'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

By Sandy KayeMusic Music Interviews

'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR episodes

February 21, 2024 ARTHUR BROWN - From "Fire" to Pyschadelia and Beyond. The journey of a true showman.
Arthur Brown burst out of obscurity in 1968 with "Fire," an
energetic fusion of blues, jazz and psychedelia with his over-the-top
vocals invoking the dangers of the dark side. “Fire” launched Arthur to fame worldwide.
He was born in North Yorkshire in 1942. After attending a grammar school Arthur studied at University where he focused on law and
philosophy. His interest in music began to overwhelm his
academic pursuits, and he formed his first band, an R&B combo called Blues and Brown. After a spell in France, where he dabbled in theatre, Arthur returned to the U.K. and worked with a number of groups in London. Not long after Brown left one -the Ramong
Sound, they changed their name to the Foundations and scored international hits with "Build Me Up Buttercup" and "Baby, Now That I've Found You." Arthur however wasn’t fussed.
He had Kit Lambert and Pete Townshend produce his self-titled debut album from which “Fire” emerged and The God of Hellfire
was born. His band, The Crazy Worldof Arthur Brown was known for its live show, which featured Arthur wearing a helmet
that spat fire. Sometimes he would take to the stage naked and as such became one of the most talked-about characters in British rock.
In the wake of the success of their debut, the band cut a second album and kept touring; for a short while Carl Palmer took over as drummer. Arthur’s next group's sound was darker and even
more esoteric than the Crazy World.
Arthur then stepped out as a solo act with 1974's Dance with Arthur Brown, a more straightforward and accessible album rooted in international rhythms. His public profile got a boost in 1975 when he was cast as the Priest in Ken Russell's film adaptation of the Who's rock opera Tommy, which was a major box office success. The following year, he made a guest appearance on Tales of
Mystery and Imagination: Edgar Allan Poe, the debut album from the Alan Parsons Project. In 1979. Klaus Schulze, of Tangerine Dream invited Arthur to lend vocals to some of his work but in the early '80s, Brown left England to settle in Austin, Texas, where he earned a degree in counseling and opened a music-based practice. He also opened a house painting and carpentry business
with Jimmy Carl Black, a former member of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. For the most part, Arthur had stepped away from music, though he and Jimmy Carl Black did team up again for 1988's Brown, Black & Blue, a powerful blues-rock set.
The new Crazy World returned for 2003's Vampire Suite, and Brown became a regular guest at Hawkwind concerts, appearing on their 2006 album Take Me to Your Future. 2008's The Voice of Love, released under the moniker the Amazing World of Arthur Brown, included guest appearances from Dick Taylor and Mark St.
John of the Pretty Things. A spate of archival live releases dominated Arthurs's catalogue in the 2010s as he continued to tour extensively, including dates with Carl Palmer's group ELP
Legacy and Hawkwind. Brown returned to recording with his latest edition of the Crazy World for 2014's Zim Zam Zim.
Arthur celebrated his 80th birthday in 2022 and
today is in hot demand to play concerts and festivals all over Europe.
We catch up with the iconic artist this week and he regales us with a whole host of interesting stories.
If you'd like to learn more about Arthur Brown head for his website https://www.thegodofhellfire.com/
and if you'd like to get in touch with me - comments, feedback or requests for future guests - don't hesitate to reach out through my website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au
I hope you enjoy the story of The God of Hellfire.

