Professor of Rock

John Mellencamp became a leading voice for Americans through the 80s with life changing songs including Jack and Diane, Check it Out, Pink Houses, Small-town and Cherry Bomb. We celebrate John Mellencamp's rise as the troubadour of the working class and top 5 songs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The craziest 80s soap opera story of a song in rock history starring Steve Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, Tom Petty, Joe Walsh of the Eagles and legendary producer Jimmy Iovine. How the drama created an Alice in Wonderland meets Prince acid trip that become the 80s hit Don’t Come Around Here No More. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The incredulous story of Led Zeppelin’s 1970s masterpiece Black Dog from their classic album IV. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bohnam created a track that was extremely difficult to play and was named after a stray animal. Along with story behind the symbols on the iconic album cover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here is the top 10 songs of this VERY same week from the year 1987. There’s so much variety here.. The Cure vs. Debbie Gibson and Tiffany.. New Order Vs George Michael, Pink Floyd Vs Belinda Carlisle What is the new #1 hit? a Rock act or a Pop duo find out next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Click Here To Buy The Teaser and Firecat Super Deluxe Edition Vinyl Box Set: https://catstevens.lnk.to/teaser500F Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

the brothers Hawkins from the Darkness tell the story behind their evolution in music including getting inspired by Queen as well as the story behind their Rock smash I Believe in a Thing Called Love one of the last great hard rock classic. A truly hilarious take from Justin and Dan Hawkins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of one of rock’s greatest friendships. Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone roomed together. Andy was trying to stay sober and the two had a great creative period where they wrote many songs. Tragically, Andy died of a Heroin overdose. So Chris Cornell honored his friend with the classic song Say Hello 2 Heaven with Eddie Vedder and others in Temple of the Dog. the story is next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The emotional lyric by lyric story of Queensryche’s perfect #1 Rock hit Silent Lucidity from 1991. The leaders of the progressive metal movement, Geoff Tate and Chris Degarmo created a masterpiece that still resonates with the masses about lucid dreaming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hard Rock singer/guitarist Ted Nugent tells the story of his 70s classic Cat Scratch Fever. How the Riff came to be and how he we inspired to pick up a guitar and learn from the masters like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley and form the Amboy Dukes. Ted even plays a few tunes.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CY Curnin, lead singer and songwriter behind 80s New Wave icons the Fixx, on the story of their biggest hit One thing Leads to Another. Cy wrote the song in 1983 but it fits our day in age. from the Fixx’s classic album “Reach the Beach”, One Thing went to #4 on Billboard Hot 100. Here Cy tells the story of this iconic song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The otherworldly story of how an indie band went global with the unlikeliest hit.. maybe ever… R.E.M. Losing my Religion from their 1991 masterpiece blockbuster Out of Time. Months before 90s grunge took over, REM set the tone with a song about madness using an old southern saying… Michael Stipe masterfully sang the tune, with Peter Buck’s Mandolin and Mike Mills and Bill Berry holding their own…the story of a classic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of the 70s rock soul hit I Just Want to Celebrate as told by drummer/ singer Pete Rivera. The song went to the top 10 in 1971 and the band played CAL JAM to over 300k fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next we’re going to go behind the top 10 songs of this VERY same week from the year 1966. Hailed by many as the finest year in music history..55 years ago to be exact.. Will the new number one be the Beach Boys, the Beatles, The Monkees, The Supremes, Herman’s Hermits or someone else? Including exclusive interviews with Brian Wilson, Mitch Ryder, Lamont Dozier, and many more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An interview with a legendary voice actor who is also a Rockstar. In fact he’s so great at mimicking voices, he was once sued by a famous singer for sounding too much like him. The lead singer of Rock Sugar and the voice of Wacko Warner from Animaniacs, Crash Bandicoot and Roger Rabbit., a man of 1000 voices on his story… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

