My Rock Moment

Latest Episodes:

The Wrecking Crew & Immediate Family Docs with Director Denny Tedesco Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

The Wrecking Crew in the 60s and The Immediate Family in the 70s were the faces behind most of the hits of that time. They were proficient, able to improvise and highly sought after. However, their experiences as session musicians and their relationships with the bands and artists they supported were very different. While the members of the Wrecking Crew were the anonymous, unsung heroes of their time, the members of the Immediate Family were credited on the albums on which they played and forged strong relationships with the bands and artists they supported on the road.

Director and Producer Denny Tedesco joins My Rock Moment in today’s episode. As the Director of both The Wrecking Crew and Immediate Family documentaries, he takes us behind the making of the two documentaries and shares stories about the musicians they celebrate. He also recounts personal moments growing up as the son of Tommy Tedesco, one of the most highly revered session guitarists of the 60s and part of The Wrecking Crew.

To learn more about the documentaries, check out the links below:

https://www.magpictures.com/thewreckingcrew

https://immediatefamilyfilm.com

Follow My Rock Moment on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks

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Alison Martino of Vintage Los Angeles on the Sunset Strip, preserving LA's history and her dad, singer Al Martino Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

Alison Martino has been dubbed “The Godmother of Los Angeles,” and with good reason. As a writer, producer, on-air host for the Emmy-nominated SoCal Scene on Spectrum News 1, and creator of Vintage Los Angeles, she has been celebrating (and in some cases saving!) the history of this great city for years.

In this episode we discuss the history of the Sunset Strip - the places and spaces that used to be, the venues and hotspots that continue to represent its legendary past and the fate of its iconic staple, The Viper Room. She’ll also share memories of growing up in LA as the daughter of famous singer, Al Martino.

For those of you who were lucky enough to experience the Strip in the 60s, 70s and 80s, this episode will be a nostalgic trip!

Find Alison Martino and Vintage Los Angeles here:

https://alisonmartino.com

https://www.instagram.com/alisonmartino

https://www.facebook.com/VintageLosAngeles

https://www.youtube.com/user/dantanasgirl

Music in today's episode:

LA Woman - The Doors

Maybe the People Would Be the Times or Between Clark and Hilldale - Love

Walking in L.A. - Missing Persons

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

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The Mamas & The Papas Historian and Author Richard Campbell Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

While The Mamas & The Papas were only together a few years, the iconic music that was made and the drama that ensued between this foursome in that short time is legendary. But what happened before John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Cass Elliot, and Denny Doherty all came together? Each had their own unique journey before ultimately heading west and making California Dreamin’ a reality. My guest, author Richard Campbell, wrote a compelling book, ‘Gettin’ Kinda Itchie: The Groups That Made The Mamas and The Papas.’ It’s a prequel to this fabulous foursome's success as a group. As a close friend to the band and the “keeper of the flame,” as Michelle Phillips affectionately calls him, Richard brings us into John, Michelle, Denny, and Cass’ worlds with stories, photos, and rare album covers.

In this episode, you’ll hear out-of-print songs from their previous bands - The Journeymen, The Mugwumps, and The Big 3 - songs that Richard has compiled on YouTube and Spotify. We’ll discuss their individual journeys as they strove to make a mark in the thriving East folk scene and how the four ultimately came together in the U.S. Virgin Islands and shortly after, found themselves in LA.

So, let’s take a trip back to the early 60s when folk was thriving, Kennedy was alive and well and these 4 individuals were slogging it out on the East Coast in hopes of one day hitting it big.

Songs in this episode (in order):

“Creeque Alley” The Mamas & the Papas

“Chase the Rising Sun” The Journeymen

“The Banjo Song” - The Big 3

“Do You Know What I Mean” - The Mugwumps

“Mr Tambourine Man” - The New Journeymen

“California Dreamin’” - The Mamas & the Papas

Links to Richard Campell’s channels:

www.gettinkindaitchie.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThemusicofGettinKindaItc-tb7lu/playlists

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0gCs3dADXDMlSTinWFlLop?si=21406369c83e4bee&nd=1&dlsi=f6042ae5ddc94e78

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Skip Taylor - Music Producer & Manager of Canned Heat Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

Skip Taylor's life and times are part of rock legend. He cut his teeth in the LA music scene in the 60s working with the who's who of rock at the time. However, Skip is best known as Canned Heat's manager and has been managing the band since the mid-60s, shortly after discovering them playing at a UCLA frat party. Also playing at that fateful frat party were The Doors, and he shares how he got both bands a record deal. Skip was in the center of it all at Woodstock and Monterey Pop, and recounts his adventures in opening Kaleidoscope, the hot nightclub in Hollywood that became a short-lived dream thanks to some greedy LA gangsters.

