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 Rock
Countdown: The Most Unhinged Crazy Ex Songs in Music History
Coming up, we're taking an in-depth look at one of rock's most entertaining topics… The “crazy ex” song… as in crazy ex-girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands…
- Professor of Rock
The Sci-Fi Hit That Shocked the World in 1969 - The Untold Story of “In the Year 2525"
Coming up, it’s a duo from Lincoln, Nebraska - Zager & Evans - who transfixed listeners everywhere with a prophecy that there will come a time when machines…
- Professor of Rock
The Saddest Decline in Rock? Why Some Legendary Frontmen Can’t Sing Anymore
In rock, the voice is just as important as any other instrument in the band. But what happens when those vocals begin to fade or even fail? It’s a singer’s…
- Professor of Rock
1988’s Greatest Hits Countdown: Icehouse, Gloria Estefan, Richard Marx, Foreigner & Terence Trent D’Arby
Coming up, we’re telling the stories of songs that shaped one of the best years in popular music, songs that define today's year more than any other…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen” Proved Her Solo Star Power
We're bringing it back! Standing at the crossroads of her career, Stevie Nicks traded in the surefire success of Fleetwood Mac after Rumors and Tusk for a shot…
- Professor of Rock
The Tragic Stories Behind 5 Songs That Became Hits After the Artists Died
Sometimes the most powerful voices in music stay silent for years and decades… never getting their due until after they’ve left this planet. You could call…
- Professor of Rock
The Story of The Rascals’ “Groovin’” and the Band’s Incredible Hit Streak
How about this for an amazing rock story? So The Rascals coming off a big #1, in Good Lovin’ the band wrote Groovin', they truly believed it would be another…
- Professor of Rock
1980’s Most Misunderstood Songs
With the state of the world right now, today I’m going to take you back to the good old days. Nostalgia overload. We're going to celebrate a group of songs…
- Professor of Rock
Rock’s Biggest Punchlines: Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne, Kenny G & More
Coming up…Its' Another Volume of Songs that have become PUNCHLINES! Today we’re back with more pop culture jabs, left hooks, and knockout blows… That’s right…
- Professor of Rock
The Untold Stories Behind Michael Jackson’s Biggest Hits and Collaborators
So I recently went through an inventory of all of the interviews I’ve done over the years… There’s never 800s at this point, and from memory, I realized that…
- Professor of Rock
Rock’s Strangest Deaths and Disappearances: 5 Unsolved Music Mysteries
Do you all remember Unsolved Mysteries? Well, today is a rock and roll unsolved mysteries episode. Today we're diving into five legendary stories of musicians…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How Dire Straits Revolutionized Music and Replaced Disco Icons
The fact is Dire Straits interrupted disco in the late 70s with the classic song Sultans of Swing that would take radio hostage! with their unique sound and…
- Professor of Rock
Career Killers: How Winger, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and After the Fire Lost Their Momentum
So in the music business, the climb to the top can take years and years of grueling hard work. But a fall from grace? That can happen in the blink of an eye…
- Professor of Rock
DATED Countdown: “Voices Carry,” Axel F, Madonna Controversy & Animotion’s Double Hit Story
Coming up, we focus & rank a group of songs that depict a specific year in popular music so remarkably well, they sound exactly like the moment they came out…
- Professor of Rock
9 More Wild Rock Stories: Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” Iron Maiden’s 666 Curse & Rod Stewart
Not long ago, after the channel reached 1.5 million subs, I shared a video on the Professor of Rock Greatest Hits: my top 9 picks for the greatest song stories…
- Professor of Rock
1970 Deep Dive: John Lennon’s “Across the Universe,” Gregg Allman, and Songs That Flopped but Became Classics
Today, we put one of rock’s greatest years, 1970, under the microscope and explore songs that we all know and love but failed as hits. There’s a story about…
- Professor of Rock
Top Rock Sibling Rivalries: Oasis’ Liam & Noel, The Everly Brothers Breakup, The Carpenters Conflict
Rock and roll has always been a family business. And family… well, family is complicated. Growing up together, fighting together, making history together — and…
- Professor of Rock
Rock and Roll Sabotage: The Performances, Feuds, and Mistakes That Destroyed Careers
We started this series a month ago, and I was overwhelmed with feedback for another episode. So, for this one, I’ve got 7 more stories of rock and roll…
- Professor of Rock
Paul Shaffer’s Letterman Stories: Legendary Performances, Live TV Chaos, and Rock History
So last year I was on David Letterman’s Show… Or Barbara Gaines Show. But I found out that David Letterman watches our show, and I was blown away. Well, I had…
- Professor of Rock
How Ace Frehley Outsold Kiss With His Solo Record and Proved Everyone Wrong
