Rolling Stone Magazine caled Darlene Love “one of the greatest singers of all time” but perhaps Paul Shaffer says it even more concisely: “ Darlene Love is Rock N’ Roll! ” – which was made official when she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bette Midler, a great fan of her work, in 2011. She was one of Phil Spector's hand-picked early '60's girl group singers and sang some lead vocals for the Crystals, Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans. After turbulent times with Spector, Darlene ...
Dec 13, 2023•52 min
Walter Trout is an American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter and probably the best performer I have ever seen play live. Walter's backstory is a page-turner you won’t want to put down. Five decades in the making; it is equal parts thriller, romance, suspense and horror. There are musical fireworks, critical acclaim and fists-aloft triumph, offset by years in the wilderness and massive narcotic binges. He has been a gunslinger in bands from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to Canned Heat , and i...
Dec 06, 2023•52 min
Joey Dee and the Starliters were a hot act in 1962 with the hit “Peppermint Twist.” — The Beatles opened for them and Dee helped out a young Jimi Hendrix. Joey Dee with his group, The Starliters, helped launch the "Twist" craze in 1961 with their hit song "The Peppermint Twist". Joey is often billed as “The Godfather of The Twist.” Joey Dee started out wanting to be a history teacher. Every cent he made as a teenage Bandleader went into his studies. But bookings for his band grew and Joey decide...
Nov 29, 2023•52 min
One of Australia’s longest surviving vocal groups, the Delltones were formed in 1959. Comprising Ian ‘Pee Wee’ Wilson, Noel Widerberg, Brian Perkins and Warren Lucas. The band performed at dances, as part of backing bands for artists such as Johnny O’Keefe. Occasionally performing a cappella covers of songs they heard on the radio, the band was influenced by 50s doo-wop vocal groups. The accidental death of Noel Widerberg, in 1962, did not deter the group from continuing. With replacement Col Lo...
Nov 22, 2023•52 min
Status Quo are one of Britain's longest-running bands, staying together for over six decades. During much of that time, the group was only successful in the U.K., where they racked up a string of Top Ten singles over the decades. In America, the Quo were ignored after they abandoned psychedelia for heavy boogie rock in the early '70s. Before that, the band managed to reach number 12 in the U.S. with the psychedelic classic "Pictures of Matchstick Men" Following that single, the group suffered a ...
Nov 15, 2023•52 min
Few singer/songwriters are as individual and eclectic as Rickie Lee Jones , a vocalist and composer who’s able to weave jazz, folk, and R&B into songs for decades. Rickie Lee’s greatest commercial success came at the outset of her career with ‘Chuck E’s in Love’, but a restless creative spirit and a stubborn refusal to be pigeon holed into any one musical niche, ensured her on-going status as a cult hero. Her second LP, 1981's Pirates added rock and soul flavours. Others followed. As the '90...
Nov 08, 2023•52 min
Marty Wilde (born Reginald Leonard Smith) is an English singer and songwriter who was among the first generation of British pop stars to imitate American rock'n'roll. He began performing under the name Reg Patterson until he was spotted by impresario Larry Parnes who subsequently changed his name to Wilde. From mid 1958 to the end of 1959, Marty was one of the leading British rock singers, along with Tommy Steele and Cliff Richard. His backing group, the Wildcats featured Big Jim Sullivan on lea...
Nov 01, 2023•52 min
Over the past several decades you would have heard Louie Shelton 's riffs and solos on many hits by artists such as; THE MONKEES Last Train To Clarksville, THE JACKSON FIVE: I Want You Back, LIONEL RICHIE; Hello, THE CARPENTERS; We’ve Only Just Begun & Close To You, NEIL DIAMOND; Cracklin’ Rose, Play Me and I Am I Said, BOZ SCAGGS; Low Down plus albums with BARBRA STREISAND, JOE COCKER, THE MAMAS & PAPAS, MARVIN GAYE, JOHN LENNON, DIANA ROSS and many others. For the past 50 years Louie h...
Oct 25, 2023•52 min
In 1969, Mark Farner , along with Don Brewer (drums and vocals) and Mel Schacher (bass), formed the band Grand Funk Railroad . They quickly gained recognition for their energetic, bluesy rock sound. The band's name was a play on words, inspired by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad that ran through their hometown of Flint, Michigan. Grand Funk Railroad achieved massive success in the early 1970s. Their music was characterized by a blend of rock, funk, and blues. The band released a series of hit a...
Oct 18, 2023•52 min
New York born, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, guitarist /singer- songwriter Ricky Byrd (inducted in 2015 with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts) , has had a career in music, spanning more than 40 years. He spent over a decade as a member of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts where he contributed music and background vocals to two platinum albums, I Love Rock 'n Roll and Up Your Alley , the gold certified Album, and four others for the band. Although best known for his time spent with The Blackhearts, Ricky...
