FRIENDS AND LEGENDS WITH SKIP MARTIN

Latest Episodes:

Episode 016 - Riding High, Winning Grammys - The Keith Harrison Story (Part 1) Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Friends & Legends with Skip Martin Host: Skip Martin Summary: Skip Martin sits down with longtime friend and Dayton funk royalty Keith Harrison (Faze-O, Heatwave, the Dazz Band) for part one of a two-part conversation: the Dayton dance-band scene, balancing the U.S. Air Force with music, Faze-O's discovery by Ohio Players' Clarence Satchell and “Riding High,” Heatwave with Rod Temperton, and the call to join the Dazz Band and cut “Let It Whip.” They revisit the Dazz Band's tied Grammy win with Earth, Wind & Fire, trade backstage stories on Grace Jones, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Rick James, and Keith opens up on his memoir and what music means to him. Part two continues next episode. Main Topics: ● Keith Harrison's career arc across Faze-O, Heatwave and the Dazz Band ● Recruited into the Dayton dance-band scene as a teenager ● Balancing a U.S. Air Force career with music ● Faze-O's discovery by Ohio Players' Clarence Satchell and making “Riding High” ● Joining the Dazz Band and driving to Cleveland to record “Let It Whip” ● Playing alongside Heatwave's Rod Temperton and drummer Ernest “Bilbo” Berger ● The night the Dazz Band tied Earth, Wind & Fire for the Grammy ● Backstage stories: Grace Jones, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Rick James ● What music means to Keith — songwriting as an emotional outlet ● Keith's in-progress memoir and the Dazz Band's Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction (25 July) Intriguing Quotes: ● “Music to me is universal — it's the harmony of the world.” — Keith Harrison [06:33] ● “I make a lot of music because I get depressed after I finish a song — like a postpartum. So I write another one.” — Keith Harrison [10:36] ● “Each one of these songs you do is like a child. You let it go into the world and let it prosper.” — Keith Harrison [10:36] Key Moments: ● [00:14] Skip introduces Keith Harrison for a wide-ranging look back at his career ● [03:34] Keith gets word, while overseas recording with Heatwave, that a band is looking for a second keyboard player ● [06:33] Keith's definition of music: “universal harmony” ● [12:07] Turning down a football scholarship and enlisting in the U.S. Air Force ● [13:38] Faze-O's discovery by the Ohio Players and recording “Riding High” ● [15:38] The Dazz Band's historic tied Grammy win with Earth, Wind & Fire ● [18:39] Backstage: Grace Jones's wicker dress, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Rick James ● [20:39] Keith reveals the cover of his upcoming memoir ● [21:09] The Dazz Band's Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction, 25 July ● [23:09] Reggie Andrews and the studio moment behind “Let It Whip” ● [26:11] Skip and Keith wrap up, teeing up Part 2 Notable Resources: ● Keith Harrison's in-progress memoir, “My Journey with Faze-O, Heatwave, and the Dazz Band” (unreleased) ● Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction, 25 July — Heatwave, Class of 2026 ● “Riding High” — Faze-O (1977), with Ohio Players' Clarence Satchell ● “Let It Whip” — The Dazz Band (1982), Reggie Andrews & Ndugu Chancler, Grammy winner Connect with Keith Harrison: Facebook: search “Keith Harrison” Instagram: search “Keith Harrison” (Personal website/email given verbally came through garbled in the transcript — flag for a listen before publishing.) Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 015 - From Eddie and the Cruisers to Beaver Brown - John Cafferty Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Friends & Legends with Skip Martin Host: Skip Martin Summary: Skip Martin sits down with his longtime friend John "JC" Cafferty of John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band to trace the band's path from a bar called the Bitter End in Greenwich Village to two career-defining hits, "On the Dark Side" and "C-I-T-Y," both born out of the 1983 film Eddie and the Cruisers and the Tough All Over album. The two swap road stories, honor two departed friends (saxophonist Michael "Tunes" Antunes and Santana's Alex Ligertwood), and John signs on to join Skip's new charity single "WIN" (World Hope Emerging Now), benefiting Skip's nonprofit Skip Into Learning. Main Topics: ● John Cafferty's Rhode Island roots and forming the Beaver Brown Band in 1972 ● Early influences: Elvis Presley movies, the Beatles, and Motown ● His cousin Steve Smith and the Rock 'N' Jock charity events the two co founded ● Meeting Peter Rivera, the first white singer signed to Motown's Rare Earth label ● Playing shows with John Waite ● The origin story of "On the Dark Side," written for the Eddie and the Cruisers soundtrack ● The story behind "C-I-T-Y" from the Tough All Over album ● Balancing family life and the road with his wife Terry Lee and two sons ● The new charity single "WIN" (World Hope Emerging Now) and Skip's nonprofit Skip Into Learning ● The all-star artist lineup joining the WIN project, including Mickey