This interview is packed with great stories from a guy who was in the middle of some of the most memorable rock moments of the time, so let’s get into it!

For upcoming gigs and Canned Heat's discography, check out the links below:

https://cannedheatmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/dontforgettoboogie

And don't forget to follow My Rock Moment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks/

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The California Myth and Classic Rock with Dave Gebroe of Discograffiti Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

Today’s guest on My Rock Moment is Dave Gebroe, founder and host of the well-known podcast, Discograffiti. Discograffiti is a weekly music podcast that delivers the objective truth about the entire discography of every single artist and band that ever existed. The show does a deep-dive inspection of all EPs, singles, compilations, relevant solo work and bootlegs, and notable appearances on other artists’ records. Every release is assigned an objectively accurate star rating between zero and five, and Dave shares best and worse picks in their discography.

In this episode, Dave and I explore the California Myth within the context of 60s and 70s rock. Surf rock as well as other anthems that pay homage to the Golden State, fueled the global fascination with perfect waves, beaches flanked with tanned skin and teeny bikinis, fame, beauty, and a promise of some grander way of living. California has long been a western beacon dating back centuries but the songs we’ll cover today conjure up visions and dreams of an ideal life that was far from factual for many.

Some songs on this list might come as a surprise, and others have crossed generations, staples of our classic rock playlists. Have a listen and see how your list compares.

For more information on Discograffiti and to follow on social, check out the links below:

Website: https://discograffiti.com/

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Author, Radio Host and Reggae Historian Roger Steffens on His Radio Show "Reggae Beat," Alan Freed and LSD: Part Two Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of My Rock Moment, we sit down for Part Two of our discussion with Roger Steffens. Roger is a writer, actor, radio host, legendary reggae historian, and author of "So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley" (which Rolling Stone headlined in its review “…[arguably] the Best Bob Marley Book Ever.”). Roger was co-host of the "Reggae Beat" on KCRW from 1979 to 1987 and "Reggae Beat International" from 1983 to 1987, which was syndicated internationally to 130 stations. Seven rooms of his home in Los Angeles house reggae archives, which include the world's largest collection of Bob Marley material.

In Part Two of our interview with Steffens, he'll discuss how "Reggae Beat," took Los Angeles by storm...and led to two weeks on the road with Bob Marley and the Wailers. We'll also discuss his love of 1950s rock 'n' roll and the time he got to meet his idol, iconic 50s rock DJ, Alan Freed. Roger will also share how he got turned on to LSD and was almost pickpocketed the first time he touched down in Jamaica by one of the biggest reggae stars at the time.

To find out more about Roger Steffens and his work, check out the links below:

The Family Acid Website: http://www.thefamilyacid.com/

The Family Acid Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefamilyacid/?hl=en

So Much Things to Sayon Amazon

For more on Host Amanda Morck and My Rock Moment, visit: The My Rock Moment website

LA Woman Rocks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks/

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Author, Radio Host and Reggae Historian Roger Steffens on Bob Marley, Jim Morrison and Vietnam in the 60s: Part One Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of My Rock Moment, we sit down with Roger Steffens. Roger is a writer, actor, radio host, legendary reggae historian, and author of "So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley" (which Rolling Stone headlined in its review “…[arguably] the Best Bob Marley Book Ever.”). Roger was co-host of the Reggae Beat on KCRW from 1979 to 1987 and Reggae Beat International from 1983 to 1987, which was syndicated internationally to 130 stations. Seven rooms of his home in Los Angeles house reggae archives, which include the world's largest collection of Bob Marley material.

While most of his career has been devoted to reggae and its luminaries, his love of rock ‘n’ roll started back in 1953 as a devoted fan of Alan Freed.

Part One of our discussion starts with Roger remembering one particular concert in 1967 in San Francisco - it was an unforgettable night of rock ‘n’ roll, as Bill Graham introduced 2 then unknown acts to an anticipant audience. The concert was a poignant way to say goodbye to the U.S. as the next day he was sent off to Vietnam. We’ll discuss the 2 years he spent there working in Psyops while protest rock erupted across the nation. We’ll hear Steffens’ incredible story about meeting the Countess De Breteuil in Marrakesh in 1971 and how that connected him to the passing of Jim Morrison. Steffens will also share the serendipitous circumstances that led to him meeting Bob Marley for the first time.

