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:

John Rzeznik on the Story Behind Goo Goo Dolls’ Name – The 90s Hit That Changed Everything May 19, 2021

Show notes

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.

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How Tom Petty’s I Won’t Back Down Became a Defiant 80s Rock Anthem May 14, 2021

Show notes

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.

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The 200-Year Evolution of Black Betty – How Ram Jam Turned a Folk Chant into a 70s Rock Classic May 12, 2021

Show notes

Up next, is the story of how a band from Cincinnati name Ram Jam changed an African American labor chant, with a debated origin, into a rip-roaring guitar track that became an international smash and is now a standard of 70s classic rock, having been covered many times since. The stunning transformation & history of “Black Betty” NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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The Rise of Bon Jovi – Their Top 5 Songs That Defined Rock & Resilience May 11, 2021

Show notes

The thing about Jon Bon Jovi and his incredible band is the music they've created has always got your back. From "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name" to "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "It's My Life", their music gives us redemption and faith against all odds. Mostly it's music of hope, which is a powerful thing, especially in the times we live in. As Jon Bon Jovi says "You live for the fight when that's all that you've got". You got to keep the faith.

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Perry Farrell on the Story Behind Jane’s Addiction’s Jane Says – An Alternative Rock Classic May 10, 2021

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Up next the Godfather of Alternative rock Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction tells us the very personal story of one of the true standards of 1988, Jane Says. We solve the mystery of this very eerie and brilliant song and the woman who inspired the song and the band’s name. Plus he goes in depth on how he created the band’s seminal album cover. A bonafide Must see story behind the song next on professor of rock

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Steve Lukather & Joseph Williams on Toto’s Pamela – Their Last Big 80s Hit May 08, 2021

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Up next a brand new interview with two musical giants: Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams from Toto on the story of an 80s gem that was their last big hit of the decade in the US, Pamela from their album the Seventh One. A great breakdown from the two, plus insight into their new projects including what’s next for TOTO, on professor of rock.

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Nelson on the Story Behind Their 1990 #1 Hit (Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection May 06, 2021

Show notes

Up next identical twins Matthew and Gunnar Nelson of the family band Nelson, who’s father Rick Nelson was a pioneer of early Rock and Roll and who’s grandfather Ozzie Nelson was a singer/actor. With their 1990 #1 hit made them the Third generation in the family to have a #1 single. The only family who ever accomplished that. The group tells the story of the #1 rock ballad Love and Affection that was inspired by supermodel Cindy Crawford, the story next on professor of rock.

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How Depeche Mode’s Violator Took Over the Mainstream in 1990 May 05, 2021

Show notes

It was time for a monumental breakout for another historic quartet from Britain that evoked Beatlemania excitement… Depeche Mode interrupted the mainstream in 1990 with a fresh perspective The back-story of why Violator- became a landmark album for Depeche Mode NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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Mark Kendall on Great White’s 1989 Hit Once Bitten, Twice Shy – A Glam Metal Revival May 03, 2021

Show notes

Up next a song that was a hit in the 70s and 80s by two different artists. First for a former member of Mott the Hoople, lead singer Ian Hunter and then for one of the breakout Glam Metal band of the late 80s Great White who took it all the way to the top 5 in the summer of 1989, The Idea to remake Once Bitten Twice Shy was given to them by Guns ’ N’ Roses. Mark Kendall the guitarist and cofounder of this metal band tells the story next on professor of rock.

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The Story Behind 1987’s Haunting New Wave Power Ballad – Told by Its Singer & Songwriter May 01, 2021

Show notes

This pseudo New Wave Rock power ballad seemed to come out of nowhere in 1987. Armed with an emotional lead vocal, the song is so haunting it’s almost supernatural, which drove it to #1 all over the world. The story is told by it’s singer and songwriter including an acoustic performance, this is a can’t miss next on professor of rock.

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