Storm, was released in 1991 through Interscope Records and marked a commercial breakthrough.[25] The lead single, "I've Got a Lot to Learn About Love"—co-written by Chalfant, Rolie, and producer Bob Marlette—peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, driven by its radio-friendly power ballad style and Chalfant's emotive delivery.[26][27] The track's widespread airplay earned Chalfant a BMI Pop Award in both 1992 and 1993 for one of the most performed rock songs of the year. Following the debut's momentum, The Storm recorded their sophomore effort, The Eye of the Storm, in 1993, but label disputes with Interscope prevented its initial release.[28] The album finally surfaced in 1996 via the independent label Music for Nations, featuring a more polished production with contributions from Ramos and new drummer Ron Wikso after Smith's departure.[24] Around this time, internal challenges and shifting industry dynamics led to the band's dissolution in 1996, ending their run as a recording entity despite Chalfant's vocal similarities to Journey's Steve Perry opening doors to future endeavors.[23]Journey
In October 1993, Kevin Chalfant auditioned for and temporarily replaced Steve Perry as Journey's lead vocalist during a charity roast performance for the band's former manager, Herbie Herbert, at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco, where he fronted the group on five songs including "Wheel in the Sky," "Lights," and "Any Way You Want It."[29] This opportunity arose from Chalfant's prior collaborations with ex-Journey members in The Storm.[4] Impressed by his vocal fit, Journey offered Chalfant the full-time lead singer position in 1994, leading him to co-write several tracks with Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Gregg Rolie in preparation for a new studio album and tour.[4] These songwriting sessions produced material that aligned with the band's classic sound, though no full album was ultimately recorded during his tenure.[4] Chalfant's time with Journey ended abruptly in 1995 when Steve Perry unexpectedly returned to the band, reuniting the early-1980s lineup to record the album Trial by Fire.[4] Despite the short-lived role and lack of a released project, Chalfant later reflected positively on the experience, maintaining friendships with the band members and expressing no resentment over Perry's comeback.[4]Two Fires
Two Fires was formed in late 1999 by vocalist Kevin Chalfant and guitarist Josh Ramos, reuniting the duo from their earlier work in The Storm during the 1990s.[30] The project was initiated at the suggestion of Frontiers Records president Serafino Perugino to create melodic rock material in the vein of Journey, filling a gap left by Steve Perry's departure from that band.[30] The band's self-titled debut album, Two Fires, was released in 2000 through Frontiers Records and quickly gained acclaim as a highlight of the melodic rock genre that year.[30] Produced by Chalfant and engineered by George Tutko, it featured contributions from prominent session musicians including drummer Kenny Aronoff, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Jim Peterik, emphasizing Chalfant's powerful vocals alongside Ramos's guitar work.[4] Tracks like "Rivers of Love" showcased the group's AOR sound, drawing comparisons to classic 1980s rock acts.[31] The follow-up album, Ignition, arrived in 2002, maintaining the band's focus on polished, radio-friendly melodic rock with Peterik co-writing key singles.[32] After a period of reduced activity, Two Fires returned with Burning Bright in 2010 on Frontiers Records, introducing new supporting musicians such as guitarist Michael "Ralph" Gardner while retaining Chalfant's lead role.[30] This release included the standout track "Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid," co-written with Journey's Neal Schon and featuring Gregg Rolie on keyboards, underscoring the band's connections to its influences.[33] Spanning more than a decade, Two Fires sustained its presence through consistent touring, including Midwest regional dates and high-profile festival appearances at The Gods in England in 1999 and 2000.[34][35] These live efforts highlighted the group's dynamic as a performing unit, with plans for expanded lineups involving Aronoff and Weeks to support the albums' promotion.[4]Solo career
Debut solo efforts
In the mid-1990s, following his work with The Storm, Kevin Chalfant transitioned to a solo career, seeking greater creative control through independent production. He recorded his debut solo album, Running with the Wind, in Nashville, Tennessee, marking a shift from the arena rock sound of his prior band efforts to a more stripped-back pop rock style with acoustic elements.[3][4] Released in 1997 on Clique Records, the album was co-produced by Chalfant and guitarist Chas Sandford, allowing him to explore personal songwriting rooted in his Midwestern origins.[36][37] The nine-track album features original material that reflects influences from his vocal style in Journey and The Storm. Key tracks such as the ballad "Anywhere the Wind Blows" showcase his emotive delivery, while uptempo songs like "She's Waiting" and "Save Me Tonight" highlight melodic hooks typical of AOR. The title track opens with a blend of arena rock and country flavors, emphasizing Chalfant's versatility.[38][39] Initial reception among AOR enthusiasts was generally positive, praising Chalfant's voice and the album's accessible pop rock production, though some critics noted its lighter tone as a departure from heavier band work. AllMusic awarded it a 7/10 rating, appreciating its concise 39-minute runtime and rock foundations, while Heavy Harmonies described it as "great styled pop rock with all the big choruses and ballads." Melodic Rock called it "good fun, but not essential," reflecting its niche appeal in the late-1990s melodic rock scene.[40][38][41]Later solo albums
