Show Topic: Columbia Records – The Soundtrack of Generations

This Monday, June 15th, 2026, we turn our attention to one of the most important names in music history—Columbia Records.

Founded in 1889, Columbia Records is the oldest surviving brand name in the recorded sound business and has played a vital role in shaping popular music for more than a century.

From the earliest days of recorded sound to the modern music era, Columbia has been home to some of the most influential artists ever to step into a recording studio.

Throughout its long and remarkable history, Columbia Records has released music across virtually every genre imaginable, including rock, pop, folk rock, country, jazz, soul, and adult contemporary.

The label helped launch and sustain the careers of artists whose recordings have sold millions of copies worldwide while influencing generations of musicians and fans.

This episode will feature music from an incredible roster of Columbia artists, including Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, The Byrds, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Dion, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Chicago, Aerosmith, Toto, Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Buckinghams, Walter Egan, David Essex, Men at Work, Moby Grape, Billy Joe Royal, Barbra Streisand, and many others.

Together, these artists helped establish Columbia Records as one of the most respected and successful labels in the music industry.

From groundbreaking singer-songwriters and rock legends to country icons and chart-topping pop stars, Columbia Records has consistently been at the center of musical innovation and excellence. Join us as we celebrate the artists, songs, and legacy of this historic label.

Mark your calendars for this fascinating journey through music history. Don’t miss it!

No guest featured for this episode. This special broadcast is dedicated to celebrating the history, artists, and enduring legacy of Columbia Records, the oldest surviving brand in the recorded music industry.

Show Topic: The Beatles Spotlight – Liverpool, Photography & Deconstructing the Music

This Thursday, June 11th, 2026, we’re once again celebrating the music of The Beatles with a full show dedicated to the Fab Four. From their early Liverpool roots to their groundbreaking studio innovations, this episode explores the people, places, and creative forces that helped shape the most influential band in popular music history. Along the way, we’ll feature Beatles classics spanning every era of their remarkable recording career.

The Beatles’ story extends far beyond the music itself. Their hometown of Liverpool became a cultural landmark, their photographs captured defining moments of the 1960s, and their recordings continue to be studied by musicians and fans alike. This episode brings together guests who offer unique perspectives on all three of those areas, providing listeners with an inside look at the Beatles phenomenon from different angles.

We’ll explore Liverpool’s rich Beatles heritage, revisit one of the most famous Beatles photo sessions ever conducted, and dive deep into the creative process behind some of the band’s most beloved songs and albums. From A Hard Day’s Night and Revolver to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and George Harrison’s contributions to the group, there will be plenty for Beatles fans to enjoy.

Whether you’re fascinated by Beatles history, photography, songwriting, or studio production, this episode offers an engaging journey through the world of the Fab Four. Mark your calendars for this special Beatles edition. Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, June 11th, 2026

📚 Tim Quinn

Liverpool native Tim Quinn is a comic creator, author, raconteur, and passionate advocate for using comics as an educational tool for children. His latest book, Bigger Than The Beatles: The Authorised Biography of a Dream Daffodil, continues his long tradition of creative storytelling and humor.

Tim joins us to discuss Liverpool’s music heritage, Beatles history, and his connection to the Beatles Museum on Matthew Street, offering unique insights into the city that gave the world its most famous band.

📸 Tom Murray

Photographer Tom Murray is best known for capturing one of the most celebrated Beatles photo sessions ever conducted—the legendary Mad Day Out in 1968.

His photographs documented the Beatles during a relaxed and playful day in London, producing some of the most iconic and candid images ever taken of the band. Tom shares stories from that unforgettable experience and reflects on preserving Beatles history through photography.

🎹 Scott Freiman

Composer, producer, educator, and Beatles expert Scott Freiman is the creator of the acclaimed Deconstructing the Beatles series. Through detailed presentations and multimedia experiences, Scott helps audiences understand the songwriting, recording techniques, and creative genius behind the Beatles’ music.

We’ll focus on several of his popular presentations, including A Hard Day’s Night, the creation of “Penny Lane,” the musical contributions of George Harrison, and the groundbreaking albums Revolver and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Scott offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the Beatles created some of the most influential recordings in music history.

deconstructingthemusic.com

🥁 Gary Astridge

Gary Astridge is widely recognized as the world’s leading authority on Ringo Starr’s Beatles-era drum kits, equipment, and stage attire. Through decades of research and documentation, he has become one of the foremost experts on the instruments and gear that helped create the sound of The Beatles.

