Take Five: Non-Pat Benatar Credits from Neil Giraldo

Neil Giraldo is one of those artists who’s an integral part of the success of projects with which he’s involved. But because he’s something of a behind-the-scenes personality, the important work of this 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee can go unnoticed – or at least under-recognized – by the listening public. Since the early 1980s, Giraldo has been the guitarist and primary collaborator of rock vocalist Pat Benatar. And since 1982, he has been Benatar’s husband.

And while Giraldo’s work with Pat Benatar – including seven albums selling Platinum or better, more than a dozen Top 40 singles in the U.S. and more – ranks among his most high-profile and well-known credit, there’s much more to his résumé. On the occasion of his 70th birthday last December 29, here are five Neil Giraldo credits outside his work with Pet Benatar.

“Guitars and Women” from Rick Derringer’s Guitars and Women (1979)
Before he even met Benatar, Neil Giraldo – a musician since age 12 – earned a coveted spot as a member of guitar hero Rick Derringer’s band. Giraldo played guitar and piano on Derringer’s 1979 Todd Rundgren-produced LP Guitars and Women. That album’s title track was released as a promotional single, and while the album didn’t feature a breakout hit, “Guitars and Women” remains its most-streamed track.

“Jessie’s Girl” from Rick Springfield’s Working Class Dog (1981)
Giraldo and Benatar scored their first major chart success with the latter’s debut album, 1979’s In the Heat of the Night. That would be followed in quick succession by two more blockbuster albums – each with hit singles – in 1980 and ‘81. Also in 1981, Giraldo found the time to serve as guitarist, bassist and producer on Working Class Dog, the breakthrough album from rocker and TV heartthrob Rick Springfield. “Jessie’s Girl” was the album’s biggest smash single.

“Change” from John Waite’s Ignition (1982)
Neil Giraldo’s proven success in the studio control room – he co-produced Benatar’s 1981 LP Precious Time and its 1982 followup Get Nervous – led to his assignment producing Ignition, the solo debut from former Babys lead singer John Waite. The album’s single “Change” made it onto Billboard’s chart not once but twice: first reaching no. 16, and then charting again (no. 54) three years later when it was included on the soundtrack of Vision Quest.

“Don’t Fight It” from Kenny Loggins’ High Adventure (1982)
Former Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Loggins & Messina guitarist-singer Kenny Loggins launched a solo career in 1977, scoring hit albums and singles (including his 1978 duet with Stevie Nicks, “Whenever I Call You Friend”) along the way. His fourth solo album, 1982’s High Adventure would feature three Top 40 singles, including “Don’t Fight It,” another duet (this time with Journey’s Steve Perry). The album features all manner of high-profile guest musicians: Michael McDonald, Steve Lukather, David Foster, and – playing lead guitar on “Don’t Fight It” – Neil Giraldo.

“Love Lies Dying” from The Del-Lords’ Johnny Comes Marching Home (1986)
Dictators guitarist Scott Kempner launched acclaimed roots rock band The Del-Lords in 1982; the band’s debut album, 1984’s Frontier Days earned critical praise. The group’s sophomore release, Johnny Comes Marching Home featured a tougher sound, thanks in part to the production skills of Neil Giraldo. Kempner’s “Love Lies Dying” is a highlight of the record. Giraldo would return to the producer’s chair for The Del-Lords’ third album, 1988’s Based on a True Story.