Oct 11, 2023•52 min
Jamaican Reggae legend JIMMY CLIFF was born in 1948 as James Chambers and proved to be an accomplished performer at an early age. At 14 he moved to Kingston and took the surname Cliff as a proclamation of the heights he imagined he would reach. In Kingston, Jimmy released the 1962 hit, Hurricane Hattie and numerous other recordings throughout the rest of the 1960s. Jimmy Cliff moved to the UK in the late 60s and was bitterly disappointed with the racism he encountered there. His song, Waterfall ...
Sep 27, 2023•52 min
Drummer SIMON KIRKE kept the beat for two of the '70s most popular bluesy hard rockers: Free and Bad Company. Born in London, Simon developed an interest in music at a young age and joined a local band called the Maniacs to play drums and sing. He negotiated a deal with his parents after graduating high school, that if he couldn't make it as a drummer in a band within a two-year period, he would then start a college career. Just a few months before the self-imposed deadline, Kirke landed a gig w...
Sep 20, 2023•52 min
Formed as a jazz ensemble in the mid-'60s, Kool & the Gang became one of the most inspired and influential funk units during the '70s, and one of the most popular R&B groups of the '80s after their breakout hit "Celebration." Just as funky as James Brown or Parliament (and sampled almost as frequently), Kool & the Gang relied on their jazz backgrounds and long friendship to form a tightly knit group. Their 21 Top 40 hits display a huge range, from the tough funk of "Jungle Boogie," t...
Sep 14, 2023•52 min
English singer-songwriter, NIK KERSHAW was a 1980s teen idol; he spent 62 weeks on the UK Singles Chart in 1984-5 and beat every other solo artist at the time. He appeared at Live Aid in 1985, and penned a number of hits for other artists, including a UK number one single in 1991 for Chesney Hawkes "The One and Only”. Nik played guitar and sang in a number of underground bands from 76 before deciding on a career as a songwriter. However, he ended up performing his own songs rather than giving th...
Sep 07, 2023•52 min
Soft rock singer/songwriter, guitarist, pianist and producer KENNY LOGGINS had a consistent string of hits in the '70s, '80s and '90s. After playing in several bands in the late '60s and honing his songwriting chops as a staff songwriter, Kenny rose to prominence with Loggins & Messina, a duo with fellow singer/songwriter Jim Messina. The two were together from 72 to 76, and released a string of successful albums. Kenny's first solo album was released in '77, and included the hit "I Believe ...
Aug 31, 2023•52 min
In the heart of the ‘Swinging Sixties’, a British rock band called Savoy Brown was born and almost immediately began to make a profound impact with their pioneering blues-rock sound. Energetic Blues has always been Savoy Brown’s calling card. In fact, Blues Rock became the catch-all phrase in the late 1960s to describe the band’s music along with that of contemporaries including Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and Jimi Hendrix. Even though the band was plagued with a constantly changing line-up, the group...
Aug 24, 2023•52 min
Steve Katz and Blood, Sweat & Tears (BS&T) are synonymous with the golden era of American rock and jazz fusion. This iconic band, known for its genre-blending music, was founded by Steve Katz and went on to achieve massive success in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of Steve Katz and his pivotal role in shaping BS&T's ground-breaking sound. Steve Katz was born in New York City and displayed a passion for music from a young age. His jou...
Aug 17, 2023•52 min
In the vibrant music scene of New Orleans during the 1960s, a group of exceptional musicians came together to form a band that would redefine funk music. Bassist George Porter Jr. joined forces with Art Neville(keyboards), Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste (drums), and Leo Nocentelli (guitar) to create The Meters. The name itself hinted at their precision and rhythm. The Meters introduced a distinctive sound that blended funk, R&B, soul, and New Orleans grooves. Their music was characterised by tig...
Aug 10, 2023•52 min
Dave Warner is an iconic Australian musician, songwriter, and author. He gained popularity in the late 1970s with his band, Dave Warner from the Suburbs, and became known for his unique blend of punk and pub rock. Hailing from Perth in Western Australia, Dave formed Australia’s first punk band PUS back in the early 1970s. By the time The Sex Pistols had formed, Dave had already moved on to a new phase of music and social commentary which he dubbed Suburban Rock. His band Dave Warner’s From The S...
Aug 03, 2023•52 min
This week we delve into the life and experiences of singer CANDI STATON, as she discusses her tumultous journey in the music industry, her battles with breast cancer, and the impact of her hit songs. From overcoming addiction and abusive relationships to finding success in the disco era, Candi Staton's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of music. The 83-year-old exemplifies versatility and resilience. She has managed to cross multiple genres and adapt to changing times, all...
