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{{other uses|Crack the Sky (disambiguation)}}
{{other uses|Crack the Sky (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Crack the Sky
| name = Crack the Sky
| image = Crack the Sky 1976.png
| image = Crack the Sky 1976.png
| caption = Crack the Sky, circa 1976<br>L-R: Jim Griffiths, Rick Witkowski, John Palumbo, Joey D'Amico, Joe Macre
| caption = Crack the Sky, circa 1976<br>L-R: Jim Griffiths, Rick Witkowski, John Palumbo, Joey D'Amico, Joe Macre
| image_size = <!-- Only for images narrower than 220 pixels. Set the value as a number without "px". -->
| image_size = <!-- Only for images narrower than 220 pixels. Set the value as a number without "px". -->
| origin = [[Weirton, West Virginia|Weirton]], [[West Virginia]]
| origin = [[Weirton, West Virginia|Weirton]], [[West Virginia]]
| genre = [[Progressive rock]], [[rock and roll]], [[funk]], [[New wave music|new wave]]
| genre = [[Progressive rock]]
| years_active = 1975–1978, 1980–1983, 1986–1990, 1996–present
| years_active = 1975–1978, 1980–1983, 1986–1990, 1996–present
| label = Lifesong, Grudge, Red Line, Winthrop, Aluminum Cat, Loud & Proud, Carry On Music
| label = Lifesong, Grudge, Red Line, Winthrop, Aluminum Cat, Loud & Proud, Carry On Music
| associated_acts =
| associated_acts =
| website = [http://www.crackthesky.com/ Official site]
| website = {{URL|http://www.crackthesky.com/}}
| current_members = *John Palumbo
| current_members = *John Palumbo
*Rick Witkowski
*Rick Witkowski
*Joey D'Amico
*Joey D'Amico
*Joe Macre
*Dave DeMarco
*Bobby Hird
*Bobby Hird
*Bill Hubauer
*Glenn Workman
| past_members = *Joe Macre
| past_members = *Glenn Workman
*Dave Demarco
*Jim Griffiths
*Jim Griffiths
*Vince DePaul
*Vince DePaul
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===1970s===
===1970s===
Crack the Sky traces its roots to early-seventies bands called Uncle Louie and Sugar. Uncle Louie featured John Palumbo on vocals and Rick Witkowski on guitar, while Sugar featured Joe Macre on bass and Jim Griffiths on guitar. Witkowski and Palumbo had auditioned for Terry Minogue, a nephew of Terry Cashman of CashWest Productions. Minogue convinced CashWest to give them a development deal so they could get a band together and record demos. Minogue later said, "They played some of the most beautiful music I ever heard in my life." Words (as the band was then known), initially a 10-piece band, sized down to five core members. The first incarnation of Crack the Sky included drummer Joey D'Amico, bassist Joe Macre, John Palumbo, Rick Witkowski and Jim Griffiths on guitar. During that time, CashWest Productions started Lifesong Records, and Crack the Sky became the first band to release an album on that label.
Crack the Sky traces its roots to early-seventies bands called Uncle Louie and Sugar. Uncle Louie featured John Palumbo on vocals and Rick Witkowski on guitar, while Sugar featured Joe Macre on bass and Jim Griffiths on guitar. Witkowski and Palumbo had auditioned for Terry Minogue, a nephew of Terry Cashman of CashWest Productions. Minogue convinced CashWest to give them a development deal so they could get a band together and record demos. Minogue later said, "They played some of the most beautiful music I ever heard in my life." Words (as the band was then known), initially a 10-piece band, downsized to five core members. The first incarnation of Crack the Sky included drummer Joey D'Amico, bassist Joe Macre, John Palumbo, Rick Witkowski and Jim Griffiths on guitar. During that time, CashWest Productions started Lifesong Records, and Crack the Sky became the first band to release an album on that label.


In 1975, the band released their first album, the critically acclaimed eponymous ''[[Crack the Sky (Crack the Sky album)|Crack the Sky]]'', which reached 161 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart. Although praised by ''[[The New York Times]]'' and declared the "debut album of the year" by ''Rolling Stone'', promotion and distribution problems with Lifesong Records prevented its widespread success.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> According to Terry Minogue, "Records were promised but never arrived at the distribution centers. The record would be on the radio but there would be no product on the store shelves or {{sic|visa versa}}. When people wanted it, it would never be available."<ref name=autogenerated1 /> By what some{{Who|date=April 2013}} termed blind luck, the marketing did work in Baltimore, only because a surplus of records was shipped there and put on display in stores when the album was receiving radio play. Subsequently, the album became very popular in Baltimore. Laidback Larry Allen, music director at [[WPGB|WYDD]] in [[Pittsburgh]], professed love for the album and played ''Crack the Sky'' in heavy rotation, but no other place did.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}}
In 1975, the band released their first album, the critically acclaimed eponymous ''[[Crack the Sky (Crack the Sky album)|Crack the Sky]]'', which reached 161 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart. Although praised by ''[[The New York Times]]'' and declared the "debut album of the year" by ''Rolling Stone'', promotion and distribution problems with Lifesong Records prevented its widespread success.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> According to Terry Minogue, "Records were promised but never arrived at the distribution centers. The record would be on the radio but there would be no product on the store shelves or {{sic|visa versa}}. When people wanted it, it would never be available."<ref name=autogenerated1 /> By what some{{Who|date=April 2013}} termed blind luck, the marketing did work in Baltimore, only because a surplus of records was shipped there and put on display in stores when the album was receiving radio play. Subsequently, the album became very popular in Baltimore. Laidback Larry Allen, music director at [[WPGB|WYDD]] in [[Pittsburgh]], professed love for the album and played ''Crack the Sky'' in heavy rotation, but no other place did.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}}
In 2015, their debut album was ranked number 47 in the Rolling Stone list of "50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time".<ref name="rollingstone.com"/>
In 2015, their debut album was ranked number 47 in the Rolling Stone list of "50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time".<ref name="rollingstone.com"/>


