Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This is a RE-release of an earlier episode.
In December of 2020, I released my interview with BJ Thomas.
A short 4 months later he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
BJ passed away today; May 29th, 2021 at the age of 78.
He was super nice to me and generous with his time.
Please enjoy my conversation with a true music legend.
Rest easy BJ.
-Steve
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Kinky Friedman
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know a legend, in part 1 of my conversation with Kinky Friedman. Richard “Kinky” Friedman is a singer / songwriter, musician, author, activist, and former politician. In short…. Kinky is a LEGEND. In this episode, The Kinkster and I chat about moving to Texas when he was 1 year old because he couldn’t find work, and eventually becoming a musician. We discuss some of his songs, (including one that was very important to Nelson Mandela while he was in prison). We also talk about the current state of the music industry, and some of Kinky’s more recent albums; including his forthcoming release ‘The Poet Of Motel 6’. Then we spend some time talking about a new project where (previous guest) Mike Dawson is narrating all TWENTY of Kinky’s detective novels as audio books! Along the way, Kinky shares stories about Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and even Abbie Hoffman; plus, Kinky lets me play a couple of his songs. This is part 1 of my conversation with the great Kinkster. Make sure you come back for part 2, and the conclusion of our talk.
Follow Kinky on social media:
Twit: @FriedmanKinky
Insta: @KinkyFriedmanOfficial
FB: Kinky Friedman
KinkyFriedman.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Mario Andretti
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Mario Andretti. In this episode Mario and I chat about what brought his family to The United States, and how he and his twin brother Aldo got bitten by the racing bug. He shares some of his favorite memories of his driving career (which spanned from 1959 to 2000). We talk about some of the automotive innovations that started in racing and are now on every passenger car made; He also tells me what it was like to win the Daytona 500, The Indy 500, and the Formula One World Championship. Finally, we close the show out talking about his post racing businesses which include a winery, and the nationwide Andretti Indoor Carting and Games entertainment complexes. (I do challenge him to a race at the one near my house!)
Mario is a legend and a national treasure, who has made a name for himself all over the world in his sport as well as his compassion and generosity. It was a great honor to speak with 3 time US Driver of the Year, US Driver of the Quarter Century, and Driver of the Decade.
Follow Mario on social media:
Twit: @MarioAndretti
Insta: @AndrettiMario
FB: Mario Andretti
Mario’s website: MarioAndretti.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Joe Bouchard
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know legendary rock star Joe Bouchard. Joe is the founding bass player for the band Blue Oyster Cult. In this episode we chat about how he got involved with those guys, and we discuss some of their most popular hits during his 17 years in the band. Then we talk about his other project; Blue Coupe, with rock stars from other bands….. sort of a Super Group. Finally, we discuss his newest solo album: Strange Legends. During this wonderful chat we talk about all kinds of musicians & friends of his from KISS to Metallica, and more. Plus…. Joe lets me play a song off the new album!
Follow Joe on social media:
Twit: @JoeRockStar
Insta: @AstronomyJoeB
FB: Joe Bouchard
Website: JoeBouchard.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Herb Alpert
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Herb Alpert. Herb is a multi platinum selling recording artist, producer, multiple Grammy winner, record company executive, philanthropist, and founder of A & M Records. In this episode we chat about when Herb first knew he wanted to play music, why he started a record company (with Jerry Moss), and a few stories behind some of his biggest hits. Herb does let me play a couple of those hits before I talk about his new film Herb Alpert Is… available everywhere now.
Follow Herb on social media:
Twit: @HerbAlpert
Insta: @OfficialHerbAlpert
FB: Herb Alpert
Website: HerbAlpert.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
B J Thomas
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know B J Thomas.
B J is a singer / songwriter who has sold well over 70 million albums worldwide. He has had 8 number one hits, and has had 46 songs on the Billboard top 100. You definitely know his songs!
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, Hooked On A Feeling, I Just Can’t Help Believing, Rock And Roll Lullaby, Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song, and the Academy Award winning song Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head (1970 Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid). B J also sand the theme song to smash hit tv show Growing Pains: As Long As We Got Each Other. This is the FIFTY year anniversary of Raindrops!
B J also has the honor of being a member of The Grand Ole Opry, winning 5 Grammy’s, as well as having the very first Contemporary Christian album in history to go platinum.
In this episode we chat about how he came to be in the music business out of a tiny town outside of Houston, Tx. Then he tells us some stories about some of these hit songs, including preforming at the Academy Awards in 1970. We also talk about when he was invited to play FOR Elvis. BJ is kind enough to let me play a song or two. Enjoy!
Follow BJ on social media:
Twit: @TheBJThomas
Insta: @TheBJThomas
FB: The B J Thomas
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Thomas McClary
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Thomas McClary. Thomas is the founder of the funk / soul band The Commodores. In this episode we chat about what it was like to be THE FIRST African American to be bussed in his county to a white school. We talk about The Civil Rights movement of the mid 60’s and his involvement in that. Then we get into his time at Tuskegee University, and a chance meeting that would change the course of his life. We also discuss The Commodores time with Motown Records and how some of the decisions they made impacted future artists with that label. And finally, Thomas let’s me play my favorite song of theirs, plus I get to play his BRAND NEW song called Yes (I Still Have Joy)!
Follow Thomas on social media:
Twit: @ThomasMcClary
Insta: @ThomasMcClary
FB: Thomas McClary
Website: ThomasMcClary.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This week my guest is Ed Asner. Depending on your age; you know him from The Mary Tyler Moore show, Lou Grant, even the Pixar blockbuster UP. We talk about The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant, his touring one man show: A Man And His Prostate, and we even talk about Ed’s newest book: The Grouchy Historian. Last month Ed Asner allegedly passed away in a car accident. I ASSURE YOU THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. I KNOW THIS FOR 100% CERTAIN. THIS WAS A RIDICULOUS HOAX.
Ed’s Social Media:
Twitter: @TheOnlyEdAsner
Instagram: @TheOnlyEdAsner
FB: Ed Asner
Amazon link to Ed’s newest book: https://amzn.to/2MXrMuS
Link for tickets: www.amanandhisprostate.com
Link to Autism website: www.edasnerfamilycenter.org
Link to donate: www.edasnerfamilycenter.org/donate
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
My buddy Clint pulled some strings and was able to get me a sit down interview with his dad Rance Howard in July of 2017. With more than 100 film appearances and more than 200 episodes of television; Rance worked in the business from 1956 until he passed in late 2017. This is his last long form interview.
One of the kindest, most engaging men I have ever met.
Stay tuned for bonus extras after the episode.
Shortly after this interview, Mr. Howard made two more movies, and then became ill.
He never recovered.
This was one of the best days of my life.
Although Rance Howard will be sorely missed by many; I am POSITIVE that Heaven is a better place with him in it.
Rest easy, and Farewell Good Sir.
–Steve