Gary is the author of Beats & Threads and serves as Ringo Starr’s drum curator. His close association with Ringo is built upon his extensive knowledge of Starr’s musical legacy and his dedication to preserving the history of the drummer’s iconic instruments and performance outfits.

During the show, Gary will discuss Ringo Starr’s famous drum kits, stage clothing, and the evolution of his equipment throughout the Beatles years, offering fascinating insights into one of rock music’s most influential drummers.

ringosbeatlekits.com/gary-astridge

Show Topic: The Beatles Spotlight – Stories from Inside the Fab Four’s World

This Monday, June 8th, 2026, we’re dedicating the entire show to the music and legacy of The Beatles. From the early days in Liverpool to their years of global superstardom and lasting cultural influence, this special episode celebrates the Fab Four through their music and the people who witnessed history firsthand. Along the way, we’ll feature Beatles classics spanning every era of their remarkable recording career.

What makes this show especially unique is our lineup of guests, each offering a different perspective on The Beatles story. From someone who literally helped shape their iconic image to authors and historians who have spent decades researching their lives and legacy, this episode provides listeners with rare insights into the world’s most influential band.

We’ll hear stories from the Beatles’ inner circle, explore personal encounters with the group and their solo careers, discuss the often-overlooked contributions of Beatles roadie Mal Evans, and celebrate the musicians who continue to keep this music alive through live performance. Together, these conversations paint a vivid picture of the people, places, and moments that helped define the Beatles phenomenon.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their music, this episode offers a fascinating look at the band from those who knew them, studied them, and continue to celebrate their legacy. Mark your calendars for this special Beatles edition. Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Monday, June 8th, 2026

✂️ Leslie Cavendish

Former Beatles hairdresser Leslie Cavendish worked with legendary stylist Vidal Sassoon before becoming part of The Beatles’ inner circle between 1967 and 1975. Through Jane Asher, he first met Paul McCartney and eventually became the personal hairdresser for all four Beatles.

Leslie attended Beatles recording sessions, joined the band on the Magical Mystery Tour, worked at the Beatles’ Apple boutique, and was present at 3 Savile Row during the famous rooftop concert. He is also the author of The Cutting Edge, sharing his unique firsthand experiences with the world’s most famous band.

beatleshairdresser.com

🥁 David Stark

Author of It’s All Too Much, David Stark grew up in northwest London during the 1960s as a devoted Beatles fan and was fortunate enough to meet all four Beatles on numerous memorable occasions.

From attending the Yellow Submarine premiere in 1968 to encounters with the solo Beatles throughout the following decades, David shares remarkable stories from a lifetime connected to the band’s legacy. His career has also included work as a record promoter, music publisher, trade editor, songwriter mentor, and drummer.

itsalltoomuch.net

🎸 Jake Barker & Joe Gogan

Jake Barker and Joe Gogan are members of In My Life: A Beatles Tribute, a group dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music of The Beatles through authentic and engaging live performances.

They join us to discuss performing Beatles music for today’s audiences and keeping the spirit of the Fab Four alive through tribute performances and live events.

In My Life: A Beatles Tribute

📚 Kenneth Womack

Acclaimed Beatles author, historian, and scholar Kenneth Womack is one of the leading voices in Beatles research and cultural studies. His work has helped deepen our understanding of the band’s influence on music, culture, and society.

We’ll focus on his new illustrated book about Beatles roadie and trusted confidant Mal Evans, With The Beatles: Mal Evans Illustrated Journey, exploring the life and contributions of one of the most important figures behind the scenes of the Beatles story.

kennethwomack.com

Show Topic: Rock Music Spotlight – From Liverpool Legends to Rock n Roll History

This Thursday, June 4th, 2026, we’re bringing you another exciting edition of our regular Rock Music spotlight, packed with music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s across the genres you love most—rock n roll, pop, British Invasion, and classic sounds that continue to resonate across generations.

From Liverpool’s musical explosion to legendary television performances and rock documentaries, this episode offers a wide-ranging journey through music history.

We’ll revisit the artists and movements that helped define the golden age of rock music, celebrating the enduring influence of bands and performers whose songs remain woven into the soundtrack of popular culture.