''[[Animal Notes]]'', the band's second album, was intended originally as a rock opera about the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]], but in production, the concept was reduced to only one song, "Rangers at Midnight". Like the band's debut release, it too was critically acclaimed, reaching number 142 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart, performing better than their first album. This time, the high concept and lack of "radio singles", due to the band's disdain for commercial music, contributed to lack of sales. The song "We Want Mine" was a slam at Lifesong Records for royalty withholdings.
''[[Animal Notes]]'', the band's second album, was intended originally as a [[rock opera]] about the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]], but in production, the concept was reduced to only one song, "Rangers at Midnight". Like the band's debut release, it too was critically acclaimed, reaching number 142 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart, performing better than their first album. This time, the high concept and lack of "radio singles", due to the band's disdain for commercial music, contributed to lack of sales. The song "We Want Mine" was a slam at Lifesong Records for royalty withholdings.


By this time, Crack the Sky had finished two cross-country tours and had opened for [[Styx (band)|Styx]], [[Supertramp]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]], [[Electric Light Orchestra]], [[Yes (band)|Yes]], [[ZZ Top]], [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]], [[Edgar Winter]], [[Frank Zappa]], and [[Boston (band)|Boston]].
By this time, Crack the Sky had finished two cross-country tours and had opened for [[Styx (band)|Styx]], [[Supertramp]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]], [[Electric Light Orchestra]], [[Yes (band)|Yes]], [[ZZ Top]], [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]], [[Edgar Winter]], [[Frank Zappa]], and [[Boston (band)|Boston]].
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As a result of a breakdown in communications with the band's record label, and a divergence in creative approaches to the music, Palumbo left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career. The remaining band members, with new vocalist Gary Lee Chappell, Philadelphia guitarist Barry Siegfried, and Pittsburgh keyboardist Vince DePaul, released ''[[Safety in Numbers (Crack The Sky album)|Safety in Numbers]]'' in 1978. ''Safety in Numbers'' reached 126 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart, their highest-charting album. Promoting ''Safety in Numbers'', Crack the Sky opened for [[Heart (band)|Heart]]'s 1978 ''[[Dog & Butterfly (album)|Dog and Butterfly]]'' tour. Later that year, the band released an album of live concert performances, ''[[Live Sky]]''.
As a result of a breakdown in communications with the band's record label, and a divergence in creative approaches to the music, Palumbo left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career. The remaining band members, with new vocalist Gary Lee Chappell, Philadelphia guitarist Barry Siegfried, and Pittsburgh keyboardist Vince DePaul, released ''[[Safety in Numbers (Crack The Sky album)|Safety in Numbers]]'' in 1978. ''Safety in Numbers'' reached 126 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart, their highest-charting album. Promoting ''Safety in Numbers'', Crack the Sky opened for [[Heart (band)|Heart]]'s 1978 ''[[Dog & Butterfly (album)|Dog and Butterfly]]'' tour. Later that year, the band released an album of live concert performances, ''[[Live Sky]]''.


Due to ongoing contractual difficulties with Lifesong, members of Crack the Sky agreed they had no other choice but to disband.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} Following the band's dissolution, ''[[Classic Crack]]'', a greatest hits compilation, was released by Lifesong in 1980.
Due to ongoing contractual difficulties with Lifesong, members of Crack the Sky agreed they had no choice but to disband.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} Following the band's dissolution, ''[[Classic Crack]]'', a greatest-hits compilation, was released by Lifesong in 1980.


===1980s===
===1980s===
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Meanwhile, Palumbo reformed Crack the Sky once again in 1981 with DePaul, Carey Ziegler, Bobby Hird, and John Tracey, and produced ''[[Photoflamingo]]''. This new lineup of musicians, and subsequent efforts, including ''[[World in Motion 1]]'' and the live album ''[[The End (Crack the Sky album)|The End]]'', failed to garner the critical and public acclaim of the earlier releases, and the group disbanded again in 1983. A notable song from this era is "All Fly Away", about the fears of [[nuclear holocaust]].
Meanwhile, Palumbo reformed Crack the Sky once again in 1981 with DePaul, Carey Ziegler, Bobby Hird, and John Tracey, and produced ''[[Photoflamingo]]''. This new lineup of musicians, and subsequent efforts, including ''[[World in Motion 1]]'' and the live album ''[[The End (Crack the Sky album)|The End]]'', failed to garner the critical and public acclaim of the earlier releases, and the group disbanded again in 1983. A notable song from this era is "All Fly Away", about the fears of [[nuclear holocaust]].


