Episode 17: Hitsville USA - Motown/Berry Gordy

Our story today follows the tale of an American Rock & Roller and Songwriter named Del Shannon. Now hopefully you already know who this man is and assuming you do, im sure you already know his song Runaway. One of the greatest songs of all time! But - Do you know anything else about Del Shannon? Show Notes and More at: www.rockandrollhistory.com

Earlier this month, it was announced that at the end of last month, another rock and roll legend left us and ascended to the rock and roll heavens. While this legend may fall into the often overlooked category we like to focus so much on here, it doesn’t make him any less of a legend. In fact, I think it makes him even more of a legend because he has that cool air of mystery floating about him. Jack Lee penned many great songs over his musical career, and while not all of them were big commercial successes, his songwriting and music styling have been hugely influential on many who have come after him. Show Notes and More at: www.rockandrollhistory.com

Our story today will highlight a song that is ingrained in the DNA of rock and roll. It may even fall into the often overlooked category because, these days, it seems people have forgotten this song. That’s  strange to someone like me or you, but when you look around, it's easy to see that this style has sadly fallen by the wayside. But I guess the times they are  a changing... Anyway, this song played a massive role in shaping rock and roll as we know it today, and so it should be celebrated. This little diddy is known as the "Rock Island Line." Show Notes and more @ www.rockandrollhistory.com

Today's episode is about the tale of how one of the most important record labels in not only rock and roll history, but all history came to be. This label produced hit after hit and launched the careers of some of the most iconic artists of all time this label also transformed the music industry and left an indelible mark on popular culture. The label I’m talking about, of course, is MOTOWN Show Notes and More at: www.rockandrollhistory.com

Today's story follows the tale a Native American Man, who by wielding an electric guitar managed to roughen up the course of rock and roll history by making the genre dangerous, sexy and even more notorious than ever before.. And he did it by only strumming 3 simple little guitar chords. Amazing right? Garage Rock, Punk Rock, Heavy Metal all the rocks all the metals all owe this man their respect and beer..a man named Link Wray and the big little song he came up with called ((RUMBLE)) Show Notes and More available at: www.rockandrollhistory.com

Todays episode will be slightly different than our regularly scheduled programming.Yes Todays show is A different flavor….maybe even Tony Cacheres flavored as Today we are Honoring the life of King Louie Bankston! 1 Year since his passing..I am aware that many of you might not be familiar with who King Louie is, or why he’s Cajun flavored, but that is precisely why I decided to do this episode today. If you love or care about ..or even just enjoy rock and roll, then you should certainly know about this dude. Royal Pendletons, Persuaders, Bad, Times, Jay Reatard, Exploding Hearts..Its All in here!  RIP King Louie! Show notes and more at www.rockandrollhistory.com

Happy New Year! This being the First episode of the New and Improved Series, I can’t think of a better place to start than with this standard classic. This song is the Epitome of Rock and Roll. The sound and style of this number, would go on to shape rock and roll music and change the way people not only play guitar, but even the way they LOOK at a guitar! It’s an absolute game changer.. This song I’m talking about.. is of course.. none other than...JOHNNY B. GOODE by the one and only.. Chuck Berry. THE TRUE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL Show Notes and More and www.rockandrollhistory.com

Our tale follows a young man by the name of Robert Johnson. He is a legendary guitar player known as one of the originators or the Delta Blues sound. According to legend one day the young Mr. Johnson took himself on down to one of these crossroads and As Legend Has It, he met The Devil Himself and made a deal to sell his soul in exchange for some Ripping Guitar Skills that could Melt the Faces off everyone down on the river delta. Happy Halloween! Show Notes, References and Extras available at www.rockandrollhistory.com

Our story Today follows a man named Shel Talmy. He is another “behind the scenes” type of figure in rock and roll history. He played a key role in some of rock music’s most iconic hits.. and while his name might ring a bell for a few of you rock and roll die hards, do you Really know who he is??  Show Notes and Goodies at: www.rockandrollhistory.com

Episode Notes Today's Episode follows the story of another Often Overlooked Woman in Rock and Roll History. A Musician. A Legend. Carol Kaye! We Also Talk about The Clique known as The Wrecking Crew!  Show Notes and Goodies At: www.rockandrollhistory.com