Coming up, we’re celebrating the birthday of legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley with this classic episode from 2024. In this one, we dig deep into the…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How Stevie Nicks’ Landslide Saved Her Career and Led to Fleetwood Mac
Let's throw it back! Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were lovers who had been trying to make it in music for years. After some fiery arguments, years of…
- Professor of Rock
8 Truly Demented Rock Songs That Somehow Became Classics
Sometimes the most memorable songs aren't the ones that scale the charts, but the ones that defy all logic. I’m talking about tracks that stop you cold …Dead…
- Professor of Rock
Top 11 Dated Songs of 1979 Countdown: Styx, Anita Ward, Dr. Hook, Rod Stewart, and More
Coming up, we turn the spotlight on 10 songs that embody the period of the Rock Era when disco was on its last leg, and rock was making a comeback!. It’s our…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: The Iconic Miami Vice Soundtrack – How It Defined 80s TV and Music
The story of the biggest tv soundtrack of the 1980s: Miami Vice from the Theme by Jan Hammer to the two Glenn Frey tracks You Belong to the City and Smuggler’s…
- Professor of Rock
Inside Bruce Hornsby’s Greatest Songs
So when I started doing this, I made a list of 15 artists I wanted to do an in-depth interview with before I leave this planet, and so far I’ve checked off…
- Professor of Rock
Top 3 Saga Songs: Why This Underrated Rock Band Deserved Better
Alright, I’ve gotten more requests for this band than any of the last couples years… and they are definitely one of the most under-appreciated bands in rock…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Revisiting the Top 10 Songs of 1984: Which Hit Stands the Test of Time?
In this episode from the vault, we’re going to go behind the Top 10 songs of this same week from the year 1984. But we’re not stopping there. After we count…
- Professor of Rock
Countdown: Legendary Songs That Missed the Charts but Became Iconic
Today is a special countdown that proves that rock and roll never dies. As the 80s were ending, there were songs that didn’t ever become official hit songs…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Perry Farrell on the Story Behind Jane’s Addiction’s Jane Says – An Alternative Rock Classic
Let's take it back with this 2021. Up next the Godfather of Alternative rock Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction tells us the very personal story of one of the…
- Professor of Rock
Punchlines Countdown: James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful,” the Spice Girls, Tom Jones & More
Coming up, we’re back at it again. It’s the third edition of one of this channel’s new favorite shows: Punchlines! And for this one, we’re counting down 6 more…
- Professor of Rock
Top 8 Female Hidden Gems: Shakespears Sister, Joan Jett, Michelle Branch & More
Coming up, we're counting down 8 great female hidden gems… songs by some of the industry’s best that too often get overlooked. And on this episode, we’ve got…
- Professor of Rock
Dated Hit Songs of 1987: Madonna, Genesis, Yes & One-Hit Wonders
Coming up, we jump back to a glorious year in music, to remember some hit songs that were so indicative of that period of popular music, you will cry tears of…
- Professor of Rock
How Phil Collins Turned a Nonsense Word into a #1 Hit: The Story of “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
Most Misinterpreted Songs: 6 Classic Rock Double Entendres Ranked
So this one’s gonna turn a few heads. Today’s show is all about misinterpreted songs… that may or may not be about “getting it on…Today We’re counting down 6…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How Led Zeppelin’s “D’yer Mak’er” Confused Fans and Became Their Most Mispronounced Hit
Let's run it back! How Led Zeppelin followed one of the biggest selling albums of all time, the 70s classic, Led Zeppelin IV with a bold venture that utterly…
- Professor of Rock
The Soundtracks That Made Cult Classics: Dazed and Confused, Pretty in Pink, Napoleon Dynamite, and The Crow
Coming up, we’re taking a field trip to the movies to study cult classic films that owe their success to their incredible soundtracks. Some of these films…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: The Mystery Behind Jimi Hendrix and the Meaning of "Purple Haze"
FROM THE VAULT: On March 31, 1967, Jimi Hendrix shocked the world by setting his guitar on fire, cementing his legend as rock’s most unpredictable genius. But…
- Professor of Rock
Top 10 Non-Hits Better Than the #1 Songs: The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, Tears for Fears & More
Coming up…. a passionate spotlight on 10 non-hits that are far better than the number one hits from the epic year they come from. including a song that’s bass…
- Professor of Rock
From Freddie Mercury to Steve Perry: 6 Rock Bands Replaced Beyond Recognition
Alright, it’s go time. Today, we’re going all in on band roster chaos! You know, some rock line-ups are built for the long-haul… But more often, bandmates come…
- Professor of Rock
“Drops of Jupiter,” “Hey, Soul Sister” & Train’s Biggest Hits: Pat Monahan Interview
