'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic, Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

• Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons' LEE SHAPIRO - The Story

  Lee Shapiro’s story is one of those great Jersey tales — a local kid with a gift for music who ends up on the world stage, shaping the soundtrack of an era. Born in 1953, Lee was a piano prodigy from the start. By the time he was a teenager, he wasn’t just playing other people’s songs — he was arranging, orchestrating, and leading his own big band. That early love for music, especially jazz and swing, gave him a strong foundation that would later carry him into pop history.The turning point came in '73, when Lee was only 19. The Four Seasons were looking for a new keyboard player. Bob Gaudio, the original keyboardist and songwriter for the band, was stepping away from performing. Lee auditioned, armed with raw talent and a fearless energy. Frankie Valli was impressed, and just like that, this Jersey kid found himself as the new keyboardist and musical director for one of America’s most iconic groups.It was a dream come true. Lee had actually seen The Four Seasons years earlier on The Ed Sullivan Show and thought to himself, “They’ve got a piano player. That could be me.” And suddenly, it was.Joining Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the '70s meant stepping into a band that was ready for a reinvention. Rock and pop were changing fast, and the group needed a fresh sound to connect with younger audiences. Lee brought that spark. He wasn’t just playing keys — he was arranging, conducting, and helping shape the new sound of the Seasons.His fingerprints are all over some of the band’s most beloved hits of the decade. From “Who Loves You.” or “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).” For seven years, Lee toured the world with Frankie Valli, playing to sold-out crowds, recording in top studios, and keeping the band’s sound tight as their musical director. He was living the dream.But Lee’s story doesn’t end with the Four Seasons. In '81, he stepped off the road to focus on other creative ventures. He wrote songs with some of the industry’s best. He orchestrated for Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, The Musical in '91. In the late '90s, Lee co-created the Rock ’n’ Roll Elmo doll for Fisher-Price. The toy became a runaway hit, selling millions and proving that Lee’s creativity extended far beyond the stage and the studio.But music always called him back. In 2010, with Jersey Boys shining a fresh spotlight on the Four Seasons’ legacy, Lee put together a new project: The Hit Men. This was a supergroup made up of musicians who had actually played with some of the biggest names in music. Alongside former Four Seasons bandmates, Lee and The Hit Men performed the songs they had lived and breathed. Audiences loved it.In 2014 Lee was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but kept going. He performed for years after his diagnosis. Eventually, when performing became more difficult, he shifted into managing the band, ensuring that The Hit Men could keep bringing classic rock and pop to audiences across the country.In 2018, Lee released a special project close to his heart — a solo piano tribute album called Lee Shapiro Plays the Greatest Hits of Frankie Valli. It was his way of revisiting the music that had shaped his life, this time in a more intimate, cocktail-style format.Over the years, Lee and The Hit Men earned recognition from the music world too. In 2019, they received an award from the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, and in 2020, Lee was nominated as a Legend Musician by the East Coast Music Hall of Fame.Looking back, Lee Shapiro’s career feels like a tapestry woven from different threads of creativity — the Jersey boy with a big band, the young keyboardist who helped shape the sound of the Four Seasons, the songwriter and arranger who explored Broadway and commercials, the inventor who made kids smile with Elmo, and the bandleader who kept the music alive with The Hit Men.Lee joins us as our special guest this week to recount his incredible story. I'd love your feedback https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

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• Kool & The Gang: 50 Years of Funk and Soul