From Merseybeat and British rock to American classics and television history, this show connects multiple threads of the rock and roll story.

Joining me are three outstanding guests with deep ties to rock music performance, history, and storytelling.

We’ll explore Liverpool’s musical heritage and Paul McCartney’s latest work, hear from a veteran touring musician whose career spans decades of live performance and legendary collaborations, and dive into the world of rock documentaries and archival television history.

It’s a show filled with music memories, industry stories, and fascinating perspectives from people who have lived, performed, and preserved rock history.

Mark your calendars for this one—rock fans won’t want to miss it.

Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, June 4th, 2026

🎤 Mick Francis

Liverpool musician Mick Francis joins us to discuss the legendary Liverpool music scene that produced artists such as The Beatles, Billy J. Kramer, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Cilla Black, The Searchers, and many others who helped define the Merseybeat era.

We’ll also discuss Paul McCartney’s new album The Boys of Dungeon Lane and explore the continuing legacy of Liverpool’s contribution to popular music.

🎸 Billy Sullivan

Cleveland musician Billy Sullivan became a professional performer at just 13 years old and has remained a veteran of the Cleveland and Buffalo music scene since 1975. Over the decades, he has performed with bands including Duce, The Paul Pope Band, Club Wow, Moonlight Drive, Beau Coup, and Spina & Sullivan.

Billy has toured internationally with Gary Lewis & the Playboys, shared stages with artists including Peter Frampton, Eric Carmen, Mark Lindsay, Joey Molland, Peter Noone, Billy J. Kramer, and many others, and continues to perform as a member of Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. A true multi-instrumentalist, he remains active as a solo performer and touring musician.

billysullivan.com

🎬 Andrew Solt

Producer, director, and writer Andrew Solt is widely known for his documentary work centered on rock and roll music, its performers, and its cultural history. He owns the rights to The Ed Sullivan Show library and has produced more than 100 hours of programming from its legendary archive.

We’ll focus on The Ed Sullivan Show: Rock n Roll Classics and the acclaimed Time-Life documentary series The History of Rock ’n’ Roll, exploring how television and documentary storytelling have helped preserve and celebrate rock music history.

Show Topic: Billboard Hot 100 – America’s #1 Hits Across the Decades

This Monday, June 1st, 2026, we’re celebrating the legendary Billboard Hot 100 with a musical journey through the chart-topping singles that reached the coveted #1 spot in the United States.

Beginning with the birth of the chart in 1958 and moving through the 60s, 70s, and into parts of the 80s, this episode highlights the songs and artists that captured the hearts of millions and defined generations of popular music.

From early rock and roll and doo wop to British Invasion, Motown, soul, country, sunshine pop, bubblegum pop, psychedelic rock, and soft rock, the Billboard Hot 100 tells the story of how musical tastes evolved over time. These weren’t just hit songs—they were cultural touchstones, radio staples, and the soundtrack to countless lives.

We’ll feature an incredible lineup of chart-topping artists including Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Chicago, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Michael Jackson, Cher, Gordon Lightfoot, Barry Manilow, Toto, Harry Nilsson, Three Dog Night, and many more. Each artist helped shape the sound of their era while leaving a lasting mark on music history.

Whether you remember hearing these classics on transistor radios, vinyl records, cassette tapes, or classic hits stations, this show is a celebration of the songs that climbed to the top and stayed in our memories.

Mark your calendars for this exciting countdown through decades of Billboard history. Don’t miss it!

No guest featured for this episode. This special broadcast is dedicated to celebrating the legendary #1 songs and artists of the Billboard Hot 100

Show Topic: Folk Rock Music Spotlight – Honoring Bob Dylan at 85

This Thursday, May 28th, 2026, we’re taking a deep dive into the rich and influential world of folk rock music, celebrating artists from the 1960s and 70s whose songs blended storytelling, social commentary, poetry, and powerful melodies into one of music’s most enduring genres. From acoustic beginnings to electrified innovation, folk rock helped reshape popular music and inspired generations of artists on both sides of the Atlantic.

At the center of this special episode is a tribute to one of music’s most important and transformative figures—Bob Dylan, who turns 85 this week. Widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan’s career helped redefine what popular music could achieve artistically, lyrically, and culturally. From his early folk recordings to his groundbreaking embrace of electric rock, his influence remains immeasurable.

