Few names shine as brightly in the story of American rock and roll as Dion DiMucci.

Known to fans worldwide simply as Dion, this Bronx-born legend isn’t just another voice from the golden age of doo-wop—he’s one of the few artists who managed to bridge the gap between early rock, blues, folk, and contemporary roots music. With a career spanning more than six decades, Dion has gone from street-corner harmony to global acclaim, influencing generations along the way.

Born in 1939, in the Bronx, Dion grew up surrounded by rhythm, radio, and raw emotion. Those bustling city streets were alive with music—doo-wop groups harmonizing on stoops, gospel voices in local churches, and the pulse of rhythm and blues drifting from open windows. That mix became Dion’s musical DNA.

As a teenager, Dion formed Dion and the Belmonts, named after a Bronx street. Their blend of silky harmonies and streetwise swagger set them apart from other vocal groups of the era. Songs like “I Wonder Why,” “A Teenager in Love,” and “Where or When” became instant classics—defining the sound of late 1950s rock and roll and turning Dion into a household name.Breaking Out Solo with “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer”

When Dion went solo in 1960, he didn’t miss a beat. His breakout single “Runaround Sue” soared to number one, followed closely by “The Wanderer.” With its unforgettable swagger and sing-along chorus, “The Wanderer” captured Dion’s street-smart confidence and has since become one of the most covered songs in rock history.

These weren’t just catchy pop tunes—they were the soundtrack of youth in postwar America. Dion’s voice carried a blend of toughness and tenderness that spoke to millions. He was the rebel with heart, the Bronx kid who brought soul and honesty to early rock ’n’ roll.

Like many stars of his generation, Dion faced personal struggles as fame took its toll. The pressures of the road and the darker side of the music industry led to battles with addiction. But in classic Dion fashion, he turned those hardships into growth. After finding sobriety and rediscovering his faith in the late 1960s, Dion re-emerged with a deeper, more introspective sound.

His 1968 hit “Abraham, Martin and John” marked a turning point. A moving tribute to Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Kennedy brothers, the song revealed a new side of Dion—soulful, reflective, and socially aware. It became one of the defining tracks of its era, reminding fans that Dion wasn’t just a rock singer—he was a storyteller with something meaningful to say.

Rediscovering the Blues

Through the '70s and beyond, Dion continued to evolve, diving deep into his earliest musical love—the blues. Albums like “Bronx in Blue” (2006) and “Son of Skip James” (2007) showed a raw, authentic artist at work. His 2020 release “Blues with Friends” brought together an all-star lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Gibbons, Paul Simon, and Jeff Beck. The record earned rave reviews, proving that Dion’s voice and songwriting remain as powerful and relevant as ever.

Dion’s influence stretches across generations. From Bob Dylan and Lou Reed to Bruce Springsteen, countless artists have cited him as a major inspiration. His ability to blend doo-wop sweetness, rock grit, and blues soul has kept his music timeless—and his storytelling authentic.

In '89, Dion was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the genre’s founding fathers. But more than awards or accolades, Dion’s true legacy lies in his unwavering authenticity. He’s never chased trends; he’s chased truth.

In an age where musical fads come and go, Dion’s story reminds us what staying power really looks like. His career is a masterclass in reinvention. Whether he’s singing about heartbreak, hope, or redemption, Dion remains one of rock’s most honest voices.

Six decades on, the Bronx-born rock legend is still doing what he’s always done best—telling stories that sound like they were written just for you.

From Birmingham to the Rock Hall: the life, legacy, and love of Moody Blues bassist John Lodge.

John Lodge (July 20, 1943 – October 10, 2025) was far more than the bass player for The Moody Blues — he was the gentle soul and musical anchor behind one of rock’s most beloved bands. With his distinctive melodic bass, soaring harmonies, and thoughtful songwriting, Lodge helped turn The Moody Blues from a struggling R&B group into pioneers of symphonic and progressive rock.

