Music

Professor of Rock

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.

Latest Episodes:

The Legacy of John Mellencamp – His Top 5 Songs and Impact on America Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

John Mellencamp became a leading voice for Americans through the 80s with life changing songs including Jack and Diane, Check it Out, Pink Houses, Small-town and Cherry Bomb. We celebrate John Mellencamp's rise as the troubadour of the working class and top 5 songs.

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The Wild Story Behind Tom Petty’s Don’t Come Around Here No More – 80s Rock Drama Unfolds Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

The craziest 80s soap opera story of a song in rock history starring Steve Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, Tom Petty, Joe Walsh of the Eagles and legendary producer Jimmy Iovine. How the drama created an Alice in Wonderland meets Prince acid trip that become the 80s hit Don’t Come Around Here No More.

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The Story Behind Led Zeppelin’s Black Dog – A 70s Rock Masterpiece Nov 27, 2021

Show notes

The incredulous story of Led Zeppelin’s 1970s masterpiece Black Dog from their classic album IV. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bohnam created a track that was extremely difficult to play and was named after a stray animal. Along with story behind the symbols on the iconic album cover.

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Revisiting the Top 10 Songs from This Week in 1987 – A Battle of Rock vs. Pop Nov 26, 2021

Show notes

Here is the top 10 songs of this VERY same week from the year 1987. There’s so much variety here.. The Cure vs. Debbie Gibson and Tiffany.. New Order Vs George Michael, Pink Floyd Vs Belinda Carlisle What is the new #1 hit? a Rock act or a Pop duo find out next.

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Inside Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ Teaser and the Firecat Super Deluxe Edition Nov 25, 2021

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Click Here To Buy The Teaser and Firecat Super Deluxe Edition Vinyl Box Set: https://catstevens.lnk.to/teaser500F

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The Darkness on Queen’s Influence and the Story Behind I Believe in a Thing Called Love Nov 24, 2021

Show notes

the brothers Hawkins from the Darkness tell the story behind their evolution in music including getting inspired by Queen as well as the story behind their Rock smash I Believe in a Thing Called Love one of the last great hard rock classic. A truly hilarious take from Justin and Dan Hawkins

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How Chris Cornell Honored Andrew Wood with Say Hello 2 Heaven and Temple of the Dog Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

The story of one of rock’s greatest friendships. Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone roomed together. Andy was trying to stay sober and the two had a great creative period where they wrote many songs. Tragically, Andy died of a Heroin overdose. So Chris Cornell honored his friend with the classic song Say Hello 2 Heaven with Eddie Vedder and others in Temple of the Dog. the story is next.

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The Story Behind Queensrÿche’s Silent Lucidity – A 90s Metal Masterpiece Nov 20, 2021

Show notes

The emotional lyric by lyric story of Queensryche’s perfect #1 Rock hit Silent Lucidity from 1991. The leaders of the progressive metal movement, Geoff Tate and Chris Degarmo created a masterpiece that still resonates with the masses about lucid dreaming.

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Ted Nugent on Writing Cat Scratch Fever and His Rock & Roll Influences Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

Hard Rock singer/guitarist Ted Nugent tells the story of his 70s classic Cat Scratch Fever. How the Riff came to be and how he we inspired to pick up a guitar and learn from the masters like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley and form the Amboy Dukes. Ted even plays a few tunes..

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Cy Curnin on The Fixx’s One Thing Leads to Another – An 80s Classic That Predicted the Future Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

CY Curnin, lead singer and songwriter behind 80s New Wave icons the Fixx, on the story of their biggest hit One thing Leads to Another. Cy wrote the song in 1983 but it fits our day in age. from the Fixx’s classic album “Reach the Beach”, One Thing went to #4 on Billboard Hot 100. Here Cy tells the story of this iconic song.

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