This Thursday, October 29th, 2026, we're bringing you another Rock n Roll Memories show, featuring some of the greatest music from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

We'll revisit the songs and stories behind legendary artists including The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Buddy Holly, James Brown, Harry Nilsson, and many others.

From the early days of rock and roll and the British Invasion to the California sound, soul music, and the unforgettable pop recordings of the 1970s, we'll celebrate the artists and music that continue to bring back wonderful memories.

Joining us for his third appearance on The History of Rock and Roll is our special guest David Leaf, an acclaimed writer, director, producer, and music historian whose work has documented some of the most important stories in popular music.

David is especially known for his longtime association with Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, beginning in the late 1970s.

We'll revisit his groundbreaking 1978 biography, The Beach Boys and the California Myth, and discuss his more recent books exploring Brian Wilson's remarkable life, musical creativity, and the complex history behind some of The Beach Boys' most celebrated recordings.

We'll take a closer look at David's book SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson, exploring the fascinating story of the legendary SMiLE project, its ambitious recording sessions in the 1960s, the circumstances surrounding its original abandonment, and its eventual revival decades later.

We'll also talk about Brian Wilson's extraordinary songwriting, his musical partnership with The Beach Boys, and the creative vision behind classics such as "Good Vibrations," "God Only Knows," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," and many others.

David will share memories from his years working with and documenting Brian Wilson, along with stories about the music that helped define the California sound.

We'll also explore David's work documenting The Bee Gees, including his 1979 book The Bee Gees: The Authorized Biography, his involvement with the 2000 documentary Bee Gees: This Is Where I Came In, and the HBO documentary The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.

We'll discuss his teaching and research on The Beatles, along with other musical stories from his remarkable career.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 29th, and join us for a special show filled with classic music, fascinating memories, and stories behind some of rock and pop's greatest artists.

Don't miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2026

📚 David Leaf

David Leaf is an acclaimed writer, director, producer, educator, and music historian whose career has been closely connected with some of the most influential artists in popular music.

He is especially recognized for his extensive work documenting the life, music, and creative legacy of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, an association that began in the late 1970s.

David's groundbreaking 1978 biography, The Beach Boys and the California Myth, explored the group's remarkable musical achievements and the complicated personal and creative history behind their success.

His later book, God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth, revisits and expands upon that history, offering readers a deeper understanding of Brian Wilson's extraordinary musical journey.

We'll focus on David's book SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson, which examines one of the most fascinating recording projects in rock history.

Originally conceived in the 1960s, SMiLE became legendary for its ambitious musical ideas, unfinished recordings, and the decades-long journey that eventually brought Brian Wilson's vision back to life.

David will discuss the story behind the project, its creative significance, and its lasting place in the history of The Beach Boys.

Beyond his work with Brian Wilson, David has also documented the remarkable career of The Bee Gees. His 1979 book, The Bee Gees: The Authorized Biography, explored the group's rise to international fame, while his documentary work includes Bee Gees: This Is Where I Came In and the HBO feature documentary The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.

David will also share his experiences teaching and discussing the music and cultural impact of The Beatles, along with other memorable stories from his years researching, writing about, and working with legendary musicians.

David Leaf Official Website

📖 David Leaf's Books – Recommended Reading

David has shared the following book links for listeners who would like to explore more about Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and the extraordinary story of SMiLE.

SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson

Discover the story of Brian Wilson's legendary SMiLE project, from its original conception and recording sessions in the 1960s to its eventual completion and enduring influence on popular music.

Amazon US: SMiLE – Amazon US

Amazon UK: SMiLE – Amazon UK

Paperback Edition:

Amazon US: SMiLE Paperback – US

Amazon UK: SMiLE Paperback – UK

God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth

David Leaf's examination of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys explores the music, personalities, relationships, and creative achievements that shaped one of America's most influential rock groups.

Amazon US: God Only Knows – Amazon US

Alternative Amazon US Link: God Only Knows – US Edition

Amazon UK: God Only Knows – Amazon UK

Free Reader's Guide: Download the God Only Knows Reader's Guide

Note: Some book links may be affiliate links.

