Shows / Professor of Rock
Professor of Rock
The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how…
Episodes
Professor of RockA Devastating Call Inspired This Haunting 1979 Pink Floyd Masterpiece
The gripping story of one of the most CHILLING songs of the rock era … Hey You by Rock’s most mysterious band Pink Floyd. The author of this song Roger Waters…
- Professor of Rock
Queen’s Homage to Elvis Started in Freddie Mercury’s Hotel Bathroom
Coming up, it's the story of Queen and their #1 rockabilly smash, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, one of the best-selling singles of 1980. Although the song…
- Professor of Rock
Foreigner Said No, So Lou Gramm Went Solo with Midnight Blue
Coming up, an interview with Lou Gramm, one of the greatest rock voices in history about his biggest hit. He was in the Hall of Fame band Foreigner, and they…
- Professor of Rock
TV Show Saved This Out-of-Print Song and Made It a Chart-Topping Hit
Coming up next, one of the most incredible bottled lightning stories ever. Today’s artist Billy Vera released what he felt was a huge hit, At The Moment. But…
- Professor of Rock
Over the Hills and Far Away: Zeppelin’s Underrated Masterpiece Revisited
After Led Zeppelin dropped their fourth album, arguably the greatest rock album of all time, at the tail end of 1971... the world braced for what came next…
- Professor of Rock
Pete Townshend’s Scathing Take on Fame in Eminence Front
If you're free tonight, I'd love to invite you to an exclusive party. It's going to be packed with 'A-list' celebrities, and we'll be living it up like rock…
- Professor of Rock
How Air Supply Dominated the Charts Before Vanishing from the Spotlight
Coming up, an interview with Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply, a band that got into music because of the Beatles. And then in the 80s, they…
- Professor of Rock
The Rise and Fall of Sinead O’Connor: A Story of Talent, Controversy, and Protest
Coming up, the story of the immensely talented yet unsettled vocalist Sinead O’Connor, who had a fleeting moment of fame in 1990 with a massive hit single…
- Professor of Rock
The Tragic Story Behind the Gin Blossoms’ Meteoric Rise and Sudden Fall
Coming up… an interview with the most underappreciated band of the first half of the 90s, the Gin Blossoms. They created a newly flawless major label debut New…
- Professor of Rock
Interview: Terri Nunn on Her Star Wars Audition and Becoming an 80s Icon
Next, Berlin’s Terri Nunn was an up-and-coming actress who had some great roles on TV and was a finalist to play the role of Princess Leia in Star Wars. She…
- Professor of Rock
Interview: Brian Wilson on the Tragic Collapse of SMiLE, the Lost Masterpiece
It was a trans-Atlantic musical arms race… two titanic rock and roll bands — The Beach Boys and The Beatles — trading punches and landmark records. Each…
- Professor of Rock
How ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All” Turned Divorce Into a Timeless Classic
Up next… I used to Hate ABBA’s music. But you all convinced me to give them another chance. So I took your advice and today’s song The Winner Takes It All has…
- Professor of Rock
Why 1984 Might Be the Greatest Year in Music History
Coming up, we’re headed back to 1984 for our latest episode of the Hit Song Redux. Except this time there’s a twist. See what I mean next. I gotta say I’m…
- Professor of Rock
Survivor’s Journey: From Eye of the Tiger to a New Voice and Another #1 Hit
Sylvester Stallone called the Rookie Band Survivor up and hired them to write the lead song for Rocky 3. Survivor responded with Eye of the Tiger and is was a…
- Professor of Rock
From Tommy James to Billy Idol: The Timeless Journey of Mony Mony
Coming up, the story of Mony Mony, a song that was a major hit twice for two different iconic artists: Tommy James and Billy Idol. It was a smash in the late…
- Professor of Rock
The Backlash and Legacy of David Bowie's "Let's Dance"
David Bowie was the foremost musical chameleon, changing his style and persona numerous times and was always ahead of the times. But in the 80s, did he finally…
- Professor of Rock
Critics Hated It, But Let’s Dance Made David Bowie an MTV Icon
This would NEVER happen today. How about this for a cool rock story? So The Rascals coming off a big #1, wrote Groovin', what they thought was another hit. But…
- Professor of Rock
The Unlikely Rock Instrument That Made Ian Anderson a Legend
Coming up… the story behind the signature song Locomotive Breath by Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, a figure who was disenchanted by the rock n’ roll stars of the…
- Professor of Rock
Nile Rodgers Turned Club Rejection into the #1 Hit Le Freak
Today, we’re on a two-song collision course with two irresistible, big-time #1 hits by Chic that ruled radio for years. The first song Le Freak was inspired by…
- Professor of Rock
Frankie Valli Sold 100 Million Records, but the Mob Took Every Dime
Use my code PROFESSOROFROCK to get $5 off your delicious, high protein Magic Spoon cereal by clicking this link…
- Professor of Rock
The Rise of Duran Duran: Defining the MTV Generation
