Legacy Podcasts

Woodstock part 4

Andy Cahn — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:23:41 +0000

Paul Kantner from Jefferson Airplane looks back on his Woodstock experiences “you tell your grandchildren about,” and what Patti Smith calls “the community of rock & roll.” This episode also features the Airplane’s live Woodstock performances of classics like “White Rabbit” and more.

Producer: Joyride Media

In stores now – Woodstock Experience two-disc sets by Santana, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Sly & The Family Stone and Johnny Winter feature their classic 1969 albums plus the first-ever commercial release of their full Woodstock live sets! Each release includes previously unreleased live tracks and collectible packaging. A super-deluxe 10-CD box set is also available.

Woodstock part 3

Andy Cahn — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:40:53 +0000

Woodstock opening act Richie Havens remembers what he calls “the first American people’s festival,” and his favorite onsite interview scene from the Woodstock movie. A clip of Havens’ anthem “Freedom” is also featured.

Producer: Joyride Media

Woodstock part 2

Andy Cahn — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:40:57 +0000

Michael Lang and Joel Rosenman look back on their crash course in festival organization when the crowds were much larger than they expected. You’ll also hear clips of Arlo Guthrie and The Who live at Woodstock in 1969.

Producer: Joyride Media

Jayhawks part 2

Andy Cahn — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15:46 +0000

Part 2 of The Jayhawks podcast begins with the legend of how they were signed to Rick Rubin’s (Def) American Records. Gary Louris and Mark Olson look back on the “Hollywood Town Hall” sessions, the initial reaction when it was released in 1992, and how it felt to be alt-country in the time of grunge (aka “the real music.”) Joe Henry also adds his memories of when the Jayhawks toured as his backup band.

Producer: Joyride Media

Recommended: Music from the North Country: The Jayhawks Anthology in stores now

Jayhawks Part 1

Andy Cahn — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:20:12 +0000

Welcome to the first episode of the Jayhawks podcast. Throughout this four-part series, band members Gary Louris and Mark Olson discuss their history as one of America’s most influential roots-rock bands of the last 20 years. Musicians Jeff Tweedy and Joe Henry and Rick Rubin also comment.

Featured music clips include a mix of their best-known tracks and rarities from Music from the North Country: The Jayhawks Anthology, the new two-disc set in stores from American/Legacy on July 7.

Look for new pieces to launch on Mondays, July 6, 13 and 20.

Sam Cooke 4

Legacy Recordings — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:47:05 +0000

Sam Cooke’s popularity didn’t stop him from trying to improve himself and his music, from an intellectual standpoint. Having started with traditional hymns and adding new lyrics, he had attained success and kept challenging himself intellectually, reading everything from Aristotle to James Baldwin. In this podcast, author Peter Guralnick, Sam’s brother LC Cooke and musicians Bobby Womack and Hal Blaine describe the man’s motivations as he created Night Beat, the blues recording literally recorded in the middle of the night. Recording engineer Al Schmitt, who worked on some of Cooke’s best known music: “He was really hands on in the studio… just amazing.”

Songs included: “What A Wonderful World” “For Sentimental Reasons” “Trouble Blues” “Fool’s Paradise” and “Bring it on Home to Me”

Producer: Joyride Media

Ashford and Simpson 4

Legacy Recordings — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:35:23 +0000

“I look cool but on the inside I’m a nervous wreck” – Nick Ashford. As they began their career as performers, Nick and Valerie found some challenges in appearing on stage, as Nick details in this podcast. ”In the early years, I was just uncomfortable. They would put towels around me I’d sweat so much before I’d even go on.” But they also found they enjoyed meeting most anyone could help with songwriting, as Nick explains “I get inspiration from the people I meet. Seems like everybody’s got a story. What people are feeling, that’s what we want to write about.” Their longevity and success may be built on this simple idea, and may be why President Barack Obama has a special version of one of their songs. As Nick says, “You can do it, if you have the energy and the will to do it.”

Songs included: “Found A Cure” “I’m Every Woman” “Solid (as Barack)”

Producer: Joyride Media

Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Part 4

Andy Cahn — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:07:10 +0000

It was 41 years ago today. Enjoy the final installment, and look for a new series on Cash’s San Quentin concert to start in late February.

Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Part 3

Andy Cahn — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:05:01 +0000

Inmate Miller Deadman tells how much the men appreciated that “he had something to give and came here to give it to us. ’Hey Johnny, thanks for coming’ — this is the feeling.” After many songs describing the prisoner’s life in a serious tone, Johnny’s wife June Carter joined him onstage, lightening the mood. Cash also performed “Greystone Chapel,” a song written by Folsom inmate Glen Sherley, for the men, further cementing his connection to them.

Songs included: Long Black Veil, I Got A Woman, Jackson, Greystone Chapel

Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Part 2

Andy Cahn — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:01:56 +0000

Journalist Gene Beley, who accompanied the Cashes to Folsom, describes starting the day with June Carter Cash exclaiming “this is a huckleberry picking morning,” the passage through the gates and seeing their first inmates, struck by their youth. C.O. Jim Brown says Cash “worked the crowd,” including singing songs about prison life, and taking a drink from a prisoner’s tin cup during the show. Merle Haggard, who was an inmate in California, said Cash identified with the men’s plight. ”He understood somehow and the convicts knew it.”

Songs included: Blue Suede Shoes, I Still Miss Someone, Cocaine Blues, Stripes Around My Shoulders, Big Mouthed Woman

Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior 3

Andy Cahn — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:12:21 +0000

Recommended: Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior

Producer: Joyride Media

Roy Orbison Black and White Night Part 2

Andy Cahn — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:06:47 +0000

Barbara Orbison relives the night at the Coconut Grove and the spontaneity of the incredible performances. Hear Roy Orbison and Bruce Springsteen rehearse their performance of “Dream Baby” and singers Bonnie Raitt, kd lang and Jennifer Warnes describe the experience of singing with one of the all-time great vocalists. Anthony DeCurtis of Rolling Stone explains what was so unique about Black and White Night “It had the comfortable feeling of friends performing songs they knew for fun.” Songs include: Blue Bayou, Only the Lonely and Dream Baby

Recommended: Roy Orbison: The Soul of Rock & Roll

Producer: Joyride Media

Add Roy Orbison to your page

Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Part 1

Andy Cahn — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:58:05 +0000

Host Rodney Crowell sets the stage for the historic Johnny Cash concerts performed at Folsom Prison, June 13, 1968. Folsom inmate Miller Deadman and Corrections Officer Jim Brown, who were in the cafeteria that day tell the history of the institution, daily life of the prisoners and what it meant to them when The Man in Black came calling.

Songs included: John Henry, Folsom Prison Blues, Busted, Dark as a Dungeon

Recommended: Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison DVD/CD Box Set

Producer: Joyride Media

Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior 2

Andy Cahn — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:09:47 +0000

In this second episode, guitarists Derek Trucks and John McLaughlin continue the discussion about how Santana’s music relates to his deep, inner spirituality. Carlos Santana also adds some rare insights on this matter. Featured songs include “Spirit,” “Live is Worth Living,” “Samba Pa Ti” and more.

Recommended: Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior

Producer: Joyride Media

Add the Santana widget to your own website or blog – includes this podcast series, videos, photos and the latest news on Santana releases, events and tour dates.

Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior 1

Andy Cahn — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:45:03 +0000

Welcome to part 1 of the Santana Multi-Dimensional Warrior podcast series!

Carlos Santana is one of the all-time great rock guitar heroes, and the driving force behind 40 years of classic anthems. He’s also recorded dozens upon dozens of albums that feature a wide range of music beyond his classic hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Smooth.”

Throughout this podcast series, Carlos takes you deep into his catalog to play bits of tracks he personally selected for the new 2-CD compilation, Multi-Dimensional Warrior. He explains what this title means, how it connects him to his heroes (including Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley), and how “Luz Amor Y Vida,” “I Believe it’s Time” and other tracks reflect his deep spirituality.

You’ll also hear from two generations of guitar greats who have collaborated with Carlos Santana – Derek Trucks and John McLaughlin.