This Monday, October 26th, 2026, we're bringing you another Rock Music Spotlight, featuring some of the greatest music and stories from the 1960s and 1970s.

We'll revisit the sounds of classic rock, the British Invasion, folk rock, psychedelic rock, and country rock, with music from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, Jimi Hendrix, The Yardbirds, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Gram Parsons, and many others.

It's another musical journey through two unforgettable decades, celebrating the artists, recordings, and creative moments that helped shape rock and roll history.

We'll welcome singer-songwriter and musician Cole Larravide, whose energetic live performances and original music have taken him to some of the world's most famous stages, including Liverpool's Cavern Club, the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, and The Bitter End in New York City.

Cole will share stories from his musical journey, including recording at Abbey Road Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, and his experiences opening for legendary artists such as Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, Tommy James & The Shondells, 10cc, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Cyrkle, and original Beatles drummer Pete Best. We'll also discuss his songwriting, musical influences, and the experiences that have shaped his career.

We'll also be joined by guitarist, songwriter, and record producer Les Fradkin, best known for portraying George Harrison in the original Broadway production of Beatlemania. Les will share memories of his musical career, his experiences performing in Beatlemania, and the artists who influenced him, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, and the British Invasion groups.

We'll also discuss his musical connections with artists such as The Left Banke, Roger McGuinn, and Blood, Sweat & Tears, along with his upcoming biography and the stories he plans to share from his years in music.

Finally, author and retired broadcast journalist Bob Kealing returns to discuss his book, Calling Me Home: Gram Parsons and the Roots of Country Rock. We'll explore the fascinating life and musical legacy of Gram Parsons, from his Southern upbringing and recordings with The Byrds to the Flying Burrito Brothers and his solo career.

We'll also talk about Bob's upcoming presentation at the Museum of Winter Haven History on November 14th and the continuing recognition of Parsons' influence on rock and country music, including the discussion surrounding his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Mark your calendars for Monday, October 26th, and join us for a show filled with great music, remarkable photographs, and stories from rock history.

Don't miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Monday, October 26th, 2026

🎸 Cole Larravide

Cole Larravide is a singer-songwriter and musician whose original music blends different styles and genres, combining high-energy performances with thoughtful, introspective songwriting.

Whether performing solo or with his band, Cole has built his career around live music, touring extensively and appearing at venues and festivals across the United States and internationally.

🎸 Les Fradkin

Les Fradkin is an American guitarist, songwriter, musician, and record producer whose career spans rock, pop, and innovative guitar music.

He is widely known for his role portraying George Harrison in the original Broadway production of Beatlemania, which brought the music and story of The Beatles to theatrical audiences.

Les will share memories of his time with Beatlemania, including the music, performances, and experiences that made the production such a memorable part of his career.

We'll also explore his early musical influences, particularly The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, and the British Invasion artists who helped shape his musical direction.

Throughout his career, Les has performed and shared concert bills with artists including The Left Banke, Roger McGuinn, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. We'll discuss those musical connections, his work as a guitarist and producer, and his continued involvement in music.

Les will also give us a preview of his forthcoming biography, sharing some of the stories and experiences from his years in the music business.

📚 Bob Kealing

Bob Kealing is an Orlando-based author, historian, and retired broadcast journalist whose books explore important figures and stories in American music and cultural history.

Bob joins us to discuss his book, Calling Me Home: Gram Parsons and the Roots of Country Rock, which examines the life, Southern upbringing, musical influences, and lasting legacy of Gram Parsons, one of the pioneering figures in the development of country rock.

We'll follow Parsons' musical journey from his work with The Byrds and the groundbreaking country-rock album Sweetheart of the Rodeo to his years with The Flying Burrito Brothers and his solo recordings, including GP and Grievous Angel.

