Shows
RPM45Right Said FredRight Said Fred – brothers Fred and Richard Fairbrass – had a #1 hit in the U.S. and a number of countries around the world with “I’m Too Sexy.” But while they are a “one hit wonder” in the U.S., they had multiple hits elsewhere, And they’re making great music to this day. They’re serious musicians, but they don’t take themselves too seriously, and were a blast to talk with. Check them out..I think you’ll enjoy it!
2021-03-1040 minRPM45Simon Kirke of Free & Bad CompanySimon Kirke is a British drummer best known as an founding member of Free - most famous for "All Right Now" - and Bad Company - which had a string of '70s hits including "Can't Get Enough," "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" and "Feel Like Makin' Love."In the episode, we talk with Simon about...His teenage gig playing drums in a disco.How his parents gave him to years to make it as a drummer, or go back to school.How a lucky coin flip led him to a pub to see a band, which l...
2021-02-2431 minRPM45Bertie HigginsBertie Higgins is a multi-talented guy…a singer, songwriter, film producer and performer, most famous for his 1981 Top Ten hit – Key Largo. In this episode of RPM45, we talk with him, and even have a cameo appearance from the woman who inspired his big hit.
2021-02-1716 minRPM45R.I.P. Mary Wilson (1944-2021)I woke up to the sad news this morning that Mary Wilson – one of the founding members of The Supremes – died yesterday. I interviewed Mary Wilson for this podcast in late July. In fact, she was one of the first guests on the RPM45 podcast. It was an honor. Mary looked great on our Zoom call, was extremely gracious to me and open to sharing her life experiences, including her beginnings, how she got together with her fellow Supremes. and how she kept the group going after Florence Ballard's death and Diana Ross's departure. Even though Ma...
2021-02-0930 minRPM45Richard Monda, aka Daddy DewdropRichard Monda - known to music fans as Daddy Dewdrop - had a Top 10 hit in 1971 with Chick-A-Boom (Don't Ya Jes' Love It),But there's a lot more to his story than just one hit. He's been in entertainment almost of his whole life, including roles in major movies when he was a teen in the early '50s. His biggest role was as a young Eddie Cantor in the The Eddie Cantor Story. Dick has got a lot of great stories to tell. And we’ve got some of them right here, including...His exp...
2021-02-0331 minRPM45Rick Stevers of Frigid PinkRick Stevers is the drummer and leader of Frijid Pink, which scored a Top 10 hit with its hard rocking version of “House of the Rising Sun” in the Winter of 1970. What’s especially interesting about this hit is how close it came to not happening. If the group didn’t have a little extra studio time and if Rick had been dating a different girl, we probably have never heard Frijid Pink’s version. in this episode of RPM45, Rick tells this story, and more...How the band got its name.How a little unused studio...
2021-01-2821 minRPM45Mark Andes of Canned Heat, Spirit, Firefall, Heart (and more!)Mark Andes is a legendary rock musician…a bassist with an incredible resume. He was a member of Canned Heat and Spirit in the late ‘60s, while still a teen. Later, he became one of the founding members of Firefall, playing on their first four albums, then spent a decade with Heart, a decade with Dan Fogelberg, and played with numerous other artists before returning to Firefall in the last decade.
2021-01-2025 minRPM45Philip Wright of Paper LacePhilip Wright is lead singer and drummer of Paper Lace – famous for its 1974 #1 hit “The Night Chicago Died.” But right before then, Paper Lace had another #1 hit– “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” -- in the U.K. and Australia. (It was covered by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods here.)In this episode, we talk with Phil about...How he and Paper Lace got started.The band's big break on the TV show "Opportunity Knocks," which led to...Connecting with the hit songwriting team of Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, which led to...The band's big hits "Billy Don...
2021-01-1327 minRPM45Andy Scott of SweetAndy Scott was (and is) the lead guitarist of Sweet. He, along with Sweet bassist Steve Priest, drummer Mick Tucker and lead singer Brian Connolly, went through a musical evolution during the ‘70s. They started out as a bubblegum group with songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, but evolved into a legitimate rock band playing their own music. In this episode of RPM45, Andy talks about all that, including their five U.S. hits, their days as a "glam rock" band, the real meaning of "Little Willy," and what's happened since, including their new album – “Isolation Boulevard”
2021-01-0625 minRPM452020's Greatest ClipsAfter 33 episodes of RPM45, beginning in June, I thought it would be a cool year-end thing to share my favorite moments from those talks. You'll hear highlights from Judy Collins, Gino Vannelli, Gary Puckett, B.J. Thomas, Dave Mason and members of Air Supply, The Association, Blues Magoos, Brewer & Shipley, The Buckinghams, Cutting Crew, The Cyrkle, The Electric Prunes, Foghat, New Colony Six, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, The Standells, The Whispers, and Wild Cherry.Our clips cover such topics as:How they got started in music.How groups got their names.If they knew a hit was a...