Recommended: Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior

Producer: Joyride Media

To Be Free – The Nina Simone Story 3

Andy Cahn — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:47:20 +0000

Part 3 of the Nina Simone podcast series takes an in-depth look at how Nina’s career was affected by the civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s. The injustices of racism inspired the songs she wrote and performed, but her public stances on these issues did not endear her to the establishment. Nina’s friend, poet Camille Yarbrough, will always remember three phone calls from the FBI (including one at 3am), asking what she knew about Nina’s “business.” Her response is priceless.

This episode also includes pieces of some of Nina’s best-known original songs – “Backlash Blues,” “Mississippi God Damn,” and “Revolution” (credited as a Nina Simone composition, though clearly borrowing from The Beatles). These and other songs can be heard with the Rhapsody Playlist link below.

Recommended: To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story

Producer: Joyride Media

Nina Simone Rhapsody Playlist

To Be Free – The Nina Simone Story 2

Andy Cahn — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:45:38 +0000

The Nina Simone podcast series continues with a great story from Nina Simone’s close friend, Vertamae Grosvenor, involving a “to go” plate of home cooking Nina wanted for a flight nearly 20 years ago. This is an excellent example of content about a legendary artist that you can only hear in these Legacy Podcast episodes. After listening to this piece, please browse around the site to hear similar pieces about Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and so many other great musicians.

This segment kicks off with a bit of Nina singing “See Line Woman.” Even if you are new to Nina’s music, you may know this song thanks to recent covers by Feist and Ollabelle, and the Masters at Work Remix on the Verve Remixed collection. You can also click below to compare all these tracks in Rhapsody.

You’ll also hear comments by Patti Smith, as she remembers being inspired by a Nina Simone concert she saw at New York’s long-gone venue, The Village Gate.

Recommended: To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story

Producer: Joyride Media

See Line Woman Rhapsody Playlist

To Be Free – The Nina Simone Story 1

Andy Cahn — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:42:13 +0000

Welcome to the three-part podcast series, To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story.

Nina Simone was as powerful and complex a person as the music she played. In this first episode, Nina’s daughter, known simply as Simone, and journalist David Nathan try their best to define what Nina meant by the concept of “black classical music.” A great example of this mixture of muscical ideas is found in the performance of “Love Me or Leave Me” from the Ed Sullivan Show in 1960.

This piece also features some great comments by folk singer, Odetta, and Nina’s musical director Al Schackman. It also includes music from the new deluxe box set, also titled To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story.

Recommended: To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story

Producer: Joyride Media

The Elvis Presley Podcast – The ‘68 Comeback Special (Part 3)

Andy Cahn — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:49:25 +0000

Elvis’ original guitarist, Scotty Moore, and drummer, DJ Fontana, rejoined Elvis to be part of the 68 Comeback Special band. Scotty and TV director Steve Binder recall how the spontaneous acoustic jam segment came together as organically as it looks.

The “sit down” set wasn’t even part of the original plan, but Binder knew he had to add this to the special once he stumbled on a backstage jam session. Although the broadcast only included less than 20 minutes of it, both full “sit down” concert tapings are included in the Complete 68 Comeback box set.

Many fans and critics agree that these “unplugged” sessions feature some of Elvis Presley’s finest recorded live performances. After seeing a screening earlier this year, LA Times TV writer Robert Lloyd wrote, “Elvis sweats real sweat as he sings the old songs with new energy…as raw and real as any performance I’ve ever seen.”

Elvis Presley – The Complete ‘68 Comeback Special: 40th Anniversary Edition 4-CD box set

The Elvis Presley Podcast – The ‘68 Comeback Special (Part 2)

Andy Cahn — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:47:40 +0000

When you think about any of Elvis Presley’s live TV appearances, there are always a bunch of young, screaming girls anytime Elvis moves any part of his body. Forty years ago, Kathy Eskenazi Handl was one such excited teen in the audience when the 68 Comeback Special was taped at NBC studios in June 1968.

In this episode, she details her whole experience, from how she begged a network suit for tickets, through the show, to when she even got to hold his guitar.

Elvis Presley – The Complete ’68 Comeback Special: 40th Anniversary Edition 4-CD box set

Willie Nelson’s True Outlaw Stories 5

Andy Cahn — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:55:27 +0000

When Willie Nelson hits the road, he hits it long and hard. Drummer Paul English recalls stretches when they worked 29 out of 30 days! He also tells how Willie motivates everyone to keep on going, though sometime at the expense of their health.