We'll also explore how his music helped bring country influences into the wider rock scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Bob will also discuss his upcoming Gram Parsons book presentation at the Museum of Winter Haven History in Winter Haven, Florida, on November 14th, 2026, along with the ongoing recognition of Parsons' contribution to music and the conversation surrounding his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

This Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, we're bringing you another wonderful edition of Oldies But Goodies, featuring some of the greatest music from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

We'll be playing a terrific mix of rock and roll, pop, doo-wop, rockabilly, rhythm and blues, surf rock, and other memorable sounds that made these decades so special.

From the early days of rock and roll to the British Invasion, the California sound, and the unforgettable hits of the 1970s, we'll revisit the songs and artists that continue to bring back so many great musical memories.

We'll take a musical journey through the years with favorites from Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Monkees, The Turtles, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Four Seasons, and many others.

Whether it's the excitement of early rock and roll, the harmonies of the doo-wop era, the sunshine sounds of California, or the great pop and rock recordings of the 70s, there's something for everyone who loves the music we grew up listening to.

Joining us for his second appearance on The History of Rock and Roll is our special guest and good friend, Vern Shank, a musician, disc jockey, radio station owner, and founder of Pyramid Music Productions. Vern will share some of his favorite musical memories from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, including stories about the artists he has met and performed with over the years.

We'll also talk about his work in radio at Surf 97.3 FM WQFB in Flagler Beach, Florida, where listeners can enjoy a classic oldies format celebrating the music of these remarkable decades.

We'll also explore Vern's work with Pyramid Music Productions, his experiences producing and performing live music, and his band The Cherry Drops, whose music celebrates the sounds and spirit of classic rock and roll and surf music.

We'll feature some of Vern's recordings with the band and hear the stories behind his musical career.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 22nd, and join us for an entertaining show filled with great oldies, wonderful memories, and music that never gets old.

Don't miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, October 22nd, 2026

🎙️ Vern Shank

Vern Shank is a musician, disc jockey, radio station owner, and music producer with a longtime passion for the classic sounds of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

Returning to The History of Rock and Roll for his second appearance, Vern brings years of experience in radio, live performance, and music production, along with personal memories of the artists he has met and performed with throughout his career. Vern is associated with Surf 97.3 FM WQFB in Flagler Beach, Florida, a radio station featuring an oldies music format.

We'll discuss his work in radio, the importance of keeping classic music on the air, and the songs and artists that continue to connect with listeners across generations.

He is also the owner of Pyramid Music Productions, where his work involves music production and entertainment.

Vern will share stories about his experiences in the music business and the various projects he has been involved with over the years.

As a musician, Vern performs with The Cherry Drops, a band whose music draws inspiration from the classic sounds of rock and roll and surf music.

We'll talk about the band's live performances, recordings, and musical influences, and we'll feature some of Vern's music with The Cherry Drops during the show.

• Surf 97.3 FM WQFB – Flagler Beach Radio
•  Music Productions
• The Cherry Drops Official Website

This Monday, October 19th, 2026, we're taking another musical journey through the wonderful sounds and memories of the 1960s and 1970s, featuring some of the greatest artists and songs from two unforgettable decades of rock and pop music.

We'll be playing favorites from The Beatles and their solo years, The Monkees, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Turtles, and many others, while revisiting the excitement of the British Invasion, the California sound, folk rock, soft rock, and the music that became part of our lives during those years.

We'll also explore some of the musical memories and artists connected with Massachusetts, a state with its own rich history of rock and popular music.

From the British bands that crossed the Atlantic to the American groups that filled the radio airwaves, we'll remember the songs we grew up listening to and the musicians who helped make the 60s and 70s such a remarkable period in music history.

Joining us for his fourth appearance on The History of Rock and Roll is our special guest and good friend, Jack Maravell, a singer, songwriter, and musician originally from New Bedford, Massachusetts, who now lives in Fort Pierce, Florida. Jack will share his memories of growing up with the music of The Beatles and other favorite artists, along with stories from his own musical career.

We'll talk about his years performing in Beatles tribute groups, portraying Paul McCartney, and his experiences with McCartney Mania, celebrating the songs and musical legacy of the Fab Four.

We'll also spend time exploring Jack Maravell's original music, including songs he wrote during the 1970s and 1980s, selections from his earlier CD A Musical Journey, and his recently released CD Dear John and The Letters: Just Listen.

