Storm -

Storm was an American west coast hard-rock band that made a 1979 MCA album, then reappeared on Capitol with a 1983 second album.

Members: Jeanette Chase (vocals, piano, bass), Lear Stevens (guitar, synthesizer, vocals), David Devon (drums, ?-1982), Ronni Hansen (bass, keyboards), Jimmy Monroe (drums, 1982-83), Eric Nielson (drums, 1984)

Background

Storm formed in the mid-1970s in Orange County, California, with singer Jeanette Chase, guitarist Lear Stevens, bassist Ronni Hansen, and drummer David Devon. Chase grew up near the Capitol Records tower in Hollywood and formed a songwriting partnership with Stevens.

Storm played bars, weddings, and presented label showcases at Studio Instrument Rentals in Los Angeles. Troubadour proprietor Doug Weston offered the band meals in exchange for free performances at the West Hollywood club.

Storm enlisted co-managers Kenn Ellner, a former member of the band Count Five, and Randy Phillips, a law student and booking agent. The musicians selected British producer Roy Thomas Baker for the debut; Baker helped Storm secure a 1977 contract with ABC/Dunhill. MCA acquired ABC Records in 1979 and assumed the Storm contract. The quartet recorded a self-produced debut with engineer George Tutko.

Discography:

Storm (1979)
Storm (1983)

Sources

Storm — “Once upon a time,” official band history. Garage recordings, S.I.R. showcases, Doug Weston, the managers, Roy Thomas Baker, and the first album arrangements. (Archived official website)
Storm — Record Mirror interview, September 20, 1980, page 27. Original lineup, approximate formation chronology, Los Angeles club activity, and the ABC-to-MCA transfer. (World Radio History)
Storm — Rock Candy reissue history. Orange County origin and the 1977 ABC/Dunhill contract date. (Collectors’ Choice Music)
“MCA Purchasing ABC Label; Future of ABC Staff Unclear” — Cash Box, February 10, 1979, pages 7 and 44. Contemporary account of the acquisition. (World Radio History)
“Storm Signals From MCA” — Cash Box, September 22, 1979, page 14. MCA contract notice with the four musicians and co-managers Phillips and Ellner. (World Radio History)
Studio Instrument Rentals — company history. S.I.R. name and Los Angeles origin. (S.I.R.)