52 min
February 14, 2024 Orleans' JOHN HALL - From Rock Rythms to Congress
John Hall is a founding member of the band Orleans
and one of the main instigators of the No Nukes and MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) movements. He’s been intimately involved in promoting social change and environmental advocacy, both as a private citizen and as an elected representative in Congress.
John was studying piano at 5, playing French horn, guitar bass and drums by 12. He started playing in the clubs of Greenwich Village by 18 and at 21 wrote and directed music for a Broadway and
Off-Broadway play. He then worked on numerous projects including Seals and Crofts’ album Down Home. He toured with Taj Mahal and when he came home, started the band that would become Orleans in 1972.
Moving to Woodstock NY with his wife Johanna, the pair began writing together. They had major hits ‘Dance With Me’ and ‘Still The One’, songs that have garnered 9 million terrestrial airplays
and hundreds of millions of streams.
John has also co-written songs for Janis Joplin, Millie Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, The Tymes, Chaka Khan and Chet Atkins among others. He co-founded the group Musicians United for Safe Energy and helped organise the 1979 No Nukes concerts at Madison Square Garden. His song 'Power' was its anthem, performed and recorded there by the Doobie Brothers with James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Carly Simon, Nicolette
Larson, Phoebe Snow, and many more. That song was also sung by Peter Paul and Mary, Pete Seeger and others. John’s guitar playing was featured on albums by Browne, Raitt, Carly Simon, Little Feat and more. In the 90s the John Hall Band recorded two LPs: Search Party and All Of The Above, which contained the AOR
and MTV staple Crazy (Keep On Fallin’).
Environmental activism led John to serve on several boards. In 2006 he was elected to the US House of Representatives and also served on the Select Committee on Energy Independence
and Global Warming.
Returning to private life in 2011, John continued to perform and record with Orleans and as a solo artist. During the
pandemic, he wrote and recorded songs for his latest CD “Reclaiming My Time.”
John Hall joins us this week as special guest to share the stories (and the music) from his life. I hope you'll join us.
If you'd like to know more about John, check out his website https://johnhallmusic.com/ and if you feel like requesting a guest that you'd like to hear interviewed on the show - reach out to me through my website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

Warm regards
Sandy

52 min
February 09, 2024 Oz Rock Legend RUSSELL MORRIS - Is Still The Real Thing
Meet Russell Morris, one of Australia's must enduring, most talented and most beloved singer, songwriters.
From his pop stardom in the '60s to pioneering singer-songwriter, Russell has shaped the country's musical landscape for over seven decades.
We explore the origins of his iconic hit, "The Real Thing," and the unconventional journey that led him to pursue a solo career. Discover the role Ian Meldrum played in transforming a six-and-a-half-minute epic into a chart-topping sensation, defying industry norms.
Russell shares anecdotes from his early days, revealing the supportive environment that fuelled his passion for music. From his unconventional start to becoming an Australian rock legend, this episode is a journey through the highs and lows of a remarkable career.
Starting as a pop sensation in the '60s, Russell faced a tough road ahead when his early hits didn't translate into lasting success. Undeterred, he explored different genres and even went MIA for a while. Fast forward to the '70s, and Russell makes a surprising
comeback with the iconic "The Real Thing."
He shares the wild story behind the creation of the song, involving an LSD trip and a makeshift studio in a houseboat. The success of "The Real Thing" catapults him back into the limelight, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Russell opens up about the
challenges of dealing with record labels, the music industry, and the highs and lows of fame. Our chat delves into the nitty-gritty of Russell's artistic evolution, from pop to blues, and the unexpected twists that kept his career vibrant.
In a nutshell, it's a rollercoaster tale of a music legend who
faced setbacks, embraced change, and ultimately found his groove, creating a legacy that spans decades.
At times, feeling like an old has-been, Russell yearned to create
something current. After an album's failure, he faced the reality that people just weren't interested anymore. Undeterred, he looked in the mirror, realizing he couldn't sing pop songs as an old fart. So, he decided to return to his roots, exploring rhythm and blues, Tamla
Motown, and Blues.
His Blues journey took an unexpected turn when he stumbled upon a 1918 police file photo of Thomas Archer, aka Shark Jaws. Inspired, he turned Archer's story into the blues hit "Shark Mouth," which marked the resurrection of his career.
His subsequent albums, like "Van Diemens Land" and "Red Dirt, Red
Heart," defied industry expectations, blending blues and country. Despite initial skepticism, these albums went on to become chart-toppers.
Russell's bluesy revival continued with "Black and Blue Heart" in 2019, a pop-rock collaboration with Bernard Fanning and Nick Didier. He even joined forces with Rick Springfield, creating an album under the pseudonym Jack Chrome.
Fast forward to the present, and Russell Morris is still pushing boundaries. His latest release, "The Real Thing, The Symphonic Concert," features him performing with a 54-piece symphony orchestra. The idea, born from an encounter with businessman Clive Palmer, turned out to be a massive success, selling out
venues across the country.
Russell's story is one of determination and resolve. A tale of belief in yourself and never giving up your passion.
He is an icon in Australia and loved by all. You may or may not know his name. You may or may not know his music but, by the time you've listened to this episode, I guarantee you will not forget him.
I hope you enjoy this episode. Don't forget, if you have someone you'd like me to interview on your behalf (and perhaps you can join me on the line too) just send me a message through my website ⁠https:www.abreathoffreshair.com.au⁠ and let me know who your favourite 60s 70s or 80s artist is.
Warmest
Sandy