By the mid-1980s, Palumbo had decided to return to his solo career, releasing the [[Avant-garde music|avant garde]] album, ''Blowing Up Detroit'' in 1985. It was also around this time that Palumbo began collaborating on songwriting for the [[Hagerstown, Maryland]]-based [[hard rock]]/[[glam metal]] band, [[Kix (band)|Kix]]. He would go on to co-write this band's most commercially successful single, "Don't Close Your Eyes".
By the mid-1980s, Palumbo had returned to his solo career, releasing the [[Avant-garde music|avant garde]] album ''Blowing Up Detroit'' in 1985. It was also around this time that Palumbo began collaborating on songwriting for the [[Hagerstown, Maryland]]-based [[hard rock]]/[[glam metal]] band [[Kix (band)|Kix]]. He would go on to co-write this band's most commercially successful single, "[[Don't Close Your Eyes (Kix song)|Don't Close Your Eyes]]".


Palumbo released the studio album ''[[Raw (Crack the Sky album)|Raw]]'' under the Crack the Sky name in 1986. Although the album has the signature Crack the Sky sound and feel to it, it featured no past members of the band besides Palumbo (guitarist Jamie LaRitz is the only other musician credited). Later that year, however, Palumbo reunited Crack the Sky with Witkowski, Hird, DePaul, Ziegler, and D'Amico for a series of live shows at the Baltimore club [[Hammerjack's]]. Between then and 1989, this band performed a number of shows in the Baltimore area, including Painters Mill Music Fair.
Palumbo released the studio album ''[[Raw (Crack the Sky album)|Raw]]'' under the Crack the Sky name in 1986. Although the album has the signature Crack the Sky sound and feel to it, it featured no past members of the band besides Palumbo (guitarist Jamie LaRitz is the only other musician credited). Later that year, however, Palumbo reunited Crack the Sky with Witkowski, Hird, DePaul, Ziegler, and D'Amico for a series of live shows at the Baltimore club [[Hammerjack's]]. Between then and 1989, this band performed a number of shows in the Baltimore area, including Painters Mill Music Fair.
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===1990s===
===1990s===
Crack the Sky released ''[[Dog City (Crack the Sky album)|Dog City]]'' in 1990. The period between then and 1996 saw little activity except for the release of the compilation disc ''[[Rare!]]'' in 1994. During this time, Witkowski composed music for a number of game shows on the children's television network Nickelodeon, including ''[[Nickelodeon Guts|Guts]]'' and ''[[Figure It Out]]''.
Crack the Sky released ''[[Dog City (Crack the Sky album)|Dog City]]'' in 1990. The period between then and 1996 saw little activity except for the release of the compilation disc ''[[Rare!]]'' in 1994. During this time, Witkowski composed music for a number of game shows on the children's television network [[Nickelodeon]], including ''[[Nickelodeon Guts|Guts]]'' and ''[[Figure It Out]]''.


Palumbo gathered the band together again in 1996, beginning a series of live shows at small venues in the Baltimore area. The band at this time featured the same lineup as 1983's ''The End'', with the addition of Nat Kerr on keyboards. A new studio album, ''[[Cut (Crack the Sky album)|Cut]]'', was released in 1999, as well as a double-disc release featuring one of the band's live shows at the [[Recher Theatre]] in [[Towson, Maryland|Towson]], Maryland.
Palumbo gathered the band together again in 1996, beginning a series of live shows at small venues in the Baltimore area. The band at this time featured the same lineup as 1983's ''The End'', with the addition of Nat Kerr (who had participated with Crack the Sky members Witkowski, Macre, and D'Amico in the B.E. Taylor Group around the same time as ''The End'''s release) on keyboards. A new studio album, ''[[Cut (Crack the Sky album)|Cut]]'', was released in 1999, as well as a double-disc release featuring one of the band's live shows at the [[Recher Theatre]] in [[Towson, Maryland]].


===2000s===
===2000s===
[[Image:Crack The Sky 6-26-2004.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Crack The Sky (Rick Witkowski and John Palumbo), June 26, 2004]]
[[Image:Crack The Sky 6-26-2004.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Crack The Sky (Rick Witkowski and John Palumbo), June 26, 2004]]


Crack the Sky continues to perform occasional live shows and collaborate on new music under Palumbo's guidance. The albums ''[[Ghost (Crack the Sky album)|Ghost]]'' and ''[[Dogs from Japan]]'' were released to critical acclaim in 2001 and 2003, respectively. The band completed a new concept album in 2007, entitled ''[[The Sale]]'', which features the band's original bassist Joe Macre performing in the band and producing the record.
Crack the Sky continues to perform occasional live shows and collaborate on new music under Palumbo's guidance. The albums ''[[Ghost (Crack the Sky album)|Ghost]]'' and ''[[Dogs from Japan]]'' were released to critical acclaim in 2001 and 2003, respectively. The band completed a new [[concept album]] in 2007, entitled ''[[The Sale]]'', which features the band's original bassist Joe Macre performing in the band and producing the record.


