KooperKast

Al Kooper tells of hanging with Dylan before and after the infamous Newport Folk Festival, the Greenwich Village scene in 1965, with Jack Elliot, on the road with Dylan in LA, Alice Ochs, giving way to The Band as Dylan's road band. The photo is by legendary programmer and pilot Phil Greenspun.

Hear Al tell about how he played with Mimi and Dick Fariña and then with Bob Dylan at the infamous 1965 Newport Folk Festival.

Al Kooper talks about visiting Birdland as a youth, and sitting close in the kid's section, becoming close to the band members and later hiring them as session musicians.

Al Kooper talks about visiting Brian Wilson and hearing Pet Sounds before it was release, giving Brian a gift, friendship with Carl Wilson, and general appreciation for the Beach Boys.

Al Kooper talks about hearing Dionne Warwick as a youngster and his love for her work , working with her sisters, and his great respect for the work of Burt Bachrach.

Skynyrd becomes a major success, with Sweet Home Alabama in the top 10 as a single from the 2nd album. But things get difficult making the 3rd album, with a rival in the studio.  Then a few years later, a tragic plane crash.

Al moves to Atlanta and hears Lynyrd Skynyrd play, signs them to his new label, and produces their first record.  He runs into Pete Townshend of The Who, tells them about Skynyrd, and they end up going on a major tour, opening for the Who.

Al fills us in on a number of factors about the iconic record, producer John Simon, the origin of the album cover, and a bit about BB. King.

Al tells about playing on George's solo album the day after Lennon was shot, and a surprise visit in LA some years later.

Al talks about renting George Martin’s studio in London and getting some gentle and welcome advice from George, also about a legendary meeting of George Martin with Brian Wilson.