Thomas, John Elefante, Kevin Chalfant, Ray Parker Jr., Gloria Gaynor, Mary Jane Girls, Howard Hewett, and Mark McGrath ● Remembering saxophonist Michael "Tunes" Antunes and Santana's Alex Ligertwood ● John's definition of music as a "giving thing" and the sound of a soul singing Intriguing Quotes: ● "Music is the sound of a soul singing." - Skip Martin ● "I always felt that music is a giving thing. It's not a getting thing." - John Cafferty ● "You are the hardest working man in show business, no doubt." - John Cafferty, on Skip ● "There's power in numbers." - Skip Martin, on collaboration Key Moments: ● [00:00] Skip welcomes John "JC" Cafferty of the Beaver Brown Band ● [01:02] John traces the band's Rhode Island roots back to 1972 ● [04:05] The story behind "On the Dark Side" and the Eddie and the Cruisers movie deal ● [05:31] How "C-I-T-Y" came together while driving past a Detroit GM factory ● [06:36] John reflects on raising his family on the road ● [09:19] Skip introduces the new charity single "WIN" and invites John to join ● [17:56] Remembering Alex Ligertwood and a late-night garbage can jam session ● [20:30] Honoring saxophonist Michael "Tunes" Antunes Notable Resources: ● WIN (World Hope Emerging Now) charity single, benefiting Skip Into Learning ● Skip Into Learning, Skip Martin's 501(c)(3) providing instruments for kids ● People Get Ready project, Skip's prior charity single for St. Jude's Hospital Connect with John Cafferty: Website: https://www.johncafferty.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johncaffertyofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johncafferty_official/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialjohncafferty Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 014 - From Jimmy Page to Ozzy Osbourne - The Phil Soussan Story Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Friends & Legends with Skip Martin Host: Skip Martin Summary: Bassist and songwriter Phil Soussan joins Skip Martin to trace a career that runs from twelve years of classical violin training in London to co-writing one of Ozzy Osbourne's biggest hits. Phil talks through breaking into the London scene via classified ads, the phone call that turned into the Ozzy Osbourne gig after a chance connection with Jimmy Page, and the story behind "Shot in the Dark." He and Skip swap road stories, including the origin of Ozzy's mirrored cape and a run-in with the Finnish police that ended in a Beatles singalong. Phil closes out on why he sees music, like his old restaurant, as a hospitality business, and what's next for Last in Line and his upcoming solo album. Main Topics: ● Early musical roots - falling in love with music before age two, and a nursery rhyme record player from a cousin ● Twelve years of classical violin training and how it shaped his ear for bass ● Choosing bass over piano and guitar, rooted in classical figured bass theory ● The hard conversation with his parents about leaving pre-med for music ● Breaking into the London music scene through Melody Maker classified ads ● The chance connection through Jimmy Page that led to auditioning for, and landing, the Ozzy Osbourne gig ● Co-writing "Shot in the Dark" and the Al Jarreau influence behind its chord progression ● The sheer scale of 80s rock touring, and the story behind Ozzy's mirrored cape ● A run-in with Finnish police that turned into an impromptu Beatles singalong in a stuck elevator ● Life on the road with Steve Lukather, Jimmy Page, John Waite, Billy Idol, Vince Neil and Johnny Hallyday ● Why Phil sees himself as being in the hospitality business, on stage and as a former restaurant owner ● What's next: the Last in Line reunion and his new solo album Intriguing Quotes: ● "I said, Nana, that's what I'm gonna do... I'm gonna make music so that when I die, people will feel like I'm still in the car with them." - Skip Martin (06:30) ● "His response was, anything but that." - Phil Soussan, on his dad's reaction to him choosing music over medicine (05:50) ● "If you find something you love doing, you'll never work a day in your life." - Phil Soussan, quoting his father (05:50) ● "I think I'm in the hospitality industry... we do something that takes people out of their day-to-day problems, their day-to-day issues, just for a short period of time." - Phil Soussan (18:04) ● "Without the fans we'd be nothing." - Phil Soussan (20:00) Key Moments: ● [00:00] Skip welcomes Phil Soussan to the show ● [01:15] The "Odd Couple" - playing with Steve Lukather and Edgar Winter in Finland ● [02:17] Phil's earliest musical memory, a gramophone gift from a cousin ● [03:25] Twelve years of classical violin and how it led him to bass ● [04:46] The moment Phil realized music could be a career ● [05:12] Telling his parents he was quitting pre-med for music ● [07:15] Breaking into the London scene through Melody Maker ads ● [08:16] Playing with Jimmy Page and the phone call that led to Ozzy Osbourne ● [09:56] Co-writing "Shot in the Dark" and its Al Jarreau-inspired chords ● [12:18] Just how massive 80s rock touring was ● [12:51] The story behind Ozzy's mirrored