The latest episode of my podcast, aired on Monday, September 23rd, 2024, delved into Oldies and Moments of Rock Music.
This episode took listeners on a nostalgic journey through the 50s, 60s, and 70s, featuring a rich tapestry of music from various genres. We enjoyed timeless tracks from iconic artists like:
- The Band
- Simon and Garfunkel
- Janis Joplin
- Blood Sweat & Tears
- Elvis Presley
- The Beatles
- and many more.
Our episode was enriched by the presence of several incredible guests:
- John Simon shared insights from his illustrious career as a producer, working with legends such as Simon and Garfunkel, Janis Joplin, Blood Sweat and Tears, The Cyrkle, and Gordon Lightfoot. He also treated us to a couple of hits from one of his recorded albums.
- Janet Bostic-Williams brought to life her intriguing fictional book about Elvis Presley, Operation Gratitude, which imagines a fan’s attempt to save Elvis from Colonel Tom Parker. She shared her personal experiences of meeting Elvis on tour and other notable figures like James Burton.
- Walter J. Podrazik provided captivating insights into the history of television and how rock music was integrated into TV programming. He covered iconic shows like American Bandstand, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Smothers Brothers, highlighting the significant impact these programs had on popularizing rock music.
Don’t miss this incredible journey through the golden eras of rock music! Tune into the recording below to explore the fascinating stories and music that shaped rock history.
Guest(s) for our show:
Date: Monday, September 23rd, 2024
1) John Simon
John Simon is a renowned music record producer, composer, and performer, recognized as one of the top record producers in the United States during the late 1960s and 1970s.
He produced numerous classic albums that continue to resonate more than 50 years later, including The Band’s “Music from Big Pink,” “The Band,” and “The Last Waltz”; “Cheap Thrills” by Big Brother & the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin; “Songs of Leonard Cohen” by Leonard Cohen; and “Child Is Father to the Man” by Blood, Sweat & Tears.
John also worked with legendary artists such as Simon and Garfunkel, The Cyrkle, Robbie Robertson, Taj Mahal, Gordon Lightfoot, and many others. His contributions have significantly shaped the sound of modern music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
We’ll be playing a couple of hit songs from his solo albums, including “John Simon’s Album,” “Journey,” “Out on the Street,” and “Harmony Farm.” We’ll also be focusing on his book “Truth, Lies & Hearsay: A Memoir of a Musical Life in and out of Rock and Roll,” where he shares personal stories and insights from his illustrious career.
John Simon’s unique ability to bring out the best in the artists he worked with makes him a fascinating guest. His behind-the-scenes experiences offer a rare glimpse into the creation of some of rock and roll’s most iconic records. As John once said, “Producing is like being a midwife. You assist in the birth of something beautiful, but it’s the artist’s baby.”
For more information, please visit: John Simon’s Website
2) Janet Bostic-Williams
Janet Bostic-Williams is an author who has written a book about the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, titled “Operation Gratitude.”
In her book, Janet shares personal stories and insights about Elvis, offering readers a unique perspective on his life and legacy. She delves into anecdotes and experiences that highlight the profound impact Elvis had on music, culture, and those who knew him personally.
We are excited to have Janet join us to discuss her book and share her reflections on Elvis Presley’s enduring influence on the world of music.
For more information, visit: Presley Stories
3) Walter J. Podrazik
Walter J. Podrazik is a television curator and author renowned for his expertise in the intersection of rock music and television. He will be discussing the history of rock music as it appeared on television shows like The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, The Monkees, Shindig, Hollywood Palace, and more. In particular, he’ll delve into the Beatles’ iconic TV appearances and share insights from his three-volume book series on the Fab Four.
Walter’s work sheds light on how television played a pivotal role in bringing rock music to mainstream audiences during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. His extensive research highlights the significant impact that televised performances had on the popularity and evolution of rock artists. By exploring these classic shows, he illustrates how television not only showcased but also shaped the careers of legendary musicians.
As an authority on both television and music history, Walter offers a unique perspective on the cultural significance of these moments. He often notes that “television didn’t just mirror the music scene; it amplified it, creating an enduring legacy that continues to influence artists today.”
We look forward to hearing Walter J. Podrazik share his wealth of knowledge and captivating stories about the golden age of rock music on television.
Topic of the show: Oldies and Moments of Rock Music
Our latest recorded show