In the early 70's the band Jethro Tull were known as one of Britain's leading "progressive rock" exponents. Jethro Tull founder Ian Anderson discusses some of their ground breaking work and tells why he chose to play the flute on stage. He also shares the story of how they came up with their biggest hit single after they were literally instructed to "write a hit".
In the mid 70's Australian singer Linda George was in constant demand for TV variety shows, in recording sessions and as also a member of Brian Cadd's Bootleg Family Band. In 1973 she was named "Best New Female Artist" at the King of Pop Awards and had solo hits with a cover of a Gladys Knight song and her take on "Mama's Little Girl".
This interview will be of particular interest to Aussie music fans as Promises were huge on TV's "Countdown" in 1979. Singer Leslie Knauer really stood out in the video for "Baby It's You", though it wasn't a hit in their USA homeland and almost didn't happen at all! In Australia Promises had a follow up success and fans of "big hair" might enjoy this clip.
For some Kiki Dee will bring back memories of just one song - her #1 one duet with Elton John, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". It was a huge hit and she does fondly reminisce about her work with Elton (and the jokes he played on her), however there were other hits for Kiki including one of the best love songs of the 70's.
The very funny and talented Divine Miss M is always a fabulous interviewee. No doubt Bette Midler has so many hit stories because she's had so many hits. "From A Distance", "Wind Beneath My Wings", "The Rose" and have you heard the story about the huge hit which was suggested to her by one of her fans?
"No More Mr Nice Guy" is definitely just a song title because Alice Cooper IS one of the nicest guys in music - his musical influence and longevity has inspired many. Hear the tales behind some of his biggest hits plus fantastic stories about touring in the 70's, including what he did when it looked like he was about to be arrested in Australia.
Few artists have had as many different names as the late Alvin Stardust. He adopted his most famous moniker when he became a "glam-rocker", though his work as a singer goes much further back in time. He talks about the various names of his career and has an amazing story about an incredible autograph collection he amassed on a guitar his mother gave him.
In 2012 Australian music fans mourned the loss of Darryl Cotton. He first came to attention as singer of the Zoot which also featured Rick Springfield and Beeb Birtles of the Little River Band. Darryl has a great yarn about how an Australian Rock Icon gave Zoot their name, talks about the hit he wrote for Mississippi and reveals the story behind "Same Old Girl".
Two of the biggest Canadian bands of the 70's were The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive and Randy Bachman was behind both. He reveals what changed his life and led him to make rock'n'roll his life's work. He recalls confronting the British band The Who and how he didn't want to release one of his biggest hits for fear of embarrassing his brother.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Rascals made a major contribution to music in the 60's. Their singing/songwriting team of Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati came up with gems such as "Groovin'", "How Can I Be Sure", "People Got To Be Free" and who could ever forget their version of the rock'n'roll classic "Good Lovin'"!