cape, inspired by Diana Ross ● [16:03] The Finland police and the Beatles singalong in a stuck elevator ● [18:04] Why Phil sees music and hospitality as the same gift ● [21:22] What's next for Last in Line and Phil's new solo album Notable Resources: ● Last in Line - Phil's band with Vinny Appice, Andrew Freeman and Vivian Campbell - touring resumes August 2026 ● New solo album "Cosmo Fighters" - signed to BraveWords Records, expected release this fall ● "Shot in the Dark" - Ozzy Osbourne, Billboard Top 100 hit co-written by Phil Connect with Phil Soussan: Website: https://philsoussan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philsoussan/ X: https://x.com/philso Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 013 - Sixth-Generation Country - Golden Ring and Family First with Wayne & Alyssa Brewer Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Friends & Legends with Skip Martin Host: Skip Martin Summary: Skip sits down with country duo Wayne & Alyssa Brewer, whom he met at the Kentucky Derby, for a fast-paced 20-minute chat about family, music and grit. Alyssa traces her roots back six generations to the original Carter Family and shares two Guinness World Records from her childhood on the road. The pair open up about splitting “the music business” from “the music,” the whirlwind around their debut single “Golden Ring” going viral and landing them a People Magazine feature, and who is more likely to change the setlist at the last second. Skip trades his own war stories — breaking through with The Dazz Band’s “Let It Whip” at Madison Square Garden and blanking on the lyrics to “Cherish the Love” in front of European royalty in Monte Carlo — before the three land on a shared lesson: anything worth being great at demands you push through the pain. The episode closes with Wayne & Alyssa introducing their baby daughter, Alayna, on camera. Main Topics: • How Skip met Wayne & Alyssa Brewer at the Kentucky Derby • Alyssa’s sixth-generation musical lineage, tracing back to the original Carter Family • Two Guinness World Records: youngest recording artist and youngest to perform at the Grand Ole Opry • Growing up on the road from age seven • The artists who shaped them growing up: Carrie Underwood, KISS, Queen, Boston, Deep Purple • Separating “the music business” from the passion of the music itself • The debut single “Golden Ring” going viral and landing a People Magazine feature • Who’s more spontaneous on stage: Wayne changing plans last-second vs. Alyssa running late • Freestyling and covering for each other when the lyrics slip • Skip’s own war stories: The Dazz Band’s “Let It Whip” at Madison Square Garden, forgetting the words to “Cherish the Love” in Monte Carlo • Why perseverance and hard work are the biggest lessons music has taught them • Meeting Wayne & Alyssa’s baby daughter, Alayna, on camera Intriguing Quotes: • “Anything that is to be great, there’s pain that’s involved in it … and on the other side of that is greatness.” — Skip Martin • “I’m in the Guinness Book of World Records twice — once for the youngest recording artist and once for being the youngest to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.” — Alyssa Brewer • “Hard work does pay off, and you also get to have fun while you’re doing it … especially with your spouse.” — Wayne & Alyssa Brewer • “My phrase is, don’t play no games.” — Skip Martin Key Moments: • [00:24] Wayne & Alyssa on meeting Skip at the Kentucky Derby • [02:02] Alyssa traces her family’s music lineage back to the original Carter Family • [04:00] Alyssa reveals she holds two Guinness World Records • [07:43] The story behind “Golden Ring” going viral and their People Magazine feature • [09:21] Skip shares his own Dazz Band “Let It Whip” story from Madison Square Garden • [13:43] Skip’s Monte Carlo story: forgetting the words to “Cherish the Love” in front of royalty • [17:35] Skip’s “anything great hurts” reflection on perseverance • [19:03] Wayne & Alyssa introduce their baby daughter, Alayna Notable Resources: • “Golden Ring” — Wayne & Alyssa Brewer’s cover of the George Jones/Tammy Wynette classic, lead single from their debut album Alyssa & Wayne Sing George & Tammy (SGM Records, distributed via Sony/The Orchard) • People Magazine and CMT feature coverage of Wayne & Alyssa Brewer (confirmed via awbrewer.com) Connect with Wayne & Alyssa Brewer: Website: https://awbrewer.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/alyssa_wayne_brewer_official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awbrewerofficial YouTube: https://youtube.com/@alyssawaynebrewer Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 012 — Men At Large, Mental Health, and Music as Medicine with Dr. Dave Tolliver Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

