In a pop culture world defined by its perpetual changes, the partnership of singer songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans’ hearts on their own terms. Her staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with his trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter, forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created eternal rock hits including “We Belong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Promises In The Dark,” “We Live For Love,” “Heartbreaker” and “Hell Is For Children.”
Their stunning achievements are a testament to their vision. Together, Benatar and Giraldo have created two multi-platinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits. They have sold over 36 million records worldwide and have won an unprecedented four consecutive GRAMMY® awards. They have also been feted with three American Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award and a 2008 induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
This November Benatar and Giraldo will also be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. On top of his six-string and songwriting skills showcased with Benatar, Giraldo has also written, produced, arranged and recorded for multiple artists including John Waite (the Ignition album), Kenny Loggins (the GRAMMY®-nominated Top 20 hit “Don’t Fight It”), and Rick Springfield (his #1, Grammy-winning classic “Jessie’s Girl” and Top 10 hit “I’ve Done Everything For You”).
Starting with the 1979 debut In The Heat Of The Night, Benatar’s powerful vocals and fierce stage presence created a successful template for hard rocking women in the 1980s while also appealing to pop fans. The video for “You Better Run” was the second clip ever to be shown on MTV; she was the first female artist and Neil the first guitarist to be featured on the channel. Their videos dominated the first decade of MTV. Their 1991 release True Love, a collection of jump blues and swing tunes, anticipated the swing revival of the late ‘90s. Throughout their 43-year musical partnership, Benatar and Giraldo have always shirked trends and explored a wide variety of musical styles.
Over four decades into their hit-laden, genre-blending repertoire, Benatar and Giraldo continue to play to sold out crowds on their annual tours. Their artistic journey is on-going with many exciting possibilities to come.