Born in Birmingham, John grew up surrounded by the post-war explosion of British music. He joined The Moody Blues in 1966, along with guitarist Justin Hayward, just as the band was ready to reinvent itself. Together they reshaped the group’s direction, moving away from covers and pop singles toward the lush, conceptual sound that would define the late 1960s. Their first major success, Days of Future Passed (1967), blended rock with classical orchestration and produced the timeless hit “Nights in White Satin.” Lodge’s basslines and harmonies underpinned that transformation — a sound that felt cinematic, emotional, and deeply human.

Over the next five decades, John Lodge’s touch could be felt across The Moody Blues’ greatest works. He wrote and sang enduring tracks like “Ride My See-Saw,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” each one showcasing his knack for combining big ideas with irresistible hooks. While the band explored spirituality, time, and love through albums like In Search of the Lost Chord and A Question of Balance, Lodge kept their music grounded with rhythmic depth and melodic grace.

As The Moody Blues evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, Lodge remained the band’s creative backbone. His songwriting and stage presence were steady and sincere, and his partnership with Hayward became one of rock’s most enduring collaborations. The group’s music inspired generations, selling over 70 million albums and securing their place as one of the most influential acts in British rock history. In 2018, their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame marked the culmination of that extraordinary journey — a moment Lodge often described as “the completion of a dream we started as kids.”

Even after The Moody Blues stopped touring in 2018, John Lodge’s creative fire never dimmed. He continued recording and performing with his “10,000 Light Years Band,” revisiting classic Moody Blues songs while writing new ones that carried his message of faith and hope. His solo projects included B Yond (2019), The Royal Affair and After (2021), and Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn (2023), a heartfelt reinterpretation of the Moody Blues’ 1967 masterpiece. His final release, Love Conquers All (2025), and the moving single “Whispering Angels,” co-written with his son-in-law Jon Davison of Yes, captured Lodge’s optimism and belief in love’s enduring power.

Offstage, John Lodge lived a grounded life. Married to his wife Kirsten since 1968, he was a devoted husband and father to their children, Emily and Kristian. His song “Emily’s Song” remains one of his most tender creations, written as a gift for his daughter and cherished by fans for its emotional honesty. Lodge often credited his Christian faith with keeping him centered through the highs and lows of fame, and he spoke often about gratitude — for music, family, and the fans who shared the journey with him.

John Lodge passed away on October 10, 2025, at age 82, surrounded by family and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly — the artists who first inspired him. His passing marked the end of an era, but his spirit lives on in the music that continues to inspire listeners around the world.

From Birmingham stages to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, John Lodge’s story is one of faith, friendship, and timeless creativity. He reminded us that true artistry isn’t about chasing fame — it’s about touching hearts. And through every note he played, he did exactly that.

Get ready for an unforgettable conversation with Shelly Clark, the powerhouse singer, dancer, and actress who helped shape the sound of 1970s R&B as a founding member of the chart-topping girl group Honey Cone.

Born in Brooklyn and performing professionally by the age of six, Shelly Clark’s career began on Broadway before she went on to tour with legends like Cab Calloway and work as an Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. But her real breakthrough came in 1968, when she co-founded Honey Cone with Edna Wright and Carolyn Willis.

With Holland-Dozier-Holland behind them at the Hot Wax/Invictus label, Honey Cone shot to stardom. Their smash hit “Want Ads” hit No.1 on both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts in 1971 and sold over a million copies.

Follow-up hits like “Stick-Up,” “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show,” and “The Day I Found Myself” cemented their place in music history. Honey Cone weren’t just about catchy hooks — their lyrics spoke to female empowerment and independence, making them trailblazers in the girl-group era.

After the group disbanded, Shelly turned down an offer to join The Supremes and instead found a new path in television, solo work, and later in her personal life.