  Robert “Kool” Bell is more than just a name in music history — he’s the steady heartbeat behind one of the most enduring funk, soul, and R&B bands of all time: Kool & The Gang. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Robert grew up in a musical household that would shape his destiny. When the family moved to New Jersey, he and his brother Ronald Bell — later known as Khalis Bayyan — began experimenting with music as teenagers. They first formed a jazz-influenced group called the Jazziacs in 1964, bringing together local friends who shared a love for tight grooves, horn-driven melodies, and improvisation.As the '60s rolled into the ’70s, the Jazziacs evolved into Kool & The Gang — a name that reflected Robert’s cool, confident persona and the collective energy of the band. Bell’s bass lines became the foundation of their sound: deep, rhythmic, and endlessly danceable. Their music didn’t fit neatly into one box — it was a fusion of jazz sophistication, funk grit, and R&B warmth. That genre-blending approach would prove to be their secret weapon in crossing musical and cultural boundaries.Kool & The Gang’s early years were built on relentless gigging and honing their live performance skills. They became a powerhouse act on the club circuit before breaking into the mainstream with hits like “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging” in the early '70s. Bell’s bass was front and centre, locking in with the drums to create the irresistible rhythms that would become the band’s trademark. By the late ’70s and early ’80s, Kool & The Gang had perfected their party anthem formula. Songs like “Celebration,” “Get Down On It,” and “Ladies’ Night” became global smashes, cementing their place on dance floors around the world.Robert “Kool” Bell wasn’t just the bandleader — he was its anchor. His leadership helped navigate the group through lineup changes, shifting musical trends, and the unpredictable turns of the industry. While many bands faded after their initial burst of fame, Kool & The Gang adapted and thrived, appealing to multiple generations of fans. Their music found new life through sampling in hip-hop and R&B, exposing their grooves to entirely new audiences.Recognition came in waves. Kool & The Gang earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They’ve sold over 70 million albums worldwide, and their tracks have been featured in countless films, commercials, and TV shows. Through it all, Robert “Kool” Bell remained a visible and active figure, still performing live well into the 21st century.Bell’s nickname “Kool” wasn’t just a stage name — it reflected his calm presence, stylish demeanor, and ability to keep the band grounded. Off stage, he’s been involved in philanthropic work and entrepreneurial ventures, including a line of French wines inspired by his international travels. Yet, no matter the project, music has always been at the core of his life.Today, Robert “Kool” Bell stands as a symbol of endurance in the music industry. From basement jam sessions in New Jersey to sold-out arenas around the globe, his journey is one of passion, persistence, and an unshakable groove. Kool & The Gang’s catalogue continues to inspire — not just because of the songs themselves, but because of the spirit Bell infused into every note. His story is a reminder that true legends aren’t just made by hits; they’re made by the dedication to keep the music alive for decades.For fans, Robert “Kool” Bell isn’t just the man who played the bass — he’s the reason Kool & The Gang has remained one of the most celebrated bands in funk, R&B, and soul history. And as long as there’s a party to start, a dance floor to fill, or a crowd to move, you can bet that somewhere, Robert “Kool” Bell will still be laying down the groove.I hope you'll enjoy our chat today with Robert 'Kool'Bell.

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• Neal Schon - Guitar Genius Behind Journey's Iconic Sound

