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:

Weird Al Yankovic’s Greatest Parodies: From “White & Nerdy” to “Amish Paradise” Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

What does a comedy legend do after he’s conquered the 80s with some of the funniest take downs of classic songs with food and hospitals, and then skewered the 90s by slamming its biggest icon with a song so hilarious it made the serious artist laugh at himself? Well, he only got better. Today, we have more from the prince of parody, the sultan of satire, and the master of mockery, Weird Al Yankovic... including the time his parody White and Nerdy actually passed up the song he made fun of in the charts and online… It helped the artist behind it win a Grammy. Then there was the #1 hit Gangsta's Paradise that Coolio gave permission to be mocked but then after the parody Amish Paradise was a hit, he FLIPPED OUT & started a media firestorm. And finally, The Saga Begins, the song that spoofed one of the most respected rock songs ever, American Pie by Don McLean… It was so funny, Don said the parody had bettered his classic… WHAT? We’re covering some comedy gold today. So grab your accordion and throw on a loud Hawaiian shirt. It’s about to get real. We’re counting down Weird Al’s greatest parodies of the last 30 years NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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Jimi Hendrix’s Final Days, Wild Legends, and the Truth About “Purple Haze” Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Today, we have one of those rare classic songs, Purple Haze, that has a multitude of stories and legends behind it. First of all, it’s the mother of all misheard lyrics… One that Jimi Hendrix himself started doing in his live shows as a joke. Then there was the first draft of this thing, which was an epic 1000 words that Jimi pared down for radio… then Hendrix risked being electrocuted to create it, and then there was the origin of the song… Some say Purple Haze came from a lucid dream. Others say it was from a waitress stalker who kidnapped a customer.

We’re not sure because Jimi Hendrix passed away before we got the exact truth. And then to top it all off, there was the sensitive icon behind it. Jimi hated his own voice, especially on this song, but he was such a revelation that the Stones and the Beatles were at his first gig…

Let’s get into a true classic next on Professor of Rock.

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How Walter Egan Turned a Crush on Stevie Nicks Into a 1978 Classic Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Coming up, I had a blast with my guest today, Walter Egan… a man who many call a one-hit wonder, but that’s too easy... Sure, he created a huge hit in the late 70s, Magnet and Steel, that became a pop culture fixture with 2 legends who sang background vocals on this classic hit from a band that was rock’s big soap opera of the time. One of these backing vocalists, Lindsey Buckingham, is one of the great guitarists of his time and helped produce the song. And the other one, Stevie Nicks, was so enchanting that Walter Egan fell in love with her, and that was a good thing because it’s what inspired today’s classic song… That and a license plate he happened to see on his way home from the studio at 3 in the morning. A custom license plate inspired him to run into his house and finish Magnet and Steel in minutes… So the question is, did he get the girl?

Find out next on the Professor of Rock.

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Remembering Ozzy Osbourne – Ozzy’s Post–Sabbath Comeback Begins with “Crazy Train” and Randy Rhoads Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

As we continue our tribute to the late, great Ozzy Osbourne, we revisit one of the most electrifying chapters of his legendary career with the creation of “Crazy Train.”

After being kicked out of from Black Sabbath, the very band he helped make iconic, many believed Ozzy’s time in the spotlight was over. Battling addiction, depression, and self-doubt, even Ozzy himself thought it might be the end. But then came a spark: a young, virtuosic guitarist named Randy Rhoads. Together, they would forge a sound that launched one of the greatest second acts in rock history.

With the release of his 1980 solo debut Blizzard of Ozz, Ozzy came roaring back, led by the unstoppable riff and manic energy of “Crazy Train.” Though it missed the charts at the time, it has since become a rock anthem for the ages and a defining moment in both Ozzy’s and Randy’s legacies.

This is the story of reinvention, risk, and the resurrection of a rock legend. “Crazy Train” wasn’t just a comeback—it was the battle cry of a man who refused to be counted out. And today, as we remember Ozzy Osbourne, we ride that train in his honor.

All aboard… for one last journey with the Prince of Darkness.

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Remembering Ozzy Osbourne – The Redemption Behind “Mama, I’m Coming Home” Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Today, we honor the Prince of Darkness: Ozzy Osbourne, who has passed away, leaving behind one of the most legendary and unfiltered legacies in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. From his groundbreaking days with Black Sabbath to a solo career that defied all odds, Ozzy wasn’t just a rock star—he was a survivor, a showman, and above all, a voice for the outcasts. His life was chaos and brilliance in equal measure, and somehow, through every fall, he got back up louder than ever.

In this special "From the Vault" episode, we revisit one of Ozzy’s most personal and redemptive moments—his 1991 hit “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” At a time when his life and career were spiraling, Ozzy nearly lost everything, including his family. After a violent outburst that landed him in jail and on the verge of ruin, he found a path back...not just to music, but to the woman who saved his life. This ballad, written for his wife Sharon, became an anthem of remorse and healing, and marked one of the most unlikely comebacks in rock history.

This is the story of Ozzy’s fall... and rise. The pain, the redemption, and the song that said it all: Mama, I’m Coming Home.

Mama, he’s coming home. For good this time. Farewell, Ozzy.

