The name "REO Speedwagon" has an interesting origin. It combines the name of a vehicle with a play on words related to the band’s musical style and identity.
REO: This part of the name comes from the REO Motor Car Company, which was founded by Ransom Eli Olds in the early 20th century. The company created a popular line of automobiles and trucks, particularly well-known for the REO Speed Wagon, a truck model that was produced in the 1910s and 1920s. The name “REO” itself is derived from the initials of its founder, Ransom Eli Olds.
- Speedwagon: The term "Speed Wagon" refers specifically to the initial REO model trucks that were designed for speed and efficiency. These vehicles were often used for transporting goods and were admired for their performance, leading to the name "Speed Wagon."
The band itself was formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, initially under the name "Tonight." They later adopted "REO Speedwagon" as their official name, partly inspired by the truck model. The choice reflected a blend of Americana with a rock-and-roll sensibility, capturing both an image of ruggedness and nostalgia.
Over the years, REO Speedwagon became famous for their power pop and rock ballads, especially during the late 1970s and 1980s, with hits like “Keep on Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and “Take It on the Run.” Their name has since become synonymous with the classic rock genre.