Professor of Rock

Up next we tell the story of one of the smoothest voices ever and a man who had 9 straight years with a #1 hit. Lionel Richie. We break down his top 5 songs both solo and with the Commodores including Sail On, Three Times A Lady, All Night Long, Penny Lover and so 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.

The unbelievable story of the 1987 blockbuster Hysteria by Def Leppard. How Joe Elliot, Steve Clark, Rick Savage, Rick Allen and Phil Collen created an album for the ages with Mutt Lange and the battle to finish a classic. With commentary by Joel Elliot 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.

Art Alexakis of Everclear tells the story of their biggest hit, Wonderful and get extremely personal on being a Father and his experiences with his own Father. 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 Winwood From the Spencer Davis Group to Blind Faith to Traffic and Solo. From child prodigy, to a Hall of Fame rock n’ roll troubadour, Steve Winwood has shared his elite gift & passion with a lifetime of timeless R&B, Folk, Jazz, Progressive Rock, and pop classics with the world. , Steve Winwood truly brought us all a higher love of the arts because of his boundless gifts. This is the story of his career and his top 5 songs. including Higher Love and While You See a chance. One of the greatest voices ever. 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 unbelievable story of the Doors 1967 #1 Hit Light My Fire. How Robby Krieger wrote it at only 18 and how Jim Morrison took it to new heights and made it a legend. 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 II the band's spectacular sophomore album. They only had a few weeks to create it. The Hijinks of Eddie and Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony as we breakdown the album including classic cuts like Beautiful Girls, Dance the Night Away, D.O.A. and Bottoms Up. 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.

80s pop freestyle dance band Nu Shooz who are now Husband and Wife tell the story behind the 1986 smash hit I Can’t Wait which went to #1 on the dance club charts and crossed over to many charts. Valerie Day and John Smith tell the story of creating the song that would take their album Poolside to the masses. 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.

Canadian legend Burton Cummings who was the lead singer of The Guess Who tells the story of the 1969 classic top 10 hit, These Eyes with some interesting insight into composing it and funny commentary on how it was used in the comedy Superbad. 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 count down 3 80s cult classics including artist interviews. A Forest by the Cure from their 1980 album Seventeen Seconds Private Idaho by the B52’s from their 1980 album Wild Plant and The Downtown Lights by the Blue Nile from their 1989 album Hats 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 in depth story of the Rolling Stones 1966, #1 hit Paint it, Black and how the sitar started a new chapter in their glorious history including a power shift that took place marking the rise of the band’s chief composers Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and the inevitable exodus Brian Jones 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 Canadian band Glass Tiger’s biggest hit, the 1986 #2 smash Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone, with lead singer Alan Frew and Sam Reid. It was one of those tubular radio songs that were the backbone of our coming of age years. It also had an 80s legend who sang background vocals on it, Bryan Adams. 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 compelling story of how Morrissey and Johnny Marr created one of the greatest epics in modern history: How Soon Is Now by The Smiths from 1984. Armed with One of the most arresting guitar riffs of the Rock Era inspired by an innocuous bubble gum pop song.. The story of how it became a touchstone for disaffected use is 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.

Stephen Bishop tells the hilarious story of his 1977 Hit On and On. He is a California singer-songwriter who had many hits in the 70s and 80s including Save it for a Rainy Day, and It Might Be You from Tootsie, etc tells us the story of his genre defining 1977 hit that captured the nation and is now a bona fide Yacht Rock classic. You’ll get a kick out of the guy. the story is 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.

Lzzy Hale of hard rock band Halestorm tells the story of their #1 rock hit Love Bites (So Do I) and winning a Grammy in the same category as her Heroes. When Lzzy was growing up, she didn’t fit in with here classmates who were listening to boy bands while she was listening to Black Sabbath, Dio and Alice Cooper. How she took those influences and created a multiplatinum rock band 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.

Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music crafted his own distinctive singing style- developing a beautiful voice that matches his sophisticated flair- elegant, charming, and gallant. He has quietly become one of the most influential artists of the Rock Era- deeply affecting many notable performers, including Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Morrissey and David Bowie- particularly his Serious Moonlight phase. If David Bowie is the ’thin white duke’, then, at 6 foot one inch, Bryan Ferry is the ’tall suave chevalier. We cover his top 5 songs, that we call a fiver, songs like Love is the Drug, More Than This, and Slave to Love. 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.

A surviving member of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group the Flamingos tells the magical story of creating I Only Have Eyes for You from 1959. Terry “Buzzy” Johnson arranged, sang and played guitar on this wondrous oldies hit of all time. He tells the rare and authentic story 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.

Scorpions were one of the first rock bands to play behind the iron curtain, and the experience inspired the creation of Wind of Change the 1991 song that was the soundtrack to the fall of the berlin wall and the Soviet Union. Come take a boat ride down the Moskva River in 1989- whistling along to the melody of the “Wind of Change”... 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.