A conversation with Dr. Dave Tolliver — founding member of Men At Large, Cleveland kid who grew up idolising the Dazz Band — on legacy, loss, the LeVert Experience, and why music is a soul vaccination. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Dr. Dave Tolliver grew up in Cleveland with his uncle Lynn Tolliver on the radio and Skip Martin on the stage — Skip was his inspiration to start singing before they ever met. In this conversation, Dave and Skip revisit a pandemic pop-up concert with Tony Terry, trace the history of Men At Large from Boys From The Hood through Michael Bivins renaming them to a 2022 album dropped 30 years after their debut, and talk about losing a bandmate and finding their way back. Dave opens up about his new rap single Too Much Pain and his mental health story. Skip closes on music as medicine and what gets left behind. Main Topics: Dave's Cleveland childhood — uncle Lynn Tolliver's 40-year radio career and growing up idolising Dazz Band and New Edition Seeing Skip perform live as a kid and Skip becoming the reason Dave started singing The pandemic pop-up concert with Skip, Tony Terry, and a member of Surface The story behind Skip and Dave's collaboration Someone Like You How Boys From The Hood became Men At Large — the Michael Bivins rename story The shift from novelty act to R&B lover-boy image and hits like Holiday and Let's Talk About It Losing bandmate Gemini Porter and reuniting with the original partner The LeVert Experience — Dave's current touring project with Joe Little and Marc Gordon Love Benefits — the 2022 album released 30 years after the group's debut Dave's rap single Too Much Pain and his personal mental health journey Skip on music as medicine, soul vaccination, and what legacy really means Intriguing Quotes: "A man at large is not only a man that's large in stature, but he's somebody that's large in the community. He has a lot of clout. He's a man at large." "That's a love prejudice. That's all that is." — Skip Martin "Music is a tool for change. It's a tool, it's a medicine. It's a soul vaccination, it's a healing." — Skip Martin "Once our lives are gone, we'll be forgotten in two generations. Nobody will even know who we were." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [00:47] Dave traces his Cleveland roots — uncle Lynn Tolliver, 40 years in radio, and a house full of music. [02:01] The pandemic pop-up concert. Skip, Dave, Tony Terry, and a member of Surface. What happened that night and why it mattered. [04:15] The story behind Someone Like You — how Skip and Dave came to make the record together. [08:26] Michael Bivins hears Boys From The Hood and tells them that name has to go. Men At Large is born. [12:42] Dave talks about losing bandmate Gemini Porter — and what it took to come back and reunite with his original partner. [13:09] Love Benefits drops in 2022. Thirty years after the debut. The group is still here. [18:03] Dave releases Too Much Pain — a rap single about his own mental health journey. He tells Skip why he had to make it. [18:39] Skip closes on music as medicine, legacy, and what gets left behind when we're gone. Notable Resources: Someone Like You — Skip Martin featuring Dave Tolliver, available on Spotify Too Much Pain — Dave Tolliver's rap single and video on mental health Love Benefits — Men At Large 2022 album, available on streaming platforms LeVert Experience — Dave's current touring project with Joe Little and Marc Gordon Connect with Dave Tolliver: Search Dave Men At Large or Dave Tolliver on all platforms Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 011 — Lessons Not Losses with Steph Payne Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

A conversation with Steph Payne — Emmy-winning singer, US Army intelligence analyst, fusion artist — on going from military intel to the main stage, why every loss is just a lesson in disguise, her father's advice that has never failed her, and the COVID project that won her an Emmy at the lowest moment. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Steph Payne grew up in Los Angeles, served as a US Army intelligence analyst during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and built her second home in Las Vegas over 13 years. She sings across R&B, jazz, rock, and gospel without picking a lane and calls herself a fusion artist. In this conversation with Skip Martin, Steph talks about the difference between losses and lessons, the simple advice from her father that gets her through every setback, what music means at the level of a universal frequency, and the People Get Ready project that won her an Emmy and lifted her spirits at the lowest point. Skip lays in two parables along the way — the goat in the well, and the tree that grows down before it grows up. Main Topics: Growing up in Los Angeles and making Las Vegas a second home over 13 years US Army intelligence analyst during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom Lessons not losses — the reframe that protects her drive Her father's advice: find something else and make it work Music as a universal frequency, an outlet, an escape, a memory keeper Steph's identity as a fusion artist who refuses to pick a lane The goat in the well — Skip's parable about shaking off every attack The tree that grows down before it grows up — the unseen cost of greatness The People Get Ready project — winning an Emmy during COVID The price the