Early one morning in 1984, Peter Cetera of Chicago was preparing for a trip to Italy when he got a call from composer-producer and multi Grammy Award winner David Foster who wanted to know if Peter would write a song for Kenny’ Rogers’ next album.

Peter replied that he’d love to–when he got back in 2 weeks.

And David said: “But we’re in the studio RIGHT NOW.”

After a moment, Peter told him that if he came over and helped him pack, he’d do what he could before he had to leave.

To make a long story even longer, David agreed, and before Peter left for Italy just a few hours later, they had worked out the basic musical outline for what became a Great Song of 1984.

The title and lyrics came when Peter was in Italy, surrounded by beautiful architecture and paintings by Michelangelo. He was inspired by it all, and thought “You’re the Inspiration” would not only be a great title, but a gateway to some excellent lyrics.

And then Kenny turned it down!

Luckily, that was a just minor setback. Peter decided to rewrite and record it for the “”Chicago XVII” album (with David on Keyboards and synthesizers).

Released as a single in 1984, and crossing into 1985, “You’re the Inspiration” topped the Adult Contemporary Chart, while reaching #3 on the Hot 100.

Some might say that Kenny Rogers missed out on a Great Song by not recognizing when to hold ’em…or fold ’em.” (Sorry, I just couldn’t pass up the joke!)

— Mike Cook