I got introduced to him a very unique way. A few years back I was walking home from high school and found this old tape thrown out, which I took home out of curiousity. I loved it - turned out to be recorded music off San Jose's hard rock station circa 1984 (very good variety too).

One song I was drawn to which I didn't recognize was called "Modern-day Delilah" - a medium rocker which sounded ALOT like Don Henley with a slightly harder edge. Luckily with a couple Internet searches I found out who it was from.

Anyway, I happened to find a used tape of his 'Righteous Anger' album a few weeks later. I was wondering if "Delilah" might've been the only good song since it was the hit. Luckily I proved myself wrong on that! :)

A few of my faves include the near-metal title song, while on the other end of the spectrum were pretty, piano-based power ballads "Others only Dream" (should've been a big hit!) and "Heart Over Mind". I also love "Do What the Big Girls Do" - for sure the best pumped up pop/rock Journey and Night Ranger never did.  :D

In my searching, I found out he had a follow-up called Suspicious Heart - does anyone know what it's like? Since it was also in the 80's, I'd guess it's a similar style to this one.

PS: I also have since read that he tragically died in 2001 of cancer. :(

Never heard of him/them.

But here's what All Music Guide had to say:

Singer/songwriter Van Stephenson managed to balance a career as both a sought-after songwriter and member of prominent country trio Blackhawk during a career that spanned more than two decades. He also managed to release two rock albums and scored a Top 30 hit on the pop charts in 1984 with "Modern Day Delilah." Born in Hamilton, OH, on November 4, 1953, Stephenson moved to Nashville at the age of ten, spending his teen years inspired by the Beatles and playing in garage bands. Although he went to (and graduated from) seminary school, he continued to pursue his musical ventures, honing his skills as a songwriter and working as a staff writer. In 1979, Crystal Gayle took Stephenson's "Your Kisses Will" into the Top Ten on the country charts, setting the stage for 20 years of chart hits. His writing credits in the '80s alone would include Top Ten songs for Kenny Rogers, Dan Seals, Janie Fricke, and John Anderson. There would also be a long, fruitful partnership with Dave Robbins, with the two of them collaborating on several hits for Restless Heart including "'Til I Loved You," "Big Dreams in a Small Town," the number one "Bluest Eyes in Texas," and an album track from which the band took its name. Concurrent with his songwriting success, Stephenson signed an artist deal when producer Richard Landis presented his demos to MCA Records.

Righteous Anger, a more rock/pop-oriented venture produced by Landis and featuring members of Restless Heart, was released in 1984. Spurred by heavy airplay for "Modern Day Delilah," the album managed solid sales and nearly spawned a second Top 40 single with "What the Big Girls Do." A second solo release, 1986's Suspicious Heart, would fail to garner as much attention as its predecessor (although "We're Doing Alright" received some AOR play). In the early '90s, Stephenson became one-third of the trio Blackhawk, along with Robbins and Henry Paul. Their first single, "Goodbye Says It All," topped the country charts and their 1993 self-titled debut album went platinum, reeling off another three Top Ten country hits. Blackhawk would issue three more albums during the decade, becoming a staple on country radio and its charts, as well as a strong live draw. Stephenson would be diagnosed with skin cancer and retire from the band in early 2000 to devote more time to his family. On April 8, 2001, after battling the disease for several years, Van Stephenson passed away, leaving behind an impressive legacy and legions of fans. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide

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I remember his song "Modern Day Delilah"...it came out the year I graduated high school.  :)

I have both albums and you have just made me realise how very long it is since I actually heard them ! I really liked Suspicious Heart though Righteous Anger is a better album I would say it would be worth investing in Suspicious Heart.
I had no idea he had died that's really sad.

Talking about slightly obscure 80's rock male solo artists have you ever heard of John Kilzer? His first album was 'Memory in the making'.Now that album is an absolute classic I love it and play it alot now.I would definatly recommend it.I wonder what he is doing now............

I don't know if I've ever heard his music, but I'm pretty sure I've heard of Van Stephenson (or is that just because it sounds like Van Morrison...?). Since you mention him in the same breath with Night Ranger and Journey, I'll have to check him out.

I have both albums and you have just made me realise how very long it is since I actually heard them ! I really liked Suspicious Heart though Righteous Anger is a better album I would say it would be worth investing in Suspicious Heart.
I had no idea he had died that's really sad.

Talking about slightly obscure 80's rock male solo artists have you ever heard of John Kilzer? His first album was 'Memory in the making'.Now that album is an absolute classic I love it and play it alot now.I would definatly recommend it.I wonder what he is doing now............


Cool, thanks for the info. :)

I haven't ever heard of Kilzer at all, but I'll remember his name. I sometimes worry that I've discovered all 80's music in existance - glad to know I haven't yet, LOL! ;)

Since you mention him in the same breath with Night Ranger and Journey, I'll have to check him out.

Yeah, I'd definitely say some of the songs from Righteous Anger sound like them - vocally he's a dead ringer for Don Henley too.

I like that song "Modern Day Delilah', and the huge fan of minor hits that I am, I also really love 'What the Big Girls Do' and 'You've Got A Good Love Coming' :)