In 2008, Joey D'Amico and Joe Macre returned as Crack the Sky's drummer and bassist, respectively. Additionally, the band headlined the ROSfest progressive music festival and later a full-length DVD of their performance called ''Crack the Sky, All Access'' was produced and engineered by Macre. The DVD was shot on six hi-def cameras in 5.1 surround sound and includes pictures and interviews with the band members.
In 2008, Joey D'Amico and Joe Macre returned as Crack the Sky's drummer and bassist, respectively. Additionally, the band headlined the ROSfest progressive music festival, and later a full-length DVD of their performance called ''Crack the Sky, All Access'' was produced and engineered by Macre. The DVD was shot on six hi-def cameras in 5.1 surround sound and includes pictures and interviews with the band members.


===2010s===
===2010s===


2010 saw the release of ''[[Machine (Crack the Sky album)|Machine]]'', a concept album of sorts, again featuring 4/5 of the original Crack the Sky lineup.
2010 saw the release of ''[[Machine (Crack the Sky album)|Machine]]'', a concept album of sorts, again featuring {{frac|4|5}} of the original Crack the Sky lineup.


Their next album, ''[[Ostrich (Crack the Sky album)|Ostrich]]'', was released in late 2012. It signaled a return of Crack the Sky to its earlier sound. One review noted: "Not since the band's incredibly popular "White Music" CD, has Crack the Sky delivered a collection of pop/rock songs that sting while making you smile. Satirical, smirky commentary, wrapped in up tempo – yes, you can dance to it – music. Writer, Palumbo, has either hit a manic phase or is attempting to get our attention via the back door. In any event, this remarkable band, once again, shows their ability to shift gears while keeping their artistic integrity intact."
Their next album, ''[[Ostrich (Crack the Sky album)|Ostrich]]'', was released in late 2012. It signaled a return of Crack the Sky to its earlier sound. One review noted: "Not since the band's incredibly popular 'White Music' CD, has Crack the Sky delivered a collection of pop/rock songs that sting while making you smile. Satirical, smirky commentary, wrapped in up tempo – yes, you can dance to it – music. Writer, Palumbo, has either hit a manic phase or is attempting to get our attention via the back door. In any event, this remarkable band, once again, shows their ability to shift gears while keeping their artistic integrity intact."


In 2015, the group released their 16th studio album, ''[[The Beauty of Nothing (Crack the Sky album)|The Beauty of Nothing]]'', featuring the songs "Rachel" and the title track, "The Beauty of Nothing", both of which would be rerecorded for the 2018 release, ''[[Crackology (Crack the Sky album)|Crackology]]''.
In 2015, the group released their 16th studio album, ''[[The Beauty of Nothing (Crack the Sky album)|The Beauty of Nothing]]'', featuring the songs "Rachel" and the title track, "The Beauty of Nothing", both of which would be rerecorded for the 2018 release, ''[[Crackology (Crack the Sky album)|Crackology]]''.
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The band released the single "Red Rosary" in 2016 and offered it as a free download from their website. This song was also included in the 2018 release, ''[[Living in Reverse (Crack the Sky album)|Living in Reverse]]''.
The band released the single "Red Rosary" in 2016 and offered it as a free download from their website. This song was also included in the 2018 release, ''[[Living in Reverse (Crack the Sky album)|Living in Reverse]]''.


In 2018, it was reported that all five original members (Palumbo, Witkowski, D'Amico, Macre, and original guitarist Jim Griffiths) were planning to reunite in March for a series of shows.<ref>[https://channel45news.com/2017/07/original-crack-the-sky-to-reunite-in-2018/ "Original Crack the Sky to Reunite in 2018." ''Channel 45 News''] Retrieved January 19, 2019.</ref> This turned out to be a prank as no such reunion occurred. But two new albums were released on August 24: ''[[Living in Reverse (Crack the Sky album)|Living in Reverse]]'', their 17th studio album, featured all-new Palumbo penned songs while ''[[Crackology (Crack the Sky album)|Crackology]]'', their 18th studio album, featured rerecordings of many of the band's most beloved fan-favorite songs from their large and diverse catalog.
Two new albums were released on August 24, 2018: ''Living in Reverse'', their 17th studio album, featured all-new Palumbo penned songs, while ''[[Crackology (Crack the Sky album)|Crackology]]'', their 18th studio album, featured rerecordings of many of the band's most beloved fan-favorite songs from their large and diverse catalog.


===2020s===
===2020s===


''[[Tribes (Crack the Sky album)|Tribes]]'' was released on January 15, 2021. It is the 19th studio album, featuring all-new songs as well as a new version of John Palumbo's 1985 solo track "Blowing Up Detroit".
''[[Tribes (Crack the Sky album)|Tribes]]'' was released on January 15, 2021. It is the 19th studio album, featuring new songs as well as a new version of John Palumbo's 1985 solo track "Blowing Up Detroit".