2020-12-2334 minRPM45Jock Bartley of FirefallFirefall was founded in 1974 by Rick Roberts, Larry Burnett, Mark Andes, David Muse and this episode's guest -- lead guitarist Jock Bartley. By the end of they decade, they had three gold albums and three Top 10 singles: "You Are the Woman," "Just Remember I Love You" and "Strange Way." In this episode we talk with Jock about...How he got started in music.How the '70s rock scene in Boulder, Colorado boosted his career.How Firefall came together and got its record contract with Atlantic.How the group's first album "Firefall" became the f...
2020-12-1634 minRPM45Jim StaffordJim Stafford is the singer-songwriter famous for unique ‘70s hits including "Spiders & Snakes", "Swamp Witch," "My Girl Bill", and "Wildwood Weed.” His great sense of humor and charm led his to success on a bunch of TV variety and talk shows and even his own summer series and regular role on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. We talk about all of it on this week’s episode of RPM45.
2020-12-0917 minRPM45Buckinghams Bonus: Carl, Cars & MoreHere's an off-topic outtake from our talk with Carl Giamarrese of The Buckinghams. We talk about things other than music, mainly (but not all) about cars. If you're into that, and especially if you're a Baby Baby Boomer, and especially if your from Chicago, i think you'll relate!
2020-12-0600 minRPM45Carl Giammarese of The BuckinghamsIn the late ‘60s, there were a lot of great groups coming out of Chicago, but the most successful were The Buckinghams – with five major Top 40 hits in the space of little more than a year -- kicked off by "Kind of a Drag"...atop the charts for two weeks in early '67. In this episode, we talk with the guitarist and singer who continues to perform with the group -- Carl Giammarese. We cover a bunch of topics including...How the band got a big break (and its new name) on a local weekly TV show...
2020-12-0237 minRPM45Bryan Bassett of Wild CherryBryan Bassett is the guitarist who may be best known for his work in Wild Cherry...he created the famous riff that kicks off the band's platinum smash 1976 hit -- "Play That Funky Music." He tells the story of that song, as well as the record's multi-racial appeal that made it Number One on both the pop and R&B charts.But Wild Cherry marked only the start of Bryan's success in music. After he left the band, Bryan became a producer and engineer at King Snake Records, a specialty blues label. He later joined Molly Hatchet and...
2020-11-2624 minRPM45Roger Earl of FoghatRoger Earl is a founding member and drummer of Foghat – an English rock band most famous for songs like Slow Ride, Drivin' Wheel and I Just Wanna Make Love to You. The band has achieved eight gold albums, one platinum and one double platinum album, and they’re still going strong.Roger is a life-loving, fun-loving guy and we covered LOTS in our talk:How he got started in music.How he got into Savoy Brown and why he got out.Two explanations of how Foghat got its name.Foghat's audition for legendary artist manager Albert Gros...
2020-11-2032 minRPM45Wayne Nelson of Little River BandWayne Nelson is the bassist and vocalist of Little River Band, and has been for the past 4 decades… LRB gave us many great ‘80s hits including “Reminiscing,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Lady,” “Cool Change” and “The Night Owls” It’s gone through numerous changes since then, but carries on. I talk with Wayne about...His beginnings in music in Chicago.Moving to L.A., and connecting with star performer and producer Jim Messina.How he joined Little River Band.His early experiences with the group, including working with legendary Beatles producer George Martin.The controversy and legal battles behind use of the Little Rive...
2020-11-1328 minRPM45James Lowe of The Electric PrunesJames Lowe is the lead singer and guitarist of The Electric Prunes, a psychedelic rock band from Los Angeles famous for its 1966 hit: “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night).” The group’s music was sometimes weird, but I found James to be an easygoing, down-to-earth guy with a great sense of humor.We talk about...How he got started in musicHow The Electric Prunes got its nameHow the group was discovered.The recording of "I Had Too Much Too Dream." Why he left the group.What he's done since.And...much more!
2020-11-0523 minRPM45Jim MessinaJim Messina has done it all when it comes to making records. He’s been a recording engineer, record producer a singer, songwriter, and guitarist,. He was a member of Buffalo Springfield, pioneering country rock band Poco, and the hit-making duo Loggins and Messina.And, on this week’s RPM45, we talk about...His early days in music, including his high school band and hist first album at age 16!Becoming a recording engineer and recording Joni Mitchell's first demo.Being an engineer producer and plarer in Buffalo Springfield.His role in the creation of Poco.H...