he story of how a regular guy named Alfred Yankovic became the foremost pop culture satirist Weird Al through his mastering of the accordion and parodying rock and pop classics in the 80s including his breakout hit Eat It a parody of Michael Jackson's 1983 #1 hit BEAT IT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story behind New Wave pioneers Devo and their history making performance on Saturday Night Live performing their unique cover of the Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”. Jerry Casale gives wonderful insight on their performance and on the origins of some of the most iconic elements of DEVO including the red energy domes the band wears. Get Jerry's new song and more at: https://www.geraldvcasale.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Glenn Phillips on the story of Toad the West Sprocket’s classic 90s hit All I Want from their masterpiece album FEAR. How the band formed and was named after a Monty Python sketch, all in our toad the wet sprocket interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of Iron Maiden’s 1980s classic the Trooper from their spectacular album Piece of Mind. After their first their first lead singer left due to substance abuse, Bruce Dickinson came into Iron Maiden with a Fury and between he and bassist Steve Harris, created a the Trooper inspired by an Tennyson poem. How this Heavy Metal classic scared us senseless... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of Van Halen’s 5th studio record: Diver Down inducing the story of Eddie and Alex Van Halen, Micheal Anthony and David Lee roth’s romp through the hit covers Oh’ Pretty Woman and Dancing’ In the Street and stand out tracks Little Guitars and Hang ‘Em High. The story of Van Halen’s most underrated album from the 80s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of Steve Miller Band’s classic rock standard from 1973, Fly Like An Eagle. The story of how this 70s hit came about is very interesting, Steve Miller wrote it for Native Americans as protest song. It was part of a legendary top 5 that included Bob Seger’s Night Movies and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s remake of Blinded by the Light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We go behind the top 10 songs of this VERY same week from the year 1976. 45 years ago. Then we re rank them based on their legacy since that week. including songs by Heart, Chicago, the Bee Gees, Gordon Lighfoot and Steve Miller band, as well as one of the worst songs ever? Take a walk down memory lane and find out what happened to music! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Adele, another blockbuster music queen was Norah Jones. Here we celebrate the 20th anniversary of her amazing song Don’t Know Why from her multiplatinum record Come Away with Me. An excessive interview that goes through the history of this jazz phenomenon... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of the biggest tv soundtrack of the 1980s: Miami Vice from the Theme by Jan Hammer to the two Glenn Frey tracks You Belong to the City and Smuggler’s Blues… cowritten by frequent Eagles collaborator Jack Tempchin who tells the story of writing them. Get ready for a showstopper we’re going back to 1985. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We count down the top 10 songs of this VERY same week from the year 1981. 40 years ago and then we rerank them based on their performance since, with your stories and artist commentary. Including hits from hall and Oates, Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks, Journey, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross The Rollins Stones and Christopher Cross. Drake has nothing on these artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We unbox 2 live albums: Northeast Corridor: Steely Dan Live 2 LP and Donald Fagen's The NightFly Live LP. We tell the story behind their 80s hit HEY NINETEEN as well as Donald Fagen’s solo masterpiece The Nightfly including the story of IGY (What A Beautiful World). Both of these live albums capture flawless performances by Donald Fagen and Steely Dan, as a tribute to the late Walter Becker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rock and Roll hall of famer Jon Anderson tells the story of the band Yes and their 70s progressive rock classic hit Roundabout. In a zoom interview he takes us through the process of writing it and recording a song that is beloved by generations including being used as a meme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of Led Zeppelin’s rock masterpiece, Kashmir from their 70s double album Physical Graffiti. How Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham all came together to create metaphysical song that scared Page and brought Plant to tears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of Pearl Jam’s breakthrough classic 90s song Alive form their Multi-platinum album TEN. Eddie Vedder was brought in after Mother Love Bone’s singer Andrew Wood tragically died. Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Jeff Ament forged on and changed their name to Pearl Jam and their new singer Eddie Vedder recorded a personal song about finding out who his real father, was having been lied to for years... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toto tells the story of their epic #2 classic rock hit Rosanna from 1982. Steve Lukather, David Paich and Steve Porcaro tell the details behind creating it and how actress Rosanna Arquette was the Muse. Arquette inspired two of the greatest songs of the 80s In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel and Rosanna By Toto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

