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
Jun 3, 2021 • 18min
The Story Behind Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody – An 80s Pop Smash Even Rockers Love
1987 ruled! So many classic albums and songs were released from Def Leppard and Guns n’ Roses to Whitesnake, Depeche Mode and the Smiths from George Michael and Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston. Whitney ruled 87 with her smash hit I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) #1 in 13 different countries The story of the song is told by Narada Michael Walden legendary drummer and producer who has worked on some of the biggest hits of 80s and 90s. A can’t miss 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.
Jun 2, 2021 • 19min
How David Bowie’s Space Oddity Overcame Doubt to Become a Rock Masterpiece
Space Oddity by David Bowie was a track inspired by a milestone Science Fiction movie, but passed on by the most prolific producer in music history. How a song about a fictitious astronaut overcame the label of being a “novelty song” to becoming a transcendent masterpiece in the 70s and beyond by a genius 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.
Jun 1, 2021 • 9min
Remembering B.J. Thomas – The Story Behind Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head
On Saturday May 29th 2021 we lost one of the great singers of the rock and roll era. BJ Thomas, an Oklahoma native, passed away in his home in Arlington Texas of lung cancer. We wanted to share our condolences with his wife and family and recognize his incredible contribution to music as his songs continue to inspire with a pair of #1 hits including Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head which B.J. tells the story of in this exclusive interview. 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 1, 2021 • 9min
The Top 5 Songs from Sade – The Voice That Seduced the 80s & 90s
Sade's voice has a unique quality that is so hypnotic, it lures you into a web of romance, seduction, and rapture. With life changing song like " Smooth Operator" " No Ordinary Love", and "The Sweetest Taboo, her music just makes you flow so freely. 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.
May 31, 2021 • 30min
Dr. Robert on The Blow Monkeys’ Digging Your Scene – An 80s Hidden Gem That Opened Minds
UP Next one of the great hidden gems of 1986. From a british band the can’t really be genre-fide. Digging Your Scene by the Blow Monkeys the band had elements of New Wave, Rock, Jazz, Pop and Soul. that some now call Sophisti-pop. With one of the most memorable first 10 seconds of a song released that year, the singer songwriter of this band, Dr. Robert gives us the story of this elegant 86 hit that you’ll be jazzed to rediscover 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.
May 28, 2021 • 22min
5 Forgotten 80s Hidden Gems You Need to Hear – Featuring Prince, Billy Idol & More
Up next 5 under appreciated songs from the 1980s. Hidden gems we don’t hear as much but deserve a re listen. Including interviews with the artists including Kenny Loggins, Mr. Mister, Billy Idol (guitarist Steve Stevens) as well as picks from Prince and Lindsey Buckingham formerly of Fleetwood Mac: The five gems are Pop Life by Prince, Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham, I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man) by Kenny Loggins, Is It Love By Mr. Mister and Sweet Sixteen by Billy Idol. 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.
May 25, 2021 • 15min
Annie Lennox’s Top 5 Songs – The Distinct Voice of 80s New Wave & 90s Modern Rock
The voice of Annie Lennox is a precious instrument, that moves me to the core, whether with Eurythmics or solo, Her voice is so unique, it’s hard to express why it has such an effect on me, but in this video we lay it all out. Perhaps the reason Annie Lennox is such a riveting singer is because she uses her voice as a vehicle of bold expression. It is the sincerity & self-confidence of how she expresses her feelings that separates her from being just another pretty voice. We cover her career from Eurythmics to solo and share our Annie Lennox fiver from No More I Love You's to Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)… 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.
May 20, 2021 • 32min
Gary Clark on Mary’s Prayer – The Heartbreaking 80s Hidden Gem by Danny Wilson
This the story of one of the greatest hidden gems of the entire 80s, the one hit wonder, Mary’s Prayer by Danny Wilson It’s a breathtaking song, one of my favorites ever, that will make your heart stop as told by its singer and songwriter Gary Clark. If you love the 80s then this one is a no brainer. the story of this 1987 pop classic 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.
May 19, 2021 • 17min
John Rzeznik on the Story Behind Goo Goo Dolls’ Name – The 90s Hit That Changed Everything
Up next the story of one of my most haunting songs of the mid 90s as told by one of the most iconic bands the last 25 years Goo Goo Dolls. With speculation having run rampant of the meaning of this number one alternative rock song we get the straight story from the bands front man and songwriter John Rzeznik in an exclusive and personal interview 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.
May 14, 2021 • 20min
How Tom Petty’s I Won’t Back Down Became a Defiant 80s Rock Anthem
An attempt to take the life of the great Tom Petty, and destroy his family, ignited a defiant spirit that inspired an anthem for unshakable strength & resolve. The #1 rock hit I Won’t Back Down from his 1989 masterpiece Full Moon Fever. We tenaciously & proudly stand our ground with the incomparable Tom Petty.. 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.