How Sting and the Police created the 1978 hit that put them on the map “Roxanne” as song inspired by strolling through the seediest part of Paris France from their amazing debut album “Outlandos D’ Amour” and how it ignited worldwide domination for the multi-platinum band. 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 the story of a classic 70s hit Swayin’ to the Music (Slow Dancing) hit by Johnny Rivers written by Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin, Johnny Rivers is one of the most under appreciated artists to the time. He had 17 top 40 hits in the 60s and 70s. We have the story from both artist and songwriter 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.

Story of 1970 Hit: Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum: 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.

One night brothers Angus Young and Malcolm Young were jamming in the studio after hours… when suddenly Angus had an idea for a riff that he immediately played. The Riff would change everything for AC/DC: Highway to Hell produced by Mutt Lange and sung by Bon Scott broke the band in America for good. 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.

311 lead singer , Nick Hexum tells the story behind their #1 Alternative hit DOWN from the blue album that rocked 1996 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.

Up next, my Holy Grail interview. One of the last musical geniuses left on this earth Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys and the Father of 60s pop tells the story behind God Only Knows from their masterpiece 1966 album Pet Sounds. 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 an exclusive interview Cindy Wilson a founding member and singer from legendary New Wave Act the B52s who dominated the end of the 80s tells us the story behind their biggest hit Roam 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.

As the Rock Era began to wrap up in the mid 90s Better Than Ezra that formed at LSU and rocketed to #1 on the modern rock charts with the #1 song GOOD a classic sing along song of it’s time. Singer Kevin Griffin and bassist Tim Drummond tell the story in this exclusive 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 the 1979 classic Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits. Mark Knopfler was inspired to write the song after witnessing a band playing Dixieland Jazz in a dive bar. 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 celebration of Father’s Day, we celebrate through the great songs about the Father/Child relationship from some of the greats including Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Luther Vandross, Madonna and many more. We live in a cynical world and some people don’t believe in heroes, if you’re one of those people-- that don’t believe in heroes then you've never met my Dad, I’m sure many of you feel the same about your own father. So celebrate with this video and leave comments about your dad. It’s like Peter Gabriel said… “I could hold back the tide, with my dad by my side." 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.

INXS Co-founder and Co writer Andrew Farriss tells the story of creating the 1987 Kick album with Micheal Hutchence including the classic hits Devil Inside, Need You Tonight, Never Tear Us Apart and others. 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.

Aaron Bruno of modern rock band Awolnation tells the story of crating the smash rock hit Sail from Megalithic Symphony, one of the biggest songs of the last 10 years. A 2011 song that exploded on to the scene and at the time broke chart records including spending 79 week on the Hot 100. 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 an exclusive interview Roger McGuinn and David Crosby who co-founded the Byrds share the story of one of the most influential songs in history Bob Dylan’s Mr. Tambourine Man. A number one hit in the midst of the British Invasion that changed the course of music history, ramping up the Folk Rock movement and inspiriting Bob Dylan to go electric, the co-pilots of the Byrds tell us the legendary story next including an acoustic rendition of the song 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.

Up next Stephan Jenkins from San Francisco band Third Eye Blind or 3EB that ignited radio in 1997 and 1998 tells the inspirational story of their hit Jumper. 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 count down the top 5 Journey Hidden gems. The deep tracks that in most cases are just as good as the hits. with commentary from the band members themselves including guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain, with stories of creating the songs with Steve Perry including Escape, Still They Ride, I’ll Be Alright Without You, and other of their great 80s 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.

1987 ruled! So many classic albums and songs were released from Def Leppard and Guns n’ Roses to Whitesnake, Depeche Mode and the Smiths from George Michael and Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston. Whitney ruled 87 with her smash hit I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) #1 in 13 different countries The story of the song is told by Narada Michael Walden legendary drummer and producer who has worked on some of the biggest hits of 80s and 90s. A can’t miss 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.

Space Oddity by David Bowie was a track inspired by a milestone Science Fiction movie, but passed on by the most prolific producer in music history. How a song about a fictitious astronaut overcame the label of being a “novelty song” to becoming a transcendent masterpiece in the 70s and beyond by a genius 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.

On Saturday May 29th 2021 we lost one of the great singers of the rock and roll era. BJ Thomas, an Oklahoma native, passed away in his home in Arlington Texas of lung cancer. We wanted to share our condolences with his wife and family and recognize his incredible contribution to music as his songs continue to inspire with a pair of #1 hits including Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head which B.J. tells the story of in this exclusive 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.