Jack will share the stories and inspiration behind his songwriting as we celebrate his musical journey from Massachusetts to Florida and his lifelong love of rock and roll.

Mark your calendars for Monday, October 19th, and join us for a show filled with classic music, personal memories, and original songs from our special guest.

Don't miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Monday, October 19th, 2026

🎸 Jack Maravell

Jack Maravell is a singer, songwriter, and musician originally from New Bedford, Massachusetts, and now based in Fort Pierce, Florida.

A longtime admirer of The Beatles and the music of the 1960s and 1970s, Jack has spent many years performing and sharing the songs that inspired him throughout his musical life.

As a former Beatles tribute performer, Jack portrayed Paul McCartney in various tribute productions, including his work with McCartney Mania.

His experiences performing Beatles music have given him many memories and stories about the Fab Four, their solo careers, and the lasting appeal of their recordings.

Returning to The History of Rock and Roll for the fourth time, Jack will talk about his early musical influences, the artists he listened to while growing up in Massachusetts, and his career performing Beatles tribute music.

We'll also explore the musical memories that have stayed with him from the 1960s and 1970s.

Beyond his Beatles performances, Jack is also an original songwriter whose compositions date back to the 1970s and 1980s.

We'll feature music from his earlier CD, A Musical Journey, along with songs from his recently released project, Dear John and The Letters: Just Listen. Jack will share the stories behind these recordings and the personal experiences that have inspired his songwriting over the years.

This Thursday, October 15th, 2026, we're taking you back to the fabulous 1950s for a special Birth of Rock and Roll show, celebrating the music that started a revolution.

We'll be playing some of the greatest rock and roll, pop, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and rockabilly recordings from the decade that changed popular music forever.

From Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bill Haley & His Comets to The Platters, The Coasters, and many more, we'll revisit the artists and songs that helped create the sound of rock and roll.

We'll also be paying special tribute to one of the most important pioneers in music history, Chuck Berry, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on October 18th, 2026.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1926, Berry became known as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, bringing together rhythm and blues, country influences, unforgettable guitar riffs, and lyrics that captured the excitement of teenage life. His recordings helped define the sound of a new generation, with classics including "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Rock and Roll Music," "Johnny B. Goode," "Sweet Little Sixteen," "School Day," and many others.

Chuck Berry wasn't just a great guitarist and songwriter. He was also an extraordinary performer whose energetic stage presence, famous duckwalk, and unmistakable guitar style helped establish the image of the rock and roll star.

His songs told stories about cars, school, dancing, romance, and the excitement of being young in America during the 1950s. Berry's influence reached far beyond his own recordings, helping shape the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Elvis Presley, and countless other artists who followed in his footsteps.

Throughout the show, we'll hear plenty of Chuck Berry's greatest recordings, along with songs by the musicians he inspired, tracing the remarkable journey of rock and roll from the 1950s into the British Invasion and beyond. We'll celebrate the music, the guitar playing, and the songwriting that made Berry such an important figure in rock history, while enjoying the unforgettable sounds of the decade that started it all.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 15th, as we celebrate the birth of rock and roll and what would have been Chuck Berry's 100th birthday. Don't miss it!

No special guests are scheduled for this episode. This broadcast is dedicated to the Birth of Rock and Roll and to celebrating the extraordinary music and legacy of Chuck Berry on the occasion of what would have been his 100th birthday.

This Monday, October 12th, 2026, we're bringing you another Rock Music Spotlight, featuring some of the greatest classic rock sounds from the 1960s, 70s, and a little of the 80s.

We'll revisit the music and stories behind legendary artists, from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and David Bowie to the Eagles, Al Stewart, April Wine, and many others. It's a show filled with memorable songs, fascinating musical connections, and stories from the people who helped shape the classic rock era.

We'll welcome British saxophonist Phil Kenzie, whose remarkable career includes recordings and performances associated with Paul McCartney, Roger Daltrey, Al Stewart, Poco, and many other major artists.