52 min
February 07, 2024 Oz Rock Legend RUSSELL MORRIS - still The Real Thing
Join us this week for an engaging chat with Russell
Morris, an enduring figure in Australian music.
From his pop stardom in the '60s to pioneering singer-songwriter, Russell has shaped the country's musical landscape for over seven decades.
We explore the origins of his iconic hit, "The Real Thing," and the unconventional journey that led him to pursue a solo career. Discover the role Ian Meldrum played in transforming a
six-and-a-half-minute epic into a chart-topping sensation, defying industry norms.
Russell shares anecdotes from his early days, revealing the supportive environment that fuelled his passion for music. From his unconventional start to becoming an Australian rock legend, this episode is a journey through the highs and lows of a remarkable career.
Starting as a pop sensation in the '60s, Russell faced a tough road ahead when his early hits didn't translate into lasting success. Undeterred, he explored different genres and even went MIA for a while. Fast forward to the '70s, and Russell makes a surprising
comeback with the iconic "The Real Thing."
He shares the wild story behind the creation of the song, involving an LSD trip and a makeshift studio in a houseboat. The success of "The Real Thing" catapults him back into the limelight, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Russell opens up about the
challenges of dealing with record labels, the music industry, and the highs and lows of fame. Our chat delves into the nitty-gritty of Russell's artistic evolution, from pop to blues, and the unexpected twists that kept his career vibrant.
In a nutshell, it's a rollercoaster tale of a music legend who
faced setbacks, embraced change, and ultimately found his groove, creating a legacy that spans decades.
At times, feeling like an old has-been, Russell yearned to create
something current. After an album's failure, he faced the reality that people just weren't interested anymore. Undeterred, he looked in the mirror, realizing he couldn't sing pop songs as an old fart. So, he decided to return to his roots, exploring rhythm and blues, Tamla
Motown, and Blues.
His Blues journey took an unexpected turn when he stumbled upon a 1918 police file photo of Thomas Archer, aka Shark Jaws. Inspired, he turned Archer's story into the blues hit "Shark Mouth," which marked the resurrection of his career.
His subsequent albums, like "Van Diemens Land" and "Red Dirt, Red
Heart," defied industry expectations, blending blues and country. Despite initial skepticism, these albums went on to become chart-toppers.
Russell's bluesy revival continued with "Black and Blue Heart" in 2019, a pop-rock collaboration with Bernard Fanning and Nick Didier. He even joined forces with Rick Springfield, creating an album under the pseudonym Jack Chrome.
Fast forward to the present, and Russell Morris is still pushing boundaries. His latest release, "The Real Thing, The Symphonic Concert," features him performing with a 54-piece symphony orchestra. The idea, born from an encounter with businessman Clive Palmer, turned out to be a massive success, selling out
venues across the country.
Russell's story is one of determination and resolve. A tale of belief in yourself and never giving up your passion.
He is an icon in Australia and loved by all. You may or may not know his name. You may or may not know his music but, by the time you've listened to this episode, I guarantee you will not forget him.
I hope you enjoy this episode. Don't forget, if you have someone you'd like me to interview on your behalf (and perhaps you can join me on the line too) just send me a message through my website https:www.abreathoffreshair.com.au and let me know who your favourite 60s 70s or 80s artist is.
Warmest
Sandy

