Lita Ford, Vixen, et Orianthi

Lita Ford joined a rock band called The Runaways in the mid to late 1970s as a lead guitarist and was partly responsible for the bands signature sound. Unfortunately, the band broke up in April 1979, and Ford decided to pursue a solo career.

Ford released her debut full-length studio album entitled “Out for Blood” but unfortunately didn’t chart, however her sophomore album, “Dancin’ on the Edge” managed to achieve a little success at least charting in the Top 100 of the UK and the US, and even a Grammy Award nomination.

It was Ford’s third album that secured her place in rock history, which was simply just called “Lita”. The album was released on February 2nd 1988 and featured a collaborative single with Ozzy Osbourne on the song “Close My Eyes Forever” thanks to Sharon Osbourne being her manager at the time. The album reached number 29 on the Billboard 200, whilst the single managed to reach number 8 on the Hot 100. “Kiss Me Deadly”, also from the album managed number 12 on the Hot 100. The album was later certified Platinum by the RIAA.

On May 15th 1990, Ford released the album “Stiletto” which was recorded in New York City. It featured the single “Hungry” which reached number 14 in the US Mainstream Rock Charts, and number 63 in the UK. The album managed to reach number 52 in the Billboard 200. Following this album came “Dangerous Curves” which was released on November 12th 1991. This album produced the single “Shot of Poison” which was nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best Female Rock Vocal Performance’ in 1993. Ford released a greatest hits compilation in 1992, which included some of her biggest singles to date and on Valentine’s Day in 1995; she released an album called “Black” which took her music in a completely different direction inviting influences from Blues and Grunge.

Ford didn’t release another album until “Wicked Wonderland” in October 2nd 2009. The album reached number 38 in the US Independent Chart.

It all began for Orianthi when she started playing the piano when she was three but moved to the guitar when she was six. She started to write songs when she turned 15, and played in bands and ensembles since the age of 14. At just 15, she shared the stage with Steve Vai and then at 18, jammed with Carlos Santana at a sound check, who even invited her onstage to play with him during his set at Memorial Drive on March 30th 2003. It was because of Santana, that Orianthi landed a deal with Paul Reed Smith guitars. She released her debut album “Violet Journey” in 2005 playing all the instruments and writing every part. It earned her a record deal with Geffen Records in 2006, and an artist management deal with 19 Entertainment. She has since featured in a TV ad for Panasonic HD and played at the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival.

He television debut came in the form of featuring in Carrie Underwood’s band as her lead guitarist at the 51st annual Grammy Awards. It was that very performance that caught the attention of Michael Jackson’s management who got in touch with Orianthi to audition for This Is It. She later performed at Jackson’s memorial, which was globally broadcasted. She featured on the song “We Are the world 25 for Haiti” which was co-written with Michael Jackson.

Her solo career was thriving after she released the song “According to You” which reached number 2 on US Radio airplay, and achieved Platinum sales in the US and Australia. Following the success of the release of her album, she opened for notable artists, John Mayer, Mika, Kid Rock and more, and was the recipient of a BMI Pop Music Award for “According to You” and was name one of The Top 10 Female Guitar Players of All Time”.