Biography

The trio Device was formed around the skills of musician/songwriter Holly Knight. Although not a household name, Knight had become one of the most ubiquitous presences in music during the mid-'80s. Having appeared on three albums with the band Spider during the earlier portion of the decade (1980's Spider, 1981's Between the Lines, and 1984's Rough Justice), she became a prolific songwriter, penning hits for Pat Benatar, Scandal, Heart, and Tina Turner (among others). Rounding out Device was lead vocalist Paul Engemann and session guitarist Gene Black, who had worked with Cher and Tina Turner. With noted producer/songwriter Mike Chapman (whom had worked with Knight in the past) producing, it would have seemed that Device was destined for success, but to wasn't to be. Their one and only album, the futuristically titled 22B3, was released in the spring of 1986. Although it managed to produce a Top 40 single with "Hanging on a Heart Attack," which peaked at number 35, it had to be labeled a disappointment, considering the personnel involved. Knight would go on to further success as a writer, including credits on hit singles by Aerosmith ("Rag Doll"), Lou Gramm ("Just Between You And Me"), Pat Benatar ("Invincible"), and Tina Turner ("The Best"). She would also release two solo albums during the late '80s. Engemann would join Animotion (who had, ironically, reached the Top Ten in 1985 with Knight's "Obsession") and appear on their 1989 Top Ten "Room to Move." Black would continue to be involved in session work, including contributing guitar work to Knight's self-titled solo debut in 1989. ~ Tom Demalon, Rovi