In 1980, she married Verdine White, legendary bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire. Their marriage has lasted more than four decades, built on music, love, and mutual respect. Today, Shelly continues to collaborate with Verdine, including producing his 2024 solo project “Superman.”

In recent years, Shelly has also revived Honey Cone with a new lineup, bringing timeless classics to fresh audiences. In 2024, the group released their first single in 50 years — a stunning cover of the Eurythmics’ “Here Comes the Rain Again.”

This episode dives deep into Shelly Clark’s incredible journey — from Broadway beginnings to No.1 hits, from Honey Cone fame to life with Verdine White, and her ongoing legacy as a singer, producer, and keeper of soul and R&B history.

If you love 70s soul, R&B girl groups, Earth, Wind & Fire, or music history, this is one story you won’t want to miss.

If you have any suggestions for guests for this show, or any commnents or feedback please reach out to me via the website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

#shellyclark #ikette #honeyCone #earthwindandfire

When you think of catchy pop anthems from the late ’60s and ’70s, chances are Andy Kim’s fingerprints are all over them.

The Canadian singer-songwriter carved out a space in music history with a string of hits that defined an era, yet his journey stretches far beyond his chart-toppers.

From his humble beginnings in Montreal to penning global hits, stepping away from fame, and eventually enjoying a triumphant comeback, Andy Kim’s story is as fascinating as his music.

Born Andrew Youakim, the son of Lebanese immigrants, Andy grew up in a large family surrounded by music . He was drawn to the excitement and energy of rock and roll, idolizing Elvis and Buddy Holly, while dreaming of making it big himself.

By his teens, he was already writing songs, learning the ropes of show business, and imagining a future far beyond the streets of Montreal.

At just 16, Kim headed to New York City with little more than ambition and determination. He knocked on doors in Manhattan’s famous Brill Building, the mecca of songwriting in the '60s, where legends like Carole King, Neil Diamond, and Jeff Barry were crafting timeless hits.

His persistence paid off—he eventually landed a meeting with producer Jeff Barry, who became his mentor and collaborator.

In '68, Andy Kim released his first single which cracked the Top 20 in the U.S. This early success was just the beginning. The following year, he co-wrote Sugar, Sugar for the fictional band The Archies. The bubblegum pop anthem became a worldwide smash, selling over six million copies.

Even though Andy wasn’t the face of the Archies, his contribution to one of the biggest hits of the decade cemented his reputation as a first-class songwriter.

Andy followed up with his own string of solo hits. His knack for crafting feel-good melodies kept him on the charts and in demand throughout the early ’70s.

The defining moment of Andy Kim’s career came in '74 with Rock Me Gently. Written, produced, and recorded entirely on his own terms, Kim initially struggled to get labels interested.

Refusing to give up, he pressed the record himself, and the gamble paid off. The song soared to No. 1 and became an international hit.

At the height of his fame, Andy Kim was a household name. But the music industry can be fickle. After the success of Rock Me Gently, the hits became harder to come by.

By the late ’70s and ’80s, Andy chose to step back from the spotlight. He adopted the pseudonym Baron Longfellow and released music under that name, but the commercial magic of his earlier work proved elusive.

Still, he never stopped writing and recording. Though he wasn’t topping charts anymore, he was quietly influencing younger artists and remaining connected to the craft he loved.

In the '90s and 2000s, Andy's legacy started to be celebrated more widely. Younger musicians, especially in Canada, cited him as a pioneer.

In 2004, he made a triumphant return with I Forgot to Mention, written with Barenaked Ladies’ Ed Robertson. That collaboration rekindled his profile.

In 2015, he released the album It’s Decided, produced with Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene.

Andy Kim’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s been inducted into Canada’s Music Hall of Fame, received the Order of Canada, and continues to be recognized as a national treasure. His enduring influence lies not just in the timeless appeal of Rock Me Gently and Sugar, Sugar, but also in his perseverance, humility, and generosity.