Following his debut solo efforts in the late 1990s, Chalfant diversified his musical output in the 2000s by venturing into gospel and tribute recordings while maintaining a focus on rock roots. In 2004, Chalfant released Back to Square One, an acoustic gospel album featuring traditional hymns such as "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus," "I'll Fly Away," and "How Great Thou Art." Produced on his own Clique Records label, the nine-track collection showcased stripped-down arrangements emphasizing Chalfant's vocal delivery and personal connection to the material, marking a significant departure from his rock background to explore themes of faith.[42] Chalfant returned to his rock heritage in 2007 with Fly 2 Freedom, a 13-track tribute album consisting entirely of covers of Journey songs, including "Any Way You Want It," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)," and "Faithfully." The release, also on Clique Records, highlighted Chalfant's prior association with Journey members and was inspired by fan demand for his interpretations of the band's hits, blending his powerful vocals with reimagined arrangements.[43][44] In the mid-2010s, Chalfant further pursued original rock tracks through additional solo singles and recordings, such as contributions to projects that underscored his enduring vocal prowess in the genre.[45]Collaborations and tributes
In 2006, Chalfant contributed lead vocals to Shooting Star's album Circles, marking a significant collaboration with the veteran rock band and infusing their AOR sound with his signature style across all tracks.[46] The project reunited original drummer Steve Thomas and featured violinist Shane Michaels, blending classic rock elements with melodic hooks.[47] Earlier, in 2003, Chalfant served as a guest vocalist for selected dates on the Alan Parsons Live Project tour, performing alongside a rotating lineup that included Joe Lynn Turner and Kip Winger to deliver Parsons' progressive rock catalog.[48] His appearances added a powerful rock edge to live renditions of tracks from albums like I Robot and Eye in the Sky, enhancing the project's dynamic vocal arrangements during shows in the United States and Mexico.[49] Chalfant has made numerous guest vocal contributions to other artists' recordings, including backing vocals on Tony MacAlpine's 1990 hard rock album Eyes of the World, where he supported the guitar virtuoso's exploration of vocal-driven material.[50] Similarly, he provided backing vocals for Dennis DeYoung's 2007 solo effort One Hundred Years from Now, complementing the former Styx frontman's theatrical style on tracks reflecting personal and social themes.[51] These appearances, along with live guest spots such as with the Gregg Rolie Band, highlight Chalfant's versatility in AOR and melodic rock circles.[3] His 2007 album Fly 2 Freedom, a collection of Journey covers, served as an early precursor to Chalfant's involvement in live tribute performances celebrating classic rock icons.[51]Recent activities
Tours and live performances
In the mid-2010s, Chalfant expanded his live performances internationally, headlining the final night of the three-day Rockingham Festival on October 23, 2016, at Nottingham Trent University in Nottingham, England.[52] His set included melodic rock staples such as "Don't Stop Believin'" and "High on You," drawing acclaim for his vocal prowess in a festival lineup featuring acts like The Defiants and From the Fire.[53] This appearance underscored his enduring appeal in the hard rock community, building on prior tours with bands like The Storm.[54] Entering the 2020s, Chalfant revitalized his touring with the Kevin Chalfant's Journey Experience, a project dedicated to performing Journey's classic hits with a backing band of seasoned musicians.[55] Launched as a tribute to his brief stint as Journey's lead vocalist in the early 1990s, the ensemble has maintained an active schedule across theaters, casinos, and festivals in the United States and Europe, emphasizing high-energy renditions of songs like "Separate Ways" and "Any Way You Want It."[56] This ongoing tour has allowed Chalfant to connect with audiences nostalgic for Journey's arena rock era while showcasing his interpretive style.[57] Chalfant's concert activity remained robust from 2023 through 2025, with standout appearances at major events. In July 2023, he performed at Paperfest in Kimberly, Wisconsin, delivering a set of rock anthems that highlighted his Journey association and solo material to a festival crowd.