This Friday’s song is “Rosanna” by Toto. It was released on April 1, 1982 as the lead single from their fourth studio album. The song became one of the band’s most famous hits and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1983.
This is one of those infectious songs that will stick in your head when you hear it. Bobby Kimbell, the lead vocalist delivers the song with power and emotion. The vocal harmonies in are rich and well-arranged. They really add depth to the song. The song opens with a drum pattern by Jeff porcaro which has become known as “The Rosanna Shuffle.” It is one of the most famous drum grooves in popular music.
I was living in Houston when this song was released. I was working for Texas Instruments as a software developer. I had bought a house with a co-worker because rents were rising so fast. Lot’s happened in the world that year. The breakup of the AT&T telecom monopoly was ordered in January. Argentina invaded the Falklands. Israel returned the Sinai to Egypt. Late Night with David Letterman premiered. The film E.T. and Michael Jackson’s album Thriller were released. Epcot opened at Disneyworld in Florida.
Hope you enjoy “Rosanna” by Toto!