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 80s New Wave Hit That Deserved to Be #1: Depeche Mode, OMD, The Cure & More Apr 12, 2020

Show notes

There were so many great 80s New Wave singles from Depeche Mode, Yaz, The Smiths, New Order, The Cure, Thompson Twins, OMD, and more. What New Wave song should've been a number one hit? Check out our latest edition of #1 in our hearts to find out, featuring exclusive interview clips.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Celebrating Donna Summer’s Influence Across Disco, Pop, and Beyond Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

Celebrating the power of Summer, Donna Summer, one of the most influential artists of any era and my Top 5 Donna Summer Songs. Many know her as the Queen of Disco, but she was so much more than that, inspiring artists from every genre including New Wave, R&B, and Dance pop. Featuring appearences from Peter Hook formerly of New Order, Narada Michael Walden producer/songwriter behind some of Whitney Houston's biggest hits, and Limahl former lead singer of Kajagoogoo.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Music Heals: Brian Wilson, Carlos Santana, Joe Elliott & More on the Power of Song Apr 02, 2020

Show notes

Artists Brian Wilson, Carlos Santana, Neal Schon of Journey, Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, Ann Willson of Heart, Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, Johnny Mathis, Roger Mcguinn, Carlos Santana and more share their thoughts on harnessing the unspoken power of music. In times of adversity music has motivated us to rise above and overcome anything, from the War of 1812 to the Civil war, even the great depression and world wars. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Honoring Kenny Rogers: The Story Behind His Greatest Songs Mar 25, 2020

Show notes

A tribute to the Gambler, Kenny Rogers, with insight from our interview with him on some of his greatest songs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inspiration Behind the 1985 #1 Hits Mar 21, 2020

Show notes

Celebrating 1985 Featuring Mr. Mister singer Richard Page on Broken Wings, Reo Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin on Can't Fight This Feeling, as well as Sussudio / Phil Collins and A View to A Kill / Duran Duran, Honoring the number one hits from 1985 with stories from the artists and writers who took them to the top of the charts. This is part one of a continuing series.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who are the Beatles of the 80s? Mar 20, 2020

Show notes

Hey Music Junkies Professor of Rock here with our latest edition of POP FIX where we focus on the greatest artists and songs of all time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gladys Knight, The Empress of Soul Mar 15, 2020

Show notes

Hey Music Junkies this week Professor of Rock celebrates the genius of Gladys Knight with additional guest commentary from Legends and Grammy winners: Johnny Mathis and producer Narada Michael Walden. Please click here for the Gladys Knight Spotify Playlist: http://bit.ly/GladysKnightSpotifyPlaylist

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Into The Night by Benny Mardones Mar 08, 2020

Show notes

This week we are launching a new segment of Pop Fix called, Number One in Our Hearts...

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Genesis of Phil Collins Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

This week we on Pop Fix we reflect on one of the most prolific hit songwriters. His music had an unprecedented impact on our music community. In this episode we hear from two of his fans, rock and roll hall of famers Lamont Dozier of Motown and David Crosby.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Tribute to Neil Peart Feb 29, 2020

Show notes

Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock here with another edition of Pop Fix where we celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time; Please subscribe and help us keep the music alive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.