What a career Tina Charles had! The British singer began as a teenager working in the recording studio singing with people like Elton John and Steve Harley. Tina also sang the lead vocals for a band called 5000 Volts (which was uncredited) and by the time her own run of hits began in 1975 she was a seasoned professional at just 21 years of age.
Some people are just born storytellers. Goanna's Shane Howard has been telling stories for many years via his music. His songs have highlighted Aboriginal injustice as well as the plan in the 1980's to dam Tasmania's now World Heritage listed Franklin River. His hit stories reveal the great meaning behind his music and he has some great stories to tell. Enjoy!
He's a big man in rock in more ways than one! The first Meat Loaf album, "Bat Out Of Hell", appeared to make him an overnight success however it certainly wasn't overnight in the making. You might be surprised how long it actually took to make. Ian Keenan was definitely surprised by Meat Loaf's reaction to the term "rock opera"!
He's one of Australia's most famous rock'n'rollers. Ross Wilson fronted the legendary Daddy Cool in the early 70's, produced the ground-breaking Skyhooks albums later in the 70's and then in the 80's returned to the concert stage as the singer for Mondo Rock. Here he shares memories which include a great fan story from his time with Mondo Rock.
If the Beatles are the most famous band to come out of England's Liverpool, then Gerry and The Pacemakers are the second most famous! They immortalised in song the river of their home town with their classic "Ferry Cross The Mersey" and are also remembered for the definitive version of "You'll Never Walk Alone". As you'll hear, Gerry Marsden has some great hit stories.
In the 60's one of the USA's most prolific songwriting teams was that of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich. In this extensive interview you'll hear how they wrote some of the greatest hits of the era and worked with some of the greats. Neil Diamond and legendary producer Phil Spector were some of their closest colleagues and Ellie Greenwich told some revealing stories about both.
Respected as one of Australia's finest rock voices, he also has the ability to make a tender love ballad his own. Swanee (John Swan) has had a long career as a soloist whilst also spending time fronting The Party Boys. He isn't the only famous member of the family, as you may know, Swanee is the elder brother of Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes.
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".
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.
