Boomerocity

A first record, a family loan, and the lessons behind a life built around music.

A nightclub can look like one big party. Running it is another story.

Bobby Watman returns to Boomerocity for Part 2 of his conversation with Randy Patterson, and this time we get further into what went on behind the good times: the ideas, the risks, the lessons—and the music that made it all worth doing.

Bobby remembers buying his first 45, explains how the pop culture of the '70s helped shape his nightclub concept, and recalls borrowing $10,000 from his mother with a determination to protect every nickel. There's plenty of affection for the era, but he's candid about the work involved in turning that affection into a business.

Then we move from the dance floor to the microphone. Bobby talks about the coaching that helped him settle into radio, learning to tell a story without taking forever to tell it, and why an occasional on-air stumble can make a conversation feel more human.

If you remember the thrill of bringing home a record—or still turn up the radio when the right song comes on—you'll find plenty to enjoy here.

Boomerocity — The Essence of Being a Baby Boomer.

A producer's candid look at artistic identity, friendship, and the difference between playing the notes and making someone feel them.

You can get the notes right and still miss what makes a performance matter.

Don Miggs returns to Boomerocity for Part 2 of his conversation with Randy Patterson, bringing a producer's ear—and a remarkably candid view of his own work—to the question of what makes music feel personal.

His friendship with Mick Fleetwood gives that question a human face. Don recalls how their relationship grew, the encouragement that arrived when he needed it, and the distinctive feel Mick brings to the drums. He also describes the trust involved in a recording session: helping a musician feel secure enough to give the song something only that person can give.

Along the way, Don talks about recording Steven Tyler's vocal for a Dolly Parton collaboration, why a great song and a hit aren't necessarily the same thing, and what artists owe the listeners who believe in them. His reflections on the Rolling Stones and David Bowie open a thoughtful discussion about growing without losing the identity that brought an audience along in the first place.

Don is just as frank about himself. He talks about second-guessing his records, the temptation to settle for being good enough, and the daily effort to ask more of himself while helping other artists do the same.

For anyone who has wondered why one performance stays with you long after another fades, this is a conversation worth spending time with.

Watch Part 2: https://youtu.be/XE0dB_YbqGM

Boomerocity — The Essence of Being a Baby Boomer.

What happens when a lifelong love of music turns into an unexpected career behind the microphone?

In Part 1 of this Boomerocity conversation, Bobby Watman of SiriusXM's '70s on 7 joins Randy Patterson for a trip through the music, memories and wonderfully unpredictable turns that eventually put him on national radio.

Long before SiriusXM, Bobby was immersed in the entertainment and nightclub world, operating dozens of '70s- and '80s-themed clubs and discovering firsthand just how powerfully music can transport people back to another place and time.

Along the way, Bobby shares stories involving KISS and Gene Simmons, reflects on an encounter with David Cassidy that gave new meaning to the old warning about meeting your heroes, and talks about the path that eventually led him to think, "I think I can do that," when it came to radio.

But beneath the celebrity stories is something every music lover understands: a song isn't merely a song. Sometimes it's a place, a person, a Saturday night, a first love—or an entire chapter of your life waiting to come rushing back through the speakers.

It's music, memories and the stories behind them with Bobby Watman on Boomerocity.

This is Part 1 of our conversation.

Don Miggs joins Randy Patterson to share Dolly Parton and Mick Fleetwood stories, explore the soul of a recording studio, and explain his "honest, not loud" approach to music. Part 1 of Boomerocity's conversation with the musician, songwriter, and producer.

Full show notes

Some of the best music stories tell us just as much about people as they do about records.

In Part 1 of our Boomerocity conversation, musician, songwriter, and producer Don Miggs talks with Randy Patterson about working with Dolly Parton, the encouragement he received from Mick Fleetwood, and the inspiration he finds in historic instruments and recording equipment.

Don shares the story behind his blue hair and recalls his involvement in Dolly's Rockstar project, including co-producing "Let It Be." He also explains why he wants the instruments in his studio to be played and why his goal as a producer is to help artists sound more like themselves.

The conversation moves into artistic identity, AI, artist development, and Don's belief that a lasting connection with listeners matters more than chasing a moment.

Watch the video:

More from Boomerocity: https://www.boomerocity.com/

Don Miggs: https://www.miggs.com/

Follow the Boomerocity podcast for more conversations about the music and the people behind it.

Hosted by Randy Patterson.

For those listening to the podcast, Don is showing us a guitar he identifies as Jimi Hendrix's, along with some of the instruments in his studio.

What happens when musicians facing grief, illness, divorce, depression and isolation find one another—and start making music?

For Rudy Love Jr. and 2ŁØT, it became the beginning of an electronic jam band built around an unusual idea: everything naturally moves toward disorder, but adding energy can push back.