2020-10-2926 minRPM45Gary PuckettGary Puckett & The Union Gap had an amazing run of hit records from 1968-70: "Woman, Woman,: "Young Girl," "Lady Willpower" "Over You," "Don't Give In to Him" and "This Girl is a Woman Now." In this episode of RPM45, we talk with Gary about beginnings in music, his group's success, the tough times that followed and how he came through it all. (There's also an amazing moment around 10:20 where Gary sings for us!)We talk with Gary about...How he formed the band that became The Union Gap (and how it got its look and name).T...
2020-10-2234 minRPM45Ralph Scala of Blues MagoosIn the late ’60s, psychedelic music emerged on the scene. And one of its most successful groups was Blues Magoos – most famous for their Top 5 1966 hit “We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet.” In this episode of RPM45, we talk with its organist and vocalist Ralph Scala.
2020-10-1418 minRPM45Dave MasonIn this week's RPM45: Dave Mason -- singer, songwriter guitarist -- who’s done a ton in music …from his work with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Traffic, to his own successful solo career (including his hit "We Just Disagree"), to his work with some of the biggest names in the business. In this episode, we talk about...His new version of one of his classic songs -- Feelin' Alright" -- with a supergroup that includes Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers.His "ins and outs": with the group Traff...
2020-10-0822 minRPM45Larry Tamblyn of The StandellsLarry Tamblyn is the keyboard player and sometimes lead singer of The Standells – famous for their 1966 hit “Dirty Water. He’s got a lot of great stories and he shares them all in a biography he just completed. But he shares quite a few with us in this episode of RPM45.Even though they're not from Boston (surprised? I was), The Standells have become part of Boston culture, played after every Red Sox win at Fenway Park.(Red Sox fans, be sure to listen starting at 31:20 when Larry tells us all about The Standells Red Sox co...
2020-09-3042 minRPM45Russell Hitchcock of Air SupplyUnlike most guests on RPM45, Russell Hitchcock didn't dream of becoming a music star while growing up in his native Australia. He got into music only because his girlfriend pushed him to audition for Jesus Christ Superstar, where where he met his future band mate Graham Russell. Five years later, Air Supply began a string of seven consecutive Top Five hits, including "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," and "The One That You Love." In this episode, Russell talks about...His relationship with Russell Graham.Why Air Supply was more successful in the U.S. t...
2020-09-2321 minRPM45Trevor Steel of The Escape ClubTrevor Steel is a songwriter, guitarist and lead singer of The Escape Club -- best known for their 1988 No. 1 US hit "Wild, Wild West" and for their top-ten 1991 hit ballad "I'll be There."In this episode of RPM45, Trevor tell us about...The musical hero that motivated him to enter the music business.How an EMI records exec said "we don't hear a hit" on the Wild Wild West album.The group's mind-blowing experience as they became "overnight pop stars" in The U.S., even as "Wild, Wild West" failed to become a hit in their...
2020-09-1621 minRPM45Michael "Supe" Granda of The Ozark Mountain DaredevilsThe Ozark Mountain Daredevils have been entertaining for 50 years with their unique mix of country, rock, bluegrass and pop. In this episode, we talk with Michael “Supe” Granda - who has been a key member for all every one of those years. He talks about...Growing up musically in St. LouisHow moving to Springfield, Missouri for college "opened his ears" to different kinds of music.How the Daredevils got together.How they landed a contract with A&M records.How A&M paired the group with one of rock's most successful producers.Why they had to fight...
2020-09-0927 minRPM45Ronnie Rice of New Colony SixIn this episode of RPM45, I get to indulge my inner "Chicago guy” talking with Ronnie Rice of New Colony Six…one of a number of great Chicago bands of the late ’60s. Ronnie was the writer and lead singer of the group’s two biggest hits – “I Will Always Think About You” and “Things I’d Like to Say.” He's a funny guy and I had a great time talking with him...lots of laughs! Also note (if you've listened to other episodes) that my Chicago accent comes through a lot stronger with this one, just by talking with Ronnie!
2020-09-0218 minRPM45B.J. ThomasB.J. Thomas has had an amazing career, with a decades-long string of hits, including eight #1 and 26 Top 10 hits in pop, country and gospel. He's a five-time time Grammy winner, a Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, and he won an Oscar as well for "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. But aside from his stellar career, B.J. Thomas is a man I came to like very much over the time we talked, and I think you will too. Among the topics we talked about are:Why h...
