Benny Mardones

Benny Mardones was born Frederick Joseph Marotta in Cleveland, Ohio. He started singing in local bands during the 1960s, drawing from Motown and rock influences. His early recordings didn't find much traction, but that changed in 1980 with 'Into The Night.'

Some radio stations refused to play it because of its suggestive lyrics, which limited its airplay. The song remains his best-known work, alongside tracks like 'How Could You Love Me' and 'I Want it All.'

After that initial success, Mardones kept recording and performing. He put out albums like 'Never Run Away' in 1981 and 'Too Much to Lose' in 1983, followed by others through the 1990s and 2000s. He worked with musicians including guitarist Mike Gershon and bassist Jim Campilongo.