Stephen Bishop (musician)
Encyclopedia
Stephen Bishop is an American
singer-songwriter
, actor
, and guitarist
.
, and attended Will C. Crawford High School
. He had a major hit
in 1977 with the song
"On and On," which was a #11 hit in the U.S.; his other hits include "Save It for a Rainy Day," "Everybody Needs Love," "Something New in My Life" and "It Might Be You
," the theme
from the movie
, Tootsie
. He has also performed many movie themes, including the theme from National Lampoon's Animal House
which he sang in falsetto
. He also provided his talent to the theme song in the Christmas movie, All I Want for Christmas
.
His song "Separate Lives
", sung by Phil Collins
and Marilyn Martin
, from the movie White Nights, was nominated for an Academy Award
in 1985, losing to "Say You, Say Me" from the same film. Bishop wrote the song about his breakup with actress Karen Allen
, who also appeared in Animal House. Says Bishop: "I write much better when I'm heartbroken and sad or melancholy."
Bishop also wrote the theme to the 1984 remake of the movie Unfaithfully Yours
, entitled "One Love (Unfaithfully Yours)." The song received regular airplay during this period, usually on soft rock
/ adult contemporary radio station
s. Despite moderate radio
success, a soundtrack
for the movie was never released. The song eventually appeared on Bishop's best-of compilation album
Best of Bish. The only other known pressing of this song is on a promotional vinyl 45.
In 1989 he released his fifth album called Bowling In Paris (mixed with the Sleeping With Girls sessions) with Phil Collins
(co-producer and musician on some songs), Eric Clapton
, Sting, Steve Lukather
, Ronnie Caryl
, Michael Omartian
(producer and musician on several tracks), Mo Foster
, Adrian Lee
, and more. In 1987, the Norwegian swing/pop duo Bobbysocks! recorded "Walking on Air" (as "Walkin' on Air") on their LP Walkin' on Air
, so Bishop's 1989 version would be considered a cover.
Bishop's songs which have tracked on the Billboard Hot 100
chart are "It Might Be You," which peaked at #25 in 1983; "Save It For A Rainy Day" (#22, 1977); "On And On" (#11, 1977); and "Everybody Needs Love" (#32, 1978).
In addition to singing the theme song off-screen, Bishop had a cameo
role in National Lampoon's Animal House
as the aspiring folk
singer whose guitar
John Belushi
smashes. Bishop still keeps the smashed guitar as a memento. He appeared in another John Landis
movie, The Blues Brothers
, as the 'charming trooper' who breaks his watch during the mall chase. Bishop also had a cameo in The Kentucky Fried Movie
(1977), appearing as a hustler in the infamous "Catholic High School Girls in Trouble" segment. He was the musical guest on the March 11, 1978, episode of NBC's Saturday Night Live
. Bishop also contributed the song 'The Heart Is So Willing' for the 1986 remake of the film Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
, called The Money Pit
, starring Tom Hanks
and Shelley Long
. He also sung the end credit song, "We Can Do Anything," from Barney's Great Adventure
. Patrick Bateman
, the fictional anti-hero from Bret Easton Ellis
' American Psycho
, is an avowed fan of Stephen Bishop.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, and guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
.
History
Bishop was born in San Diego, CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, and attended Will C. Crawford High School
Will C. Crawford High School
Will C. Crawford High School is a high school located in the El Cerrito neighborhood of San Diego, California. It is part of the San Diego Unified School District. Erected in 1957 and dedicated in 1958, it is a comprehensive school serving 1,500 students in grades 9-12...
. He had a major hit
Hit single
A hit single is a recorded song or instrumental released as a single that has become very popular. Although it is sometimes used to describe any widely-played or big-selling song, the term "hit" is usually reserved for a single that has appeared in an official music chart through repeated radio...
in 1977 with the song
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
"On and On," which was a #11 hit in the U.S.; his other hits include "Save It for a Rainy Day," "Everybody Needs Love," "Something New in My Life" and "It Might Be You
It Might Be You
"It Might Be You" is a popular song with music written by Dave Grusin, and lyrics written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It was performed by singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop in the 1982 film, Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange....
," the theme
Theme music
Theme music is a piece that is often written specifically for a radio program, television program, video game or movie, and usually played during the title sequence and/or end credits...
from the movie
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
, Tootsie
Tootsie
Tootsie is a 1982 American comedy film that tells the story of a talented but volatile actor whose reputation for being difficult forces him to go to extreme lengths to land a job. The movie stars Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange, with a supporting cast that includes Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman,...
. He has also performed many movie themes, including the theme from National Lampoon's Animal House
National Lampoon's Animal House
National Lampoon's Animal House is a 1978 American comedy film directed by John Landis. The film was a direct spin-off of National Lampoon magazine...
which he sang in falsetto
Falsetto
Falsetto is the vocal register occupying the frequency range just above the modal voice register and overlapping with it by approximately one octave. It is produced by the vibration of the ligamentous edges of the vocal folds, in whole or in part...