Sade's voice has a unique quality that is so hypnotic, it lures you into a web of romance, seduction, and rapture. With life changing song like " Smooth Operator" " No Ordinary Love", and "The Sweetest Taboo, her music just makes you flow so freely. 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 one of the great hidden gems of 1986. From a british band the can’t really be genre-fide. Digging Your Scene by the Blow Monkeys the band had elements of New Wave, Rock, Jazz, Pop and Soul. that some now call Sophisti-pop. With one of the most memorable first 10 seconds of a song released that year, the singer songwriter of this band, Dr. Robert gives us the story of this elegant 86 hit that you’ll be jazzed to rediscover 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.

Up next 5 under appreciated songs from the 1980s. Hidden gems we don’t hear as much but deserve a re listen. Including interviews with the artists including Kenny Loggins, Mr. Mister, Billy Idol (guitarist Steve Stevens) as well as picks from Prince and Lindsey Buckingham formerly of Fleetwood Mac: The five gems are Pop Life by Prince, Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham, I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man) by Kenny Loggins, Is It Love By Mr. Mister and Sweet Sixteen by Billy Idol. 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 voice of Annie Lennox is a precious instrument, that moves me to the core, whether with Eurythmics or solo, Her voice is so unique, it’s hard to express why it has such an effect on me, but in this video we lay it all out. Perhaps the reason Annie Lennox is such a riveting singer is because she uses her voice as a vehicle of bold expression. It is the sincerity & self-confidence of how she expresses her feelings that separates her from being just another pretty voice. We cover her career from Eurythmics to solo and share our Annie Lennox fiver from No More I Love You's to Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)… 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.

This the story of one of the greatest hidden gems of the entire 80s, the one hit wonder, Mary’s Prayer by Danny Wilson It’s a breathtaking song, one of my favorites ever, that will make your heart stop as told by its singer and songwriter Gary Clark. If you love the 80s then this one is a no brainer. the story of this 1987 pop classic 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.

Up next the story of one of my most haunting songs of the mid 90s as told by one of the most iconic bands the last 25 years Goo Goo Dolls. With speculation having run rampant of the meaning of this number one alternative rock song we get the straight story from the bands front man and songwriter John Rzeznik in an exclusive and personal interview 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.

An attempt to take the life of the great Tom Petty, and destroy his family, ignited a defiant spirit that inspired an anthem for unshakable strength & resolve. The #1 rock hit I Won’t Back Down from his 1989 masterpiece Full Moon Fever. We tenaciously & proudly stand our ground with the incomparable Tom Petty.. 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.

Up next, is the story of how a band from Cincinnati name Ram Jam changed an African American labor chant, with a debated origin, into a rip-roaring guitar track that became an international smash and is now a standard of 70s classic rock, having been covered many times since. The stunning transformation & history of “Black Betty” 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.

The thing about Jon Bon Jovi and his incredible band is the music they've created has always got your back. From "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name" to "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "It's My Life", their music gives us redemption and faith against all odds. Mostly it's music of hope, which is a powerful thing, especially in the times we live in. As Jon Bon Jovi says "You live for the fight when that's all that you've got". You got to keep the faith. 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 the Godfather of Alternative rock Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction tells us the very personal story of one of the true standards of 1988, Jane Says. We solve the mystery of this very eerie and brilliant song and the woman who inspired the song and the band’s name. Plus he goes in depth on how he created the band’s seminal album cover. A bonafide Must see story behind the song 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.

Up next a brand new interview with two musical giants: Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams from Toto on the story of an 80s gem that was their last big hit of the decade in the US, Pamela from their album the Seventh One. A great breakdown from the two, plus insight into their new projects including what’s next for TOTO, 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.

Up next identical twins Matthew and Gunnar Nelson of the family band Nelson, who’s father Rick Nelson was a pioneer of early Rock and Roll and who’s grandfather Ozzie Nelson was a singer/actor. With their 1990 #1 hit made them the Third generation in the family to have a #1 single. The only family who ever accomplished that. The group tells the story of the #1 rock ballad Love and Affection that was inspired by supermodel Cindy Crawford, the story 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.

It was time for a monumental breakout for another historic quartet from Britain that evoked Beatlemania excitement… Depeche Mode interrupted the mainstream in 1990 with a fresh perspective The back-story of why Violator- became a landmark album for Depeche Mode 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.

Up next a song that was a hit in the 70s and 80s by two different artists. First for a former member of Mott the Hoople, lead singer Ian Hunter and then for one of the breakout Glam Metal band of the late 80s Great White who took it all the way to the top 5 in the summer of 1989, The Idea to remake Once Bitten Twice Shy was given to them by Guns ’ N’ Roses. Mark Kendall the guitarist and cofounder of this metal band tells the story 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.

This pseudo New Wave Rock power ballad seemed to come out of nowhere in 1987. Armed with an emotional lead vocal, the song is so haunting it’s almost supernatural, which drove it to #1 all over the world. The story is told by it’s singer and songwriter including an acoustic performance, this is a can’t miss 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.