Happy 71st birthday, Peter Frampton!
Born in Beckenham, England, Peter Frampton was a musical prodigy from a young age. He taught himself how to play the guitar at age seven and mastered complex jazz, blues, and rock riffs over the next few years. When he was just 16-years-old Frampton met Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones. Under Wyman’s guidance, Frampton became the lead guitarist and singer for the pop group The Herd. After achieving fame and success with the band, Frampton formed the blues-based rock band Humble Pie. And then in 1971, despite finding even more success with his new band, Frampton decided to go solo. And that’s when his career really took off.
He released his debut solo album Wind Of Change in 1972. Then he followed it up with three more albums, Frampton’s Camel in 1973, Somethin’s Happening in 1974, and Frampton in 1975. He spent years touring before releasing his most successful album, Frampton Comes Alive! The album sold more than 10 million copies and became one of the best-selling live rock albums in history. The album is considered the crowning achievement of Peter Frampton’s career. Additionally, after the album’s release, Billboard and Rolling Stone magazines named him Artist of the Year.
Today he celebrates another milestone, his 71st birthday. So, in honor of the day, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Peter Frampton songs.
Our Favorite Peter Frampton Songs
It would be almost impossible to rank Frampton’s musical brilliance. So, in no particular order, here are our favorite Peter Frampton songs.
“Do You Feel Like We Do”
One of Frampton’s most iconic songs, “Do You Feel Like We Do” is the epitome of 70s jams. The song really does showcase Frampton’s killer guitar solo skills. Frampton had originally released a six-minute version of the song on his album Frampton’s Camel. But it wasn’t until he released the full-length version on Frampton Comes Alive! that the song really took off.
“Show Me the Way”
There’s something about live Peter Frampton songs that really get people’s attention. Again, Frampton had previously released a studio version of this song on one of his previous albums. But it wasn’t until Frampton Comes Alive! that the song gained international fame. “Show Me the Way” peaked in the number six spot on the charts. Additionally, the song is considered one of Frampton’s most recognizable songs.
“Nowhere’s Too Far For My Baby”
Because this song was never released as a single, it never quite reached the level of fame it deserves. The song is catchy, rocking and truly a Frampton gem.
“Dig What I Say”
Peter Frampton really fell from musical grace later in his career. After the initial whirlwind of success from his live album, his fanbase dropped significantly, especially after he starred in the flopped movie Sgt. Pepper. but instead of retreating into a musical has-been abyss, Frampton released another album, Breaking All the Rules. And it was pretty awesome. It’s clear that Frampton really found his voice again through this album, and we have to admit, we dig what he had to say.
