Gregg Alexander - Michigan Rain (1989)

Although most commonly known as the frontman for '90s pop/rockers the New Radicals, singer/songwriter/producer Gregg Alexander built a lengthy résumé with his solo albums, songwriting credits, and Grammy-winning production work. Born and raised in Grosse Pointe, MI, Alexander relocated to Los Angeles during his teenage years and signed a deal with A&M, who issued his solo debut in 1989. Michigan Rain tanked, however, and Alexander's follow-up effort for Epic Records, Intoxifornication, fared just as poorly. The musician responded by penning material for a number of artists, including Belinda Carlisle and the Bangles; he then used his royalty checks to finance several travels abroad. Returning home, Alexander pieced together the New Radicals and signed with MCA in 1997, releasing the band's debut album, Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too, the following year. The album (which was largely written and produced by Alexander himself) reached platinum status within a year, largely due to the success of the hit single "You Get What You Give." Nevertheless, Alexander broke up the New Radicals in 1999, citing a desire to focus exclusively on production work. As a songwriter and record producer, Alexander spent the following decade working with Enrique Iglesias, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ronan Keating, Hanson, and several members of the Spice Girls. He also won a Grammy Award in 2003 for co-writing Santana's "The Game of Love" alongside producer/songwriter Rick Nowels. ~ Andrew Leahey