Biography
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Years Active
1977 – present (47 years)
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Members
- Duke McFadden (1977 – 1981)
- Jim McClarty (1977 – 1983)
- Kevin Chalfant (1982 – 1983)
- Kevin Russell (1977 – present)
- Phil Bryant (1977 – 1983)
707 was an American rock band of the early 1980s, best known for the rock radio hits "I Could Be Good For You" and "Mega Force".
The AOR band 707 formed in Detroit; original members included Phil Bryant (bass, vocals), Jim McClarty (drums), Duke McFadden (keyboards, vocals), Kevin Russell (guitars, vocals), and David Carr (piano), although the lineup changed with each album. After signing to Casablanca, the band released its self-titled debut and had a modest radio hit with "I Could Be Good for You," written by McFadden and McCarty. The Second Album (1981) and Megaforce (1982) followed, but 707 never followed up its signature hit. The third 707 album was recorded in 1981 after completing a tour together opening for REO Speedwagon. The line-up was Kevin Russell (guitar), Phil Bryant (vocals/bass), Jim McClarty (drums) and Todd Howarth (keys/guitar). The album was shelved until it was finally released in 2004.
Chalfant later enjoyed some success in the early 1990s with The Storm. After a hiatus from music in the mid-1990s, he has remained active in solo and group projects, and has stepped in as temporary lead vocalist for Journey (1993) and The Alan Parsons Project (2003). Tod Howarth enjoyed success with Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley's solo outing which re-wrote "Mega Force" with Jonathan Cain's writing credit removed and Frehley's added. They titled the song "Calling To You" since Ace did not want to use the name Megaforce since he was signed to Megaforce Records. Howarth had stints in Ted Nugent's band, his own solo career, and as a longtime touring keyboardist for Cheap Trick.
Kevin Russell fashioned a successful career as a record producer and guitarist for numerous acts, including Rick Derringer, Clarence Clemons, and Whitesnake. In 2000, 707 regrouped briefly around guitarist Russell and independent record label releases have featured early demos, live tracks, and new material, as well as CD re-releases of their 1980s albums.
After parting from 707, Jim McClarty worked in television and audio production before devoting himself to the ministry. He is currently a pastor near Nashville, Tennessee. In 2006 he returned to his 707 roots, mastering the band's album The Fourth Decade for Renaissance Records.
Duke McFadden died on April 5, 2005, from heart complications.
Discography
1980 - 707 - Casablanca
1981 - The Second Album - Casablanca (US #159)
1982 - Mega Force - Boardwalk (US #129)
2000 - Trip to Heaven - Bedrock
2004 - The Bridge - MTM Music & Publish (2004); Renaissance (2006 re-release)
2005 - Greatest Hits Live - Renaissance
2006 - The Fourth Decade - Renaissance
2006 - Magic - Renaissance
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