Coming up next, we're covering Duran Duran, the band that epitomized the 80s. In fact, you couldn’t really call the 80s the 80s without these guys, the…
- Professor of Rock
How Duran Duran’s Hungry Like the Wolf Redefined the 80s
Coming up next … Over the last few years I’ve shared hundreds of interviews… And in celebration of hitting 1 million subs, today, I’m sharing my favorite…
- Professor of Rock
Exclusive Interview with Kevin Cronin: The Stories Behind REO Speedwagon’s Classics
Before REO Speedwagon became a household name, they had two big songs that changed everything for them: Roll With the Changes and Time for Me to Fly. As you‘ll…
- Professor of Rock
Jon Bon Jovi’s Runaway: How a Rejected Demo Launched a Rock Icon
From studio gopher to global superstar, Jon Bon Jovi spent years chasing his big break. Working the club circuit as an underage teenager, Jon was shocked one…
- Professor of Rock
Sweet’s Fox on the Run: The Smash Hit They Had to Record in Secret
Coming up…. the story of Fox on the Run by 70s British supergroup Sweet. This band had relied heavily on a famous production team to write all of their big…
- Professor of Rock
How Marc Bolan Made Up Bang a Gong’s Lyrics on the Spot and Created a Glam Rock Classic
Coming up… We take the time machine back to the golden days of glam rock n’ roll... and the psychic artist who created the genre…. Marc Bolan of T Rex was one…
- Professor of Rock
The Real Story Behind 867-5309: Did Jenny Ever Exist?
In 1981 at the forefront of the MTV Revolution, a straight-ahead rocking bar band called Tommy Tutone released a song that would become an all-time touchstone…
- Professor of Rock
The Story Behind Spirit in the Sky and Its Unrepeatable Guitar Sound
Coming up, an interview with Norman Greenbaum. He is a rockstar that I’ve been trying to track down for almost 8 years to get the story of what I believe is…
- Professor of Rock
Spandau Ballet’s True: From 80s Classic to Boy Band Inspiration
Up next, Tony Hadley, the former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, one the 80s leading new romantic bands, tells the story of one of the best songs of 1983…
- Professor of Rock
My Girl: The Song Smokey Robinson Gave Away and Made History
Coming up next, an interview with legend Otis Williams, who is the only one surviving the Temptations, one of the most successful groups ever. He tells us the…
- Professor of Rock
Mick Jones Knew Lou Gramm Was the One After Hearing This Rookie Sing
Coming up, Lou Gramm was riding high in the 70s as his band Black Sheep had just opened for one of the biggest bands in the world. And after years of hard work…
- Professor of Rock
Steve Perry’s Secret Journey From Roadie to Rock Icon
After losing his bandmate in a tragic car crash, rookie Steve Perry was ready to throw it all away. His music career, as far as he was concerned… it was over…
- Professor of Rock
The Pink Floyd Breakup That Shattered Rock History
Thanks to today's sponsor Better Help. You can schedule a session at: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy…
- Professor of Rock
The 1979 Hit That Sat on the Shelf and Still Became a Classic
Coming up, an interview with Paul Roberts of Sniff 'n' the Tears about one of my favorite songs of 1979, Driver’s Seat. Technically the band is a one-hit…
- Professor of Rock
How Shambala Became the Ultimate Feel-Good Anthem of the 70s
Coming up….the story of an enchanted land, where joy fills the air, and troubles fade away in the rain… A place where everyone is happy and kind, and the light…
- Professor of Rock
Moonlight Feels Right: The 70s Classic Born From a Romantic Rejection
A hopeless romantic named Bruce Blackman asked a beautiful young woman on a date several times and was rejected. Finally, on the third request, she said yes……
- Professor of Rock
Hard to Handle: The 1990 Hit That Set the Stage for Grunge
From 1989 to 1990 Rock on Mainstream radio was dying… Boy Bands and sugary pop was taking over… History says that Nirvana came in and saved it… But the truth…
- Professor of Rock
The Story Behind American Woman and the Battle Over Guess Who’s Name
Today, we’re returning to a new show on this channel… One that has us diving deep into the catalogs of the greatest bands of all time, and telling their…
- Professor of Rock
The Mystery Behind The Cars' Drive: A Frontman’s Best Song Given Away
Stop data brokers from exposing your personal information. Go to my sponsor https://aura.com/professorofrock to get a 14-day free trial and see how much of…
- Professor of Rock
Evil Woman: The Revenge Song Jeff Lynne Wrote in Minutes
One of rock’s definitive frontmen, Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, was the victim of a serial cheater. Jeff was smitten by this seductress but she made…
- Professor of Rock
Singing Out of His Range Made Love Hurts a 70s Rock Classic
Coming up….the story of one of the first power ballads: Love Hurts. This one originated during a stormy time for The Everly Brothers, one the most prolific…
- Professor of Rock
Cutting Crew's 1987 Dominance: What Happened After Their Smash Success?