52 min
January 31, 2024 The Hollies' ALLAN CLARKE - One of the Biggest Voices in British Music History
Allan Clarke is a British musician celebrated for his role as the lead vocalist of the legendary rock band, The Hollies. With a career spanning decades, Clarke's distinctive tenor voice and songwriting prowess have left an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll.
Clarke co-founded The Hollies in the early 1960s with childhood friends Graham Nash, Eric Haydock, Tony Hicks, and Don Rathbone. Their harmonious blend and melodic pop-rock sound catapulted them to international stardom. Hits like "Bus Stop," "Carrie Anne," and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" became anthems of the era, showcasing Clarke's emotive vocals and contributing to the band's enduring legacy.
As a songwriter, Clarke collaborated with Nash and Hicks to pen some of The Hollies' most iconic songs. His ability to craft timeless tunes solidified the band's chart-topping success and earned them a permanent place in the pantheon of rock music.
In 1971, Allan Clarke briefly embarked on a solo career, releasing albums such as "My Real Name Is 'Arold" and "Headroom." Despite the solo endeavor, Clarke rejoined The Hollies in 1973, and the band continued to produce hits, notably "The Air That I Breathe."
Beyond his musical achievements, Clarke's enigmatic stage presence and charisma made him a captivating performer. His influence transcends generations, and The Hollies' catalogue remains a testament to his enduring impact on the world of music.
Clarke's return to The Hollies in the '70s marked another chapter in their success, with a continued string of hits. His distinct vocal style, characterized by soulful nuances and emotional depth, remains a defining element of The Hollies' sound.
Allan Clarke's legacy extends beyond his contributions to The Hollies, encompassing solo ventures, songwriting brilliance, and a significant footprint in the evolution of rock music. His name is synonymous with harmony, melody, and the timeless resonance of classic rock—a testament to a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the global music landscape.
Allan has recently released a new album - Resurgence - fulfilling a long time dream to collaborate again with Graham Nash.
The album comes after he, his wife and his daughter all battled with cancer and as a result, finds Allan unable to hit the high notes that he’s become so famous for.
Determined to continue doing what he loves, Allan has penned many of the tracks on this album so that he’s able to sing in a lower key. The result is simply stunning.
I am excited to have Allan Clarke in conversation in this episode, sharing stories from his incredible musical journey. I know you'll enjoy hearing his tales too.
If you'd like to know more about Allan, head for his website https://www.allan-clarke.co.uk/ and if you have any requests for future guests on A Breath of Fresh Air, please get in touch with me through my website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

52 min
January 24, 2024 BOBBY SHERMAN: The Ballad of Hits, Hearthrobs and Heroic Acts
Former teen idol Bobby Sherman is 80 years old and still wowing
them. He was born in Santa Monica, California and became interested in singing whilst at high school. Following his graduation, he was given the opportunity to sing for Sal Mineo’s band at a party and eventually got a gig as house singer for the ABC show ‘Shindig!’, which ran from 1964 to 1966.
His luck changed drastically in 1968 when he was cast in the role of a stammering, bashful logger in the TV drama series ‘Here Come the Brides’. The series became a hit and established him as an actor.
The following year Bobby released the song "Little Woman". The single charted #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually earned gold status. Bobby instantly became adored the world over and from the late 60s to the mid-70s, he toured extensively.
A frequent guest on TV variety shows and featured in an episode of ‘The Partridge Family’, he later had guest roles in several drama series including ‘Mod Squad,’ ‘Murder She Wrote,’ ‘Ellery Queen,’ ‘Frasier,’ ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ 'Good Day LA,’ ‘The Rosie O'Donnell Show,’ ‘Entertainment Tonight,’ and ‘Good Morning America,’ to name a few.
In 1981, Sherman starred in the musical comedy movie ‘Get Crazy’. Five years later, he joined the cast of the sitcom ‘Sanchez of Bel Air.’ His versatility as an actor allowed him to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing a depth
beyond his teen idol persona. These television appearances further solidified his status as a well-rounded entertainer.
After a 25-year absence, Bobby performed in "The Teen Idol Tour" in 1998 along with artists Davy Jones (The Monkees) and Peter Noone (Herman’s Hermits). While his presence in the
spotlight may have waned in recent years, his enduring appeal remains.
Bobby Sherman scored so many hits during the late 60s and early 70s, including "Easy Come, Easy Go”, "Julie, Do Ya Love Me" and "La, La, La", all of which sold millions of copies and earned him gold discs. From 71 to 79, Bobby Sherman was married to his first wife. The couple had two sons, both of whom work in the entertainment industry today.
In the 90s, Bobby joined the Los Angeles Police Department as a
technical Reserve Police Officer. He was later promoted to Captain in the Department and began serving in San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in 1999, eventually retiring in 2010. It was during this time that Bobby met his new wife, Brigitte Poublon. Together, the couple founded the not-for-profit
Brigitte & Bobby Sherman Children's Foundation.
No surprise that Bobby Sherman - all round good guy and much loved entertainer has had several awards bestowed on him for his humanitarian efforts.
Bobby Sherman joins us this week to share tales of his incredible journey.
If you'd like to learn more about him and his charitable foundation, head for https://www.bbscfoundation.org/
#bobby sherman #singer #actor #teen idol #pop #rock #nostalgia #entertainment #humanitarian

