Marshall Crenshaw

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born in 1953 in Detroit, Michigan, Marshall Crenshaw learned to tune a guitar correctly at age ten and has been trying ever since.

Breakthrough in Beatlemania

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, followed by a national touring company.

Transition to New York City

Removing himself from that situation in February 1980, Marshall settled in New York City. Enthralled by the hyper-diverse musical culture of the city, and the local Rock scene in particular, Marshall formed a Rock and Roll band with brother Robert on drums and Chris Donato on bass.

Recording Success

After crossing paths with the great and legendary Alan Betrock, Marshall recorded his debut single "Something's Gonna Happen" for Betrock's Shake Records label. At nearly the same time, legendary Rockabilly singer Robert Gordon's recording of Marshall's "Someday Someway" was released as a single on the RCA label.

Rise to Popularity

These two records simultaneously broke big on New York's WNEW-FM, causing Marshall and his trio's local popularity to explode.