Producer: Joyride Media

The Dennis Wilson Podcast Episode 3

Andy Cahn — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:24:30 +0000

The two-disc DENNIS WILSON – PACIFIC OCEAN BLUE (Legacy Edition) is now in stores featuring all the music you’ve heard in the first two podcast episodes, and now the third piece available below.

This acclaimed cult-classic album is now the acclaimed deluxe reissue. Check out the reviews online from the Boston Globe, Rolling Stone and Variety.

UPDATE 6/19: New article in UK’s The Sun features exclusive Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) interview about the “Holy Man” track on the reissue featuring Hawkins’ new lyrics and vocals.

To really make this a special release, the label put a lot of thought into the packaging. Check it our here (click for a larger image):

Producer: Joyride Media

“Holy Man (Taylor Hawkins Version)” at Rhapsody

The Dennis Wilson Podcast Episode 2

Podmaster — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:23:34 +0000

Dennis Wilson, himself, begins our second episode by detailing his unique songwriting process behind the songs for Pacific Ocean Blue. His keyboard playing was not as technically skilled as a session pro would be, but Dennis had an uncanny ability to use a piano or synth to recreate the sounds or emotions he felt while playing. As Dennis says, it’s the “experience of experiencing an artistic moment.”

Carole Bloom, Jim Guercio and Gregg Jakobson follow up their comments from the first piece with memories of how Dennis’ confidence to write and perform his own music developed over time. It’s easy to hear how much Dennis was influenced by his brother, Brian, to use a studio to creatively weave and layer these sounds around each other for his record.

Producer: Joyride Media

The Dennis Wilson Podcast Episode 1

Andy Cahn — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:00:46 +0000

DENNIS WILSON – PACIFIC OCEAN BLUE PODCAST SERIES

We are now happy to launch this three-part podcast series celebrating the 2-CD Legacy Edition of DENNIS WILSON – PACIFIC OCEAN BLUE in stores from Caribou/Epic/Legacy on June 17. This 1977 album was the first solo release by any of the Wilson brothers and is widely regarded as one of the great lost gems of the late 1970s. The life and music of Dennis Wilson is a a rarely-told, though absolutely essential chapter in the history of the Beach Boys and the Wilson family.

Wilson’s close friends, family and collaborators – including Brian Wilson – discuss how his musical passions both reflected and contradicted his hard, fast lifestyle. We also hear from Dennis, himself, in excerpts of a 1977 radio interview.

The show is hosted by another great drummer named Dennis…Dennis Diken of the Smithereens, who has also authored liner notes for many of the recent Beach Boys CD reissues.

More details about this release are online here and here.

Producer: Joyride Media

The Clash – Revolution Rock Podcast Episode 3

Legacy Recordings — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:01:26 +0000

This segment covers The Clash’s Combat Rock , and their first US pop hit, “Rock The Casbah.” The band hits some bumpy road with the members just being “burned out” as Joe Strummer explains. Their final album comes about not without hardship, with the release of Topper Headon and then Mick Jones shortly after.

Recommended: Clash Live: Revolution Rock

Producer: Joyride Media

Carole King – Tapestry Podcast Part 3

Legacy Recordings — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:04:06 +0000

The new 2-CD Tapestry “Legacy Edition” includes a bonus disc of the album’s 12 tracks performed live by King as just solo vocal and piano arrangements. Our third episode starts with clips of “It’s Too Late” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” from this release. Between the music, King comments on her career performing this repertoire. She also discusses how her songs and on-stage confidence developed from her early Troubadour gigs to headlining major venues after Tapestry became a big hit. Journalist David Wild also comments on the successful intimacy of her recent “Living Room” tours.

Recommended: Tapestry (Legacy Edition)

Producer: Joyride Media

Willie Nelson’s True Outlaw Stories – Part 2

Podmaster — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:20:52 +0000

Willie Nelson’s True Outlaw Stories continue by introducing you to Willie’s longtime drummer, Paul English, as immortalized in Willie’s classic song, “Me and Paul.” When Paul joined the band in 1966, he also became the guy who handled the money after the shows.

Willie’s road manager, Poodie Locke and harmonica player Mickey Raphael discuss Paul’s role as the boss/judge on tour, and the guns he carried to help him deal with the shady club owners.