[58] The following year, on October 19, 2024, his Journey Experience headlined the Sock Out Cancer benefit concert at the Broome County Forum Theatre in Binghamton, New York, raising funds for local cancer patients through performances of iconic tracks.[7] On July 18, 2024, Chalfant joined the Voices of Rock Radio supergroup for a show at the Leach Amphitheater during Waterfest in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he sang Journey covers alongside former singers from Kansas and Boston.[59] In 2025, performances included the March 15 Legends of Rock Concert in Jamestown, North Dakota,[9] the June 27 New Orleans Square Block Party in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, with Voices of Rock affiliates,[60] the May 30 Voices of Rock Radio show at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois,[61] and the October 4 Fiestas de Octubre in Guadalajara, Mexico.[62] These dates continued his collaborative live endeavors.Awards and ongoing projects
Following 2010, Chalfant has engaged in production work for other artists, offering guidance and critiques to emerging bands while emphasizing the challenges of record production in the modern industry.[5] His songwriting contributions during this time include collaborations on tracks for various projects, building on his earlier style of crafting melodic rock anthems with co-writers like Jim Peterik.[3] In recent years, Chalfant has participated in charity events, notably headlining the 2024 Sock Out Cancer benefit concert on October 19 at the Broome County Forum Theatre in Binghamton, New York, where his Journey Experience performance helped raise funds for local cancer patients and families.[7] Sock Out Cancer's annual efforts raised over $150,000 in 2025.[63] Additionally, Chalfant contributed lead vocals to the 2024 single "Open Arms," a cover featured on various releases, demonstrating his continued studio activity.[64]Personal life
Family and background
Kevin Chalfant was born and raised in Streator, Illinois, where he developed an early interest in music influenced by the local scene.[65] Chalfant has been married to his wife, Judy, for several decades, and she has played a pivotal role in supporting his music career as both a partner and manager of his business affairs. The couple relocated from Illinois to California in the early 1980s to pursue opportunities in the music industry, a move made possible by Judy's encouragement and the family's collective backing, allowing Chalfant to focus on his professional aspirations. Judy has often been described by Chalfant as the "rock of the family," providing emotional stability and practical assistance that enabled him to chase his dreams without reservation.[21][3] As a father, Chalfant and Judy raised three children, including their oldest son, Jayson, who resides in Nashville and has occasionally contributed creative input to his father's work, such as suggesting the title for the album Fly2Fr33dom. The family returned to Illinois after 13 years in California, resettling with their children to reconnect with Chalfant's roots. Chalfant credits his children with inspiring his perseverance in music and granting him the freedom to balance family life with touring commitments. Now a grandfather, he has at least one grandson who shares his name, further enriching his sense of personal fulfillment alongside his career. This family dynamic has influenced decisions like prioritizing stable home life during extensive tours, ensuring he maintains strong relational bonds.[66][2][21]Non-musical endeavors
Before pursuing music full-time, Chalfant worked as a bricklayer in construction to support his family, reflecting his practical approach to providing stability during uncertain early years. His marriage to Judy Chalfant, spanning over 40 years, offered a foundation that allowed him to balance these non-musical responsibilities with emerging artistic pursuits.[21] In personal reflections, Chalfant has described taking on varied supporting roles within the music world, including serving as a road manager, studio chef, and band leader to ensure smooth operations and team morale on tours and recordings.[5] These positions highlight his hands-on, multifaceted involvement beyond performing, often driven by a commitment to collective success.[5] Chalfant's strong Christian faith has been a guiding influence in his life, shaping his worldview and occasionally referenced in decisions like declining opportunities that conflicted with his values.[65] He has expressed gratitude for spiritual support throughout his journey, attributing personal and professional resilience to "some help from above."[5] His community involvement includes participating in benefit concerts to aid local causes, such as the annual Sock Out Cancer event, where he performs to raise funds for cancer patients and their families in the Broome County area.[67] These efforts underscore his dedication to giving back through music-tied philanthropy while maintaining ties to his Streator, Illinois, roots via hometown performances.[65]Discography
Albums with bands
