Foreigner were rejected so many times that two band members left. Then everything changed
Foreigner’s early attempts to secure a record deal were repeatedly rejected, even after the band had a demo of “Feels Like the First Time”, the song that would launch their career. The setbacks were severe enough that rhythm-section members Jay Davis and Stan Williams left, but the group kept pursuing a label and eventually secured a second hearing at Atlantic Records.
A&R executive John Kalodner championed the song, and Atlantic signed the band. Davis and Williams were replaced by Ed Gagliardi and Dennis Elliott before the track’s release in March 1977. “Feels Like the First Time” reached number four in both the US pop singles and album charts, helping turn Foreigner into a major American rock act.
In short
- Foreigner faced repeated label rejections.
- Two original members left before the breakthrough.
- Atlantic signed them, and their debut single reached number four.
Explained simply
Foreigner formed in the mid-1970s, bringing together British and American musicians to make polished rock aimed at a broad audience. In the music business, a record deal gives a band the backing of a label to record and release music, while A&R executives listen for acts they think could succeed.
Atlantic Records was a major US label, and John Kalodner worked there finding and supporting artists. “Feels Like the First Time” became Foreigner’s first major hit after its release in 1977, helping establish the band in the United States.