Coming up, Cutting Crew ruled 1987 with 3 big hits from their album Broadcast… (I Just) Died in You Arms, I’ve Been in Love Before, and One For the…
- Professor of Rock
How a Dad Joke Gave the Bellamy Brothers a #1 Hit in the 70s
Coming up… an interview with Howard and David Bellamy, aka the Bellamy Brothers… They’re a band that had 10 #1 hits and a top 10 hit in three straight decades…
- Professor of Rock
Full Moon Fever: How Tom Petty Defied Rejection to Create a Classic
Coming up, an interview with one of the greatest guitarists of the rock era, Mike Campbell, from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, a band that ruled the…
- Professor of Rock
Revisiting ABBA: A Deep Dive into Their Legacy and Biggest Hits
Coming up, it’s a group that I swore I’d never feature on this channel. ABBA is one of the biggest bands of all time, with nearly 40 Top 10 hits across the…
- Professor of Rock
How Al Stewart Rewrote Year of the Cat Four Times to Get It Right
Coming up next, the story of a song that was written 4 times! Al Stewart and his 70s chart classic Year of the Cat - that ranked from late 1976 into 1977… and…
- Professor of Rock
The Story of Zager & Evans: From #1 Smash to Complete Obscurity
Coming up, it’s a duo from Lincoln, Nebraska - Zager & Evans - who spellbound listeners everywhere with a prophecy that there will come a time when machines…
- Professor of Rock
Mark Slaughter’s Gut-Wrenching Story Behind Fly to the Angels
Coming up… an interview with hard rock singer Mark Slaughter on his band, Slaughter's biggest hit: Fly to the Angels. It’s one of the most gut-wrenching songs…
- Professor of Rock
How Depeche Mode’s Music for the Masses Went From Joke to Prophecy
Coming up, legendary band Depeche Mode created one of the greatest records from one of music’s greatest years… 1987. The name of the record was of course Music…
- Professor of Rock
Remembering Dan Fogelberg: The Voice Behind Some of the Most Heartfelt Songs Ever
Let me be clear, I have never met anyone who doesn’t love his voice...Get ready to discover the humble origins of Dan Fogelberg, a beloved artist who penned…
- Professor of Rock
Rush’s Freewill: How a Printing Error Confused Fans for Decades
They’re Canada’s gift to the world! Even better than maple syrup, ice hockey, and Tim Horton’s… It’s Rush! This thinking man’s band has created some of the…
- Professor of Rock
How a Grocery Store Find Turned Hooked on a Feeling Into a Global Sensation
The insanely great story of the 70s #1 classic hit Hooked on a Feeling. It was done twice by Jonathan King and B.J. Thomas before Blue Swede took it to #1 in…
- Professor of Rock
The Chilling Story Behind Foreigner’s Gold-Digging Anthem Cold as Ice
Coming up, today’s band Foreigner took a frigid walk through New York City in minus 20-degree weather to nail down their classic 70s song Cold as Ice… a top 10…
- Professor of Rock
Black: The Greatest Song Pearl Jam Never Wanted to Be a Hit
Coming up... Pearl Jam came out of nowhere to sell almost 16 million albums in 1992, of their classic TEN but at the peak of their fame, they completely…
- Professor of Rock
How a Label Secretary Became a Star with the Hit Dancing in the Street
Coming up legendary singer Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas tells us the definitive story of one of the most famous and beloved songs of all time…
- Professor of Rock
The Hauntingly Odd Story Behind Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm by Crash Test Dummies
Coming up… it’s the Crash Test Dummies hit song Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm. It’s a #1 song that was written about three different kids intertwined by an unfortunate…
- Professor of Rock
Did Phil Collins Rip Off Prince? The Controversy Behind Sussudio
COMING up the story of the #1 1985 smash Sussudio by Phil Collins. Based on a made-up word…. One that just fell out of Phil’s mouth while he was singing. Even…
- Professor of Rock
The Untold Story of TNT: AC/DC’s Signature Song That Never Charted
Coming up... the story of AC/DC’s TNT, the track that established the identity of one of the GREATEST BANDS EVER. THIS SONG WAS DESIGNED TO KICK YOUR BUTT… It…
- Professor of Rock
Cheap Trick’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Beatle-Level Fame
Coming up….The saga of 4 guys from the heartland of America…Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Bun. E. Carlos and Rick Peterson who slugged it out on the road…
- Professor of Rock
How ZZ Top Immortalized a Notorious House in Their 1973 Hit La Grange
Coming up… the story of ZZ Top’s 1973 classic La Grange from their third studio Tres Hombres. This song is about a legendary shack that operated illegally for…