Air Supply

With a career spanning over four decades, Air Supply is a renowned soft rock duo, widely recognized for its smooth and mellow sound. The Australian duo, comprising of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, made a name for themselves in the music industry with their rich harmonies and romantic ballads that enchanted audiences worldwide.

About Air Supply

The backstory of Air Supply begins with Graham Russell, who after being neglected by two previous bands, auditioned for and won a part as a chorus member in a Melbourne production of Jesus Christ Superstar. It was here that he met his future bandmate, Russell Hitchcock, who missed the JCS auditions in Sydney but flew to Melbourne and landed a spot in the same chorus.

The duo submitted demos of their songs, “Love And Other Bruises” and “If You Knew Me,” to CBS Records and got signed. Their self-titled debut album, Air Supply, was released shortly after, and despite not charting, attracted a loyal following in Australia. From 1980-1985, the band enjoyed significant success with a string of hits that charted well in the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Their fourth album, Life Support, marked a turning point in their career. Their hit single, “Lost In Love,” which reached #3 in New Zealand and #13 in Australia, paved the way for international success. Arista Records owner Clive Davis recognized the band's potential and ensured the song's release in North America, where it became a top-five hit in both the US and Canada. The duo went on to score eleven internationally successful singles over the next five years, eight of which reached the top five charts in the US, including “All Out of Love,” “Every Woman in the World,” “The One That You Love,” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.”

Despite their success worldwide, Air Supply struggled with chart success in subsequent years. The band found themselves on hiatus after their 1987 holiday album failed to make an impact in the industry. Russell Hitchcock released a solo album in 1988, and the single “Caught In Your Web” in 1990. The duo eventually reunited, releasing seven more albums between 1991 and 2010, but achieved little chart success internationally.

Throughout their career, Air Supply has been recognized for its achievements in the music industry. In 2013, the duo was inducted into the Australian ARIA Hall of Fame, cementing their status as one of Australia's most iconic and acclaimed bands.

The Music of Air Supply

Air Supply's mellow sound has become synonymous with power ballads and soft rock. The duo's signature sound is characterized by Russell Hitchcock's soaring tenor vocals and Graham Russell's songwriting prowess.

The range of their music is diverse, covering genres from pop, rock, adult contemporary, to light rock. What makes their music unique is the evocative lyrics and the way they blend them with harmonious melodies. Air Supply songs tend to have a sentimental, romantic theme that speaks to the soul, which is why they often pop up on wedding playlists.

Their romantic ballads have stood the test of time and continue to attract new audiences, with their music garnering over ten million views on YouTube alone. The music of Air Supply continues to be a staple in many radio stations worldwide, and their captivating live performances remain highly sought after.

Conclusion

With over four decades of success, Air Supply has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the music industry. Their romantic ballads and harmonies have enchanted audiences globally, with songs like “All Out of Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” becoming timeless classics.

The duo's music has cemented their position as one of Australia's most iconic exports, with their evocative sound and romantic themes still resonating with fans today. Although their success has waned in recent years, their legacy lives on, and their music continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration in today's tumultuous world.