Ellen Foley: The Powerhouse Voice of Rock and Broadway

Ellen Foley is an American singer and actress whose versatile career spans rock anthems, theatrical performances, and notable collaborations. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, she is best known for her unforgettable duet on Meat Loaf's epic "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" and her own solo rock records in the early 1980s.

Early career

Born in 1951, Foley moved to New York City in the early 1970s to pursue acting and music. Her powerful voice quickly found a home in the city's vibrant rock scene, leading to her first major recording opportunity in 1977.

She contributed backing vocals to albums by acts like The Clash before landing the career-defining session for Meat Loaf's "Bat Out of Hell." This led to her signing with Cleveland International/Epic Records for her solo debut.

Breakthrough

Foley's breakthrough moment arrived in 1979 with her debut album, Nightout. Produced by Mick Jones of The Clash, the album blended rock energy with a new wave sensibility and received strong critical acclaim.

While the album itself did not achieve major chart sales, it solidified her credibility as a rock artist in her own right, distinct from her famous duet partner. The single "What's a Matter Baby" received significant rock radio airplay.

Key tracks

Paradise by the Dashboard Light (with Meat Loaf) — This 1977 duet on the multi-platinum "Bat Out of Hell" album introduced her formidable voice to millions worldwide.

We Belong to the Night — The opening track and a single from her "Nightout" album, showcasing her rock power and Mick Jones's production.

What's a Matter Baby — The most successful single from her solo debut, becoming a staple on AOR and rock radio stations.

The Death of the Psychoanalyst of Salvador Dali — A deep-cut fan favorite that highlights the ambitious, theatrical scope of her "Nightout" album.

Stupid Girl — A later single from her 1983 album "Another Breath," demonstrating her continued rock output on the Mirage label.

Following "Nightout," Foley released Spirit of St. Louis in 1981 and Another Breath in 1983. She also maintained a parallel career in acting, most notably playing the public defender Billie Young on the hit TV series "Night Court."

Her musical collaborations remained eclectic, including work with artists like Ian Hunter and Mick Jones's post-Clash band Big Audio Dynamite. She returned to music more fully in the 2000s, performing live and recording new material that revisited her rock roots.

Fans of Ellen Foley's brand of passionate, theatrical rock often appreciate the work of similar artists. Pat Benatar shares Foley's vocal power and success in merging rock with pop hooks. Meat Loaf is the obvious collaborator whose grandiose rock opera style defined her initial fame. Ian Hunter represents another key collaborator and a similar gritty, story-driven rock approach. The Clash connects through Mick Jones's production and the punk-infused rock energy on her debut.

Ellen Foley's music maintains a steady presence on radio stations that celebrate classic rock history and powerful vocal performances. Her songs are featured on classic rock FM stations, specialty shows focusing on 70s and 80s rock, and online rock radio streams that dig deeper into cult favorites and essential album tracks.

Listeners can discover the dynamic range of Ellen Foley's catalog, from anthemic duets to solo rock gems, on the variety of radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear her lasting impact on the rock genre across multiple decades of broadcasting.