Professor of Rock
Gamut Podcast Network
The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it's a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 24, 2021 • 17min
Stephen Bishop on the Story Behind On and On – A 70s Yacht Rock Classic
Stephen Bishop tells the hilarious story of his 1977 Hit On and On. He is a California singer-songwriter who had many hits in the 70s and 80s including Save it for a Rainy Day, and It Might Be You from Tootsie, etc tells us the story of his genre defining 1977 hit that captured the nation and is now a bona fide Yacht Rock classic. You’ll get a kick out of the guy. the story is next on professor of rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 22, 2021 • 18min
Lzzy Hale on Halestorm’s Love Bites (So Do I), Hitting #1, and Winning a Grammy
Lzzy Hale of hard rock band Halestorm tells the story of their #1 rock hit Love Bites (So Do I) and winning a Grammy in the same category as her Heroes. When Lzzy was growing up, she didn’t fit in with here classmates who were listening to boy bands while she was listening to Black Sabbath, Dio and Alice Cooper. How she took those influences and created a multiplatinum rock band on professor of rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 20, 2021 • 16min
Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music’s Influence on New Wave – His Top 5 Songs
Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music crafted his own distinctive singing style- developing a beautiful voice that matches his sophisticated flair- elegant, charming, and gallant. He has quietly become one of the most influential artists of the Rock Era- deeply affecting many notable performers, including Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Morrissey and David Bowie- particularly his Serious Moonlight phase. If David Bowie is the ’thin white duke’, then, at 6 foot one inch, Bryan Ferry is the ’tall suave chevalier. We cover his top 5 songs, that we call a fiver, songs like Love is the Drug, More Than This, and Slave to Love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 16, 2021 • 31min
Terry “Buzzy” Johnson on The Flamingos’ I Only Have Eyes for You – A Timeless Oldies Classic
A surviving member of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group the Flamingos tells the magical story of creating I Only Have Eyes for You from 1959. Terry “Buzzy” Johnson arranged, sang and played guitar on this wondrous oldies hit of all time. He tells the rare and authentic story next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 15, 2021 • 20min
Stephen Pearcy on RATT’s Round and Round – The 80s Rock Hit That Deserved #1
Scorpions were one of the first rock bands to play behind the iron curtain, and the experience inspired the creation of Wind of Change the 1991 song that was the soundtrack to the fall of the berlin wall and the Soviet Union. Come take a boat ride down the Moskva River in 1989- whistling along to the melody of the “Wind of Change”... NEXT on Professor of Rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 10, 2021 • 22min
How The Police’s Roxanne Turned a Parisian Night into a Rock Classic
How Sting and the Police created the 1978 hit that put them on the map “Roxanne” as song inspired by strolling through the seediest part of Paris France from their amazing debut album “Outlandos D’ Amour” and how it ignited worldwide domination for the multi-platinum band. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 8, 2021 • 18min
Johnny Rivers & Jack Tempchin on Swayin’ to the Music (Slow Dancing) – A 70s Soft Rock Classic
Up next the story of a classic 70s hit Swayin’ to the Music (Slow Dancing) hit by Johnny Rivers written by Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin, Johnny Rivers is one of the most under appreciated artists to the time. He had 17 top 40 hits in the 60s and 70s. We have the story from both artist and songwriter next on professor of rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 3, 2021 • 23min
The Story Behind Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky – The Ultimate 70s One-Hit Wonder
Story of 1970 Hit: Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 30, 2021 • 19min
How Angus Young & Bon Scott Created Highway to Hell – The Blueprint for AC/DC’s Future
One night brothers Angus Young and Malcolm Young were jamming in the studio after hours… when suddenly Angus had an idea for a riff that he immediately played. The Riff would change everything for AC/DC: Highway to Hell produced by Mutt Lange and sung by Bon Scott broke the band in America for good. the story is next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 26, 2021 • 18min
Nick Hexum on 311’s Down – The 90s Alternative Anthem That Defined a Generation
311 lead singer , Nick Hexum tells the story behind their #1 Alternative hit DOWN from the blue album that rocked 1996 on professor of rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
