Craig Allen says: ‘Meet Tom Cochrane’

Grab your map...I mean, G-P-S...Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane says: "Life Is A Highway."

Road trip!

While he is well known...a "national treasure"...in his native Canada, Tom Cochrane is best known stateside for one of "Jersey's Favorite Hits," but that is 'down the road a piece!'

Thomas William Cochrane was born in Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Canada, on May 14, 1953.

His father, Tuck Cochrane, was a bush pilot.

At the age of 11, Tom sold his toy train set...and bought his first guitar!

By the early 1970's, Tom Cochrane was performing in coffee houses all across Canada.

Next, he was on the road to Los Angeles, where Cochrane took a job writing original songs for the movies...but unable to find steady money in music...he headed to Toronto, where he drove a taxi. He also found work on cruise ships...hoping to return to music.

After meeting at the "El Mocambo Tavern," in 1978, Tom Cochrane joined "Red Rider." He would be the lead singer, and main song writer, for this Canadian rock band for more than 10 years.

Red Rider was also: Ken Greer, Jeff Jones, Peter Boynton and Rob Baker.By 1986, they were "Tom Cochrane & Red Rider."

They would record 6 studio albums, a live album...

...plus there would be Red Rider compilation CDs, and a box set.

"Lunatic Fringe" is Red Rider's best-known song...and a personal fave! Very different from "Life Is A Highway."

Tom Cochrane would launch his solo career in 1991, with "Life Is A Highway" (#6/1992).

The "Mad, Mad World" album (seen at the top of the story) would sell 6 million copies! One of them is mine...

The albums "Ragged Ass Road," "Songs Of A Circling Spirit," "X-Ray Sierra" and "No Stranger" would follow.

In his personal life, Tom Cochrane is an avid golfer, and hockey fan. He and wife Kathleen have 2 daughters, Cody and Evanne. They live in Oakville, Ontario. In the winter, Cochrane spends time at his home outside of Austin, Texas.

Tom Cochrane has earned many awards over the years, both for his music and charity work. He has won 7 "Juno" awards, is a member of the "Canadian Music Hall Of Fame," and officer of the "Order Of Canada," is an honorary Colonel in the "Royal Canadian Air Force," and a 2009 inductee onto the "Canadian Walk Of Fame," among other recognition.

He continues to tour, packing in the crowds, across Canada.

To see what else Tom Cochrane is up to, check out his official website by clicking here!