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The Lost Rebel Anthem: How Rock’s Boldest Hit Disappeared from Culture Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

So this was probably the most difficult episode I’ve ever made. But it’s one that I hope will provoke a real discussion… So one of the main reasons rock ’n’ roll hit so hard when it exploded in the ’50s was because… it wasn’t just music—it was rebellion. It shook off the stiff, clean-cut norm of the time and brought in something wild, loud, and full of swagger. The artists who lit the spark weren’t just entertainers—they were symbols of freedom, independence, and boldness. And that was magnetic, especially to a younger generation hungry for something that inspired them. The biggest stars didn’t just push boundaries—they dared people to react. Elvis Presley, with his swiveling hips and sneer, wasn’t just performing—he was shaking up an entire culture. And later, bands like The Beatles stirred controversy at nearly every turn, whether it was their long hair, their thought-provoking lyrics, or just the idea that they were bigger than pop music itself. Make no mistake about it, rock ’n’ roll was never meant to play it safe. That’s exactly WHY it mattered: Rock artists have always walked a fine line between rebellion and chaos, brilliance and self-destruction. It’s not just their music that had an edge—it was the way they lived: loud, unapologetic, and often dangerously close to the line society draws. But some crossed that line completely….

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The Power of the Rock Community: Why We Won’t Back Down in the Music Rights Fight Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

It’s been such a crazy week as I’ve been fighting this music rights scam. At one point, I was about ready to give up hope. But I can’t believe how much good has come out of all of this. Right up front, I've got to say THANK YOU to this amazing community. You have flooded the comment section with love and support. And I’ve felt it. THANK YOU! I also want to thank Rick Beato, Justin Hawkins, and Rhett Schull for the videos they posted in response to what has been going on. I’m grateful not only for their kindness and encouragement but also for their thoughtful attention to this matter. Please take some time to watch Rick’s, Justin’s, and Rhett’s videos about this ongoing music rights scam. And be sure to support their channels as well. We’re all in this together.

RICK BEATO VIDEO:

• How Major Labels Continue To SCAM YouTubers

JUSTIN HAWKINS VIDEO:

• How Do We Make This Work?

RHETT SHULL VIDEO:

• Beato Is Right...This Is a Scam

Also, if this content matters to you, make your voice heard! Tell these labels that you support YouTube creators. And that they have to stop threatening creators with fraudulent copyright claims, or they will lose your support. Start with the big three: Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music. You can email, call, or message them on social media. Thank you again!

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP

Corporate HQ: (310) 235‑4892

Rights & Compliance: conflictsofinterest@umusic.com

Facebook:

/ universalmusicgroup

X: https://x.com/umg

Instagram:

/ universalmusicgroup

WARNER MUSIC GROUP

Corporate HQ phone: (212) 275‑4000

Legal Department: https://warner-music-group.pissedcons...

Facebook:

/ warnermusicgroup

X: https://x.com/warnermusic

Instagram:

/ warnermusic

SONY MUSIC

General Contact Form: https://www.sonymusic.com/feedback/

Facebook:

/ sonymusic

X: https://x.com/sonymusic

Instagram:

/ sonymusic

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FROM THE VAULT: Motley Crue’s 'Home Sweet Home': The Epic Music Video MTV Had to Stop Playing Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Don’t go anywhere. Next up: the most-watched episode in Professor of Rock history!

FROM THE VAULT: Today, it’s an epic track from a throwaway album… Or at least that’s what the band called it. This song though, it set a new standard for how rock bands wrote and released singles in the 80s, and in the process became one of their signature hits. Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue… Unfortunately, it never got its due on the charts. In fact, because their label hated it and refused to promote it, Home Sweet Home Tanked …So to keep the song alive, the Motley Crue, including Vince Neil, Mick Marrs, Tommy Lee, and Nikki Sixx funded a music video out of their own pockets. And you know what? People went crazy for it. It set MTV records and was so popular the network pulled the plug on it to give other videos some screen time. They made up a rule??? How does that make any sense? This is a story you’re not gonna want to miss.

So get ready, it’s coming up… NEXT on the Professor of Rock

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FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind The Beatles’ Perfect Double A-Side – Penny Lane & Strawberry Fields Forever Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Today's vault episode serves up one of Adam's favorite episodes.

The collaborative genius of Lennon & McCartney created many of the most celebrated compositions ever recorded- including two heartfelt & evocative pieces of musical theater that demonstrated why The Beatles were the most impactful group of the Rock Era. The story of the powerful double-A side masterpiece- “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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Top 10 B-Sides That Became Iconic Hits: Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Pearl Jam & More Jul 19, 2025

Show notes

Alright, for this episode, we’re flipping the record over to uncover some of the greatest surprise hits of the rock era… That’s right, it’s the revenge of the B-sides. You know, the red-headed stepchildren of rock… songs that were’t good enough to make it onto an album…only good enough to back a hit single. Well, as you’ll see, today’s entries can more than hold their own. In fact, we’ve got a story about Queen's drummer Roger Taylor, who believed in his song so much he locked himself in a cupboard and refused to come out until the band agreed to pair it with Bohemian Rhapsody. And it paid off royally. Then there’s the break-up ballad Silver Springs that Stevie Nicks wrote for her band’s blockbuster album… but her bandmates axed it-2 decades later, it climbed the charts and became on of their most beloved tracks. Then there’s an obscure Pearl Jam B-side Yellow Ledbetter with lyrics that changed every time it was sung. Fans loved it so much, they campaigned to get it airplay, and in the process made it one of its band’s most iconic songs.

Next, it’s the Top 10 B-sides that defied the doubters and made it big.

NEXT on the Professor of Rock.

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