We’ll revisit Dylan’s remarkable musical journey—from his move to New York City in 1961 and his early recordings, through landmark albums such as The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, Bringing It All Back Home, Highway 61 Revisited, and Blonde on Blonde. We’ll also explore the songs that became defining voices of their era, including “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” and “Like a Rolling Stone,” as well as his ventures into country, introspective songwriting, visual art, and his extraordinary decades-long touring career.

From folk roots and protest anthems to country influences and poetic rock experimentation, this episode celebrates the life, music, and enduring legacy of an artist whose work continues to shape music history. Mark your calendars for this special tribute to Bob Dylan and the world of folk rock. Don’t miss it!

No guest featured for this episode. This special broadcast is dedicated to celebrating the life, music, and legacy of Bob Dylan on his 85th birthday.

Show Topic: 60s Music Spotlight – Herman’s Hermits, The Monkees & the British Invasion

This Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, we’re turning the clock back to one of the most exciting eras in popular music with a special spotlight on 1960s pop rock, British Invasion, and Merseybeat sounds from both the UK and the United States. From infectious harmonies and catchy melodies to energetic rock rhythms, this episode celebrates the artists who defined a generation and helped shape the sound of modern pop and rock music.

At the center of the show are two legendary groups whose music became synonymous with the spirit of the 1960s—Herman’s Hermits and The Monkees. Both bands captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with memorable hits, charismatic personalities, and a style that blended pop accessibility with rock and roll energy. Their music continues to resonate decades later, remaining staples of classic oldies and 60s radio.

We’ll take a closer look at Herman’s Hermits and their remarkable success during the British Invasion era, including a string of major hits like “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry VIII, I Am,” and “There’s a Kind of Hush.” We’ll also explore the incredible rise of The Monkees—from a television concept band to one of the most successful musical acts of the late 1960s, with chart-topping albums and classics such as “I’m a Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” and “Daydream Believer.”

This episode celebrates not only the music itself, but also the creative evolution of these artists and the lasting influence they had on pop culture and rock history. Mark your calendars for this fun and nostalgic journey through the golden age of 60s music. Don’t miss it!

No guest featured for this episode. This special broadcast is dedicated to celebrating the music and legacy of Herman’s Hermits and The Monkees.

This Thursday, May 14th, 2026, we continue our celebration of Beatles and classic rock music with another special spotlight leading up to Abbey Road on the River, taking place May 21st through 25th, 2026 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The festival has become one of the premier gatherings for Beatles fans and musicians from around the world, bringing together incredible live performances and a shared passion for the music that shaped generations.

This episode features a blend of Beatles classics and timeless rock favorites from the 60s and 70s, highlighting the artists and songs that continue to connect audiences across decades. From the melodic brilliance of The Beatles to the harmonies and songwriting influences that followed, this show captures the spirit of an era that transformed popular music forever.

Joining me are talented musicians who will be appearing at Abbey Road on the River, each bringing their own style and musical interpretation to the stage. Their performances go beyond tribute—they celebrate the joy, musicianship, and lasting emotional connection audiences have with these legendary songs.

We’ll discuss their musical journeys, their connection to Beatles music, and what fans can expect at this year’s festival. And with even more guests expected to be announced soon, the excitement surrounding Abbey Road on the River continues to grow. Mark your calendars for this exciting show and celebration of classic rock and Beatles music. Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, May 14th, 2026

🎤 Rob Amrhein

Singer and musician Rob Amrhein is known for bringing audiences together through familiar songs people love to sing along with.

His repertoire spans artists ranging from The Beatles and Crosby, Stills & Nash to Toto and Prince, blending classic rock and pop favorites into engaging live performances.

Rob performs at restaurants, bars, private parties, and venues where live music creates a fun and memorable atmosphere. He joins us to promote his upcoming appearance at Abbey Road on the River.

robamrheinmusic.com

🎸 David Hamilton

David Hamilton is a singer and musician with The Sunrise Jones from Cleveland, Ohio, a band known for energetic performances of beloved rock and pop classics.

