The Ken Calvert Show - podcast cover

The Ken Calvert Show

Ken Calvert was born and raised in Detroit. A graduate of Brother Rice High School with college studies at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He took broadcast, voice and acting courses at OCC Farmington Hills, Michigan. Ken has spent the last forty-four years as a radio broadcaster and freelance voice-over announcer. He's also worked for Sony Music Corporation (Columbia Records) as both a local and regional promotion and marketing manager specializing in artist development, marketing, and retail. Ken currently enjoys doing a podcast and telling kids to get off his lawn!
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Episodes

I’m a genius and up close with Jason Bonham

During this most unusual time we need to think of smart new ways to stay germ free. I share my thoughts on what I predict will be our new world order (at least for me). I also catch up with Jason Bonham, son of the great Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

Mar 24, 202029 min

Did you know that I play the Accordion?

Yes, yes and yes! Check out this nugget from the 80’s. We’ll talk about ‘Morning Radio’ then-and-now, Hallmark events in my life like this COVID-19. I hope you’ll enjoy, stay safe and know we're gonna get thru this! Peace & Love.

Mar 23, 202022 min

It's Great To Be Back! Now Get Off My Lawn!

It’s hard to write a compelling tease for a podcast. So, simply put I’ve been away from the show and I’m back. I hate the time-change, winter and especially the plastic clamshell. I’ll also share a 1998 interview with the late Ray Manzarek of The Doors.

Nov 09, 201922 min

Comedian Derek Richards is 'Just the right amount of wrong'!

I caught up with Detroit native and Specs Howard grad, Derek Richards, to talk about the fast-paced, raucous ride across America with four Irish comedians starring in The Irish Comedy Tour. It's St. Patrick's Day every day!

Jun 12, 201928 min

Les Paul and Bob Seger on the Same Podcast!

On June 9th we celebrate the great Les Paul's birthday. Les Paul is one of the nicest people I've ever interviewed. On that same Mount Rushmore of Great Guys is Bob Seger. They don't get any nicer. This week there were two events, and I have two stories.

Jun 10, 201917 min

Stevie Nicks had a crush on me and I can prove it!

That's right, it happened back in 2011. She wrote a song about me called "Secret Love." It was the first single from the 2011 solo release called "In Your Dreams." Look, it's complicated, but I'm telling you it happened. Stevie shares the sad details.

Jun 03, 201922 min

The Real Story Behind Guess Who's "American Woman"

Burton Cummings starts by saying "It's an attitude of gratitude." On this podcast we hear the story behind 'American Woman', Guess Who's only number one. Burton Cummings tell us that there wouldn't be a Guess Who without Rosalie Trombley and CKLW.

May 18, 201924 min

"So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star"

"Just get an electric guitar then take some time and learn how to play." So said the Byrds in 1966. I'll take a look at the state of the music industry. Most musicians aren't making any money. Are the record companies? And, my chat with Robert Cray.

May 04, 201920 min

"Kenny Kenny Who Can I Turn To" 867-WKEN

"Hello, how are you?" I tried counting the number of songs written and recorded about the phone. Well, I can tell you that there’s an entire website devoted to telephone songs. I stopped at 100! A radio station couldn’t survive without a phone. Here’s why.

Apr 21, 201925 min

For the Record, I love Vinyl

Saturday April 13, 2019 was 'Record Store Day.' I love my vinyl. I love and hug my collection of long playing 33 1/3 records every chance I get. Paul Rodgers sold a ton of records. He's an amazing artist and a great interview. Whew, I'm all right now!

Apr 14, 201926 min

Scans, Drugs and Slip 'N Falls

Ozzy Osbourne recently fell at his home and re-injured his back. Mick Jagger and Lindsey Buckingham have just had major heart procedures. In 2017, Bob Seger had neck surgery. Frampton is walking away from music. Our rockers are starting to show their age!

Apr 11, 201918 min

Alex Lifeson, What's Your Rush?

In January, 2018 Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson confirmed that Rush is done, over, end of story. After the “R40” tour, Neil Peart announced his retirement, citing chronic tendonitis and other ailments. “After 41 years, we felt it was enough.”

Apr 07, 201922 min

Who Took the Fun Out of Radio?

Well, that's a great question. When I first got in to radio it was the wild, wild west. The FM dial was freewheeling and free forming as we went along. New music was flowing like water, and there was live music nightly. So, who took the fun out of radio?

Apr 01, 201929 min

My First Radio Didn't Have a Speaker! Wait...What?

I received my first radio at age 9 from my dad. It was called a Harpers Pocket Radio. No battery, no AC plug, just an earphone and an alligator clip. Today It would be called the 'MacGyver'. That radio would set me on a path that would become my passion.

