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 Doobie Brothers on Creating the 1973 Classic “China Grove” Sep 08, 2020

Show notes

Tom Johnston wrote China Grove and the Doobie Brother released it in 1973. China Grove is no doubt about it, a Rock n' Roll classic that was sandwiched between two other classic rock standards. Long Train Running and Black Water. China Grove went to #15 on the Hot 100 and #8 on the Cashbox chart here in the states. It also hit the top 10 in Canada, Known for its iconic guitar riff that has influenced so many who would come after. Here are the two principals of the early 70s Doobies Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons, now rock and roll hall of famers. Who will give us the origin of this beloved tune.

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Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks on the Yacht Rock Classic “Whenever I Call You Friend” Sep 07, 2020

Show notes

In 1978 one of the greatest duets of the era was released, the top 5 hit Whenever I call you friend between two of the greatest voices of any era, Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks. Hey Music Junkies, the Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time with our latest edition of Pop Fix. Kenny and Stevie’s voices together are smoother than silk. Which is why this song is not only one of the great duets of the time, it’s also a yacht rock classic and though Stevie is credited on the album track, she was strangely not credited on the actual single, which makes Whenever I Call You "Friend", Loggins' first major solo hit.. "Whenever I Call You Friend" was written by Kenny and another multi-platinum artist from the time Melissa Manchester. I was able to get the lowdown from both artists on the origin of this song. Here is Kenny Loggins and Melissa Manchester with the story.

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5 Overlooked 80s Gems Featuring OMD, Night Ranger, A-Ha, and More Sep 05, 2020

Show notes

Featuring exclusive commentary from John Oates of Hall and Oates, Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys of Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark (OMD) and Jack Blades singer of Night Ranger, presenting 5 songs from the 80s that haven't been given their due. Hey Music Junkies, the Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time with our latest edition of Pop Fix. This is volume 5 of the Pop fix 80s Top 5 Hidden Gems we covered earlier. Despite a resurgence of 80s music in TV shows and movies of late (think Stranger Things, Ready Player One, and Glow), as well as increased radio play and streaming, our five featured songs don't seem to make the cut, but deserve recognition. Listen to them in the playlist below. Songs included: Forever Live and Die by OMD, Electric Blue by Icehouse, Don't Tell Me You Love Me by Night Ranger, The Sun Always Shines on TV by A-Ha and the Pleasure Principle by Janet Jackson.

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5 Forgotten 90s Songs Featuring Tonic, LIT, Sponge, Garbage, and More Sep 03, 2020

Show notes

Hey Music Junkies, the Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time; If you love music, you’ll want to subscribe below and hit the bell so you always get our daily content. You’ll also want to check us out on Patreon as we’ve added a bunch of exclusives and benefits there. Today we're discussing 5 forgotten songs from the 90s that will take you back to the good old days. Including exclusive commentary from the the artist. including Emerson Hart from Tonic, the Popoff brothers from the band LIT and Vinnie Dombroski from Sponge. As well as songs by Garbage and Ephraim Lewis.

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How The Smiths Created “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” Sep 02, 2020

Show notes

Hey music junkies the Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time with our latest edition of The New Standards. Morrissey and Johnny Marr of the Smiths wrote “There is A Light That Never Goes Out” while working on their 1986 masterpiece “The Queen Is Dead” this is the story of the classic song and its impact on our culture. Including commentary by Brendan Urie of Panic! at the Disco and Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October. A very personal and insightful video on the greatest band of the 80s.

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David Gilmour’s Greatest Vocal Performances with Pink Floyd Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

David Gilmour is unquestionably, one of the most talented and influential players in rock history. Hey music junkies, the Professor of Rock Always here, to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. We’ll point out some specific highlights of his brilliant guitar work later in this piece. But, this episode specifically recognizes Gilmour’s electrifying vocal prowess: Distinctive, penetrating, and majestic. The music of Pink Floyd is raised by his incredible voice. Here we celebrate that fact.

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Toto on the Real-Life Inspiration Behind Their 1982 Hit “Rosanna” Aug 21, 2020

Show notes

Steve Lukather, David Paich and Steve Porcaro of multi-platinum band Toto tell the amazing story of the #2 hit Rosanna from the 1982 blockbuster album Toto IV. Inspired by actress Rosanna Arquette who along the way her magnetism and piercing blue eyes have captivated several rock luminaries such as Peter Gabriel who wrote In Your Eyes about her. In the early 80s, Arquette was in a romantic relationship with rocker Steve Porcaro, the coveted keyboardist for Toto, and one of the most sought after session musicians. Toto bandmate & fellow virtuoso, David Paich, who was always searching for real life inspiration to write lyrics and song titles, was working on a tune about a girl he dug in high school.Since the relationship between Porcaro & Arquette was hot & heavy at the time, he decided to title his un-named song "Rosanna." This is the story of the song straight from the members of Toto.

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Journey’s Underrated 1981 Gem “Stone in Love” Deserved to Be a Hit Aug 19, 2020

Show notes

Journey is universally loved. Every generation standing right now has been moved by at least one of their many classic rock standards. Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain created magic in those years. Because they have so many wondrous hits, some of their greatest songs are under appreciated gems that deserve multiple listens and a permanent place in the playlists of our lives. Their 1981 masterpiece Escape was full of phenomenal songs and one that I believe should’ve been a massive hit. “Stone In Love”, an album rock staple from that epitomized why Journey is still on top and as big now as they were in their heyday. Hey music junkies the Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time with our latest edition of Pop Fix.

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Welcome to Professor of Rock: Your Backstage Pass to Music History Aug 16, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the Fastest Growing Music Community on YouTube, Hey music junkies, the Professor of Rock Always here, to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time.

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