Rudy joins Boomerocity's Randy Patterson to talk about the philosophy behind 2ŁØT, the band's genre-blurring combination of electronic music, funk, soul and improvisation, and the making of its ambitious 16-track album RE/SOLVE.

Rudy also discusses the humanity behind electronic music, collaborating with Jon Batiste and Robert Randolph, the continuing struggle behind RE/SOLVE's message, and why creativity may become even more important in an age of artificial intelligence.

And yes—you'll hear the story about the time John Batiste started jamming with a fire alarm.

Randy Patterson sits down with his friend of 49 years, Dr. Roderick Logan, for a conversation about the ways we raise children, respond to religious harm, and care for others. Rod discusses I Was Loved, Finding Everland, and The Coherent Rhythm of Care, with attention to grandparents, personal dignity, and the limits caregivers need. Their shared history brings music memories, humor, and candor to a wide-ranging interview.

n this episode: childhood memories and parenting intentions; grandparents as a patient presence; rebuilding trust after spiritual abuse; making room for questions; caregiver exhaustion; and Rod's clarity, capacity, and calling framework. Books and resources: https://rodericklogan.com/my-books. Guest website: https://rodericklogan.com/. Watch: https://youtu.be/GQYewQu8A_I .

Hosted and produced by Randy Patterson for Boomerocity.

What do Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, John Cowan, and bluegrass gospel have in common?

More than you might think!

On this episode of Boomerocity, Randy Patterson welcomes award-winning husband-and-wife duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge.

The North Carolina musicians discuss their early influences, the chance meeting that brought them together, and the remarkable musical partnership that followed.

They also share the inspiration behind their gospel album, Soul Condition, and discuss their collaboration with John Cowan on "You Don't Knock."

Along the way, we hear about their experiences at the Grand Ole Opry, their appreciation for traditional bluegrass, and their hopes for the next generation of musicians.

It's a conversation about music, marriage, faith, friendship, and the songs that connect generations.

Listen, enjoy, and share with a friend!

For more interviews, visit Boomerocity.com.

What do you ask a musical legend when you have just 15 minutes together?

For Randy Patterson, interviewing Dionne Warwick was a genuine bucket-list moment.

In this special Boomerocity conversation, Dionne discusses her forthcoming album, Duets, featuring songs written by Diane Warren and collaborations with artists including Cynthia Erivo and John Legend.

She also reveals something unexpected: although Duets is intended to be her final album, she's planning to record with Earth, Wind & Fire!

Dionne shares the delightful story of becoming so absorbed in Cynthia Erivo's singing that she forgot her own entrance. She talks about working with her son, producer Damon Elliott, and explains how decades of life experience have changed the way she approaches love songs.

And when Randy asks about future performances, Dionne leaves the door open to special appearances.

It's a warm, revealing conversation with an artist whose voice has accompanied generations through love, heartbreak, friendship, and everything in between.

Join us for a memorable visit with the incomparable Dionne Warwick.

Boomerocity — The essence of being a baby boomer.

Hosted by Randy Patterson.

Theme music: "Roll the Dice" by Quinten Hope, used by permission.

Post-production: Cardinal Sins Productions.

Laurence Juber joins Randy Patterson for his first Boomerocity interview to discuss I've Got a Feeling, the fifth collection of new arrangements in his acclaimed LJ Plays The Beatles series.

The conversation quickly expands into a remarkable journey through music history.

Laurence shares how his wife, Hope, originally convinced him to record an album of Beatles arrangements; Paul McCartney's reaction to that first project; recording inside Abbey Road's Studio 2; and how he approaches the music of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison as a fingerstyle guitarist.

He also recounts his path from busy London studio musician to becoming a member of Wings, discusses his decades of film, television and recording work, reflects on Man on the Run, and talks about working with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison.

Along the way: Chet Atkins, Hendrix, Phil Keaggy, Al Stewart, the James Bond theme, vintage guitars, music history and much more.

It's an hour with a musician who hasn't merely participated in music history — he's spent a lifetime studying what makes that music work.

Johnny Owens — youngest son of country music legend Buck Owens — joins Randy Patterson for his first Boomerocity interview.

Johnny discusses his new recording of "Act Naturally," his upcoming version of "Together Again," and his plans to bring the music and spirit of the Bakersfield Sound to audiences through Johnny Owens and the Bakersfield Sound.

Along the way, Johnny shares personal memories of his father, Merle Haggard and Don Rich; explains what performing Buck's music has taught him about his dad; talks about Buck Owens the entrepreneur; and tells the remarkable story behind "Who's Gonna Mow Your Grass?"

It's a conversation about family, music, memories and carrying one of country music's great legacies forward.