Phil will share stories about The Beatles and their Let It Be era, his contributions to classics such as "Year of the Cat," "Time Passages," and "Heart of the Night," and his involvement with The Rocky Horror Show and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. We'll also revisit the musical's lasting popularity and the unforgettable performance of Tim Curry.

We'll also explore rock history through the camera lens with photographer Harold Sherrick, whose new book, Stolen Moments, brings together remarkable images of legendary performers, including Tom Petty, Neil Young, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Ringo Starr, and many others.

Then we'll head to Canada with Brian Greenway, longtime guitarist, harmonica player, and vocalist of April Wine, to celebrate the band's music and discuss their upcoming Florida concerts in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Clearwater. We'll hear about favorites including "Roller," "I Like to Rock," "Sign of the Gypsy Queen," and "Just Between You and Me."

Finally, filmmaker Craig A. Williams joins us to discuss his documentary If These Walls Could Rock, exploring the history of West Hollywood's famous Sunset Marquis Hotel, a longtime destination for musicians and rock legends.

From Bruce Springsteen and Ozzy Osbourne to The Rolling Stones, The Who, KISS, and Ringo Starr, the hotel's history is closely connected to the music industry.

Mark your calendars for Monday, October 12th, as we celebrate classic rock through the music, memories, photographs, and stories behind the artists.

Don't miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Monday, October 12th, 2026

🎷 Phil Kenzie

Phil Kenzie is an English saxophonist and rock musician whose career has taken him into recording studios and onto stages with some of the biggest names in popular music.

His distinctive saxophone performances can be heard on Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat," "Time Passages," and "Song on the Radio," as well as Poco's "Heart of the Night."

Phil's extensive session work includes Roger Daltrey's albums Ride a Rock

Horse and One of the Boys, and Paul McCartney and Wings' Band on the Run.

His career has also brought him into contact with artists including the Eagles, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carly Simon, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and many others.

We'll discuss his experiences around The Beatles and Let It Be, his memorable recordings from the 1970s, and his involvement with The Rocky Horror Show and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

We'll also talk about the musical's history and Tim Curry's celebrated portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

📸 Harold Sherrick

Harold Sherrick is a music and concert photographer who has spent much of his career capturing remarkable moments in the lives and performances of legendary musicians.

His extensive photographic work includes artists such as Neil Young, Mick Jagger, Sting, Bono, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Richie Havens, Iggy Pop, AC/DC, The Ramones, the Bee Gees, Joe Walsh, Ringo Starr, Ray Charles, John Fogerty, Stevie Wonder, Chrissie Hynde, Pete Townshend, and Tom Petty.

Harold joins us to discuss his new photography book, Stolen Moments, featuring memorable and rare images from his archives. We'll explore the stories behind his photographs and the experience of documenting some of rock music's most recognizable performers.

🎸 Brian Greenway

Brian Greenway is a Canadian guitarist, harmonica player, and vocalist best known for his long association with the rock band April Wine, which he joined in 1977.

Formed in 1969, April Wine became one of Canada's most successful rock bands, building a substantial catalogue of hits and a loyal following both at home and internationally. Their music includes classics such as "You Could Have Been a Lady," "Tonite Is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love," "Roller," "I Like to Rock," "Sign of the Gypsy Queen," and "Just Between You and Me."

Brian will share memories from his years with April Wine, the band's recordings and live performances, and their continuing connection with audiences. We'll also preview April Wine's upcoming Florida concerts, including stops in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Clearwater.

April Wine Official Website

🎬 Craig A. Williams

Craig A. Williams is a film director who joins us to discuss his documentary If These Walls Could Rock, exploring the fascinating history of the legendary Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood, California.

For decades, the Sunset Marquis has been closely associated with the entertainment industry, welcoming musicians, recording artists, and major figures from the world of rock and roll.

Among the celebrated names connected with the hotel are Bruce Springsteen, Ozzy Osbourne, ZZ Top, KISS, The Who, Ringo Starr, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Bob Marley.

Craig will take us behind the scenes of the documentary and explore the hotel's remarkable place in rock history, from the artists who stayed there to the stories and musical connections that made it one of Hollywood's best-known rock and roll destinations.