''Beneath the Cracks'', a compilation of deep cuts, was released on July 2, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/crack-the-sky-to-release-compilation-of-deep-cuts-between-the-cracks-in-july-the-box-streaming-acoustic-concert-confirmed|title = CRACK THE SKY to Release Compilation of Deep Cuts, Between the Cracks, in July ; "The Box" Streaming; Acoustic Concert Confirmed}}</ref>
''[[Between The Cracks (Crack the Sky album)|Between The Cracks]]'', a compilation of deep cuts, was released on July 2, 2021.<ref name="bravewords.com">{{Cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/crack-the-sky-to-release-compilation-of-deep-cuts-between-the-cracks-in-july-the-box-streaming-acoustic-concert-confirmed|title = CRACK THE SKY to Release Compilation of Deep Cuts, Between the Cracks, in July; "The Box" Streaming; Acoustic Concert Confirmed}}</ref>

''[[From The Wood (Crack the Sky album)|From The Wood]]'' was released on April 6, 2023. It is the 20th studio album. Crack The Sky takes a turn with an almost all acoustic album. Acoustic guitars, piano, dobro, ukulele, banjo, accordion, mandolin, bass, toy piano, djembe, and drums. Introspective but still unique and progressive. Much of the inspiration coming from one of the strangest of all times in our lives with isolation, separation, anxiety, all thrust upon us by the global condition. Music that inspires, enflames, and reassures with twists and turns. John Palumbo continues to shape his vision of a world with his unique writing style. The guitar interplay from Rick Witkowski and Bobby Hird continues to propel the band in both new and familiar directions.


Crack the Sky continues to perform fairly regularly, mainly in the eastern part of the United States.
Crack the Sky continues to perform fairly regularly, mainly in the eastern part of the United States.


===Current lineup (2012-present)===
===Current lineup (2012–present)===
*John Palumbo – vocals, guitars, keyboards
*John Palumbo – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
*Bobby Hird – guitars, mandolin, vocals
*Bobby Hird – Guitars, Mandolin, Dobro, Banjo, Vocals
*Dave DeMarcobass, vocals
*Joe MacreBass, Vocals
*Glenn Workmankeyboards, vocals
*Bill HubauerKeyboards, Vocals, Sax
*Rick Witkowski – guitars, ukulele, vocals
*Rick Witkowski – Guitars, Ukulele, Vocals
*Joey D'Amico – drums, vocals
*Joey D'Amico – Drums, Vocals
*Joe Macre - bass, vocals (continues to contribute as a "special guest" on various albums, including nearly half of the tracks on 2018's ''Living in Reverse'')


==Discography==
==Discography==
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|-
|-
| 2021
| 2021
| ''[[Between The Cracks (Crack the Sky album)|Between The Cracks]]''
| ''Between the Cracks''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/crack-the-sky-to-release-compilation-of-deep-cuts-between-the-cracks-in-july-the-box-streaming-acoustic-concert-confirmed|title = CRACK THE SKY to Release Compilation of Deep Cuts, Between the Cracks, in July ; "The Box" Streaming; Acoustic Concert Confirmed}}</ref>
| Carry On Music
| Carry On Music
|-
| 2023
| ''[[From The Wood (Crack the Sky album)|From The Wood]]''
| Aluminum Cat Recordings
|-
| 2024
| ''[[The Baker Files (Crack the Sky album)|The Baker Files]]''
| Adobo Records
|}
|}


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**John Palumbo (keyboards, guitars, lead vocals), Ian Palumbo (guitars, backup vocals), Tim Deaner (backup vocals), Dr. Maurice Hayes (narration)
**John Palumbo (keyboards, guitars, lead vocals), Ian Palumbo (guitars, backup vocals), Tim Deaner (backup vocals), Dr. Maurice Hayes (narration)
*''Spider-man: Rock Reflections of a Superhero'' (1975 Lifesong / Digital Music Works)
*''Spider-man: Rock Reflections of a Superhero'' (1975 Lifesong / Digital Music Works)
**John Palumbo (keyboards), Rick Witkowski (percussion), Jim Griffiths (guitar), Joe Macre (bass), and others.
**John Palumbo (keyboards), Rick Witkowski (percussion), Jim Griffiths (guitar), Joe Macre (bass), and others


==Band member timeline==
==Band member timeline==
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==Crack Pack horn section==
==Crack Pack horn section==
Sometimes the band has a horn section—known as the Crack Pack Horns—accompany them at live shows or on album tracks.
Sometimes a horn section—known as the Crack Pack Horns—accompanies the band at live shows or on album tracks.
*Tom Williams — [[trumpet]] (1980s–1990s)
*Tom Williams — [[trumpet]] (1980s–1990s)
*Tom McCormick — [[tenor saxophone]] (1980s)
*Tom McCormick — [[tenor saxophone]] (1980s)
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*Jim Stienfeld — horns (1986)
*Jim Stienfeld — horns (1986)
*Keith Zaffino — horns (1986)
*Keith Zaffino — horns (1986)
*Dave Makowiecki - trumpet (2000–present)
*Dave Makowiecki trumpet (2000–present)
*Barry Caudill - tenor saxophone (2000–present)
*Barry Caudill tenor saxophone (2000–present)
*Jim McFalls - trombone (2000–present)
*Jim McFalls trombone (2000–present)


