Jeff Lynne's amazing career: From fronting ELO to solo success
Here are some of Jeff Lynne's best moments
Best known as the front-man for 70s band ELO, Jeff Lynne has had an amazing career to date. ELO - now known as Jeff Lynne's ELO - has undergone some changes to its line-up and name over the years, but has brought out some incredible songs and even popularised the blending of pop, rock and classical music.
To celebrate the music legend, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023, and announced his band's final tour in 2024 - 'The Over and Out Tour' - we've gathered together everything you need to know about the different bands Jeff Lynne has been in, awards he's won and some of his biggest achievements in music so far.
Take a look at some of Jeff Lynne's biggest career moments:
1966 - Jeff Lynne joins The Idle Race
In 1966 at 21-years-old, Jeff Lynne joined the band The Idle Race. In their time together, the band released two albums, 'The Birthday Party' in 1968 and 'Idle Race' in 1969.
1970 - Jeff Lynne joins The Move
Jeff Lynne was approached by Roy Wood and asked if he wanted to join rock band The Move. Jeff was interested in Roy's concept of a fully electric rock band with a classical string section and joined the band in 1970.
In 1972, the group - made up of Jeff, Roy and Bev Bevan - also started ELO and over time started to focus more on this band than The Move.
1971 - ELO release their debut album
ELO released their debut album 'The Electric Light Orchestra' in December 1971. It included their single '10538 Overture', which reached Number 9 in the UK charts.
The following year, the group performed their debut concert at Greyhound Pub in Surrey.
ELO changes its line-up
Things were looking up as the group grew in popularity, and Bill Hunt, Andy Craig, Mike Edwards, Wilfred Gibson, Hugh McDowell, and Richard Tandy joined the group.
However, Roy Wood, Andy Craig, Bill Hunt, and Hugh McDowell then left to form another group. Jeff Lynne remained as the frontman of the new version of the band which included Mike de Albuquerque and Colin Walker.
1979 - ELO gets a Number 1 album
ELO released their 'Discovery' album in 1979 and it was their first album to reach Number 1 in the UK Albums Chart. The hit record included tracks 'Don't Bring Me Down', 'Last Train to London', and 'The Diary of Horace Wimp'.
1980 - Jeff Lynne writes the soundtrack for film Xanadu
Jeff Lynne worked on a slightly different music project when he wrote half of the soundtrack for 1980 film Xanadu. The film starred Olivia Newton-John who also sang the film's songs. There were several great songs from the film including 'Magic', 'I'm Alive' and 'All Over The World.' The title track from the movie topped the UK charts, and the film has since been made into a musical.
1983 - ELO disband
The group broke up in 1983, and officially disbanded in 1986 after releasing another album together due to contractual obligations.
1983 - Jeff Lynne writes music for other artists
From 1983 onwards, Jeff became a producer and writer for other artists, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Dave Edmunds, Tom Petty and Randy Newman.
1988 - Jeff Lynne joins Travelling Wilburys
After collaborating on George Harrison's 'Cloud Nine' album, Jeff Lynne joined George Harrison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison to form music supergroup Travelling Wilburys in 1988. That year they released their 'Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1.' album which won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1990. That year they also released their album 'Traveling Wilburys Vol'. 3.
1990 - Jeff Lynne releases solo album
As well as being part of several bands over the years, Jeff Lynne has also released music as a solo artist. In 1990, he released his debut solo album 'Armchair Theatre', and released another solo album 'Long Wave' in 2012.
1991 - ELO: Part II
The band got back together in 1991 to form ELO: Part II and released their debut album 'Electric Light Orchestra Part Two' under this name in May 1991.
2014 - ELO comeback
In 2014, after popular demand from fans, Jeff Lynne decided to bring back ELO with his touring band, and started performing under the name Jeff Lynne's ELO.
They performed at The Grammy Awards in 2015, and at Glastonbury in 2016. Since forming, they have released several albums together including 'Alone in the Universe' in 2015 and 'From Out of Nowhere' in 2019.
2014 - Jeff Lynne gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Jeff Lynne received his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in April 2015. His is the 2,548th star to be added to the Hollywood Boulevard.
He also received a special honour in his home town in 2014, when he was given a place on the Birmingham Walk of Stars.
2016 - Jeff Lynne's ELO go on tour
In 2016, Jeff Lynne's ELO started their 'Alone in the Universe' tour which took them across the US, UK and Europe. Their most memorable performance took place in June 2017 when the group played to a crowd of 60,000 people at Wembley Stadium. The show included a giant spaceship, a light show and a two-hour set list of their biggest hits. The gig was recorded and later released as a concert film.
2017 - ELO members are inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
ELO members Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, Bev Bevan, and Richard Tandy were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 for their 'boundary-breaking approach to rock'.
At the ceremony, George Harrison's son Dhani Harrison inducted them. He was also due to join the band on their 2020 'From Out Of Nowhere' before it was cancelled due to Covid-19.
2019 - Jeff Lynne receives ASCAP Award
Jeff Lynne recieved the ASCAP Founders Award in May 2019, for his: 'Pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators.' Jeff was presented the award by Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.
In previous years, recipients of the award have included Sir Paul McCartney, Desmond Child, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Patti Smith, and Billy Joel.
2021 - Jeff Lynne releases Wembley Or Bust Book
ELO celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, and Jeff Lynne released a book called 'Wembley Or Bust' in honour of the occasion. The book looks back at their iconic performance in Wembley Stadium in 2017 and includes behind-the-scenes photos and details.
Speaking about the book, Jeff said: 'It means so much to me to release this book during the 50th anniversary of ELO, and four years on from our Wembley Or Bust concert. It was an unforgettable night and I'm excited to relive it with all of you again inside these pages.'
2022 - Jeff Lynne is nominated for Songwriters Hall of Fame
In November 2022, Jeff shared that he was nominated for the 2023 Songwriters Hall of Fame intake. He wrote: 'Honored to be nominated for the @songwritershof 2023 class! Thank you to my friends and fans for your ongoing support. Very exciting. 🛸'.
He is nominated along with the likes of Blondie, Bryan Adams, and Patti Smith. At the 2022 ceremony, Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart, and The Isley Brothers were among those inducted.
2023 - Jeff Lynne is inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
After revealing his nomination in November, Jeff was confirmed to be an inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2023! He wrote on Instagram: 'I'm very excited about this honor. Songwriting has always been my passion. This means so much to me.'
He was presented with the honour in June 2023, by Eagles legend Joe Walsh.
Jeff Lynne's ELO's final tour
In March 2024, Jeff Lynne's ELO announced their final tour - titled 'The Over and Out Tour'. With no UK dates announced at the time, the extensive North American trek is set to take in 27 dates, opening in Palm Springs on 24th August and running up until their show in Los Angeles on 25th October.
How can I listen to Jeff Lynne's ELO's biggest songs?
On Greatest Hits Radio we play the greatest songs of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, including the biggest hits from Jeff Lynne's ELO.
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