people closest to you pay for your success Intriguing Quotes: "I went from the military to the main stage." "I don't like to call them losses. I like to call them lessons." "Find something else and make it work." — Steph's father "Music helps us be emotionally intelligent when we're not being rational." "I shake it off and I end up like that goat on top of the heap." "Success will come when you make others a priority." — Skip Martin "Music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [01:43] Steph drops the line that names the episode — "I went from the military to the main stage" — after explaining her service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. [04:54] Steph reframes every setback. "I don't like to call them losses. I like to call them lessons." [05:38] Her father's advice — said once, stuck forever. Find something else and make it work. [06:17] Skip tells the goat in the well parable. A farmer tries to bury a goat. Every shovel of dirt the goat shakes off and stands on. Eventually it walks right out. [12:12] Skip's tree analogy. The roots grow down in the dark before the canopy reaches the sun. People only see the tree. They miss what it cost to get there. [14:38] Steph reflects on People Get Ready. COVID. Discouraged. Borderline downtrodden. Skip's invitation lifted her spirits at the time. The Emmy lifted her career down the road. [16:22] Skip closes — 168 tracks in a three-minute-eighteen song. Success comes when you make others a priority. The biggest lesson of his life. Notable Resources: People Get Ready — Legends Unite for Saint Jude (Skip Martin's Emmy-winning project) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — beneficiary of the People Get Ready project Connect with Steph Payne: Search Steph Payne on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 010 - The Song That Saved a Stranger's Life - Tom Schuman Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

A conversation with Tom Schuman — Grammy-nominated keyboardist for Spyro Gyra for 49 years, now living in Barcelona — on the music that saved a stranger's life, what it means to let the God force flow through you, and why less became his closest friend. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Tom Schuman grew up in Buffalo — son of a jazz bassist, raised on Oscar Peterson and Sarah Vaughan — and spent 49 years as keyboardist for Spyro Gyra before leaving in February 2023 and moving to Barcelona with his wife. In this conversation with longtime collaborator Skip Martin, Tom talks about the moment he knew music was his purpose, the fan message that made everything worth it, being called a myth by a man in Algiers who thought Kool and the Gang might not really exist, and why collaboration with someone whose gifts complement your own is the only place real magic happens. Main Topics: Growing up in a jazz household in Buffalo — a bassist father, a singer mother, music by osmosis 49 years with Spyro Gyra — and the decision to leave and move to Barcelona The God force — the creative philosophy Tom and Skip built their partnership around Less is more — what Tom taught Skip, and what Skip gave back The People Get Ready project and why it still matters The song Innocent Soul and the stranger who decided not to end his life A fan in Algiers who thought Kool and the Gang were a myth When — the song Skip and Tom wrote in 10 minutes during COVID Tom's new solo album I Am Human on Nama Music Intriguing Quotes: "I prefer to think of it as the purest form of a universal language which can in great detail represent the heart, soul and intellect of a musician or composer." "Music is also a source of immortality. I feel like I'm going to be here a lot longer than my body because of this music." "He was crying because he thought you were a myth." — interpreter in Algiers "If I had done nothing else in my life, hearing about that made me feel like — okay, this is what I'm here to do." "We are all empowered when we collaborate with others that have gifts that you don't have." "My definition of music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [05:30] Skip tells Tom that Tom taught him how to play less — and that less became his closest friend. Tom says Skip taught him his place. Two legends, humbled by each other. [12:00] Skip shares his definition of music — the sound of a soul singing. Tom has been trying to find his phone notes to read his own. When he finally does, he says it's pretty close. [21:45] Tom receives a message from a fan who says that Innocent Soul, a song Tom wrote for Spyro Gyra, stopped him from taking his own life. Tom says if he had done nothing else, that was enough. [23:00] Skip tells the Algiers story. A man on a runway who spoke no English, arms full of albums, crying. The interpreter asks why. He thought Kool and the Gang might not really exist. The music had reached him thousands of miles from where it was made. [19:20] Skip and Tom write the song When — lyrics, concept, everything — in 10 minutes over a phone call during COVID. That's what 49 years of combined instinct sounds like. Notable Resources: Tom Schuman new album: I Am Human — coming soon on Nama Music People Get Ready — search on YouTube and streaming platforms Let's Stay at Home — Skip Martin and Tom Schuman, available on streaming platforms Connect with Tom Schuman: Search Tom Schuman and Spyro Gyra on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 009 — Acres of Diamonds with Greg Reid Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

