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:

Stephan Jenkins on the Inspirational Story Behind Third Eye Blind’s Jumper Jun 09, 2021

Show notes

Up next Stephan Jenkins from San Francisco band Third Eye Blind or 3EB that ignited radio in 1997 and 1998 tells the inspirational story of their hit Jumper.

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Journey’s Top 5 Hidden Gems of the 80s – Neal Schon & Jonathan Cain Reflect Jun 04, 2021

Show notes

Up next we count down the top 5 Journey Hidden gems. The deep tracks that in most cases are just as good as the hits. with commentary from the band members themselves including guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain, with stories of creating the songs with Steve Perry including Escape, Still They Ride, I’ll Be Alright Without You, and other of their great 80s songs.

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The Story Behind Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody – An 80s Pop Smash Even Rockers Love Jun 03, 2021

Show notes

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.

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How David Bowie’s Space Oddity Overcame Doubt to Become a Rock Masterpiece Jun 02, 2021

Show notes

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.

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Remembering B.J. Thomas – The Story Behind Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

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.

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The Top 5 Songs from Sade – The Voice That Seduced the 80s & 90s Jun 01, 2021

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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.

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Dr. Robert on The Blow Monkeys’ Digging Your Scene – An 80s Hidden Gem That Opened Minds May 31, 2021

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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

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5 Forgotten 80s Hidden Gems You Need to Hear – Featuring Prince, Billy Idol & More May 28, 2021

Show notes

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.

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Annie Lennox’s Top 5 Songs – The Distinct Voice of 80s New Wave & 90s Modern Rock May 25, 2021

Show notes

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)…

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Gary Clark on Mary’s Prayer – The Heartbreaking 80s Hidden Gem by Danny Wilson May 20, 2021

Show notes

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

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