REO Speedwagon is named after a flatbed truck

Ransom Eli Olds built a three-wheeled carriage in 1887 and a petrol (gasoline) car in 1896. In 1899, he founded the Olds Motor Works, producing the first Oldsmobile in 1901. Although he didn’t invent the motorcar, he still is known as the “Father of the Automobile.”

His heavy-duty flatbed truck, first produced in 1915, was considered a milestone in transportation history. It was from this truck that the American rock band REO Speedwagon chose their name. REO is for the name of Ransom Eli Olds.

  REO SpeedWagon from 1917 ad, private collection of Infrogmation

REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon formed in 1967, debuted their self-titled album in 1971.

They reached the charts in 1971 with Ridin’ the Storm Out.

Their 1977 live album You Get What You Play For went platinum.

Hi-Infidelity, released 1980, sold over 10 million copies, reaching No 1 on the Billboard charts. It is still the band’s best-selling album.

Keep the Fire Burning, the single off their 1982 album Good Trouble, reached the Top 10.

Their 2007 album release is also the title for their online video game Find Your Own Way Home, released in 2009.

Their last studio album, Not So Silent Night, was recorded in 2009.

50 years after they formed, they were still touring.