The group has become a favorite across Ohio, performing at venues including The Music Box Supper Club, Rocksino, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The Sunrise Jones also entertained audiences from the main stage of the 2021 NFL Draft and continue to bring excitement through performances featuring Beatles music and other classic artists from the rock era.

thesunrisejones.com

🎶 Troy Clampitt

Troy Clampitt handles guitar and vocals for the Beatles tribute band The Rigbys, a group dedicated to bringing the energy, excitement, and spirit of the 1960s British Music Movement to audiences throughout the Midwest.

Formed by veteran musicians inspired by their love of The Beatles, The Rigbys have become one of the premier Beatles celebration bands in the region.

They have appeared at international Beatles festivals, corporate events, concert venues, and private functions, sharing stages with artists including The Beach Boys, Herman’s Hermits, and 1964 The Tribute.

therigbysband.com

Show Topic: Rock Music & Beatles Spotlight – Abbey Road on the River Preview

This Monday, May 11th, 2026, we’re bringing together a celebration of rock music and the timeless legacy of The Beatles with a special spotlight on Abbey Road on the River, taking place May 21st through 25th, 2026 in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

From the roots of rock and roll in the 1950s to the explosion of British rock and pop in the 60s and 70s, this episode highlights the artists and sounds that transformed popular music forever.

At the center of the show is the music of the Fab Four, whose influence continues to reach across generations and genres.

Alongside Beatles classics, we’ll also feature music tied to the era’s broader rock movement, celebrating the creativity and artistry that defined one of music’s greatest periods.

Abbey Road on the River continues to keep that spirit alive by bringing together musicians and fans from around the world in tribute to The Beatles and the music they inspired.

Joining me are several talented guests connected to this year’s festival, from performers carrying the Beatles legacy forward to creative individuals working behind the scenes to make the event possible.

Together, they’ll offer insight into the music, performances, and dedication that help make Abbey Road on the River one of the premier Beatles celebrations in the world.

From award-winning Beatles-inspired performances to stories from longtime festival veterans, this episode is filled with music history, creativity, and passion for classic rock.

Mark your calendars for this special show and get ready for an exciting preview of Abbey Road on the River. 

Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Monday, May 11th, 2026

🎼 Erin Hill

New York harpist and singer Erin Hill has performed with and opened for an impressive range of artists including Cyndi Lauper, Josh Groban, Randy Newman, Levon Helm, Al Jardine of The Beach Boys, Peter Tork, The Cowsills, The Fab Faux, and Peter Asher.

She has achieved a #1 album on the Billboard World Chart and performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Erin’s interpretation of The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” has been featured on SiriusXM’s Beatles Channel, with its music video earning awards at more than 50 film festivals worldwide.

erinhill.com

🎸 Phil Angotti

Chicago-based singer-songwriter and musician Phil Angotti has spent more than 30 years performing both solo and with various bands, bringing classic music to audiences through Beatles shows and tributes to artists like The Kinks, The Zombies, The Bee Gees, Nick Drake, and Buddy Holly.

Throughout his career, Phil has opened for artists including Marshall Crenshaw, Richard Furay of Buffalo Springfield, and Eddie Money.

His Beatles album performances and deep appreciation for classic rock and pop have made him a respected figure among fans of vintage music.

philangottimusic.com

🎤 Brian Cancemi

Brian Cancemi is a singer and musician with The Blue Meanies from New York/New Jersey, a band that has been performing together since the summer of 1984 and appearing at Abbey Road on the River since 2004.

The Blue Meanies are renowned for their energetic and entertaining tribute shows celebrating The Beatles, The Monkees, The Kinks, and The Byrds.

They have performed at Monkees conventions across the country, Beatles Week in Liverpool, and New York City’s B.B. King Blues Club, while also hosting the official jam session at NYC’s Fest for Beatles Fans for more than 20 years.

Their performances feature music from The Beatles and solo Beatles careers, along with songs by The Who, Rolling Stones, Animals, Zombies, Doors, Yardbirds, Moody Blues, Dave Clark Five, Cream, CCR, The Byrds, The Band, and many others.

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🎨 Melissa Brumm

Melissa Brumm has served as the creative and art director for Abbey Road on the River since 2016, helping shape the visual identity and behind-the-scenes experience of one of the world’s premier Beatles festivals.

She joins the show to discuss the creative process and inner workings of Abbey Road on the River, offering listeners a rare look behind the scenes at what goes into producing the festival and creating its unique atmosphere for fans and performers alike.