Quarterflash ~ Harden My Heart 1981 Pop Purrfection Version

The reason I mention this is because when 1980 rolled around, everyone was searching for the next "thing" since disco had become persona non grata on radio and what would fill the void it left behind. Enter Rindy Ross and her superb saxophone talents that opened Quarterflash's album with "Harden My Heart". I was gobsmacked! I saw her on TV and ran out to buy the album.
A female singer who played sax? I was so in on that!

Quarterflash was formed by Orinda (Rindy) Sue Ross and her husband Marv Ross who were called Seafood Mama before they joined with the Oregon band Pilot (Not the "Magic" band) and renamed themselves. They already had a hot song in 1980 issued locally called "Harden My Heart" that gained instant popularity in Oregon and performed it on TV during their one hour special for Seafood Mama.

David Geffen was looking for talent to sign to his fledgling label Geffen Records and the first client he had signed was Donna Summer and then John Lennon. High powered talent like Elton John, Irene Cara, Peter Gabriel, Don Henley, Debbie Harry, Neil Young and Jennifer Holliday joined him as well as Berlin, Enya, Wang Chung, Sammy Hagar and Quarterflash.

The newly minted band re-recorded "Harden My Heart" and with Geffen behind them the single was released October 17, 1981 entering the chart at #80 and it peaked at #3 for three weeks since J Geils' "Centerfold" held down the top spot for all three weeks and at #2 was Hall & Oates "I Can't Go For That" that blocked them for two weeks and then "Open Arms" leapfrogged over them the third week.

A second single from the album, "Find Another Fool" that carried on the sentiment of "Harden My Heart" peaked at #16. The third single "Take Me To Heart" was issued in 1983 and it peaked at #14. Shortly after that Geffen dropped the band and it gave up the ghost.

Rindy and Marv revived the band in 1990 and they signed with Epic Records issuing "Girl In The Wind". The following year they created The Trail Band at the request of the Oregon Trail Advisory Council to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Oregon Trail.

Two more albums have surfaced, the 2008 "Goodbye Uncle Buzz" and then 2013's "Love Is A Road" but no more hit singles.

[AABB-bmkk]

Unusual group with guitarist hubby and lead-singing/ saxophonist wife
who made quality mainstream pop-rock in the early 80s . 😀❤️

It’s not every song on the radio that has its prominent instrumental hook be played on sax 🎷by the lead singer.

[ABBY-mlrq]

WOW...reminds me of my first apartment. MTV...

[christophersantana]

THIS SONG IS STILL A PURE ROCK CLASSIC AFTER 41 YEARS.

[timepoet]

Oh man, I remember having a crush on Rindy Ross when I was a kid. Great singer and her "sax" appeal added to her attractiveness.

[rockybudgeboa]

When I first got my Drivers License in 1981, this was the song playing on the radio CFTR 680 in Toronto. What memories. Thank you yet again for another brilliant upload

[tcook]

Outstanding version of a memorable 80's hit.

[bitmaxim]

Quarterflash was the opening act for an Elton John concert I attended in Indianapolis in the early 1980s. I could hardly believe our luck that warm summer evening.

[alfredbrown]

Love this song from the 80s Awesome Remix 👍

[manuelarteaga]

nice...
when there was creativity in music regardless on gender...
I like this type when I'm driving..
thx for sharing.
peace...

[fobxxl]

80'S ! Nice flashback to start the week ! Thanks 👍

[mariarivas]

Wow! I haven't heard this song for long time, It one of my favorite song, I was in High School listening to this song. I love it.
Lot's if good memories for me.
Than& you for sharing with us.😊

[bernardoseabaeltran]

mi favorita esta gran cancion de QUARTERFLASH buena eleccion djdisco Cat 👍👌✌😆😄😎

[saj]

A great reminder on why 1981 was an underrated year in music and entertainment in general.

[magbo]

Wow wow wow 🎷and vocal 🎸 part super too.

[josephmennella]

One my have 80s song you did a great job of remixes thank you so much

[TheLizardKing]

NO ONE can mix a song as good as DJDiscoCat. WOW! This one is AWESOME!

[thomastarwater]

I wish Quarterflash had gotten some longevity on the charts instead of being a flash in the pan. Good to know that Rindy and Marv Ross are still making music. DiscoCat just got through reviving and refreshing this song. I liked it. You will too.

[bree]

I remember back then there was a lot of comparison between Rindy and Pat Benetar. I even thought it was Pat at first lol. Shame they never got bigger, they had some great songs.

[loganpirata]

Quarterflash, Rindy Ross adorable voz, tan sexy que se ve al mando del saxo, no dejar en menos a su guitarrista y esposo Marv Ross, suena genial... Conocía la versión de radio, pero esta me parece increíble... DJDiscoCat, excelente calidad de audio. Por compartir tu trabajo, ... Muchas gracias!!! 🙂

[phillipellis]

Wow I was eleven years old when this can out I had never heard it until now, I love this.