Celebrating Matthew Wilder on His 70th Birthday

January 24, 2022 - Today we celebrate the 70th birthday of Matthew Wilder, known for his hit song, "Break My Stride".

Source: Ron Wolfson/Michael Ochs Archives

Wilder has been active in the music industry since 1972, starting out as one half of a folk rock duo known as Matthew & Peter. They were based in Greenwich Village, which you may also recognize as a former home of famous musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon. He moved to Los Angeles in 1978 to pursue a career singing in commercials, and became a backup vocalist for Bette Midler and Rickie Lee Jones. 

Going along with the New Wave movement of the '80s, he released his debut album, I Don't Speak the Language, in 1983, which included his biggest hit, "Break My Stride". 

He released a total of 3 albums throughout his solo career. I Don't Speak the Language (1983), Bouncin' Off the Walls (1984), and Especially on Birthdays (2021). In the stretch of 37 years, he became a songwriter and record producer, working with artists such as No Doubt, Miley Cyrus, and Christina Aguilera, and more.

Happy birthday, Matthew Wilder!

Happy Listening!

Hey there! I'm Olive, and I'm a part-time blog writer hoping to share my love of older music and countercultural history. I started this blog during my freshman year of college as a means to get a head start doing what I love most - writing. I've always loved writing and music, and wanted to do something that would involve doing both. Now, I've got this cool (totally not biased) blog page!

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