52 min
January 17, 2024 Dexys' Dynamo - The Enchanting HELEN O'HARA
Helen O'Hara is a talented violinist best known for her contributions to British band Dexys Midnight Runners.
Born in London, Helens musical journey began at an early age. She exhibited a natural affinity for the violin, showcasing both technical prowess and a deep emotional connection to the instrument. Her early training and dedication to mastering the violin set the stage for her later success with Dexy's Midnight Runners.
She had met the charismatic Kevin Rowland in the late 70s and joined the band in the early 1980s, during a crucial period of the band's evolution. Her introduction added a distinctive and soulful dimension to the band's sound, creating a unique blend of rock, soul, and folk elements that set Dexy's apart in the music scene.
Dexys Midnight Runners, originally formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England, by Kevin Rowland, emerged as a prominent force in the New Wave and post-punk movements. The band was characterised by its eclectic musical style, combining elements of soul, pop, and Celtic folk, and was widely recognized for its energetic live performances.
The band achieved commercial success with their second album, "Too-Rye-Ay," released in 1982. This album featured some of Dexy's most iconic tracks, including the chart-topping hit "Come On Eileen." The distinctive sound of the album, marked by the prominent use of strings and horns, showcased the influence of Helen O'Hara's violin and contributed significantly to the band's success.
After the release of "Too-Rye-Ay," Dexys Midnight Runners underwent a significant transformation. In 1985, Kevin Rowland decided to disband Dexys Midnight Runners and subsequently reformed the group under the simplified name "Dexys." This change reflected Rowland's desire to move away from the Midnight Runners' image and to emphasize a new musical direction.
Under the moniker Dexys, the band continued to explore various musical genres and experiment with their sound. While the lineup underwent changes over the years, Helen O'Hara remained a key member, contributing her violin expertise to the evolving Dexy's sound.
Despite various challenges and lineup changes, Dexys (formerly Dexys Midnight Runners) continued to release music and tour, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. The band's legacy endures not only for their chart-topping hits but also for their willingness to push musical boundaries and embrace diverse influences, with Helen O'Hara's violin playing a crucial role in shaping their distinctive sound.
The extremely talented and humble Helen O'Hara joins us today as our guest to unravel the story of Dexys, to tell us about her personal journey and to share details of her recently released memoir 'What's She Like.'
If you'd like to know more about Helen head for her website: https://www.helenohara-violin.com/biog
If you'd like to suggest a guest for a future episode send me a message through my website https:www.abreathoffreshair.com.au
52 min
January 10, 2024 STEPPENWOLF's John Kay on Life, Love and of course, Music!
John Kay and his band Steppenwolf were pivotal in shaping the rock music landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born in Germany in 1944 as Joachim Fritz Krauledat, John’s
journey to becoming a rock icon was filled with challenges and perseverance.
John’s early life was marked by adversity. He faced hardships in post-war Germany and immigrated to Canada as a teenager. His passion for music bloomed in the vibrant musical scene of Toronto. In the mid-1960s, he formed The Sparrows, which eventually
evolved into Steppenwolf.
The band's name, inspired by Hermann Hesse's novel 'Steppenwolf,' reflected their non-conformist ethos. In 1968, Steppenwolf released their self-titled debut album, featuring the iconic song 'Born to Be Wild.' This anthem not only defined the band's sound
but also became a rallying cry for the emerging counterculture.
John’s gravelly vocals and the band's driving rhythms encapsulated the rebellious spirit of the era. 'Born to Be Wild' notably coined the phrase "heavy metal thunder," cementing its place in rock history and earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.
Following their breakthrough, Steppenwolf continued to produce hits like 'Magic Carpet Ride' and 'The Pusher,' both of which showcased the band's musical versatility and social commentary. Their fusion of hard rock, blues, and psychedelic sounds
appealed to a generation seeking liberation and self-expression.
Despite internal conflicts and line-up changes, John Kay remained the band's driving force. His introspective song-writing and distinctive voice contributed to Steppenwolf's enduring appeal. The band's albums, including 'Steppenwolf 7' and 'Monster,'
further solidified their reputation as trailblazers in the rock genre.
John Kay is also known for his involvement in philanthropy through the Maue Kay Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Jutta Maue-Kay. The foundation is dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, particularly those focused on wildlife
conservation, environmental protection, and supporting the rights of animals.
John, as a passionate advocate for wildlife and environmental causes, has channelled efforts and resources into initiatives that aim to protect endangered species, preserve habitats, and raise awareness about environmental issues.
Today, Steppenwolf’s iconic front man is still involved in
various musical and philanthropic endeavours. He continues to perform, occasionally touring and playing live shows.
He rarely gives interviews anymore so I was particularly
chuffed that he granted me some time to share his incredible story.
I hope you enjoy this special episode. If you'd like to know more about John Kay and Steppenwolf head for https://www.steppenwolf.com

