After departing Deep Purple, British rock vocalist David Coverdale formed a new band called Whitesnake in 1978. Whitesnake gradually built a following and struck success in the UK sooner than they did in the US. Whitesnake first hit the US chart in 1980 when "Fool For Your Loving" from "Ready An' Willing" peaked at #53. They would re-record this song to have it chart again in 1989, at which time it reached #37. Surprisingly, Whitesnake failed to achieve a chart single from one of their finest albums, 1984's "Slide It In." But their next release was a self-titled affair designed for radio airplay. In 1987, Whitesnake became a household name with the smash hit "Here I Go Again," which hit #1 for one week. The song is another recycled tune from their 1982 record, "Saints & Sinners." They almost hit the top spot again with "Is This Love," which lingered at #2 for one week. It would become the last time they'd see the Top 10. The band may be just as famous for its music videos from the 80s, which featured actress Tawny Kitaen, who was married to Coverdale from 1989-1992. Whitesnake has endured one of the most complex personnel rosters in rock history, with Coverdale remaining the only real constant through them all. At one time or other, the band has included members of Jefferson Starship, Quiet Riot, Ratt, and Heart. Former Dio guitarist Vivian Campbell played with Whitesnake from 1987-88, then joined Def Leppard. He was replaced with Steve Vai, recruited from David Lee Roth's band. Whitesnake continues to release new music with yet another lineup. In 2019, this incarnation of the band released the rather excellent "Flesh & Blood." "Give Me More Time" is one of the early songs that should have helped Whitesnake strike at radio sooner than they did.
The charismatic ham, David Lee Roth, joined a band called Mammoth in the early 70s and helped them become one of the most influential rock groups of the modern era (after they changed their name to Van Halen in 1974). We'll save that story for another day, but suffice it to say that tensions arose and Diamond Dave struck out on his own to pursue a solo career by 1985. Roth recruited some ace players including guitarist Steve Vai (Frank Zappa's band) and bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), and proved he'd have no trouble scoring hits without the Van Halen brothers...at least for a little while. He had two reach the Top 10, his cover of "California Girls" (originally done by The Beach Boys) reached #3 in 1985 and his original song, "Just Like Paradise," hit #6 in 1988. Other memorable solo hits included his rendition of "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" (#12) and "Yankee Rose" (#16). Roth's final chart appearance to date came in 1988 when "Stand Up" stalled at #64. His follow-up 1991 effort, "A Little Ain't Enough," was classic Roth, but not what ears hungered for anymore. His schtick had grown tiresome, but his career had a revival in reunions with the Van Halen brothers. If released in the 80s, I'm sure songs from "A Little Ain't Enough" would have performed magnificently, especially the title track, "A Lil' Ain't Enough."