Even today, Andy is active in the music world, performing, mentoring, and celebrating the power of song.

His story is a testament to resilience—a reminder that the peaks and valleys of fame can’t overshadow genuine talent and passion.

Andy joins us today to share his story. I really hope you enjoy it.

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Graeme Clark, founding bassist of Wet Wet Wet, and the band’s newest frontman, Kevin Simm.

Together, they take us on a journey through the band’s humble beginnings, meteoric rise to fame, their unforgettable hit Love Is All Around, and how they’ve kept the magic alive four decades later.

Wet Wet Wet formed back in 1982 in Glasgow, Scotland. For Graeme and his school friends, music wasn’t just a hobby—it was an escape from the bleak job prospects that faced so many young people at the time. With shipyards closed and unemployment sky-high, the boys turned their energy towards music.

None of them were formally trained. What they lacked in technical skills, they made up for in passion and persistence.

Graeme picked up the bass because of his love for reggae, Tommy was already playing drums, Neil joined in on keyboards, and Marty Pellow took the mic as lead vocalist. It wasn’t long before they realised they had something special.

In 87, Wet Wet Wet released their debut single. To their amazement, the track shot up the charts.

Following their early success, the band toured relentlessly, even opening for Elton John in America. Although they never quite cracked the U.S., their popularity soared across the UK, Europe, and Australia.

A major turning point came in 88 when their version of With a Little Help from My Friends went to number one in the UK.

The song that defined Wet Wet Wet’s career was their 94 cover of The Troggs’ classic Love Is All Around. Chosen for the soundtrack of Four Weddings and a Funeral, the band thought it might make a decent B-side.

But once it was released, it exploded worldwide. Spending 15 consecutive weeks at number one in the UK, the single became the country’s best-selling love ballad of the decade.

The success was so overwhelming that the band eventually pulled the record from sale—otherwise, it might have stayed at the top indefinitely!

Like many hugely successful bands, Wet Wet Wet eventually hit a wall. After years of constant touring and chart domination, tensions and different ambitions led to a split.

Graeme reflects on this period as both exhilarating and challenging. Eventually, the band regrouped in the 2000s, realising that their chemistry was too strong to leave behind.

In 2018, following Marty Pellow’s departure, Wet Wet Wet welcomed Kevin Simm as their new lead singer. Kevin had already won The Voice UK in 2016.

Kevin brought fresh energy to the band, not just as a performer but also as a songwriter. Together, he and Graeme started writing new material, determined to keep Wet Wet Wet moving forward.

Their 2021 album, The Journey, proved that the band could still create relevant, heartfelt music.

Nearly 40 years after their formation, Wet Wet Wet continue to perform and record, delighting audiences with classics like Sweet Little Mystery, Goodnight Girl, and of course, Love Is All Around. At the same time, they’re carving out a new chapter with Kevin at the helm.

For Graeme, success today isn’t about topping charts or selling millions of records—it’s about contentment, creativity, and connection.

What makes Wet Wet Wet so timeless?

Maybe it’s their working-class roots, which make their story relatable. Maybe it’s their knack for writing songs that speak to life’s ups and downs. Or maybe it’s the fact that their music has been woven into the soundtrack of so many of our lives.

From Glasgow’s back rooms to global arenas, from B-sides to record-breaking hits, Wet Wet Wet have weathered every storm and come out stronger. With Kevin Simm breathing new life into the group, their journey is far from over.

#wetwetwet #80sbritishbands #90spopmusic

Sixto Rodriguez, known simply as Rodriguez, lived one of the most extraordinary and unlikely journeys in modern music history.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, he grew up the son of Mexican immigrants in a city teeming with both industrial promise and economic struggle.

His upbringing in Detroit’s working-class neighbourhoods profoundly shaped his worldview and his music. Rodriguez’s songs spoke of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of everyday people—lyrics that would later resonate deeply with audiences halfway across the world.