Kevin Chalfant joined the San Francisco-based hard rock band 707 as lead vocalist for their third studio album, Mega Force, released in 1982 on Boardwalk Records. The album, produced by Kevin Russell, featured Chalfant's powerful vocals on tracks such as the title song "Mega Force," which was written for the film of the same name and became a minor hit, peaking at No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100.[68][69][70] In 1983, Chalfant became the lead singer for Steel Breeze, contributing vocals to their second album, Heart on the Line, independently released after the band's debut success with Atlantic Records. Recorded with new keyboardist Loren Haas, the album showcased Chalfant's AOR-style delivery on songs like "Easy Way Out" and "Survivor," though it received limited commercial distribution.[19] Chalfant fronted The Storm, a supergroup featuring former Journey members Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith, on their debut self-titled album released in 1991 by Interscope Records. His lead vocals drove melodic rock tracks including "I've Got a Lot to Learn About Love," which reached No. 6 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and "Show Me the Way," highlighting the band's Journey-influenced sound. The group reconvened without Smith for their second album, The Eye of the Storm, released in 1995 on Music for Nations in Europe and Miramar in the US, and in 1997 on Bareknuckle in Japan, where Chalfant sang on energetic cuts like "Destiny of Love" and "Waiting for the Sun."[25][71] Although Chalfant never recorded a studio album with Journey, he collaborated with core members Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith in 1994, writing and demoing original material intended for a potential reunion project that was ultimately shelved when Steve Perry rejoined the band.[21] Chalfant formed the melodic rock band Two Fires in 1999 with guitarist Robbie LaRiccia, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2000 on the Japanese label Zain, featuring Chalfant's soaring leads on tracks like "What the Whole World Needs to Know."[32] The band followed with Ignition in 2002, also on Zain, where Chalfant co-wrote and performed songs such as "I Won't Give Up on Us," emphasizing heartfelt AOR ballads.[32] Their third album, Burning Bright, arrived in 2010 via Frontiers Records, with Chalfant delivering vocals on anthemic pieces like "Summer of Love" and "Surrender," marking a return to high-energy melodic rock.[32]Solo albums and singles
Kevin Chalfant's solo career began with the release of his debut album, Running with the Wind, in 1997 on Clique Records. The album features a mix of original AOR and melodic rock tracks, showcasing Chalfant's powerful vocals over guitar-driven arrangements produced by Chas Sandford and Kevin Chalfant. Notable tracks include the title song "Running with the Wind," the ballad "Save Me Tonight," and the upbeat "Wild Thang," which highlight his signature style reminiscent of his work with 707 and The Storm. A 2006 reissue added a bonus track, "Let's Make Love," extending the original nine-track lineup to ten songs.[36][40][72] In 2004, Chalfant shifted genres with Back to Square One, another Clique Records release comprising acoustic renditions of traditional gospel hymns and songs. This nine-track album, featuring stripped-down arrangements with piano and strings, was created to benefit former Chicago Bears player Jerry Stillman, who suffered a paralyzing accident. Key selections include "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace," emphasizing Chalfant's versatility in interpreting spiritual material. The project marked a personal exploration for Chalfant, blending his rock roots with faith-based themes.[42][73] Chalfant's third solo album, Fly 2 Freedom, arrived in 2007 via Clique Records as a tribute to Journey, consisting of 13 covers of the band's hits reinterpreted with fresh arrangements. Produced by Chalfant himself, the record includes staples like "Don't Stop Believin'," "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)," and "Faithfully," performed with a full band setup that pays homage to his near-association with the group. The album's title and butterfly-themed artwork symbolize personal transformation, reflecting Chalfant's career journey.[43][74] In 2010, Chalfant released the standalone single "All For One (One For All)" independently, a motivational rock ballad clocking in at just over four minutes. The track, which explores themes of unity and perseverance, stands as his most recent solo output to date and has been performed live in various sets. No full-length solo compilations exist, though reissues of earlier albums incorporate bonus material to enhance accessibility for fans.[75]| Release | Year | Label | Format | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running with the Wind | 1997 (reissue 2006) | Clique Records | CD | Original AOR album; 2006 bonus track: "Let's Make Love" |
| Back to Square One | 2004 | Clique Records | CD | Acoustic gospel hymns; charity proceeds |
| Fly 2 Freedom | 2007 | Clique Records | CD | 13 Journey covers |
| "All For One (One For All)" | 2010 | Independent | Digital single | Motivational ballad |