By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

MARSHFIELD — Eddie Money was born Edward Joseph Mahoney in Brooklyn, New York. Though he dreamed of being a musician, he pursued a very different career path out of high school: becoming a police officer like his father.

After two years as an officer, Mahoney moved to California and began his music career by performing in clubs. In 1976 he changed his name from Mahoney to Money and he embarked upon a very successful career.

Money released his debut album with Columbia Records and found immediate success. The album, which had the songs “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On,” went double platinum. Top 40 hits including “Think I’m in Love,” “Shakin,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” and “I Wanna Go Back” would follow.

Money continues to tour the country, performing his hits for longtime fans. He is sometimes joined on stage by his daughter, Jesse Money, who was on MTV’s “Rock the Cradle.” Jesse sings backup vocals and performs a duet with her father.

Eddie Money will be at the Central Wisconsin State Fair on Sept. 1. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, go to centralwisconsinstatefair.com or call the fair office at 715-387-1261.