To find out more about Roger Steffens and his work, check out the links below:

The Family Acid Website: http://www.thefamilyacid.com/

The Family Acid Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefamilyacid/?hl=en

So Much Things to Sayon Amazon

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Iconic Album Covers with Grammy Winning Art Director John Kosh - Part 2 Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

Kosh is a Grammy Award Winning art director and former design director for Apple Records. His first project was John Lennon and Yoko's “War Is Over (if you want it)” Christmas card, which led to the worldwide WAR IS OVER billboard campaign that continues to this day. He designed The Beatles’ Let It Be book and album package and the Abbey Road album cover, as well as John & Yoko’s Wedding Album boxed set.

He worked extensively with Linda Ronstadt, garnering three Grammys for her albums, Simple Dreams, Get Closer and Lush Life. He designed and art directed the iconic logo and cover, Hotel California for the Eagles, the classic logo for ELO as well as several albums for James Taylor, Jimmy Buffet and Dan Fogelberg.

In today's episode, Kosh shares more memorable moments working for The Beatles and Lennon, namely the day he got to witness The Beatles perform LIVE for the very last time on top of the Apple Corps Headquarters on Jan 30th, 1969, and his participation in John Lennon's art exhibit titled Bag One, which showcased the erotic art Lennon sketched during his honeymoon with Yoko Ono.

We also discuss the Marvin Gaye album cover, Here, My Dear, he worked on that so aptly exposed the pain and emotion Gaye was feeling during his divorce at the time. Kosh also had the privilege of working with Richard Pryor and art directing several albums for James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg and Jimmy Buffet - and we cover it all in this episode of My Rock Moment.

To learn more about John Kosh and his work, check out his website: https://koshdesign.com/about-kosh/

Social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koshart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koshartdesign

Songs from the episode:

ELO - Do Ya

The Beatles - Ballad of John and Yoko

Dan Fogelberg - The Language of Love

Marvin Gaye - You Can Leave, But It's Going to Cost You

REO Speedwagon - Good Trouble

Linda Ronstadt - When Will I Be Loved

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Americana Music in the 60s and 70s and Rock's Backpages with Music Journalist Barney Hoskyns May 18, 2023

Show notes

Barney Hoskyns is a celebrated author and rock journalist. He started his career in the early 80s at Melody Maker and then New Musical Express, eventually leaving NME to write his first book, "Say It One Time For The Brokenhearted," about the collision of soul and country music in the South. He went on to write more than fifteen books on musicians and music history including, "Waiting for the Sun: A Rock ‘N’ Roll History of Los Angeles "and "Hotel California," chronicling the Laurel Canyon music scene. He’s also the co-founder and editorial director of the online music journalism archive Rock's Backpages, as well as host of a podcast of the same name.

In this episode, we discuss his time living in LA and Woodstock, NY and how immersing himself in those two very divergent scenes inspired the books "Waiting for the Sun, Hotel California" as well as "Small Town Talk." From Marc Bolan to The Band, Barney shares his early musical influences and how his love of all things Americana began. And we’ll hear about some of his memorable interviews and encounters over the years.

Check out links to Barney’s website, books and Rock’s Backpages:

https://barneyhoskyns.com

https://barneyhoskyns.com/a-short-history-of-rbp/

Waiting for the Sun: A Rock ‘N’ Roll History of Los Angeles

Hotel California

Small Town Talk

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Documentary Filmmaker Stuart Samuels on The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, The Beatles: Eight Days A Week: The Touring Years and Night Flight Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

Stuart Samuels is an acclaimed academic and a film and television producer, writer, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. Some of his works include Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography, Midnight Movies: From The Margin to the Mainstream, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years and The Lost Weekend: A Love Story. His works explore the relationship of popular culture to the broader historical context of their times.

Today we’ll dive into his early work - from the groundbreaking late-night music video series Night Flight in the early 80s, to the making of the first HD music videos with Academy Award-winning Polish film and music video director Zbigniew Rybczynski. We’ll also discuss Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years, the Beatles documentary he co-produced with Ron Howard, and the making of The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, which premiered earlier this month.

You can find links to Stuart’s work below:

THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK

https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Days-Week-Touring-Years/dp/B06XPQ6XW9

STEPS: ZBIG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA9fSjL9ERU&t=21s

IMAGINE: ZBIG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnXoJ3suYNU

VISIONS OF LIGHT: THE ART OF CINEMATOGRAPHY

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/511323524

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtUGLrP_4gw

HOLLYWOODISM: JEWS, MOVIES, AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hollywoodism-Jews-Movies-American-Dream/dp/B01MRL4SWL