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.crackthesky.com Official site]
*[http://www.crackthesky.com Official site]
* {{IMDb name|nm8753751}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051213013616/http://www.crackthesky.com/library/ David Arnold's Unofficial Biography of Crack the Sky]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051213013616/http://www.crackthesky.com/library/ David Arnold's Unofficial Biography of Crack the Sky]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061020012442/http://www.bobbyshred.com/crackthesky.html BobbyShred's Crack the Sky Tribute Page]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061020012442/http://www.bobbyshred.com/crackthesky.html BobbyShred's Crack the Sky Tribute Page]
*[http://www.joabj.com/CityPaper/950712-CrackTheSky-01.html ''Pie In The Sky,'' Baltimore City Paper, July 12, 1995]
*[http://www.joabj.com/CityPaper/950712-CrackTheSky-01.html ''Pie In The Sky,'' Baltimore City Paper, July 12, 1995] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807032302/http://www.joabj.com/CityPaper/950712-CrackTheSky-01.html |date=August 7, 2011 }}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Musical groups established in 1976]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in West Virginia]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from West Virginia]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from West Virginia]]
[[Category:American progressive rock groups]]
[[Category:American progressive rock groups]]
[[Category:Progressive pop musicians]]

Latest revision as of 03:41, 8 December 2024

Crack the Sky
Crack the Sky, circa 1976 L-R: Jim Griffiths, Rick Witkowski, John Palumbo, Joey D'Amico, Joe Macre
Crack the Sky, circa 1976
L-R: Jim Griffiths, Rick Witkowski, John Palumbo, Joey D'Amico, Joe Macre
Background information
OriginWeirton, West Virginia
GenresProgressive rock
Years active1975–1978, 1980–1983, 1986–1990, 1996–present
LabelsLifesong, Grudge, Red Line, Winthrop, Aluminum Cat, Loud & Proud, Carry On Music
Members
  • John Palumbo
  • Rick Witkowski
  • Joey D'Amico
  • Joe Macre
  • Bobby Hird
  • Bill Hubauer
Past members
  • Glenn Workman
  • Dave Demarco
  • Jim Griffiths
  • Vince DePaul
  • Gary Lee Chapell
  • Rob Stevens
  • John Tracey
  • Carey Ziegler
  • Sonny Petrosky
  • Michael Taylor
  • Barry Siegfried
  • Jamie LaRitz
  • Nat Kerr
Websitewww.crackthesky.com

Crack the Sky is an American progressive rock band formed in Weirton, West Virginia, in the early 1970s. In 1975, Rolling Stone declared their first album the "debut album of the year", and in 1978, Rolling Stone Record Guide compared them to Steely Dan.[1] Their first three albums charted on the Billboard 200. In 2015, their debut album was ranked number 47 in the Rolling Stone list of "50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time ".[2] The band continues to release albums and perform to a small but devoted fan base to this day.

History

[edit]

1970s

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Crack the Sky traces its roots to early-seventies bands called Uncle Louie and Sugar. Uncle Louie featured John Palumbo on vocals and Rick Witkowski on guitar, while Sugar featured Joe Macre on bass and Jim Griffiths on guitar. Witkowski and Palumbo had auditioned for Terry Minogue, a nephew of Terry Cashman of CashWest Productions. Minogue convinced CashWest to give them a development deal so they could get a band together and record demos. Minogue later said, "They played some of the most beautiful music I ever heard in my life." Words (as the band was then known), initially a 10-piece band, downsized to five core members. The first incarnation of Crack the Sky included drummer Joey D'Amico, bassist Joe Macre, John Palumbo, Rick Witkowski and Jim Griffiths on guitar. During that time, CashWest Productions started Lifesong Records, and Crack the Sky became the first band to release an album on that label.

In 1975, the band released their first album, the critically acclaimed eponymous Crack the Sky, which reached 161 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Although praised by The New York Times and declared the "debut album of the year" by Rolling Stone, promotion and distribution problems with Lifesong Records prevented its widespread success.[1] According to Terry Minogue, "Records were promised but never arrived at the distribution centers. The record would be on the radio but there would be no product on the store shelves or visa versa [sic]. When people wanted it, it would never be available."[1] By what some[who?] termed blind luck, the marketing did work in Baltimore, only because a surplus of records was shipped there and put on display in stores when the album was receiving radio play. Subsequently, the album became very popular in Baltimore. Laidback Larry Allen, music director at WYDD in Pittsburgh, professed love for the album and played Crack the Sky in heavy rotation, but no other place did.[citation needed] In 2015, their debut album was ranked number 47 in the Rolling Stone list of "50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time".[2]

Animal Notes, the band's second album, was intended originally as a rock opera about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but in production, the concept was reduced to only one song, "Rangers at Midnight". Like the band's debut release, it too was critically acclaimed, reaching number 142 on the Billboard 200 album chart, performing better than their first album. This time, the high concept and lack of "radio singles", due to the band's disdain for commercial music, contributed to lack of sales. The song "We Want Mine" was a slam at Lifesong Records for royalty withholdings.

By this time, Crack the Sky had finished two cross-country tours and had opened for Styx, Supertramp, Rush, Foreigner, Electric Light Orchestra, Yes, ZZ Top, Kansas, Edgar Winter, Frank Zappa, and Boston.

As a result of a breakdown in communications with the band's record label, and a divergence in creative approaches to the music, Palumbo left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career. The remaining band members, with new vocalist Gary Lee Chappell, Philadelphia guitarist Barry Siegfried, and Pittsburgh keyboardist Vince DePaul, released Safety in Numbers in 1978. Safety in Numbers reached 126 on the Billboard 200 album chart, their highest-charting album. Promoting Safety in Numbers, Crack the Sky opened for Heart's 1978 Dog and Butterfly tour. Later that year, the band released an album of live concert performances, Live Sky.

Due to ongoing contractual difficulties with Lifesong, members of Crack the Sky agreed they had no choice but to disband.[citation needed] Following the band's dissolution, Classic Crack, a greatest-hits compilation, was released by Lifesong in 1980.

1980s

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In 1980, Palumbo reunited with Witkowski and DePaul to reform the band and released White Music later that year. This record featured a number of the "singles-quality" songs that had earlier proved elusive to the band, including "All American Boy", "Skin Deep", "Techni Generation", and "Hot Razors in My Heart". "Techni Generation" saw small airplay in the Pittsburgh area during this time.

After the release of the album, the band was put on hiatus, as Witkowski, Macre, and D'Amico went back to the Pittsburgh area to work with the vocalist/songwriter Bill Taylor and formed the B.E. Taylor Group. They released an independent 12" EP and eventually signed to MCA records for two full-length LPs: Innermission and Love Won the Fight. The group's catchy single release of "Vitamin L" (written by Witkowski, produced by Macre and Witkowski, and sung by D'Amico) from the latter album found its way into Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1984. The success of this single led to the group being signed to CBS Records, where they recorded and released a third album, Our World in 1986.

Meanwhile, Palumbo reformed Crack the Sky once again in 1981 with DePaul, Carey Ziegler, Bobby Hird, and John Tracey, and produced Photoflamingo. This new lineup of musicians, and subsequent efforts, including World in Motion 1 and the live album The End, failed to garner the critical and public acclaim of the earlier releases, and the group disbanded again in 1983. A notable song from this era is "All Fly Away", about the fears of nuclear holocaust.

By the mid-1980s, Palumbo had returned to his solo career, releasing the avant garde album Blowing Up Detroit in 1985. It was also around this time that Palumbo began collaborating on songwriting for the Hagerstown, Maryland-based hard rock/glam metal band Kix. He would go on to co-write this band's most commercially successful single, "Don't Close Your Eyes".

Palumbo released the studio album Raw under the Crack the Sky name in 1986. Although the album has the signature Crack the Sky sound and feel to it, it featured no past members of the band besides Palumbo (guitarist Jamie LaRitz is the only other musician credited). Later that year, however, Palumbo reunited Crack the Sky with Witkowski, Hird, DePaul, Ziegler, and D'Amico for a series of live shows at the Baltimore club Hammerjack's. Between then and 1989, this band performed a number of shows in the Baltimore area, including Painters Mill Music Fair.

In 1988, Palumbo joined with Witkowski, DePaul, and D'Amico to produce From the Greenhouse, in many ways a return to the band's classic sound, with solid efforts including the title track and the song "Lost in America" The album peaked at 186 on the Billboard 200, and received a mixed review from People.[1] During this time, this lineup performed occasionally in the Baltimore area with Ziegler joining on bass.

1990s

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Crack the Sky released Dog City in 1990. The period between then and 1996 saw little activity except for the release of the compilation disc Rare! in 1994. During this time, Witkowski composed music for a number of game shows on the children's television network Nickelodeon, including Guts and Figure It Out.

Palumbo gathered the band together again in 1996, beginning a series of live shows at small venues in the Baltimore area. The band at this time featured the same lineup as 1983's The End, with the addition of Nat Kerr (who had participated with Crack the Sky members Witkowski, Macre, and D'Amico in the B.E. Taylor Group around the same time as The End's release) on keyboards. A new studio album, Cut, was released in 1999, as well as a double-disc release featuring one of the band's live shows at the Recher Theatre in Towson, Maryland.

2000s

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Crack The Sky (Rick Witkowski and John Palumbo), June 26, 2004

Crack the Sky continues to perform occasional live shows and collaborate on new music under Palumbo's guidance. The albums Ghost and Dogs from Japan were released to critical acclaim in 2001 and 2003, respectively. The band completed a new concept album in 2007, entitled The Sale, which features the band's original bassist Joe Macre performing in the band and producing the record.

In 2008, Joey D'Amico and Joe Macre returned as Crack the Sky's drummer and bassist, respectively. Additionally, the band headlined the ROSfest progressive music festival, and later a full-length DVD of their performance called Crack the Sky, All Access was produced and engineered by Macre. The DVD was shot on six hi-def cameras in 5.1 surround sound and includes pictures and interviews with the band members.

2010s

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2010 saw the release of Machine, a concept album of sorts, again featuring 45 of the original Crack the Sky lineup.

Their next album, Ostrich, was released in late 2012. It signaled a return of Crack the Sky to its earlier sound. One review noted: "Not since the band's incredibly popular 'White Music' CD, has Crack the Sky delivered a collection of pop/rock songs that sting while making you smile. Satirical, smirky commentary, wrapped in up tempo – yes, you can dance to it – music. Writer, Palumbo, has either hit a manic phase or is attempting to get our attention via the back door. In any event, this remarkable band, once again, shows their ability to shift gears while keeping their artistic integrity intact."