. He also provided his talent to the theme song in the Christmas movie, All I Want for Christmas
All I Want for Christmas (film)
All I Want for Christmas is a 1991 American comedy movie that stars Lauren Bacall, Thora Birch and Ethan Randall. It was directed by Robert Lieberman. Music by Bruce Broughton including a theme setting song by Stephen Bishop. The movie is rated G in the USA.-Plot:Two New York children know what...
.
His song "Separate Lives
Separate Lives
"Separate Lives" is a 1985 song recorded by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin and featured on the soundtrack to the motion picture White Nights. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts as well as in Canada. It reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart.Songwriter Stephen...
", sung by Phil Collins
Phil Collins
Philip David Charles "Phil" Collins, LVO is an English singer-songwriter, drummer, pianist and actor best known as a drummer and vocalist for British progressive rock group Genesis and as a solo artist....
and Marilyn Martin
Marilyn Martin
Marilyn Martin is an American singer best known for her 1985 hit duet with Phil Collins, "Separate Lives."Born in Tennessee but raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Martin gained notice as a back-up singer for such artists as Stevie Nicks, Joe Walsh, Don Henley, Tom Petty and Kenny Loggins, touring...
, from the movie White Nights, was nominated for an Academy Award
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
in 1985, losing to "Say You, Say Me" from the same film. Bishop wrote the song about his breakup with actress Karen Allen
Karen Allen
Karen Jane Allen is an American actress best known for her role as Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull...
, who also appeared in Animal House. Says Bishop: "I write much better when I'm heartbroken and sad or melancholy."
Bishop also wrote the theme to the 1984 remake of the movie Unfaithfully Yours
Unfaithfully Yours (1984 film)
Unfaithfully Yours is a 1984 romantic comedy film directed by Howard Zieff, starring Dudley Moore and Nastassja Kinski and featuring Armand Assante and Albert Brooks. The screenplay was written by Valerie Curtin, Barry Levinson, and Robert Klane based on Preston Sturges' screenplay for the 1948...
, entitled "One Love (Unfaithfully Yours)." The song received regular airplay during this period, usually on soft rock
Soft rock
Soft rock is a style of music which uses the techniques of rock music to compose a softer, more toned-down sound. Soft rock songs generally tend to focus on themes like love, everyday life and relationships. The genre tends to make heavy use of acoustic guitars, pianos, synthesizers and sometimes...
/ adult contemporary radio station
Radio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
s. Despite moderate radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
success, a soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
for the movie was never released. The song eventually appeared on Bishop's best-of compilation album
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
Best of Bish. The only other known pressing of this song is on a promotional vinyl 45.
In 1989 he released his fifth album called Bowling In Paris (mixed with the Sleeping With Girls sessions) with Phil Collins
Phil Collins
Philip David Charles "Phil" Collins, LVO is an English singer-songwriter, drummer, pianist and actor best known as a drummer and vocalist for British progressive rock group Genesis and as a solo artist....
(co-producer and musician on some songs), Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE, is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and...
, Sting, Steve Lukather
Steve Lukather
Steve "Luke" Lukather is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer best known for his work with the rock band Toto. Lukather has played with many artists, released several solo albums, and worked as a composer, arranger, and session guitarist on more than 1,500 albums...
, Ronnie Caryl
Ronnie Caryl
Ronnie Caryl is an English musician. Over the years Caryl has worked alongside Phil Collins, plus David Hentschel, Michel Polnareff, Lulu, Stephen Bishop, Eric Clapton, Gary Brooker, Maggie Bell and John Otway.-Biography:...
, Michael Omartian
Michael Omartian
Michael Omartian is an Armenian-American singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and music producer. He has been a participant in over 350,000,000 albums and CD’s sold worldwide, as a producer, arranger, artist or musician, during a career that has spanned over 38 years...
(producer and musician on several tracks), Mo Foster
Mo Foster
Mo Foster is a British session musician, playing primarily jazz, jazz-fusion and rock bass guitar. He is also a music producer and songwriter/composer. In over 40 years as a musician Foster has played on and produced countless albums, singles, and film soundtracks...
, Adrian Lee
Adrian Lee
Adrian Lee is an English musician, known especially for his brass instrumentation work with several well-known acts of the 1980s.-Career:...
, and more. In 1987, the Norwegian swing/pop duo Bobbysocks! recorded "Walking on Air" (as "Walkin' on Air") on their LP Walkin' on Air
Walkin' on Air
Walkin' on Air is a 1987 album from Norwegian pop duo Bobbysocks. Within four days, the album sold 50,000 copies, and was certified gold in Norway...
, so Bishop's 1989 version would be considered a cover.
