As the godfather of shock rock and one of the most enduring figures in American music, Alice Cooper helped redefine what a rock frontman could be. Blending hard rock, theatrical spectacle, and unforgettable hooks, he's delivered a run of iconic albums and singles including School’s Out, I’m Eighteen, No More Mr. Nice Guy, and Billion Dollar Babies. With a career spanning more than five decades, Cooper’s influence extends far beyond the stage — shaping generations of artists while earning induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and maintaining his status as one of rock’s most compelling storytellers.

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All new episodes every week - starting Thursday, January 15th!

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We were very saddened to hear of the passing of our former podcast guest Steve Cropper. Steve was one of the great guitarists and songwriters of all time and his key role in the Stax house band, Booker T & The MG's, helped create some of the most legendary music of the last 60+ years. In this newly re-edited episode, originally recorded in 2021 (shortly before Steve's 80th birthday), Steve tells the story of his life and career. RIP Steve Cropper.

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As we get set to release a brand new season of Rock & Roll High School, we're releasing a newly re-edited version of our Season 2 interview with David Coverdale. David recently announced his retirement and we wish him well.

In David's words: “After 50 plus years of an incredible journey with you with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and Jimmy Page, the last few years have been very evident to me that it's time really for me to hang up my rock and roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans. I thank everyone who's assisted and supported me on this incredible journey. All the musicians, the crew, the fans, the family. It's amazing. But it really is time for me to just enjoy my retirement, and I hope you can appreciate that. I love you with all my heart. Fare thee well.”

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In a newly re-edited version of this episode, originally from Season 3, we revisit our conversation with Justin Hayward. Known principally as the vocalist, lead guitarist and composer for the innovating and trail blazing band Moody Blues, Justin Hayward is an enduring talent that has helped to define the times in which he worked. Over the last forty-five years the band has sold over seventy million albums and in 2018 they were inducted into the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sadly, John Lodge, Justin's bandmate and co-lead vocalist from The Moody Blues passed away on October 10th, 2025.

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In a newly re-edited version of our Season 2 finale, we're joined by award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer, innovator and Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart. Newly inducted into both the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, Dave talks about how he learned to play guitar while recovering from a soccer injury as a child, living and working with Annie Lennox at the start of their career, and the accidental creation of the opening for their hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).” Dave also shares the stories about creating and recording the iconic “Sisters Are Doin It For Themselves” with Aretha Franklin, co-writing and co-producing Tom Petty’s “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” his long-time friendships with Mick Jagger and Jimmy Iovine and more. A great episode for anyone who missed its original airing.

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As a key architect of the Eagles’ classic sound and the band's lead guitarist from 1974 - 2001, Don Felder co-wrote and performed on some of rock’s most enduring anthems, including “Hotel California,” “Victim of Love,” and “Those Shoes.” His signature guitar work helped propel the band to worldwide superstardom and earned multiple Grammy Awards. His latest album, The Vault 1975-2025 Fifty Years Of Music, is out now.

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Legendary songwriter Carole Bayer Sager joins us to reflect on a remarkable career that includes co-writing timeless hits like “Nobody Does It Better,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” and “Arthur’s Theme.” A Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner, Carole shares stories of her collaborations - both personally and professionally - with legends like Burt Bacharach and Marvin Hamlisch—as well as her friendships with icons from Hollywood to Broadway. It’s a candid, inspiring look into the life of one of pop music’s most gifted lyricists.

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You may not know Russ Ballard's name but you certainly know his voice and his songs. From fronting Argent and singing lead on Hold Your Head Up as well as writing and singing lead on“God Gave Rock and Roll to You,” to writing chart-toppers like “New York Groove,” “You Can Do Magic,” “Winning” “I Know There’s Something Going On” and “Since You Been Gone,” Russ has left fingerprints on decades of rock history. His songs have been recorded by everyone from KISS to Santana, America to Rainbow—and his influence spans continents and generations.

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Melissa Manchester is celebrating over 50 years in music and recently joined us in person to discuss her long, successful career. From winning a Grammy in 1982 to having massive hits with classics like “Midnight Blue,”“Don’t Cry Out Loud,” and “You Should Hear How She Talks About You,” Melissa's career is still reaching new heights with the release of her latest album RE:VIEW as well as a new stage show of her life and music, Fifty Threads: An Artist's Journey. From her early days with Bette Midler to writing hits with Carole Bayer Sager, Kenny Loggins and more, Melissa opens up about her creative process, career milestones, and what continues to inspire her after more than five decades in music.

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