From an early age, Rodriguez gravitated toward music. He learned guitar on his own and began writing songs that mixed folk, rock, and blues with a poet’s touch.

His lyrics were sharp, socially conscious, and often laced with a haunting melancholy. Though Rodriguez possessed immense talent, Detroit in the late 1960s was already overflowing with Motown stars, garage rock bands, and rising folk voices.

Breaking through wasn’t easy.

In '67, Rodriguez recorded a single that didn’t gain much traction. A few years later his big break seemed to arrive with his debut album, Cold Fact, in 1970. Critics admired the record, but commercially it fell flat in the US.

Undeterred, Rodriguez recorded a second album, Coming from Reality, in '71. But like its predecessor, the album struggled to find an audience.

Disillusioned, Rodriguez quietly stepped away from the music industry. Heworked a series of manual labor jobs—construction, demolition, even factory work. For years, he lived modestly, raising his daughters while music became more of a private outlet than a public pursuit.

Unbeknownst to him, his music was taking on a life of its own thousands of miles away. In South Africa, during the height of apartheid, Rodriguez’s albums had found their way to audiences. To South Africans, Rodriguez was as revered as Bob Dylan or John Lennon.

Yet in Detroit, he had no idea of his fame overseas.

For decades, South African fans knew every lyric, while the man himself remained in the dark about his global impact.

The truth began to unravel in the late '90s, when two South African fans set out to discover where he was. They found him in Detroit and brought hin to South Africa fin 1998.

Concert halls overflowed with fans . For Rodriguez, it was a surreal moment of validation, arriving nearly three decades after he’d walked away from music.

The story of Rodriguez’s rediscovery was later captured in the 2012 Academy Award-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man.

With its mix of mystery, tragedy, and triumph, the documentary transformed Rodriguez into an international icon almost overnight. His albums were reissued, he toured internationally, and he finally enjoyed the recognition that had eluded him in his youth.

Rodriguez's daughter, Sandra tells us that despite his newfound fame, her dad remained grounded. He continued living in his modest home. Known for his humility and gentle nature, he preferred to let his music speak for itself. He carried no bitterness at al.

Rodriguez’s story is often described as one of the most remarkable in rock history—a tale of how music can transcend time, borders, and politics.

His songs, rooted in the struggles of Detroit in the '70s, found their greatest meaning in a country he’d never visited until decades later. In the process, Rodriguez became a symbol of resilience, artistry, and the unpredictable power of music.

Sixto Rodriguez passed away in 2023 at the age of 81. His death marked the end of a truly singular life, but his music continues to live on.

For those who grew up singing his words in South Africa and in Australia, and for the many around the world who discovered him through Searching for Sugar Man, Rodriguez will always be remembered not just as a musician, but as a poet of the people, a voice of quiet defiance, and the ultimate comeback story.

I know you'll enjoy hearing Sandra Rodriguez tell her Dad's story.

Leo Sayer, born Gerard Hugh Sayer in Shoreham-by-Sea, England, in 1948, has been one of the most enduring figures in pop music for more than five decades.

Known for his curly hair, soulful voice, and boundless energy, Leo’s journey from art student to international pop superstar is the stuff of legend.

His career has taken him from intimate folk clubs in the UK to packed arenas across the globe, making him one of the most recognisable singer-songwriters of the '70s and beyond.

Leo first found success as a songwriter. He co-wrote Giving It All Away, a hit single for The Who’s Roger Daltrey in '73. That track helped put him on the map, showcasing his knack for heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies.

With management by Adam Faith, Leo soon made the leap into performing, bringing his own distinctive sound and image to the stage. His debut album included the poignant single The Show Must Go On, which became his first major hit.

By the mid-'70s, Leo Sayer was everywhere. His unique mix of pop, soul, and soft rock resonated with audiences worldwide.