Bishop's songs which have tracked on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
chart are "It Might Be You," which peaked at #25 in 1983; "Save It For A Rainy Day" (#22, 1977); "On And On" (#11, 1977); and "Everybody Needs Love" (#32, 1978).
In addition to singing the theme song off-screen, Bishop had a cameo
Cameo appearance
A cameo role or cameo appearance is a brief appearance of a known person in a work of the performing arts, such as plays, films, video games and television...
role in National Lampoon's Animal House
National Lampoon's Animal House
National Lampoon's Animal House is a 1978 American comedy film directed by John Landis. The film was a direct spin-off of National Lampoon magazine...
as the aspiring folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
singer whose guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
John Belushi
John Belushi
John Adam Belushi was an American comedian, actor, and musician, best known as one of the original cast members of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, The Star of the Films National Lampoon's Animal House and the The Blues Brothers and for fronting the American blues and soul...
smashes. Bishop still keeps the smashed guitar as a memento. He appeared in another John Landis
John Landis
John David Landis is an American film director, screenwriter, actor, and producer. He is known for his comedies, his horror films, and his music videos with singer Michael Jackson.-Early life and career:...
movie, The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers (film)
The Blues Brothers is a 1980 musical comedy film directed by John Landis and starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues, characters developed from a musical sketch on the NBC variety series Saturday Night Live. It features musical numbers by R&B and soul singers James...
, as the 'charming trooper' who breaks his watch during the mall chase. Bishop also had a cameo in The Kentucky Fried Movie
The Kentucky Fried Movie
The Kentucky Fried Movie is an American comedy film, released in 1977 and directed by John Landis. The film's writers were the team of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker. This same team would go on to write and direct Airplane!, Top Secret! and the Police Squad! television series and its...
(1977), appearing as a hustler in the infamous "Catholic High School Girls in Trouble" segment. He was the musical guest on the March 11, 1978, episode of NBC's Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
. Bishop also contributed the song 'The Heart Is So Willing' for the 1986 remake of the film Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is a 1948 American comedy film directed by H.C. Potter and starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy. The film was written and produced by the team of Melvin Frank and Norman Panama...
, called The Money Pit
The Money Pit
The Money Pit is a 1986 comedy film and remake of Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. Directed by Richard Benjamin and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the film stars Tom Hanks and Shelley Long as a couple who attempt to renovate a recently purchased house. The Money Pit was filmed in New...
, starring Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks
Thomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies, gaining wide notice in 1988's Big, before achieving success as a dramatic actor in several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title...
and Shelley Long
Shelley Long
Shelley Lee Long is an American actress best known for her role as Diane Chambers on the sitcom Cheers, for which she won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress and two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress...
. He also sung the end credit song, "We Can Do Anything," from Barney's Great Adventure
Barney's Great Adventure
Barney's Great Adventure is a 1998 musical adventure film based on the children's television series Barney & Friends, featuring the character Barney the dinosaur...
. Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman is a fictional character, the antihero and narrator of the novel American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, and its film adaptation. He has also briefly appeared in other Ellis novels.-Biography and profile:...
, the fictional anti-hero from Bret Easton Ellis
Bret Easton Ellis
Bret Easton Ellis is an American novelist and short story writer. His works have been translated into 27 different languages. He was regarded as one of the so-called literary Brat Pack, which also included Tama Janowitz and Jay McInerney...
' American Psycho
American Psycho
American Psycho is a psychological thriller and satirical novel by Bret Easton Ellis, published in 1991. The story is told in the first person by the protagonist, serial killer and Manhattan businessman Patrick Bateman. The book's graphic violence and sexual content generated a great deal of...
, is an avowed fan of Stephen Bishop.
Albums
- Careless (1976)
- Bish 1978
- Red Cab To Manhattan 1980
- Sleeping With Girls 1986 (Asia Only)
- Bowling In Paris 1989
- Blue Guitars 1994 (re-released with new cover 1996)
- Happy Bishmas 2002 (re-released with new cover 2003)
- Yardwork 2003 (Japan edition has alternative cover)
- The Demo Album 1 2003
- The Demo Album 2 2003
- Fear Of Massage: Demo 3 2004
- Stephen Bishop Live (Live in Japan) 2006 (Japan Only)
- America & Friends: Live At The Ventura Theater 2007 Andrew Gold, Stephen Bishop & America (Japan Only)
- Saudade 2007 (Target-Only release. Re-released worldwide as Romance In Rio)
Collections
- Best Of Bish 1990
- On And On:The Hits Of Stephen Bishop 1994
- An Introduction to Stephen Bishop 1997
- Back to Back 1999 split title with Michael Johnson
- The Millennium Collection 2002
External links
- Stephen Bishop official site
- [ Stephen Bishop entry at All Music Guide]
- Fan Site