Jul 27, 2023•52 min
ROXY MUSIC is the British rock band that emerged in the early 70s and became one of the pioneers of the glam rock and art rock movements. Formed in 1970 by singer and songwriter Bryan Ferry, along with bassist Graham Simpson and saxophonist ANDY MACKAY, the original lineup was completed by Brian Eno (synthesizers and keyboards), Phil Manzanera (guitar), and Paul Thompson (drums). The band's self-titled debut album, "Roxy Music," was released in 1972 and garnered critical acclaim for its innovati...
Jul 20, 2023•52 min
Singer GLENN LEONARD is best known for his time as a member of the iconic Motown group, The Temptations. Glenn joined The Temptations in 1975 as the first new member to join the group after their classic lineup had already achieved immense popularity. During his time with The Temptations, the group released several successful albums, including "The Temptations Do the Temptations" (1976), "Bare Back" (1978), and "Power" (1980). Some of their notable hits from this era include "Happy People," "Sha...
Jul 13, 2023•52 min
Wanna know how Steely Dan's Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter became a missile defence expert? Take a listen to this week's episode. Best-known for his work with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, JEFF "SKUNK" BAXTER's versatility and technique as a soloist made him a hugely in-demand session guitarist from the '70s on. Jeff (who still refuses to disclose the origins of his nickname) landed his first recording gig in 1969 with the psychedelic pop group Ultimate Spinach. In 1972, he began his association with...
Jul 06, 2023•52 min
This week we unlock the fascinating tales of three one-hit wonders. Join me on a journey to meet The Royal Guardsmen’s lead singer, Barry Winslow, Balde Silva who is better known as Toby Beau and rediscover that incredible singer songwriter and producer, Terry Jack as we delve into his musical career and back catalogue. You'll gain insight into the highs, the lows, and everything in between, shedding light on the indelible marks each of these musicians have left on the music industry. This episo...
Jun 29, 2023•52 min
Musician JOHN SPRINGATE is a former member of the British glam rock band Glitter Band. Born in England, John was a bass guitarist and vocalist for the group during their heyday in the 1970s. John's professional career started when he was 19 and worked on the gigging circuit for a few years working with people like Jonny Johnson and the Bandwagon and Clem Curtis and the Foundations before joining the Glitter Band. The Glitter Band originally formed as the backing band for Gary Glitter, a prominen...
Jun 22, 2023•52 min
DAVE HOLE is Australia's premier internationally successful bluesman and a highly acclaimed slide guitar virtuoso. He first burst onto the international scene in 1991 with “Short Fuse Blues”, the first of his seven albums released on the prestigious Alligator Records label. He is widely regarded as one of the all-time slide guitar greats whose playing is infused with the spirit of such legends as Elmore James, Duane Allman and Johnny Winter. Nine successful albums and countless tours of the U.S....
Jun 15, 2023•52 min
Meet the electrifying sister duo from Atlanta, Georgia, who have been setting the music scene ablaze with their soulful harmonies and roots rock sound. MEGAN AND REBECCA LOVELL are LARKIN POE . The sisters have taken the music industry by storm with their distinctive blend of traditional influences and modern sensibilities. From their early beginnings in a musical household to their rise to fame, Larkin Poe's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Lovell sisters were raised on a ri...
Jun 08, 2023•52 min
In the rich tapestry of rock and roll history, certain bands stand out for their ground-breaking sound and unwavering commitment to pushing musical boundaries. Among these legends is Little Feat, a band known for their seamless fusion of rock, blues, R&B, and country. At the heart of their unique sound was the exceptional talent of keyboardist BILL PAYNE. This week’s episode delves into the remarkable journey of Bill Payne and Little Feat, celebrating their musical fusion and enduring impact...
Jun 01, 2023•52 min
Hailed as the new Beatles but "mismanaged and exploited beyond the bounds of human decency" Badfinger's thankless career drove two members to take their own lives. Badfinger could have been huge. What’s more, the band’s connections with The Beatles once earned them the tag of ‘the new Fab Four’. But instead, despite writing and recording some wonderfully memorable music, Badfinger went down in the annals of rock history for all the wrong reasons. Most people who remember the band today will prob...
May 25, 2023•52 min
My special guest today is the remarkable BRUCE COCKBURN, a celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist whose music has been enthralling listeners for more than half a century. Bruce's work is characteriSed by its profound exploration of spirituality, love, and nature, offering a thoughtful perspective on the world around us. His songs are celebrated for their eloquent lyrics and enchanting melodies, which are deeply rooted in his personal journey and experiences. From his early ...
May 18, 2023•52 min