  If you're a fan of classic rock, there's no escaping the unmistakable sound of Neal Schon, the legendary guitarist and founding member of Journey. With a career spanning over five decades, Schon’s soaring guitar solos, emotional phrasing, and rock-solid riffs have helped define generations of music fans. From his early days with Santana to global superstardom with Journey and beyond, Neal Schon remains one of the most respected and enduring figures in the world of rock and roll.Born in Oklahoma and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Neal Schon was surrounded by music from day one. His father was a jazz saxophonist, his mother a singer — so it was no surprise when Neal picked up the guitar at just 10 years old. By the time he hit his teens, he was playing with the kind of precision and passion most guitarists spend decades trying to master.At 15, Neal made rock history by joining ⁠Santana⁠, turning down an audition with Eric Clapton’s Derek and the Dominos to do so. Neal’s work introduced him to the world and shaped his unique blend of Latin-infused rock, blues, and jazz.In '73, Neal and keyboardist Gregg Rolie left Santana to form a new band — one that would later become the rock giant ⁠Journey.⁠ Originally intended as a jazz-fusion group, Journey’s early albums were adventurous and musically rich. Success came in '77 when Steve Perry joined the band. His soaring vocals paired perfectly with Neal's melodic guitar work, and Journey’s sound found its sweet spot: catchy, emotional, stadium-ready rock anthems. Neal’s riffs and solos became the soundtrack of a generation. The album Escape alone went 9x Platinum and featured some of the band’s biggest hits — including that eternal anthem.Of all the songs Neal has ever recorded, Don’t Stop Believin’ remains the crown jewel. It has become one of the most instantly recognisable songs in rock history. It took on a second life in the 2000s thanks to The Sopranos finale, Glee, and a million karaoke bars around the world.Today, Don’t Stop Believin’ is the most downloaded digital song of the 20th century. While Journey was (and is) Neal’s main gig, he’s never stopped exploring musically. In the mid-’80s, he formed bands with Sammy Hagar and later with John Waite and Journey’s Jonathan Cain.Journey has seen its share of lineup changes, but Neal Schon has always been its heart and soul. Whether alongside Steve Perry, Steve Augeri, or Arnel Pineda, Neal’s guitar has anchored the band’s sound and kept fans coming back for more.Journey released Freedom in 2022, their first album of all-new material in over a decade. 2023 marked Journey’s 50th anniversary, and Neal celebrated in style. The band embarked on their Freedom Tour, playing to sold-out arenas around the globe. Fans from every generation came out to hear the hits — and see Schon light up the stage with his signature Les Paul and fiery solos.As of 2025, Neal Schon is still touring, still recording, and still pushing himself as a player. Whether he's performing Journey classics, exploring new musical territory, or collaborating with old friends, he remains a true rock icon. With over 50 years in the industry, millions of records sold, and a legacy that spans generations, Neal Schon isn’t just part of rock history — he is rock history.So next time you hear that soaring solo in Faithfully, that chugging riff in Any Way You Want It, or the unforgettable opening of Don’t Stop Believin’, tip your hat to Neal Schon — the guitar legend who made it all sing.

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• The Hollies’ Allan Clarke: Classic Rock Stories & Timeless Hits

  Few voices in rock history are as instantly recognizable as Allan Clarke, the co-founder and lead singer of the iconic British band The Hollies. With a career that spans more than six decades, Allan’s soaring vocals, heartfelt delivery, and unforgettable harmonies have become synonymous with the golden age of classic rock and the British Invasion. Known for timeless hits like He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress), and Bus Stop, Allan’s legacy as a rock legend is as vibrant today as it was in the 1960s.He was born Harold Allan Clarke n Salford, England. As a child, Allan developed a passion for music, drawing inspiration from early rock ’n’ roll icons like Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Little Richard. His friendship with Graham Nash—who would later go on to fame with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young—proved to be the foundation for one of the most beloved bands of all time.In 1962, Clarke and Nash formed The Hollies, a name inspired by their mutual admiration for Buddy Holly. The band’s signature sound, marked by bright guitar riffs, tight vocal harmonies, and Allan’s powerful yet soulful voice, quickly captured the attention of the British music scene. By '63, The Hollies were signed to the same label as The Beatles.The Hollies scored their first major hit with Stay in '63, but it was songs like Bus Stop and Carrie Anne that cemented their status as hitmakers. Allan Clarke’s voice was the emotional core of The Hollies, effortlessly blending pop sensibilities with the raw energy of rock. One of Allan’s most defining vocal performances came with the release of He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother in '69. Featuring a young Elton John on piano, the song became a global anthem of brotherhood and compassion. In '72, The Hollies had another worldwide hit with Long Cool Woman , a track that still dominates classic rock radio playlists today.While Allan's legacy is firmly rooted in his work with The Hollies, he also pursued a solo career, releasing several solo albums that blended rock, folk, and country influences.Allan Clarke temporarily left The Hollies in '71 but returned in '73. His second departure in '99 marked what many assumed was the end of his career due to vocal health issues. In 2019, he made a remarkable comeback with his album Resurgence. The project marked his first solo release in decades and proved that his voice still carried the same warmth and emotion that defined his early work. Allan also collaborated with his old friend Graham Nash . His recent work bridges the gap between classic rock nostalgia and modern storytelling.The Hollies, with Allan Clarke at the helm, have sold over 60 million records worldwide and remain one of the most successful groups to emerge from the '60s.Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a long-overdue recognition of their influence on generations of musicians and fans. Today, Allan Clarke stands as a bridge between the early days of rock ‘n’ roll and the present. His journey from the streets of Salford to international stardom with The Hollies is a testament to the enduring power of great music, determination, and collaboration. For classic rock fans, Allan Clarke’s voice is not just a sound — it’s a memory, an era, and a feeling rolled into one.Whether you’re revisiting He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, grooving to Long Cool Woman, or discovering Clarke’s latest music, there’s no denying his place in the pantheon of classic rock legends. Join us today as Allan Clarke shares stories of his rise to fame, his friendship with Graham Nash and what the music of The Hollies means to him.

