Marshall Crenshaw: 40+ Years in Showbiz

orn in 1953 in Detroit, Marshall Crenshaw learned to tune a guitar at age 10. His first big break came in 1978 playing John Lennon in Beatlemania, first as an understudy in New York, then in the West Coast company and the national touring company. He settled in New York City, enthralled by its diverse musical culture, and formed a rock ‘n’ roll band with his brother Robert on drums and Chris Donato on bass.

He recorded his debut single Something’s Gonna Happen at nearly the same time as legendary rockabilly singer Robert Gordon’s recording of Marshall’s Someday Someway was released as a single by RCA. These two records simultaneously broke big on New York’s WNEW-FM, causing Marshall and his trio’s local popularity to explode.

And so began a career that’s spanned four decades, 13 albums, Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, film and TV appearances (Buddy Holly in La Bamba) and thousands of live performances.

Marshall Crenshaw’s musical output has maintained a consistent fidelity to the qualities of artfulness, craftsmanship and passion. His efforts have been rewarded with the devotion of a broad and loyal fan base. Along with touring the country and the occasional recording session, other current projects include producing a documentary film about legendary record producer Tom Wilson.

“This is a road that I’d never imagined taking before, but it’s been an incredible learning experience,” says Crenshaw.

“Although he was seen as a latter-day Buddy Holly at the outset, he soon proved too talented and original to be anyone but himself.” — Trouser Press