June 11, 2025

Episode 78 - Richard Barone (The Bongos, Solo)

31 minutes

"Lived Through That” is the companion podcast to my book where I look at influential musicians of the 80s and 90s and where they are today. On this podcast, we’ll delve deeper into a single pivotal moment in the lives of some of the artists I feature in that book, as well as other artists I love and admire. The stories they tell are open, honest, and inspiring.

We have legendary artist Richard Barone on the show this week. He started his music career at age seven – yes, seven! - as a DJ at a local radio station in Florida and went on to form The Bongos in the early 80s in Hoboken, New Jersey. The Bongos were one of the foundational bands

of indie pop and went on to record three well received records. In 1987, he released a solo record called "Cool Blue Halo" that became one of the first chamber pop records out there and went on to influence a generation of artists. He’s also written two books -Frontman and Music + Revolution: Greenwich Village in the 1960s and has just released a live record from 1985 with The Bongos titled The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985. But today, he tells us a story about of his first mentors – none other than Tiny Tim.

Music credits:

"Flagger" and "Enter the Room" from ⁠Blue Dot Sessions⁠.

Buy The Bongos' new live record, "The Shroud of Touring" here.

Richard's web site

Richard's tour dates and link for tickets is here.

⁠⁠⁠Be sure to look out for my books, "Lived Through That" and "80s Redux" where ever you buy your books! You can find out more about my work and the 80s and 90s books at my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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