A conversation with Greg Reid — author of 157 books, dyslexic, 38 years sober, rejected by 268 publishers before his first book — on sitting on your fortune without knowing it, what Steve Wozniak said about one microchip, and why a dream written down with a date becomes a goal. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Greg Reid can't spell, can't read in the traditional sense, and was rejected 268 times before a publisher said yes. He has since written 157 books, produced a Netflix film called Wish Man, and built Secret Knock — the most exclusive event you cannot find without an invitation. In this conversation with Skip Martin, Greg shares the parable of Acres of Diamonds, what Steve Wozniak said about one microchip, and how the founder of Make-A-Wish signed over his life rights on a single condition. Skip meets him story for story — his audiographic memory, his mother's 24-hour clock, and the reason he has never held a secular job in his life. Main Topics: The parable of Acres of Diamonds — most people are sitting on their fortune right now Greg's dyslexia, 268 rejections, and the book that produced a quote shared 37 million times Steve Wozniak on embracing what you don't have — how one microchip changed personal computing Secret Knock — 20 years of sold-out events, zero advertising, guests including Edward Snowden and a NASA astronaut whose wife discovered signs of life on Mars Frank Shankwitz, founder of Make-A-Wish, and the Netflix film Wish Man Skip's audiographic memory and the movie he's developing called A Boy Named Skip Skip's mother's 24-hour clock — the tool that reveals your true passion Greg's 38 years of sobriety and what the S in Greg S. Reid stands for Intriguing Quotes: "A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken into steps becomes a plan. And a plan backed by action makes your dreams come true." "We weren't trying to be cool or innovative. We could only afford one chip." — Steve Wozniak via Greg Reid "Stop looking at something as your greatest challenge. It could be your greatest blessing in disguise." "Everyone can be a hero. You do not need to be a celebrity." "First there's a dream. Then there's a challenge. Then comes victory. Unfortunately most people quit in the challenging times." "The measure of an educated man is the places he's been." — Skip Martin's mother Key Moments: [02:00] Greg tells the Acres of Diamonds parable — the man who sold his farm for pennies, went looking for fortune, and never knew he was sitting on diamonds the whole time. [05:00] Greg pulls out his rejection letters. All 268 of them. He kept every one. The first book that made it became The Millionaire Mentor — and one quote from it was shared 37 million times last year. [07:00] Steve Wozniak explains Apple's origin — they could only afford one chip. By embracing that constraint they found the shortest, cleanest path. And changed the world. [15:00] Greg reveals Secret Knock — no ads, no speaker list, no location until the last moment. Their next guest is a NASA astronaut whose wife just discovered the building blocks of life on Mars. [21:00] Frank Shankwitz signs over his life rights. His only wish — that his grandkids know he did something. Six years later, Wish Man lands on Netflix. [29:30] Skip's mother gives him a 24-hour clock. Write down everything you did in the last 24 hours. Whatever you spent the most time on is your passion. Go do that. Notable Resources: Wish Man — available on Netflix Secret Knock — secretknock.co The Millionaire Mentor — Greg Reid, available on Amazon and major retailers Greg Reid on Instagram: @GregSReid Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 008 — Still Taking Breath Away with Terri Nunn of Berlin Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

A backstage moment with Terri Nunn — iconic lead vocalist of Berlin, the voice behind Take My Breath Away — on new music, a new album, a new tour, and why she and Berlin are better than ever. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Terri Nunn has one of the most recognisable voices in music history. Take My Breath Away became a global phenomenon and it still stops a room decades later — as Skip Martin found out when they sang it together backstage. In this clip, Terri shares the news that Berlin is back with a brand new album called Transcendence, a fresh record deal, and a US headline tour running from August 2nd through September 24th alongside OMD and the B-52s. She and Skip have been performing together for years, and the chemistry between them is exactly what it sounds like — two people who love music and love each other's company. Main Topics: Berlin's new album Transcendence and how it came together over two years of writing The new record deal — and what it means to be back in the studio and on the road The US headline tour from August 2nd to September 24th with OMD and the B-52s Skip and Terri performing Take My Breath Away live backstage — together, unscripted What it feels like to still be doing it at this level and loving every minute Intriguing Quotes: "We ain't done yet. We're still doing everything." "You're better than ever." "If you want to get laid, buy this album." — Terri Nunn on Skip's music Key Moments: [00:18] Skip and Terri launch straight into Take My Breath Away — live, unannounced, just the two of them. No setup. No backing track mentioned. Just the song. [04:45] Terri reveals Berlin has been writing together for two years, landed a new record deal, and the album Transcendence is dropping August 2nd. [05:15] The full tour lineup lands — Berlin headlining across the US with OMD and the B-52s from August through late September. Two legends on one bill. Notable Resources: Berlin — album: Transcendence, available on streaming platforms Tour: Berlin headlining with OMD and the B-52s, August 2 — September 24 Connect with Terri Nunn and Berlin: Search Berlin Band and Terri Nunn on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 007 — Music Saved My Life with Arturo Sandoval Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

A conversation with Arturo Sandoval — Cuban-born trumpet legend, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Kennedy Center honoree — on Dizzy Gillespie changing everything, what it means to teach with love, and why music is the only language the whole world speaks. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Arturo Sandoval was born in a small village in Cuba in 1949. He heard a Charlie Parker recording as a young man and his life was never the same. Dizzy Gillespie became his mentor and the man who walked with him to the American embassy to secure political asylum. He has since collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, and countless others, taught at Florida International University for 20 years, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and is preparing for a Kennedy Center Honor. In this phone conversation with his friend Skip Martin, Arturo talks about what music means, why he teaches, and what he owes to the art that saved his life. Main Topics: Growing up in Cuba and hearing Charlie Parker for the first time — the moment that changed everything Dizzy Gillespie as mentor, champion, and the man who helped Arturo get political asylum in the United States His definition of music — the only truly international language Twenty years teaching at Florida International University — and why he still gives private lessons at home The pedal tones session with Skip and the jam in Perth, Australia — two moments that made Skip cry in public Collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, and playing on Skip's Just Believe in Love The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the upcoming Kennedy Center Honor — alongside Bonnie Raitt, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater Skip's origin story — seven years old, Nat King Cole on the radio, and the promise he made to his grandmother Why Arturo says music saved his life Intriguing Quotes: "Music is probably the only international language that everybody can understand. Everywhere in the world." "When I see the student that really got a passion and love for music, I really try my best to help." "It's a blessing from God. I'm so grateful because I got those opportunities." "Music saved my life. I owe everything to the music." "I'm going to play music so that when I die, people will feel like I'm still in the car with them." — Skip Martin "My definition of music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [02:00] A teacher plays Arturo a compilation of Charlie Parker recordings from the 1940s. He cannot believe what he is hearing. That moment has never left him. [03:00] Dizzy Gillespie becomes Arturo's mentor — and when the time comes to seek political asylum in the United States, Dizzy is the one standing beside him at the American embassy. [05:30] Skip tells Arturo about the two times he made him cry in public — the pedal tones lesson that changed how Skip plays trumpet, and the night in Perth, Australia when Arturo handed him a custom practice tool and said, this is for you. [08:30] Arturo shares the news — a Kennedy Center Honor is coming. He will be honoured alongside Bonnie Raitt, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater. [15:00] Skip tells Arturo why he plays music. Seven years old. His grandparents' car. Nat King Cole on the radio after he had just passed. The promise he made to his grandmother in that moment. Notable Resources: Just Believe in Love — Skip Martin featuring Arturo Sandoval on trumpet Connect with Arturo Sandoval: Website: arturosandoval.com Search Arturo Sandoval on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

FRIENDS AND LEGENDS WITH SKIP MARTIN

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected