In 1980 and if you didn't know who was REO Speedwagon, then you must have been sleeping under a rock. Wow -- they were such a powerhouse band, and Gary was obviously one of its driving force behind it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/arts/music/gary-richrath-guitarist-and-songwriter-for-reo-speedwagon-dies-at-65.html?_r=0