He scored a string of unforgettable hits, including Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance), Moonlighting, and the chart-topping ballad When I Need You in 1977, which went to number one in both the UK and the US. Around the same time, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing stormed the charts, earning him a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance – a rare feat for a British artist in that era.

These songs not only defined the sound of the late ’70s but also cemented Leo's reputation as one of pop’s most versatile performers.

Leo's albums consistently sold well across Europe, the US, Australia, and beyond. Tracks like More Than I Can Say and Orchard Road showcased his ability to blend catchy hooks with heartfelt emotion, ensuring his songs stood the test of time.

He also became a fixture on television variety shows, his charisma and instantly recognisable look making him a favourite with audiences everywhere.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Leo Sayer has never stopped working, recording, and performing. In the 2000s, he scored an unexpected resurgence when a remix of his '77 song Thunder in My Heart topped the UK charts in 2006.

He has since continued to tour extensively, particularly in Australia, where he eventually made his home and became a citizen in 2009. His live shows are legendary for their energy, warmth, and connection with the audience – proof that Leo remains every bit the showman he was at the height of his fame.

Leo Sayer’s contribution to pop and rock music is undeniable.

His voice, both tender and powerful, has influenced countless singers. His songs have been covered by artists across genres, and his longevity proves the universal appeal of great songwriting. Beyond his hits, Leo is admired for his resilience – navigating the highs and lows of the music industry while staying true to his craft. Few artists can boast a career that spans from the glam-pop era of the 1970s to the streaming age of today, but Leo Sayer has managed it with style and authenticity.

Away from the stage, Leo is known for his wit, warmth, and thoughtful reflections on life in music.

He’s also a talented visual artist, having studied graphic design before music, and he continues to express himself creatively in different ways.

Our interview reveal a man who is grateful for the opportunities he’s had, candid about the challenges he’s faced, and passionate about continuing to create and share his art with the world.

Now in his late seventies, Leo Sayer shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to release new music. His tours regularly sell out, with fans old and new eager to experience the magic of his live performances. Whether he’s singing one of his timeless classics or unveiling a new track, Leo brings the same enthusiasm and sincerity that made him a star in the first place.

Look out for him performing in a city near you.

https://www.leosayer.com/

In 1968 while Joplin, Hendrix, the Doors and Jefferson Airplane were singing about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, Bobby Goldsboro was singing about “Honey.”

After a career in which he sold more than 35 million records, hosted a national TV show, wrote six best-selling children’s books and produced a national PBS show, you’d think the almost 85 year old Goldsboro would be winding down.

Think again.

Bobby Goldsboro was born in the small town of Marianna, Florida. Growing up in a modest setting, he discovered a love for music at an early age. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing guitar and dreaming about a life in the spotlight.

After high school, Bobby attended University but quickly found himself drawn more to music than academics. That passion led him to join a band called The Webs—the first real stepping stone to his career.

The Webs were talented enough to catch the attention of rock legend Roy Orbison. In 1962, Orbison invited the band to back him on tour. Bobby suddenly found himself on the road with one of the most iconic voices in rock history, gaining invaluable experience.

For two years, he traveled the world with Orbison, honing his skills and learning the ins and outs of the music business.

In 1964, Bobby launched his solo career, and his very first single, “See the Funny Little Clown,” became a hit. The song shot into the Top 10 and introduced his unique, heartfelt vocal style to the world.

More singles followed that proved he wasn’t a one-hit wonder.

Everything changed in 1968 with the release of “Honey.”

The emotional ballad tells the story of a man grieving the loss of his wife. Goldsboro’s tender delivery turned it into a cultural phenomenon. The song spent five weeks at No. 1 and became one of the decade’s best-selling singles, topping charts worldwide.

Love it or find it schmultzy “Honey” defined Bobby Goldsboro’s career and remains his signature song.

Though “Honey” was his biggest success, Bobby continued to deliver memorable music. Songs like “Summer (The First Time)” and “Watching Scotty Grow” touched audiences everywhere. Bobby's tracks showcased his versatility, blending country, pop, and folk influences while always keeping the storytelling front and centre.

