From 1978 to 1988, the Cars were a model contemporary rock band—and ubiquitous on radio and MTV. The band’s arresting sound was evident from their very first single, “Just What I Needed”: Synthesizer ...

Bill Janovitz was 12 years old when his friend’s older brother introduced him to the Cars. It was 1978 and their self-titled debut LP — featuring “Good Times Roll,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Just What ...