Dick Wagner
Dick Wagner: Shock rock pioneer *Alice Cooper* reached the height of his artistic creativity in the mid-1970s, largely due to his collaboration with master guitarist and songwriter *Dick Wagner*. Together, they crafted some of the most memorable songs, groundbreaking stage performances, and a larger-than-life persona that continues to shape pop culture today. Wagner’s impact on Cooper’s music helped define an era of theatrical rock, blending hard-hitting riffs with deeply emotional songwriting.
Wagner’s songwriting catalog boasts more than forty co-writes with Cooper, including six chart-topping hits: *“Welcome To My Nightmare,” “You And Me,” “How You Gonna See Me Now,” “I Never Cry,” “Department Of Youth,”* and the timeless classic *“Only Women Bleed.”* The latter remains one of the most significant ballads in rock history, having been covered over twenty times by iconic artists such as *Etta James, Tina Turner,* and *Slash.* Wagner’s ability to fuse raw emotion with powerful storytelling made him an indispensable creative force in Cooper’s career.
Beyond his work with Alice Cooper, Wagner’s songwriting legacy extends across multiple genres and artists. He penned *“Just As I Am”* for *Air Supply*, which became a Top 20 hit, and contributed songs for a diverse range of performers, including *Patti Austin, Nils Lofgren,* and *Tim Curry.* His influence as both a songwriter and guitarist left a lasting imprint on rock, pop, and beyond.
Wagner’s musical genius, both as a collaborator and solo artist, solidified his place in rock history. His work continues to inspire new generations of musicians, proving that his contributions to music were not just a moment in time, but a lasting legacy.
Licensing with Spirit: License Dick’s music HERE.