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:

5 Forgotten 80s Songs Featuring Rick Springfield, Thompson Twins, Loverboy & More (Vol. 3) May 10, 2020

Show notes

Featuring exclusive commentary from Rick Springfield, Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey, and Loverboy frontman, Mike Reno, presenting 5 songs from the 80s that haven't been given their due. This is volume 3 of the Pop fix 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: Affair of the Heart by Rick Springfield, The Captain of her Heart by Double, Feel it Again by Honeymoon Suite, Lay Your Hands on Me by Thompson Twins, and Talk it Over by Grayson Hugh.

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Lita Ford on the Runaways’ Punk Rock Anthem “Cherry Bomb” May 04, 2020

Show notes

Lita Ford who played lead guitar in the all female band, the Runaways shares the story behind the Runaway's signature song “Cherry Bomb” written by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley. Sung by Cherie Currie, Cherry Bomb has influenced scores of bands since it’s release in 1976 and is a defining song of it’s time with it’s mixture of punk and hard rock.

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What Made The Cars Stand Out in the New Wave Era May 02, 2020

Show notes

The Cars were different from the guitar-oriented rock bands of the late 70s, because they incorporated many different styles to make their music stand out- especially their use of synthesizers to blend with art rock & rockabilly influences. With the incredible vocal duo of Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr, as well as original members, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson, the Cars were one of the first true power pop rock bands, and helped usher in the New Wave synth era of the the late 70s and early & mid 80s.

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Jim Peterik on Survivor and the Vocal Power Behind Their 80s Rock Anthems Apr 29, 2020

Show notes

Featuring exclusive commentary by JIM PETERIK, formerly of Survivor, INTRODUCING A new segment called VOX. Where we celebrate a great vocalist from the rock era. Our inaugural episode features a singer who rocked the 80s.

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5 Overlooked 80s Songs Featuring Hall & Oates, The Church, and More (Vol. 2) Apr 25, 2020

Show notes

Featuring exclusive commentary from John Oates of Hall and Oates and Steve Kilbey of the Church, presenting 5 songs from the 80s that haven't been given their due. This is volume 2 of the Pop fix 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 never seem to make the cut, but deserve recognition. Listen to them in the playlist below.

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Why Brenda Russell’s “Piano in the Dark” Deserved to Be a #1 Hit Apr 22, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever listened to an entire song with your eyes closed, and let the theater of your mind create an image, or an ambiance? I want you to try this while listening to Brenda Russell’s ‘Piano In the Dark” so you can capture the complete rapture of this sexy mysterious 80s slow jam treasure.

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Remembering Bill Withers: The Voice of Soulful Simplicity and Grace Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

Bill’s distinguished baritone was an instrument of grace & charisma that gave a special relatability to his music. When you listen to Bill sing, you felt like he was specifically singing to you. You could identify with his songs.

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How Depeche Mode Became Post-Punk Pioneers with “People Are People” and Beyond Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

The First Depeche Mode song that I heard was People are People in 1984. Mostly because it was a #13 hit and I listened to Casey Kasem’s American top 40 religiously. I liked the song at the time but, it didn’t connect me to the band, it was sort of a blip.

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Whatever Happened to Greatest Hits Albums? A Look at a Lost Music Staple Apr 18, 2020

Show notes

Today I'm starting a new segment that I call Records of a Lost Art. Where we'll discuss a song or album that is truly under appreciated or even a concept or mainstay has disappeared from our culture, hence the title. Today I want to talk about something that was once a major staple of the music industry and each and every on of our lives: the greatest hit album.

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Behind the Biggest Hit Songs of 1990: Janet Jackson, Vanilla Ice, Bon Jovi & More Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

The stories behind the 1990 Hot 100 #1 Hits, featuring exclusive interview clips from Vanilla Ice and Janet Jackson producer Jimmy Jam. The background of the songs that went to the top of the charts in the first year of the 90s including Escapade by Janet Jackson, Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice, Blaze of Glory by Jon Bon Jovi, Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor and one that came close. Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode.

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