2020-08-2628 minRPM45The WhispersThe Whispers -- twin brothers Scotty and Walter Scott, and Leavell Degree – are an L.A,-based R&B group that had a string of Top 40 hits in the early ‘80s – like “And the Beat Goes On,” “It’s a Love Thing” and “Rock Steady.” But the group and its R&B success began more than a decade earlier. In this episode of RPM45, we talk to the Scott twins about all that, and a lot more ...How they got started back in the early '60s, and the help they got from San Francisco DJ Sly Stone before he bec...
2020-08-1919 minRPM45Michael Brewer of Brewer & ShipleyMichael Brewer and Tom Shipley are folk singers who became famous for their 1971 Top 10 hit "One Toke Over the Line." But as Michael points out in our talk, their biggest hit isn't like most of their work, which is more socially conscious and ballad oriented.So "One Toke" isn't the only story here, but it is the biggest one. Michael tells the how "One Toke" started as a joke, how it became a hit, the controversy that followed it, and what it meant for Brewer & Shipley. Oh yeah, and that it ended up sung on a TV s...
2020-08-1226 minRPM45Mary Wilson of the Supremes (and more)Everyone knows the Supremes – three young women from Detroit who became one of the most successful groups of all time - with 12 number one hits and 21 top 10 hits. And Mary Wilson is the one Supreme who stuck through it all…through the tragic death of her friend Florence Ballard, the departure of Diana Ross for a solo career, and the "new Supremes" of the '70s.Today we discuss her early life, her life as a Supreme and her life since. You'll hear about...Her experiences growing up in Detroit and how she met her fellow Supre...
2020-08-0529 minRPM45The Cyrkle - Don Dannemann & Mike LosekampThe Cyrkle had two big hits in 1966: "Red Rubber Ball" and "Turn Down Day." They're also known for being an opening act the Beatles' final U.S. tour that same year.But only a few years before, the band was known as the Rhondells - the #1 party band on the campus of Lafayette University - a small private school in Easton, PA.In this episode of RPM45, we talk about:How Beatles manager Brian Epstein became their manager.How John Lennon gave them their new name.Their experience opening for The Beatles.How Paul Simon co-wrote "...
2020-07-2941 minRPM45Judy CollinsIt’s been almost 60 years since Judy Collins released her first album. But Judy Collins is still going strong…still writing and performing, both on record and in concert. We talk about her life, her musical journey, and (of course, since this is RPM45), her Top 10 Hit "Both Sides Now," and what it's meant for her career.My favorite part of the interview is when Judy Collins calls out some of her fellow performers for "lying." But throughout, she is remarkably candid and forthright.
2020-07-2228 minRPM45Dennis CoffeyDennis Coffey is a legendary guitarist from Detroit - a highly coveted session musician for numerous artists and labels, including Motown. As a member of Motown's house band - the "Funk Brothers" - he played on some of its biggest hits by The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and many others.. And in 1971, he had his own Top 10 instrumental hit – "Scorpio." Dennis talks about how Motown lost its signature sound after moving to L.A. and abandoning the Funk Brothers, how - despite all his success - he had to work on an assembly line at...
2020-07-1525 minRPM45Andy KimAndy Kim had big hits in the late ‘60s, including the Top Ten “Baby, I Love You,” then made a huge comeback in 1974 with his #1 hit “Rock Me Gently” Andy tells great stories about his gutsy start in the music biz, his songwriting successes (including a #1 hit for a cartoon band), and how Detroit played a pivotal role in two of his records' successes.But beyond his music, I found Andy to be a spiritual person with an inspiringly positive attitude. Check him out on this week's RPM45!
2020-07-0834 minRPM45Gino VannelliGino Vannelli's unique mix of pop, rock, jazz and R&B took him to major success in the '70s and '80s. He had two platinum album, five gold albums, two top 5 singles in the U.S. and many more in his home country Canada. plus four Grammy nominations and seven Juno awards (Canada's version of the Grammy).But this episode is about more than Gino Vannelli's music, because he is about much more than his music. When the rush of fame left him unsatisfied, he embarked on a spiritual quest that profoundly changed him. And c...
2020-07-0140 minRPM45Nick Van Eede of Cutting CrewNick Van Eede is co-founder and lead singer of Cutting Crew, which had two Top 10 hits in the '80s, including "(I Just) Died in Your Arms"-- #1 in the U.S. and 16 other countries. Nick has great stories about his colorful history in music,including how he got discovered, the meaning of Cutting Crew's #1 hit, and when the group knew it was time to call it quits for a time. And we discuss his terrific new album -- "Ransomed Healed Restored Forgiven."
2020-06-2441 min
RPM45Russ Giguere of The AssociationWe are very grateful to have Russ Giguere of one of the late '60s greatest groups -- The Association. We talk about how the group started, its hits, how he overcame stage fright and much much more
2020-06-1624 min