In 2015, the group released their 16th studio album, The Beauty of Nothing, featuring the songs "Rachel" and the title track, "The Beauty of Nothing", both of which would be rerecorded for the 2018 release, Crackology.

The band released the single "Red Rosary" in 2016 and offered it as a free download from their website. This song was also included in the 2018 release, Living in Reverse.

Two new albums were released on August 24, 2018: Living in Reverse, their 17th studio album, featured all-new Palumbo penned songs, while Crackology, their 18th studio album, featured rerecordings of many of the band's most beloved fan-favorite songs from their large and diverse catalog.

2020s

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Tribes was released on January 15, 2021. It is the 19th studio album, featuring new songs as well as a new version of John Palumbo's 1985 solo track "Blowing Up Detroit".

Between The Cracks, a compilation of deep cuts, was released on July 2, 2021.[3]

From The Wood was released on April 6, 2023. It is the 20th studio album. Crack The Sky takes a turn with an almost all acoustic album. Acoustic guitars, piano, dobro, ukulele, banjo, accordion, mandolin, bass, toy piano, djembe, and drums. Introspective but still unique and progressive. Much of the inspiration coming from one of the strangest of all times in our lives with isolation, separation, anxiety, all thrust upon us by the global condition. Music that inspires, enflames, and reassures with twists and turns. John Palumbo continues to shape his vision of a world with his unique writing style. The guitar interplay from Rick Witkowski and Bobby Hird continues to propel the band in both new and familiar directions.

Crack the Sky continues to perform fairly regularly, mainly in the eastern part of the United States.

Current lineup (2012–present)

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  • John Palumbo – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
  • Bobby Hird – Guitars, Mandolin, Dobro, Banjo, Vocals
  • Joe Macre – Bass, Vocals
  • Bill Hubauer – Keyboards, Vocals, Sax
  • Rick Witkowski – Guitars, Ukulele, Vocals
  • Joey D'Amico – Drums, Vocals

Discography

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Full-length albums

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Release date Title Label
1975 Crack the Sky Lifesong
1976 Animal Notes Lifesong
1976 Live on WBAB Lifesong
1978 Safety in Numbers Lifesong
1978 Live Sky Lifesong
1980 Classic Crack Lifesong
1980 White Music Lifesong
1981 Photoflamingo Lifesong
1983 World in Motion 1 Criminal
1984 The End Criminal
1986 Raw Grudge
1989 From the Greenhouse Grudge
1990 Dog City Grudge
1994 Rare! Yodelin' Pig
1994 Crack Attic Renaissance
1998 Cut Stepford Wives (re-released in 2007 by Aluminum Cat Recordings)
2000 The Best of the Rest (And Then Some) Winthrop
2000 Live—Recher Theatre 06.19.99 Aluminum Cat Recordings
2001 Ghost Aluminum Cat Recordings
2004 Dogs from Japan Aluminum Cat Recordings
2006 Alive and Kickin' Ass Lifesong
2007 The Sale Aluminum Cat Recordings
2010 Machine Aluminum Cat Recordings
2012 Ostrich Aluminum Cat Recordings
2015 The Beauty Of Nothing Aluminum Cat Recordings
2018 Living in Reverse Loud & Proud Records
2018 Crackology Loud & Proud Records
2021 Crack Attic Renaissance Records
2021 Tribes Carry On Music
2021 Between The Cracks Carry On Music
2023 From The Wood Aluminum Cat Recordings
2024 The Baker Files Adobo Records

Live performance DVD

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Compilation appearances

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  • Supper's Ready—A Tribute to Genesis (1995, Magna Carta) (song: "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)")
    • John Palumbo (keyboards, guitars, lead vocals), Ian Palumbo (guitars, backup vocals), Tim Deaner (backup vocals), Dr. Maurice Hayes (narration)
  • Spider-man: Rock Reflections of a Superhero (1975 Lifesong / Digital Music Works)
    • John Palumbo (keyboards), Rick Witkowski (percussion), Jim Griffiths (guitar), Joe Macre (bass), and others

Band member timeline

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Musician timeline
Musician timeline

Crack Pack horn section

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Sometimes a horn section—known as the Crack Pack Horns—accompanies the band at live shows or on album tracks.

  • Tom Williams — trumpet (1980s–1990s)
  • Tom McCormick — tenor saxophone (1980s)
  • Dave Fairall — tenor & alto saxophone (1980s–2000)
  • Paul Soroka — lyricon (1980s–1990s)
  • Chris Walker — trumpet (1990s–2000)
  • J.J. Gunning — trombone (1990s–2000)
  • Ronnie Fowler — horns (1986)
  • Jim Stienfeld — horns (1986)
  • Keith Zaffino — horns (1986)
  • Dave Makowiecki — trumpet (2000–present)
  • Barry Caudill — tenor saxophone (2000–present)
  • Jim McFalls — trombone (2000–present)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Pie in the Sky", Joab Jackson, Baltimore City Paper, July 12, 1995.
  2. ^ a b "50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone. 17 June 2015.
  3. ^ "CRACK THE SKY to Release Compilation of Deep Cuts, Between the Cracks, in July; "The Box" Streaming; Acoustic Concert Confirmed".
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