Tesla originated in Sacramento, California in 1981 to become a hard rock band which gained fame through their high-energy performances, blues-inspired music and intense guitar solos that established their place in the late 1980s and early 1990s rock music landscape. The band started with Jeff Keith on vocals, Frank Hannon on guitar, Brian Wheat on bass, Tommy Skeoch on guitar and Troy Luccketta on drums before establishing their reputation through their blend of classic rock elements with unpretentious raw sound.

The band launched their career with Mechanical Resonance (1986) which produced successful radio and MTV hits through "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Little Suzi" to establish their commercial path. The Great Radio Controversy (1989) marked Tesla's second album by including the power ballad "Love Song" which became their most famous song.