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• Kenny Loggins: Still Alright & Forever Footloose

  If you’ve ever turned up the radio and belted out Footloose at the top of your lungs — or strutted around the house pretending you’re Maverick flying a fighter jet to Danger Zone — then you already know the magic of Kenny Loggins, the undisputed king of the ‘80s movie soundtrack and a bonafide soft rock legend. But there’s way more to Kenny Loggins than just toe-tapping anthems and blockbuster film credits. His story is pure classic rock gold, filled with sun-soaked California beginnings, powerhouse collaborations, and an uncanny knack for writing hits that stand the test of time.Born Kenneth Clark Loggins in Washington, Kenny grew up in the golden haze of Southern California’s music boom. While his friends were trying to score surfboards, young Kenny was writing songs in his bedroom and dreaming up hooks that would one day echo through stadiums. He cut his teeth as a songwriter for hire, landing cuts with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.Kenny's story really kicks in when he teams up with ex-Poco and Buffalo Springfield member Jim Messina. Enter Loggins & Messina, the folk-rock duo that ruled the early ‘70s with feel-good harmonies and radio-friendly hits.These guys were the ultimate laid-back rock bros — they sold millions of records, filled arenas, and gave Kenny the confidence to step out on his own when the partnership ended in '76.When he did go solo, he doubled down. He scored a huge hit with “Whenever I Call You ‘Friend’,” a dreamy duet with Stevie Nicks He co-write with Michael McDonald, “What a Fool Believes” — a song that scooped up the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1980.Then came the era that made Kenny a household name: the Soundtrack King phase. First up, Caddyshack. Next, Footloose — released in 1984, it shot straight to No. 1 and never left the pop culture dance floor. But Kenny Loggins wasn’t done. Not even close. Two years later, the Top Gun soundtrack landed in his lap — and he strapped in for one of the most turbo-charged hits of his career: Danger Zone. But here’s the thing — the Soundtrack King crown didn’t box Kenny in. He’s always been more than a hit machine. Albums like High Adventure and Vox Humana show his softer, more introspective side. Songs like “Heart to Heart” and “This Is It” gave us smooth sax solos and heartfelt lyrics. Kenny could be funky, he could be breezy, he could make you want to dance — or just chill on the porch.Through it all, Kenny stayed a collaborator at heart. He’s jammed with Michael McDonald, Steve Perry, Stevie Nicks.He even dipped into children’s music with Return to Pooh Corner. He's done Christmas albums, live records and acoustic sets. His catalogue is a masterclass in versatility.Today, Kenny Loggins is still out there, doing what he does best — playing sold-out shows for die-hard fans who never get tired of that big, warm, unmistakable voice. His book Still Alright: A Memoir tells the stories behind Kenny's legendary five-decade career and shares behind the scenes tales. The celebrated songwriter and chart-topping collaborator shares an entertaining perspective on his life and career as one of the most noteworthy musicians of the ‘70s and ’80s and addresses his personal challenges and obstacles of his life and work -- including two failed marriages, a difficult but motivating relationship with the older brother for which “Danny’s Song” is named, struggles with hisaddiction to benzodiazepines, and the revelations of turning seventy and looking back at everything that has shaped his music - as well as coming to terms with his rock-star persona and his true self.I hope you enjoy Kenny Loggins' candid conversation with me during this episode.To learn more about Kenny head ot his website: https://kennyloggins.com/

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