What makes Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) by Styx notable?

'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)' reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as one of Styx's most commercially successful singles. The song resonated particularly with blue-collar workers, contributing to the band's reputation for addressing the struggles and aspirations of everyday people during the late 1970s labor movement. When 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)' was released in September 1978, Styx was transitioning into mainstream success following their breakthrough album 'The Grand Illusion' earlier that year. This single further solidified their position as a leading band in the rock genre, highlighting their ability to combine intricate musicality with broad appeal.