Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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BENATAR, Pat

(b Pat Andrzejewski, 10 Jan. 53, Brooklyn NY) Singer. Studied opera; won NY talent contest '75, signed by Chrysalis '79, captured AOR with accessible neo-heavy metal material, wide vocal range, use of operatic training: 'permanent wave music' described as 'Wonder Woman produced by ZZ Top'. 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' no. 9 on US chart; several more singles charted, none in UK. Won Grammys for best rock vocal '80--81; five albums big hits in USA: Crimes Of Passion, In The Heat Of The Night, Live From Earth. Precious Time no. 1 USA, also charted in UK as did Get Nervous '82. Material (often written by second husband guitarist Neil Geraldo) seemed to slip in commercial appeal; Tropico '84 followed by Seven The Hard Way '86, Wide Awake In Dreamland '88, True Love '91, the last reaching no. 37 USA.