During the '70s, Bobby expanded his career beyond the recording studio. He became the host of The Bobby Goldsboro Show, a syndicated musical variety program that ran for several years. It highlighted his warmth, charm, and sense of humour—qualities that endeared him to audiences far beyond his music.

As the '80s rolled in, Bobby gradually stepped away from the spotlight of hit records and touring. But creativity still flowed. He turned his attention to painting, creating detailed wildlife and landscape art that quickly gained recognition. Collectors admired his work, and he established himself as a respected visual artist.

He also ventured into children’s programming, producing the animated series The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon.

What makes Bobby Goldsboro special is the emotional connection he forges with his audience. He has a rare ability to capture universal feelings in simple, beautiful ways.

His soft, vulnerable voice made listeners feel like he was singing directly to them, a gift that explains why his songs have endured for so long.

Today, Bobby Goldsboro may no longer dominate the charts, but his influence is undeniable. He continues to paint, create, and inspire, while fans old and new revisit his music with appreciation. His career is a reminder that creativity comes in many forms and that an artist’s legacy isn’t defined by a single moment, but by a lifetime of work.

Tune in to hear Bobby relive the story of his career and let him take you back to your youth, to a time when his songs dominated the charts.

Please reach out to me with any comments or feedback through the website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

When you think about '70s rock ’n’ roll, few names bring to mind teenage rebellion and raw energy like Cherie Currie, the original lead singer of The Runaways.

She was only 15 years old when she fronted one of the most groundbreaking all-girl rock bands of the era, making waves with her powerhouse voice, striking stage presence, and that iconic corset-and-chains outfit that became part of rock history.

Cherie was born in California and grew up in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Before she ever thought about fronting a rock band, she was just a music-obsessed teenager who idolized David Bowie. In fact, it was her love of Bowie’s glam-rock style that shaped her own look and attitude.

Cherie was already performing in small gigs around L.A. when Kim Fowley and Joan Jett came calling. They were putting together a tough, edgy, all-female rock band that would soon shake up the male-dominated music scene.

In '75, Cherie joined The Runaways, alongside Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox. She quickly became the band’s lead singer, famous for belting out songs like “Cherry Bomb”, which became the group’s signature anthem and is still celebrated as one of the defining punk-rock tracks of the ‘70s.

Currie’s onstage persona—provocative, fearless, and rebellious—made her a standout in the band and a poster child for teenage rock rebellion.

The Runaways were groundbreaking. They weren’t just a novelty “girl band”—they could really play. The girls toured the world and in Japan they were treated like superstars.

But behind the scenes, things weren’t always as glamorous. Tensions within the band, combined with the pressures of fame, the exploitation of young girls in the rock world, and substance abuse struggles, led to Cherie leaving The Runaways in '77—just two years after she’d joined.

Life after The Runaways was a wild mix of ups and downs for Cherie Currie. She launched a solo music career, releasing the album Beauty’s Only Skin Deep in '78 and later teaming up with her identical twin sister, Marie Currie, for the duet album Messin’ with the Boys in '80.

Cherie also explored acting. She starred alongside Jodie Foster in the cult classic film Foxes (1980) and appeared in other films throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, including Parasite and Twilight Zone: The Movie.

But Cherie didn’t stop there. She reinvented herself yet again—as a chainsaw artist.

In the 2000s, she became an award-winning chainsaw carver, creating intricate wooden sculptures that stunned critics and fans alike.

In 2010, interest in her story skyrocketed with the release of The Runaways movie, starring Dakota Fanning as Cherie and Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett.

The film reignited global attention for the band, cementing Cherie’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in rock.

Around the same time, she published her memoir Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway, a raw, honest account of her life in and out of the band.

She’s continued to perform music into recent years, releasing the 2019 album Blvds of Splendor.