So I was deleting some old files on my laptop and hard drives the other day, and I came upon an interview I did a long time ago…It must have gotten buried…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Steven Tyler & Joe Perry on the Story Behind Aerosmith’s Sweet Emotion – Their 70s Breakout Hit
In honor of the great Steven Tyler's 78th birthday, we bring you back to this classic from 2021. In the early 70s 'the bad boys of Boston” know as Aerosmith…
- Professor of Rock
Songs That Became Classics in Concert: Peter Frampton, Stevie Nicks, Bob Seger & More
Coming up, we’re temporarily trading in the studio album cuts for the “in concert” experience. On this episode, we’re counting down 7 classic live tracks that…
- Professor of Rock
Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice”: Lou Gramm and Mick Jones on the Story Behind the Classic Hit
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
Forgotten #1 Hits of 1978: Andy Gibb, Rolling Stones & the Dark Stories Behind Them
Coming up on Professor of Rock, we’re diving back to 70s to rediscover 10 hits that were brilliantly crafted for their era—so of course they never quite faded…
- Professor of Rock
The Best ’90s Cartoon Theme Songs Ranked: From The Simpsons to X-Men
Alright, we’ve done the 60s, the 70s, and the 80s… But we’ve still got another decade to cover. On this latest episode of Professor of Rock, we’re counting…
- Professor of Rock
PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Full Length Interview with Gavin Rossdale of Bush
In this exclusive, full-length interview, Adam sits down with Gavin Rossdale, the voice and driving force behind the legendary band Bush. Gavin opens up like…
- Professor of Rock
Top 10 Non-Hits of ’85: The Stories Behind Oingo Boingo, Dire Straits, The Smiths, INXS, and More
Coming up, we tell the story of songs that had deep meaning to the writer, and to us, the listeners, who locked into their emotional power. And they are songs…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Sammy Hagar on Joining Van Halen & Creating the 80s Anthem “Dreams”
We're serving up another Vault classic in honor of POR's Sammy Hagar giveaway. In this classic episode, the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar tells us how he…
- Professor of Rock
Top 9 Greatest Song Stories in Rock History: From “Gloomy Sunday” to the MAS*H Theme
Coming up, we just hit 1.5 million subscribers! And to celebrate I’m giving some love to a “lost art” in the music biz, the Greatest Hits Record… but with a…
- Professor of Rock
From Lost Album to Classic Rock Radio: How Steve Miller Revived Paul Pena’s “Jet Airliner”
Up next, a true story of resilience and redemption as we tell the story of STEVE MILLER BAND and their classic song Jet Airliner… a song that was trapped on an…
- Professor of Rock
Top 6 Times Rock Stars Sabotaged Themselves: Oasis MTV Unplugged, Cyndi Lauper, The Replacements, and More
Today, the name of the game is “Sabotage!” And it's sabotage in every sense of the word. And on this episode, we've got stories of self-destruction, tales of…
- Professor of Rock
Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet Interview: The Story of “True”… and the Boy Band Hit That Copied It
Coming up next an interview with one of the greatest voices of the 80s…Tony Hadley who fronted new romantic band Spandau Ballet. He tells the story of their…
- Professor of Rock
Taboo Time! Why These 6 Rock Songs Caused Outrage
Rock has always had a rebellious streak… that’s why we love it, right? Well, coming up, I’m counting down 6 songs that stirred up controversy and pissed off…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Sammy Hagar on Writing Van Halen’s Underrated 80s Gem “Best of Both Worlds” with Eddie Van Halen
In 1986 Van Halen released their first album with new lead singer Sammy Hagar. 5150 became the band’s first number one album in the US and included three top…
- Professor of Rock
Huge ’80s Songs That Didn’t Age Well: Stories Behind Autograph, Cyndi Lauper, Nena, and Rockwell
Coming up….we celebrate songs from one of the greatest years in music. These songs were HUGE back in the day, but decades later, sound really DATED. Just…
- Professor of Rock
The Life and Legacy of Neil Sedaka
We lost another great one, and for me, this one really hurt. I was honored to spend several hours with the legendary singer-songwriter and comeback kid Neil…
- Professor of Rock
6 Shocking Rock Comebacks: Def Leppard, Frank Sinatra, Nickelback and the Biggest Career Revivals
Coming up, it’s never over until it’s over. On this episode, we’re featuring 6 bands and artists whose careers were buried 6 feet deep. All of them had already…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind the "Footloose" Soundtrack
Coming up next, a star-studded event with a diverse group of legends telling the story behind one of the Biggest movie soundtracks of the 80s. Footloose. It…
- Professor of Rock
The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun”..: Who Really Wrote It?
Coming up, another great song mystery. It’s a famous song everyone knows: House of the Rising Sun. But Nobody really knows who wrote it or what it’s…
- Professor of Rock
Fleetwood Mac’s Most Turbulent Era
Today, we're diving into one of the most turbulent, passionate, and creatively explosive sagas in rock history. This British-American supergroup, Fleetwood…