This Monday, October 5th, 2026, The History of Rock and Roll is back with another Rock Music Spotlight, taking us across the Atlantic for music and stories from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

We’ll travel from the American roots of rock and roll to Liverpool, London, and New York City, exploring the artists, songs, and musical movements that connected the US and UK during three remarkable decades of popular music.

We’ll begin in Liverpool with musician Clark Gilmour, whose repertoire reaches from the rock and roll pioneers who inspired The Beatles to the Fab Four’s earliest Quarrymen days, Hamburg performances, BBC sessions, studio years, and later solo careers.

Along the way, we’ll celebrate music from Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Searchers, and many more. Clark will also take us inside Liverpool’s continuing Beatles tradition and his involvement with International Beatleweek.

Then we’ll head to London with journalist and historian Keith Badman for a look at the British rock scene and the extraordinary artists who emerged from the UK. We’ll talk Beatles, Queen, and other British performers while exploring the music and culture that made London one of the centers of the rock world during the 1960s and 70s.

Finally, we’ll cross back to New York City with author Mitchell Cohen and his new book, Wake Me, Shake Me: New York City, the ’60s & the Pop-Rock Youthquake.

We’ll explore a city where folk, R&B, rock and roll, blues, girl groups, and Brill Building pop collided to create an extraordinary musical era. From Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel to The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Rascals, The Blues Project, Vanilla Fudge, The Shangri-Las, Laura Nyro, Bobby Darin, and Dion, New York had a sound and energy all its own.

Mark your calendars as we travel through three decades of American and British rock music history.

Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Monday, October 5th, 2026

🎸 Clark Gilmour

Originally from Glasgow and now based in Liverpool, Clark Gilmour is a singer and musician with an extensive repertoire rooted in The Beatles and the rock and roll music that inspired them.

His performances journey from The Quarrymen and the Beatles’ early days in Hamburg through their famous recordings and into the solo careers of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

Clark specializes not only in the familiar hits but also in rarities and lesser-heard material from the Decca audition, BBC sessions, B-sides, album tracks, and Anthology outtakes.

His repertoire also embraces the Beatles’ musical roots, including Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Carl Perkins, along with Bob Dylan and British groups including The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Gerry & The Pacemakers, and The Searchers.

Clark has portrayed John Lennon in Beatles tribute productions since 2009, including Them Beatles, Beatlemania, and The Magic of The Beatles. He has also performed as a stand-in with The Cavern Club Beatles and is involved in organizing International Beatleweek in Liverpool.

🇬🇧 Keith Badman

Keith Badman is a London-based journalist, author, and music historian whose research has documented some of the most important artists and events in British popular music.

Keith joins us to explore the history of rock music in London and the wider British music scene, including stories surrounding The Beatles, Queen, and other major UK artists.

We’ll look back at a period when Britain became one of the creative centers of popular music and British artists transformed rock on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

Keith Badman

📚 Mitchell Cohen

New York author and music historian Mitchell Cohen joins us to discuss his new book, Wake Me, Shake Me: New York City, the ’60s & the Pop-Rock Youthquake, an exploration of the extraordinary musical world that developed in New York during the 1960s.

It was a city where folk music, R&B, blues, rock and roll, girl groups, and the songwriters of the Brill Building existed side by side and constantly influenced one another.

Mitchell will take us into that scene through artists including The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Rascals, The Blues Project, Vanilla Fudge, The Shangri-Las, Simon & Garfunkel, Laura Nyro, Bob Dylan, Bobby Darin, and Dion, revealing how New York became one of the defining centers of the 1960s pop-rock revolution.

 

There will be no live radio podcast on Monday, September 28th or Thursday, October 1st. In the meantime, I’ve picked three recorded shows filled with great music, stories, and special guests for you to enjoy.

British Music Lads from Liverpool features Terry Sylvester of The Hollies, a treasured conversation with the late Joey Molland of Badfinger, and Billy J. Kramer.

