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In the Light of 1,000 Smiles

WHEN JIM PETERIK writes a song, he not only captures life’s extraordinary moments, he sanctifies them. By penning the lyrics of “Eye of the Tiger” and “The Destiny Stone” (from Pride of Lions’ 2007 release) he has made the distant dream attainable. Maybe we weren’t raised to be boxers or political strategists, but Jim assures us, through his empowering words, that we have the power to succeed.

His talent does not stand still. “Ghost Orchid” (from his first Lifeforce CD) is shrouded in sensitivity, yet holds up to the strongest feminist anthem. “The Search Is Over” was inspired by a news story (but was informed by his own life’s search), one that many might have read, but few would have synthesized.

Because the songwriter and the man are not two distinct entities, Jim’s life story is as genuine as the solid, brick bungalows constructed in his native Berwyn. He’s got roots, but he also has wings, which he has used to soar above some of pop culture’s most transformative, yet harrowing times. Many of his contemporaries died—sadly, senselessly—before the age of thirty. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t take for granted one single day.

But survival, of course, isn’t enough. Jim, who once skated dangerously close to a spirit-crushing depression, had to find the strength to spring back. Songwriting, his close-knit friends, and his high school sweetheart, Karen (who eventually became his wife), meant the world to Jim back in Berwyn, but these loved ones mean even more today.

Because of their shared history, they understand his words and, moreover, his need for introspection. Soul-searching requires time. To Jim Peterik, silence seems to brilliantly simmer; perhaps it opens the gates to wondrous images and thoughts or to those lyrics that motivate and move us. Jim Peterik uses words and space to make the mundane fierce, strong, and gorgeous.

Jim and I met for the first time at a songwriting workshop in the late ’80s, although I really doubt Jim remembers me; one of many emerging artists in a crowded room, I was buried behind a notebook. (Author’s note: I do distinctly remember this inquisitive and bright girl!) I was struck by Jim’s knowledge of the music business, but I also recall how the successful, Grammy-winning songwriter stayed around to field additional questions well past the targeted ending time.

What struck me, too, was how warm and personable Jim was, even after what must have been an exhausting afternoon. “Approachable” is how many of his fans would describe him. Jim sees himself as a people person. Even the shortest dialogue with a fan or a server at a local diner seems to excite him; his dad, Jim Peterik Sr., also a working musician, taught, by example, that no one trumps another—we’re in this life together. I believe that Jim feels we have to embrace our commonalities.

I never forgot that personality. Years later, when I started writing for the popular British webzine Pennyblackmusic, I was in a position to interview many of my favorite artists. I sought out Jim to find out how he had successfully navigated his post–Ides of March and Survivor days and how he had sustained his career in an industry that many might call cutthroat.

I initially called to request a twenty-minute phoner, but I was incredibly pleased when Jim invited me to spend the afternoon in his recording studio, “Lennon’s Den” (named after one of his biggest heroes), to watch a session and to conduct a more extensive interview in his contemporary, sun-drenched home in the western suburb of Burr Ridge, Illinois.

For several hours I observed Jim, along with Larry Millas, his longstanding boyhood friend, fellow Ides of March band member, and engineer of the day’s session, at work. They overdubbed solos with several outstanding session musicians, and I then interviewed Jim for another seamless hour. Finally, we grabbed lunch at his favorite haunt, the Moondance Diner.

We touched on many themes that afternoon: songwriting, career building, and the production of his hits. Jim also relayed emotional challenges that he had faced as a result of growing up ahead of his peers. Though we went deep, the time went by in a flash. For that reason, I wasn’t too surprised, after I typed up my notes, that we had discussed enough for a comprehensive two-part interview.

Earlier this year, Jim got in touch and asked if I would help him write his memoirs. A project that could have been daunting—documenting a life!—was made endlessly enjoyable because of Jim’s charm, humor, and talent.

Before I came along, his life and music had already been immortalized through endless awards, discographies, and personal testimonies, but now I had the enviable opportunity to find out, through first-person narratives, how he had achieved his goals, and whether his journey would be better described as a struggle or a methodical game plan.

For Jim, I believe, this collaboration required incredible stamina and honesty; the courage to face memories that at times were painful, and the resolution to favor deep thought over superficial judgments. A life story is not an easy one to tell, but Jim’s high degree of emotional intelligence, and surprising ability to recall key events, make him a stellar narrator.

In my opinion, Through the Eye of the Tiger was not intended for a singular audience. It is a fascinating read for anyone looking to propel a dream, as well as for the obsessive rock music fan, music historian, or emerging songwriter.

Jim, aside from his accomplishments, remains, for many of his fans, the quintessential Midwesterner who resisted life on both coasts, the guy-next-door who married his dream-woman and life partner, Karen.

As the rare, remarkable artist who has reshuffled the deck of the American dream, Jim has redefined his talents, consistently, in an industry that is as unpredictable as the temperamental Chicago climate.

To enjoy Jim’s story, though, you must redefine the term “rock star” because, while it’s true that his flashy wardrobe stops passersby on any city street, the parallels end there.

This songwriter’s glories are not built upon endless visits to rehab nor dalliances with star-struck fans. Jim Peterik, the father, husband, brother, uncle, mentor, producer, performer, and singer/songwriter, remains aware that, with his celebrity status, he can offer creative inspiration to others, and he takes that precious gift seriously.

—Lisa Torem