If you'd like to request a guest - any artist from the 60s 70s or 80s that you would like to hear interviewed, please send me a message through my website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

52 min
January 03, 2024 CHICAGO's Lee Loughnane - 56 Years at the Top and Still Loving It
Chicago was one of the most successful bands of the rock era, racking up 21 Billboard Top Ten hits between 1970 and 1990. They were a band that placed equal (if not greater) emphasis on horns as guitar and picked up where Blood Sweat & Tears left off.
Chicago quickly learned how to channel their expansive sound
into concise pop songs, scoring hits in the early 1970s with punchy tunes like "25 or 6 to 4" as well as producing sweet melodies like "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and "Saturday in the
Park." As the ‘70s went on, the band began to emphasise their softer side with bassist Peter Cetera singing mellow standards like "If You Leave Me Now," "Baby and "Hard to Say I'm Sorry."
The band kept the same sound after Cetera’s departure in the mid-1980s. They continued touring and producing albums despite the fact that hits dried up in the ‘90s. Despite this, Chicago remained a pop/rock institution, with original members keyboardist Robert Lamm, trumpeter Lee Loughnane and trombonist James
Pankow.
Our guest today is Chicago co-founder Lee Loughnane who had been a music student at DePaul University with reed player Walter Parazaider and trombonist James Pankow. The three had moonlighted in St Louis’ clubs, playing everything from
R&B to Irish music but it wasn’t long before organist and singer Robert Lamm was asked to join the band. The new group started playing around the Midwest and soon the sextet became a septet when Peter Cetera became the group’s third lead singer.
In 1968, they moved to Los Angeles and the album Chicago Transit Authority was released. The album reached the Top 20 and was certified gold. It went on to sell more than two million copies. The band shortened its name to Chicago and the second album in 1970 vaulted into the Top Ten even before its first single, "Make Me Smile," hit the Hot 100. It went on to reach the Top Ten, as did its successor, "25 or 6 to 4." The album quickly went gold and eventually platinum. "Does Anybody Really Know What
Time It Is?" drawn from the group's first album, as its next single; it
gave them their third consecutive Top Ten hit.
Chicago III came out in 1971, Chicago V in 1972 spending nine weeks at #1, spurred by its gold-selling Top Ten hit "Saturday in the Park.” The next Top Ten hit, "(I've Been) Searchin' So Long," was released in advance of Chicago VII while Chicago X included the
Grammy-winning number one single "If You Leave Me Now." Chicago XI in 1977 generated the Top Five hit "Baby, What a Big Surprise."
By 1984, the band released the biggest-selling album of its career, Chicago 17. It spawned two Top Five hits, "Hard Habit to Break" and "You're the Inspiration." At the turn of the '80s into the '90s, Chicago underwent two more personnel changes. In 1998, they released Chicago 25: The Christmas Album. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Their documentary “Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago" debuted in 2017. Chicago received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and their 38th album was released in 2022.
Our guest today is co-founder Lee Loughnane who discusses how and why after 56 years, 100 million in album sales and 21 top 10 singles, the Chicago band are still rolling.
If you'd like to know more about Chicago head for the band's website https://chicagotheband.com/
If you have suggestions for future guests or would like to get in touch with feedback or comments please email me through my website https://abreathoffreshair.com.au/
I hope you enjoy this week's episode.
52 min
December 27, 2023 DR HOOK's Dennis Locorriere - Great Guy Great Music Great Story
Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show was an American rock band
formed in New Jersey in 1968. They enjoyed huge commercial success in the 1970s with hit singles including "Sylvia's Mother", "The Cover of 'Rolling Stone'", "Only Sixteen" and "A Little Bit More."
Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show owes much of their success to poet Shel Silverstein.
The band had 8 years of regular chart hits. Their music
spanned several genres, mostly novelty songs and acoustic ballads in the early years but then with their later material that consisted of disco-influenced soft rock. The band was then known as Dr. Hook.
Founded by Southerners, George Cummings, Ray
Sawyer and Billy Francis, Dennis Locorriere joined the band as vocalist.
The "Hook" in their name was inspired by Sawyer's eyepatch and a reference to Captain Hook of the Peter Pan fairy tale. Ray Sawyer had lost his right eye in a car crash in 1967, and thereafter always wore an eyepatch.
For a while the group found it difficult to crack the bigtime.
Luckily, in 1970 a musical director on an upcoming movie heard their tapes. Cartoonist, poet/songwriter Shel Silverstein decided Dr. Hook was the ideal group for the soundtrack. That movie helped Dr. Hook secure their first recording contract.
Clive Davis signed the band and they went on to
international success. Silverstein wrote all the songs for their 1972 debut album.
The single "Sylvia's Mother" flopped on first release, but eventually became the band's first million-seller. Silverstein
continued to write songs for Dr. Hook, including their entire second album, Sloppy Seconds.The band's second single, Silverstein’s "The Cover of 'Rolling Stone'" (1972), was another million-selling disc, poking fun at the idea that a musician had "made it" if they had been pictured on the cover of Rolling Stone.
In the United Kingdom, the BBC Radio network refused to play "The Cover of 'Rolling Stone'", because it considered doing so would be advertising a trademark name, which was against the BBC's policy (previously, the Kinks had to change "Coca-Cola" to "Cherry Cola" in their song "Lola" to get around the rule).
Dr. Hook became just as famed for their crazed stage antics, which ranged from surreal banter to impersonating their own opening acts, but it was the group's nonchalance about business matters that led to bankruptcy. The group’s line-up changed a few times over the years. And in 1975 the band shortened its name to Dr. Hook. They signed with Capitol Records in 1975 and released a reworked version of Sam Cooke's "Only Sixteen" which revitalised their career and charted in the top ten the following year.
When they released a song called "A Little Bit More" soon after, it
charted at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spent two weeks at number nine on the Cash Box Top 100. It also reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and became Dr. Hook's joint second-best UK chart placing, matching "Sylvia's Mother".
Follow-ups to "A Little Bit More" included "Sharing the Night
Together", "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman", "Better
Love Next Time", and "Sexy Eyes" which featured prominent female
backup singers. Each single became a certified million-seller.
Ray Sawyer left the band in 1983 to pursue a solo career, while the band continued to tour successfully for another couple of years, ending with Dr. Hook's One and Only Farewell Tour in 1985, with Locorriere as the sole front man. Dennis retained ownership of the Dr. Hook name and continued to tour and release his own solo
albums. Ray Sawyer did not perform publicly after his last tour in 2015. Sawyer died in 2018.
This week Dennis Locorriere is our special guest. During our chat he speaks openly and honestly about his career and his affection for Ray Sawyer as well as his admiration for Shel Silverstein, without whom he’d still be playing the New Jersey club scene.
For more information about Dennis Locorrierre https://www.dennislocorriere.com/

52 min

About '60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

From the publisher's feed

Iconic artists? Music Legends? Sandy Kaye interviews them all on A Breath of Fresh Air - a multi award-winning podcast featuring in-depth interviews with the artists you love. Through compelling conversations, we gain a rare, behind-the-scenes and intimate look at the personal stories and inspirations that fueled the music that shaped entire generations.