 

 

Then, 60s Music, The Box Tops & The Buckinghams brings together Gary Talley, Carl Giammarese, Rick Levy, and Dave Zane for more memories from the decade.

 

 

Finally, enjoy 60s Flower Power Music with Gene Cornish and Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals.

 

 

I hope these shows keep the music playing while I’m away. I’ll be back on the air Monday, October 5th, 2026 with more rock & roll memories. Don’t miss it!

Show Topic: Queen – Celebrating the Music & Freddie Mercury at 80

This Thursday, September 24th, 2026, we’re celebrating the extraordinary music of Queen, one of Britain’s greatest and most distinctive rock bands. Formed in London in 1970, Queen brought together the talents of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and later John Deacon, creating a sound that could move effortlessly from progressive and hard rock to pop, theatrical productions, and massive arena anthems.

Throughout the show, it’s all Queen, with classics including “Killer Queen,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Tie Your Mother Down,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and many more.

We’ll follow Queen’s musical journey through the 1970s and beyond, remembering the albums, songs, and spectacular live performances that transformed the band into a worldwide phenomenon.

Queen never seemed interested in staying within a single musical style. Their recordings combined Brian May’s unmistakable guitar sound, elaborate vocal harmonies, ambitious studio production, and Freddie Mercury’s remarkable songwriting and performances, creating records that still sound unmistakably like Queen.

This show will also be a special celebration of Freddie Mercury, who would have turned 80 on September 5th, 2026.

As Queen’s lead singer, pianist, songwriter, and electrifying frontman, Freddie helped redefine what a rock performer could be. He wrote some of the band’s most enduring songs, including “Killer Queen,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Are the Champions,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”

We’ll also remember unforgettable moments from Queen’s live career, especially Freddie’s extraordinary connection with audiences and the band’s legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985.

2026 also marks 35 years since Freddie Mercury’s passing on November 24th, 1991, but his voice, songwriting, theatrical style, and influence remain an essential part of rock history.

From the ambitious early recordings to the stadium anthems heard around the world, this is a celebration of Freddie Mercury and the music of Queen.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 24th, and join us as we turn up some of the greatest Queen recordings ever made.

Don’t miss it!

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No guest featured for this episode. This special broadcast is dedicated to the music and remarkable legacy of Queen, while celebrating what would have been Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday and remembering him during the 35th anniversary year of his passing.

Show Topic: The Birth of Rock & Roll – Celebrating Buddy Holly at 90

This Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, we’re going back to where it all began with a special look at the Birth of Rock & Roll and the revolutionary sounds of the 1950s.

We’ll hear rock and roll, pop, doo-wop, and rockabilly from the artists who helped create a musical revolution, including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Bill Haley, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Ritchie Valens, The Platters, The Coasters, Dion and the Belmonts, Wanda Jackson, Buddy Knox, and many others.

At the heart of this special show, we’ll honor Buddy Holly, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on September 7th, 2026. In a career that lasted only a few short years, Holly became one of rock and roll’s most important singer-songwriters and guitarists. With The Crickets and as a solo artist, recordings including “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Everyday,” “Oh, Boy!” and “Not Fade Away” helped establish a sound and songwriting approach that would influence generations of musicians.

We’ll follow Holly’s remarkable story from The “Chirping” Crickets and appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show to tours of Australia and the United Kingdom and the final Winter Dance Party tour. His life ended tragically at only 22 years old in the February 3rd, 1959 plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, alongside Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson—a tragedy that Don McLean would later memorialize as “the day the music died” in “American Pie.” Yet Buddy Holly’s musical story was far from over.

We’ll hear plenty of Buddy Holly’s music and explore the extraordinary influence he left behind. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, The Hollies, Elvis Costello, Elton John, and countless other artists followed paths that Holly helped open.

No guest featured for this episode. This special broadcast is dedicated to the Birth of Rock & Roll and to celebrating the music, life, and extraordinary legacy of Buddy Holly as we commemorate what would have been his 90th birthday.

Mark your calendars as we return to the roots of rock and roll and celebrate what would have been Buddy Holly’s 90th birthday. Don’t miss it!