Mar 30, 201924 min

Say Ken, Where have you been? At Several Detroit Radio Stations

I've worked at 6 Detroit area radio stations. W4, WABX, WRIF, WLLZ, WJR and WCSX. On today’s podcast, I discuss the evolution of the various formats that were born out of the late 60’s radio revolution. I also talk with Thomas Hayden Church.

Mar 27, 201919 min

Marijuana Infused Coca-Cola and a Side of Stephen Stills

According to USA Today Coca-Cola is "closely watching" the market for drinks infused with cannabidiol, or CBD, the chemical in marijuana. Will it come in a bottle resembling a bong? And, Happy Birthday Buffalo Springfield. So, drink up and have a listen!

Mar 04, 201921 min

David Crosby - Not a Fan of the Record Companies

A Twitter user infamously claimed to have spent her rent money on Elton John tickets. Concert ticket prices worldwide increase at a rate much faster than inflation. The average price of a ticket to see your favorite band has tripled in the last 20 years.

Feb 27, 201917 min

Hey, Hey, We’re The Monkees – Davy Jones 1997

Thursday, February 21, 2019 we lost Peter Tork of The Monkees. Stephen Stills originally auditioned for the part. He didn’t get it. Stills then recommended Peter Tork. I checked my archives and found this classic interview with Davy Jones. RIP Peter Tork.

Feb 23, 201914 min

My Last Interview with the Late Glenn Frey

It’s still with a heavy heart that I share this with you. It’s with my old friend Glenn Frey. We lost Glenn Frey just over three years ago on January 18, 2016. It was one of those “I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news.” Damn, I miss Glenn Frey.

Feb 20, 201919 min

Give a Hand to UTR Michigan Hosts Tom Daldin & Jim Edelman

I met Tom Daldin & Jim Edelman at WRIF in the early 80's. We had a lot of fun. Now, they're living the dream with their hit PBS television program Under the Radar Michigan. The entire state of Michigan is 96,716 miles. They have a lot left to see. Let's go!

Feb 17, 201945 min

My Podcast Needed to Get Out of the House, So...

Up and coming Detroit comedian Nate Armbruster is my podcasting mentor. He’s the millennial son I never had. He helps me with all things social media. I asked Nate how to do a podcast on the road? We went to a great burger bar. Well let’s see how we do.

Feb 12, 201936 min

Martin Gross is a Musician's Musician and He Loves Detroit

I’m blessed to have met a lot of cool people. But, Tino Gross, or should I say, Tino G exudes cool. He’s a beautiful soul with love in his heart for Detroit, his family and his music. Put on your shades my friends and have a listen. Live it up!

Jan 22, 20191 hr 5 min

"Monday Memories" With Chad Smith

You will not meet a nicer human being than Chad Smith. Chad grew up in the Detroit suburbs and was an active member of the rock 'n roll scene. Chad is currently getting ready for the Red Hot Chili Peppers tour of Australia and New Zealand. Enjoy!

Jan 17, 201923 min

"Monday Memories" With Iggy Pop

As you know, I have a lust for life! Today’s interview features my 2010 interview with Iggy Pop just days prior to the Stooges induction in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You’re going to want to listen to this one. Trust me!

Jan 09, 201925 min

"Monday Memories" With Queen's Brian May

Happy New Year! As you may know, the Queen with Adam Lambert Tour will be up and running in 2019 with a stop in Detroit at the LCA on July 27th. The tour follows the incredible success of the movie and music biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Enjoy!

Jan 01, 201918 min

"Monday Memories" With Don Henley

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! On today’s podcast, I’ll share one of my all-time favorites. It’s a chat with Don Henley. He wasn’t very happy with me. I told him he needed to write more music. Well, we made up and he surprised me with a great gift!

Dec 24, 201818 min

"Monday Memories" With ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons

On today’s Podcast, I’ll share my thoughts on Holiday/Christmas gift-giving. Why do celebrities feel inclined to get into the food and beverage business? I also ask you about proper tipping. My guest today is Billy Gibbons from 2013. Enjoy!

Dec 17, 201819 min

“Monday Memories” With Comedian Bobby Slayton

On today’s podcast, I go off on a new Oreo drink mix and shopping carts left in a parking space! Weed is now legal in Michigan and banned Christmas songs from the WKEN playlist. My guest today is from 2010, the Pitbull of Comedy Bobby Slayton. Enjoy!

Dec 10, 201831 min

"Monday Memories" With Christopher Guest

I take you back to 2010 and a classic interview with Christopher Guest. You know him from SNL in the 80’s, This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind. The Princess Bride, For Your Consideration and Best In Show. I also tackle my OCD/ADD.

Dec 03, 201821 min
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