Paul is also very grateful of the opportunities Willie gave him. When asked what he would be doing if not on tour with Willie, Paul says his answer is always, “Time…I’d be doing time. I would have killed something somewhere.”

Featured songs on Rhapsody:
“The Harder they Come,” “Me and Paul,” “Nite Life,” “If You’ve Got the Money I Got the Time.”

Recomended: Willie Nelson: One Hell of a Ride

Producer: Joyride Media

Producer Paul Chuffo (holding microphone) interviews Paul English (right) in Austin, TX, March 2008. English’s brother, Bill is on the couch to the left.

Photo: John Rosenfelder.

The Clash – Revolution Rock Podcast Episode 2

Legacy Recordings — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:57:23 +0000

In this segment, members of The Clash discuss how London Calling was recorded. Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine / Audioslave / The Nightwatchman) explains what he took from The Clash, and how they were an inspiration to him as far as combining political ideals with music. Also explored is the making and release of The Clash’s triple album, Sandinista!

Recommended: Clash Live: Revolution Rock

Producer: Joyride Media

Carole King – Tapestry Podcast Part 2

Legacy Recordings — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:04:02 +0000

Graham Nash lived near Carole King in LA’s Laurel Canyon area, a fertile ground for many artists of the late 1960s and early 1970s. In our second episode of the Tapestry series, Nash describes some of the common inspirations of that scene and how King applied those ideas to her own music. It was there that King met Danny Kortchmar and the other musicians in their band, The City, who would eventually back Carole King and James Taylor during the sessions for both Tapestry and Taylor’s Sweet Baby James.

As King was developing her new songs for “Tapestry,” album producer Lou Adler and journalist David Wild contrast aspects of the recording that were either collaborative or from Carole King’s own soul. Music includes clips of “It’s Too Late” (#1 for five weeks), “Home Again” and the album’s title track.

Recommended: Tapestry (Legacy Edition)

Producer: Joyride Media

The Willie Nelson Podcast Episode 3

Legacy Recordings — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:17:22 +0000

In the early/mid 1970s, Willie Nelson knew he was “on to something” in Austin, TX, but still had to deal with the Nashville music biz when making records. If RCA, his label at the time, wanted to add strings to make Willie’s records sound more commercial, there was nothing he could to stop them. His only recourse was to let his contract expire and move on to another label that would give him full artistic control.

After a brief, two-album stint at Atlantic Records, Willie Nelson finally got what he wanted when he moved to CBS Records with his 1975 album, Red Headed Stranger. It wasn’t what they thought would be commercial, but it ended up being Willie’s first #1 album. The more Willie did things his own way, the more records he sold, and struck gold again a few years later with jazz standards on the LP Stardust.

[Editors Note: The irony is not lost on the Legacy Podcasters here at Sony BMG Music, the current home of both the RCA and CBS labels. We're sure Willie notices, too.]

Recomended: Willie Nelson: One Hell of a Ride

Producer: Joyride Media

Carole King – Tapestry Podcast Part 1

Legacy Recordings — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:08:18 +0000

Carole King’s Tapestry is one of pop music’s all-time landmark albums. Soon after it’s 1971 release, it spent 15 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s pop album chart, and then stayed on that chart for six full years. Our three part podcast series goes behind the making of this classic, and how Carole King developed from a songwriter for other artists to one of the premiere singer/songwriters of her time.

In our first episode, Carole King remembers her first musical experiences in high-school as part of the honor-students-on-the-street-corner group “The Cosines.” She also recalls her early days writing songs for other artists at New York’s Brill Building. She and then-husband Gerry Goffin scored their first hit as writers in 1961 when The Shirelles recorded “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow. Journalist David Wild comments on how that song progressed from it’s girl-group era innocence to the more mature, piano/vocal arrangement King recorded for Tapestry a decade later after she divorced Gerry Goffin.

Producer Lou Adler also details how she wrote Aretha Franklin’s hit “Natural Woman,” another song she revised on Tapestry. Singer/songwriter Graham Nash, also discusses the honesty of King’s music, and how her songwriting was influenced by her own personal struggles.

Recommended: Tapestry (Legacy Edition)

Producer: Joyride Media