- Try CleanMyMac X for free https://bit.ly/ProfessorOfRock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The touching story of Solitaire, the 70s hit that fueled Neil Sedaka’s big comeback. Covered by everyone from Johnny Mathis to Elvis Presley Andy Williams and the Carpenters this emotional interview is one for the ages with one of the last remains legends from the famous Brill Building. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of the top ten 60s smash You Really Got Me by the Kinks, later covered to great effect by the Mighty Van Halen in the 70s. The first major hit to feature distorted guitar by the brothers Davies. Ray Davies and Dave Davies. How this song changed everything in 1964 and how Eddie Van Halen reignited it in 1978. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of the Byrds legendary #1 hit Turn! Turn! Turn! (to everything there is a season) from 1965. Originally released by protest folk singer Pete Seeger, the song’s lyrics are from the Holy Bible from Ecclesiastes. Roger McGuinn and David Crosby tell the story of how the Byrds met and began to perform including recording this classic song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of Michael Jackson’s life changing #1 HIT Man In the Mirror. Every once in a while, a song changes the way you look at the world. The exclusive story of this incredible song by co-writer and frequent MJ collaborator Siedah Garrett. It’s a tale that includes the incomparable touch of the great Quincy Jones and co writer Glen Ballard on Professor of Rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of Asia’s other big hit from their legendary debut album from 1982, the #17 hit Only Time Will Tell from cowriter and keyboardist Geoff Downes. Geoff tells us of creating the song with the late John Wetton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next we're going to go go behind the top 10 songs of this same week from the year 1983. We'll recalibrate them based on their performance up to now and with your memories and artist commentary! Including Tell Her About It By Billy Joel, The Safety Dance by Men Without Hats, Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, Mainiac by Micheal Sembello, True By Spandau Ballet, Making Love out of Nothing at All by Air Supply and Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our exclusive interview with Multiplatinum artist Peter Frampton, he tells us how he made it guitar talk on his 70s hit Show Me The Way and his thoughts on Yacht Rock, Dave Grohl, and the Beatles George Harrison next on Professor of Rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5 Rock Hall Of Famers and another icon tell the story of the #1 motown hit Baby I Need Your Loving by the Four Tops including the last remaining member Duke Fakir, as well as producer/writer Lamont Dozier of Holland Dozier Holland and Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil who were inspired by the song to write You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling with an appearance by Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers and Johnny Rivers who remade the song and took it too the top 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s Hit Song Redux we look at this same week from the year 1979. Where we count down hits from the year including Electric Light Orchestra, Earth Wind and Fire, Little River Band, the Commodores and The Knack just to name a few. With your memories and dedications as well as artist commentary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How the Police including Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland took over the 80s as the biggest band in the world through their hits Every Breath You Take, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, Don’t Stand so Close to me and King of Pain. The stories of their greatest songs on professor of rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nick Laird Clowes of The Dream Academy tells the exhilarating story behind the moving and hypnotic 1985 song Life in A Northern Town and How David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Paul Simon helped him reach his full potential with the hit. This interview is a beautiful example of the magical muse that transpires when a song is born and raised in greatness.. On professor for rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of AC/DC’s hard rock classic Back In Black from there 1980 album of the same name. Bon Scott has just passed and Angus Young and brother Malcolm brought in Brian Johnson who helped AC/DC rise to the top of the album charts. including an interview with Phil Carson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of Side 2 of Def Leppard Hysteria, the blockbuster of 1987 and 1988 including the story of Pour Some Sugar On Me which was inspired by the Archie’s hit Sugar, Sugar and saved the album from being a failure. Also the stories of how Mutt Lange, Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Steve Clark, Rick Savage and Rick Allen created Armageddon it, Hysteria the title track and others from side 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

KT Tunstall tells these unbelievable story of her #1 HIT, Black Horse and A Cherry Tree. This Interview blew me away, as I wasn’t expecting such a cool story and a cool artist…KT explains how because of a freak cancelation on Jools Holland, KT was able to perform her song with a Loop Pedal and overnight here song scaled the charts. She plays the song and tells the story of writing this Bo Diddley/ Bonnie Raitt like pop hit from the 2000s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Rodgers is a legend’s legend, He is many legendary singer's favorite vocalist including Ann Wilson of Heart, Freddy Mercury of Queen, Robert Plant, and Lou Gramm formerly of Foreigner. Up next we celebrate Paul Rodgers and his days in Free, Bad Company and the Firm and we get the story of the 70s classic Alright Now with an exclusive interview with Paul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of 90s hit The Freshmen by The Verve Pipe. Lead singer and songwriter Brian Vander Ark tells the story of creating the #1 alternative rock song and the true meaning behind this 1997 hit that has perplexed many with its mysterious lyrics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Celebrating 80s synth pop legend Howard Jones by counting down his top 5 songs including Things Can Only Get Better, The Prisoner, No One Is to Blame and What Is Love with commentary from the new wave legend himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of the Romantics classic power pop 80s smash “What I Like About You”. It actually wasn’t a hit when it first came out, but got a lift from a beer commercial 10 years after it’s first release to become one of the biggest classic rock song’s ever. Wally Palmer and Mike Skill tell the story of the band who had another 80s smash a few years later with Talking In your Sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the 1970s classic rock standard Tiny Dancer and why it should’ve been a #1 Hit. From the masterpiece album Madman Across the Water, Tiny Dancer became a hit years later when it was used in the iconic scene from Cameron Crowe’s Oscar winning film Almost Famous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story of the Beatles biggest hit, Hey Jude. Written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon’s song Julian Lennon after his mom and dad got divorced. It was one of the longest songs to hit #1 on the Billboard charts at over 7 minutes and ushered in a new phase for the Fab Four. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.