Cherie Currie will always be remembered as the fierce blonde teenager who stepped onstage and screamed “Hello world, I’m your wild girl!” with The Runaways.

She was part of a band that kicked open doors for future generations of female rockers—from Joan Jett’s later success with The Blackhearts, to the riot grrrl movement, to today’s women-led rock bands.

Her story isn’t just about teenage fame—it’s about survival, reinvention, and proving that rock ’n’ roll really can be forever.

This week Cherie joins us to share it all.

I'd love to hear if you enjoy this episode. Please reach out with any comments or suggestions through the website: https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

Lee Shapiro’s story is one of those great Jersey tales — a local kid with a gift for music who ends up on the world stage, shaping the soundtrack of an era.

Born in 1953, Lee was a piano prodigy from the start. By the time he was a teenager, he wasn’t just playing other people’s songs — he was arranging, orchestrating, and leading his own big band. That early love for music, especially jazz and swing, gave him a strong foundation that would later carry him into pop history.

The turning point came in '73, when Lee was only 19. The Four Seasons were looking for a new keyboard player. Bob Gaudio, the original keyboardist and songwriter for the band, was stepping away from performing. Lee auditioned, armed with raw talent and a fearless energy. Frankie Valli was impressed, and just like that, this Jersey kid found himself as the new keyboardist and musical director for one of America’s most iconic groups.

It was a dream come true. Lee had actually seen The Four Seasons years earlier on The Ed Sullivan Show and thought to himself, “They’ve got a piano player. That could be me.” And suddenly, it was.

Joining Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the '70s meant stepping into a band that was ready for a reinvention. Rock and pop were changing fast, and the group needed a fresh sound to connect with younger audiences. Lee brought that spark. He wasn’t just playing keys — he was arranging, conducting, and helping shape the new sound of the Seasons.

His fingerprints are all over some of the band’s most beloved hits of the decade. From “Who Loves You.” or “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).”

For seven years, Lee toured the world with Frankie Valli, playing to sold-out crowds, recording in top studios, and keeping the band’s sound tight as their musical director. He was living the dream.

But Lee’s story doesn’t end with the Four Seasons. In '81, he stepped off the road to focus on other creative ventures. He wrote songs with some of the industry’s best. He orchestrated for Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, The Musical in '91.

In the late '90s, Lee co-created the Rock ’n’ Roll Elmo doll for Fisher-Price. The toy became a runaway hit, selling millions and proving that Lee’s creativity extended far beyond the stage and the studio.

But music always called him back. In 2010, with Jersey Boys shining a fresh spotlight on the Four Seasons’ legacy, Lee put together a new project: The Hit Men. This was a supergroup made up of musicians who had actually played with some of the biggest names in music. Alongside former Four Seasons bandmates, Lee and The Hit Men performed the songs they had lived and breathed. Audiences loved it.

In 2014 Lee was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but kept going. He performed for years after his diagnosis. Eventually, when performing became more difficult, he shifted into managing the band, ensuring that The Hit Men could keep bringing classic rock and pop to audiences across the country.

In 2018, Lee released a special project close to his heart — a solo piano tribute album called Lee Shapiro Plays the Greatest Hits of Frankie Valli. It was his way of revisiting the music that had shaped his life, this time in a more intimate, cocktail-style format.

Over the years, Lee and The Hit Men earned recognition from the music world too. In 2019, they received an award from the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, and in 2020, Lee was nominated as a Legend Musician by the East Coast Music Hall of Fame.

Looking back, Lee Shapiro’s career feels like a tapestry woven from different threads of creativity — the Jersey boy with a big band, the young keyboardist who helped shape the sound of the Four Seasons, the songwriter and arranger who explored Broadway and commercials, the inventor who made kids smile with Elmo, and the bandleader who kept the music alive with The Hit Men.

Lee joins us as our special guest this week to recount his incredible story.

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