The episode of my podcast that aired on Monday, January 13th, 2025, was a tribute to Rock Music Legends, featuring unforgettable music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and some 80s.
This episode celebrated the artists and moments that shaped rock and roll history, highlighting the pioneers and innovators who left an everlasting impact on music.
We dived into the history of Melody Maker, the iconic British weekly music magazine that played a crucial role in shaping rock journalism.
Established in 1926, Melody Maker became one of the most influential sources for music news, interviews, and reviews, covering legendary artists and emerging talents.
It helped define musical trends, introduced new genres, and influenced generations of rock fans and musicians.
Additionally, we celebrated Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, exploring the legacy of various Hall of Famers and other influential artists.
From the early pioneers to modern rock icons, we discussed the impact these musicians had on the evolution of rock and why their contributions remain significant today.
The episode featured Chris Charlesworth, a former journalist for Melody Maker, who shared insights from his interviews with icons like John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elton John, and others. Chris also discussed his roles as an executive producer for The Who and publicist for David Bowie, as well as his book ‘Just Backdated.’
Ivan ‘Funkboy’ Bodley also joined us, providing exciting insights into his experiences working and performing with artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ivan recounted engaging stories about legends such as Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles, and Roger Daltrey, among others, and discussed his book ‘Am I Famous Yet: A Memoir of a Working Class Rock Star.’
Listeners were treated to a rich tapestry of stories from behind the scenes of rock music’s greatest legends, offering a deep dive into the storied careers of those who shaped this genre.
Be sure to tune into the recording of this incredible journey through rock history!
Guest(s) for our show:
Date: Monday, January 13th, 2025
1) Chris Charlesworth
Chris Charlesworth is a British journalist and author known for his influential work at Melody Maker from 1970 to 1977, where he conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in rock and pop music.
His impressive roster of interviewees includes John Lennon, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Rod Stewart & The Faces, The Byrds, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, The Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, CSN&Y, The Band, Black Sabbath, Slade, Paul Simon, Alice Cooper, Traffic, Free, Santana, The Eagles, Deep Purple, Yes, Frank Zappa, Iggy Pop, The Bee Gees, and Steely Dan.
Beyond his journalism career, Chris also served as an executive producer for The Who, further cementing his status as a key figure behind the scenes of the rock world.
He is the author of Just Backdated, a book that offers insider perspectives and anecdotes drawn from his years in music journalism.
For more on Chris Charlesworth, visit:
2) Ivan “Funkboy” Bodley
Van “Funkboy” Bodley is a bass guitarist and music director who has performed with over 60 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and contributed to 15 Broadway shows.
Known for his groove-centric style and versatile musicianship, Van has established a remarkable career spanning a wide range of genres and high-profile collaborations.
His passion for funk and rock, combined with a deep understanding of musical theater, makes him a sought-after performer and director in the industry.
For more information, visit: Funkboy’s Website
Topic of the show: Classic Rock and Blues Rock
Our latest recorded show