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

Sandy Kaye
'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic, Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
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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 ā€˜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 ā€˜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 ā€˜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 ā€œWhenever I Call You ā€˜Friend’,ā€ a dreamy duet with Stevie Nicks He co-write with Michael McDonald, ā€œWhat a Fool Believesā€ — 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 ā€œHeart to Heartā€ and ā€œThis Is Itā€ 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 MemoirĀ 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 ā€˜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 ā€œDanny’s Songā€ 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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  • Richard Clapton: Stories Behind Australia’s Summer Soundtrack
    When you talk about iconic Australian singer-songwriters, it doesn’t take long before Richard Clapton’s name comes up. For over five decades, Richard has been one of Australia’s true rock poets — the kind of artist whose songs become part of people’s lives, the soundtrack to long road trips, beach holidays, and nostalgic nights on the back deck with a cold beer in hand.Born on Sydney’s north shore, Richard grew up like a lot of kids — dreaming of music that took him beyond suburbia. In the late 60s and early 70s, Richard packed up and headed for Europe, guitar slung over his shoulder, busking in the streets and absorbing the counterculture that was blooming across the continent. When he returned, Richard brought with him a suitcase full of songs and stories that reflected not just his travels but the changing face of Australia itself. In '73, he released his debut single Last Train to Marseilles. But it was his '75 album Girls on the Avenue that really made people sit up and listen. The title track turned Richard Clapton into a household name almost overnight.Through the mid-to-late '70s, Richard released a string of albums that are now regarded as cornerstones of classic Australian rock music. Richard carved out a loyal audience that followed him from smoky inner-city pubs to big festival stages. His songs were — and still are — snapshots of the Australian psyche: romantic but real, hopeful but tinged with a knowing sadness.But Richard didn’t just write for himself. He became a sort of elder statesman for the Aussie rock scene, helping to mentor up-and-coming acts that would soon become legends themselves. Bands like INXS, Cold Chisel, and Mental As Anything all found a kindred spirit in Richard, whose lyrics and attitude proved you could write songs about Australian life that were poetic, gritty, and universal all at once. He even produced INXS’s second album, helping shape the band’s early sound before they broke big internationally.If you’ve ever seen Richard Clapton live, you’ll know that he’s the real deal. His voice — warm, slightly weathered, and instantly recognisable — carries the weight of decades on the road and in the studio. He has that easy rapport with an audience that only comes from years of standing on a stage, guitar in hand, telling stories through song. For many Australians, his gigs are like a reunion with an old friend — everyone singing along to Girls on the Avenue or swaying to Deep Water as if no time has passed at all.What makes Clapton’s story so compelling is that he never really chased fame for fame’s sake. He’s always seemed more interested in writing the next great song than chasing trends. And yet, he’s ended up as one of the true pillars of Australian rock, a fact recognised when he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1999.Today, well into his seventies, Richard Clapton is still out there doing what he loves most — writing songs, recording new music, and hitting the road to play to crowds who still know every word. In recent years, he’s released new albums like Harlequin Nights and Music Is Love (1966–1970), a tribute to the songs and artists that shaped him, from Bob Dylan to Neil Young. His autobiography, The Best Years of Our Lives, published in 2015, pulls back the curtain on decades of wild gigs, unforgettable characters, and the hard-won wisdom that comes from surviving the ups and downs of the music industry.And yet, for all the tours, albums, and accolades, it’s the songs that matter most. Ask any fan what Richard Clapton means to them, and you’ll likely hear a story about summer days driving up the coast or seeing him live for the first time.In an industry that’s constantly changing, Richard Clapton stands as a reminder that great music is timeless. Singer-songwriter, rock poet, mentor, and living legend Richard Clapton joins us here to share his stoires. Check the website for gigs near you.
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  • Pilot’s ā€˜Magic’ Man: The Untold Story of David Paton
    Scottish pop-rock legend David Paton is one of the most quietly influential musicians of the past fifty years. Born and raised in Edinburgh, David made his mark as the founder, lead singer, bassist, and chief songwriter for the 70s pop band Pilot — the group behind the timeless hits ā€œMagicā€ and ā€œJanuary.ā€ These catchy, melodic tracks flew up the UK Singles Charts in 1974 and 1975, cementing Pilot’s place in the classic pop-rock hall of fame.Pilot began when David, fresh from playing in local Scottish bands and even a short stint with the Bay City Rollers, teamed up with the late Billy Lyall, a fellow ex-Bay City Roller and brilliant keyboardist. With guitarist Ian Bairnson and drummer Stuart Tosh, Pilot quickly gained attention for their crisp harmonies, soaring hooks, and the polish of producer Alan Parsons, who helped shape their signature studio sound.At their peak, Pilot was more than a one-hit wonder. Their debut album From the Album of the Same Name (1974) and the follow-up Second Flight (1975) gave pop fans not just ā€œMagicā€ but the No.1 UK single ā€œJanuary,ā€ a song that topped the charts for three weeks. The band’s unique blend of soft rock, glam pop, and radio-friendly hooks made them stand out in a crowded 70s scene.Though lineup changes and industry missteps led to Pilot’s split by 1977, their legacy has endured. David Paton, the creative force behind the hits, went on to carve out an impressive career as a vocalist, bassist, and songwriter for other iconic acts. He played a vital role in The Alan Parsons Project, lending his vocals and bass to albums like Tales of Mystery and Imagination and I Robot, and fronted the progressive rock band Camel, where his vocals on ā€œHeroesā€ from The Single Factor still mesmerise fans today.David’s talents didn’t stop there. As a sought-after session musician, he played bass on Elton John’s hit ā€œNikitaā€ and toured with Elton, worked alongside Kate Bush, Rick Wakeman, Jimmy Page, and even folk legends like Phil Cunningham and Dick Gaughan. His solo work reflects his Scottish roots too — with hauntingly beautiful arrangements of traditional songs by Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.Still writing, recording, and performing, David’s latest album, Communication (2024), shows that his knack for melody and emotional connection is as strong as ever. His autobiography, Magic: The David Paton Story, gives fans an honest, often funny look behind the curtain — from Pilot’s dizzying success to the reality of life as an unsung rock hero.If you love timeless pop hooks, Scottish rock history, and the real story behind a band that gave us one of the catchiest songs ever written, dive deeper into the world of David Paton and Pilot — and experience the Magic for yourself.I know you'll enjoy the story of David Paton and relish the contribution he's made with his music.
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  • Little River Band's Beeb Birtles - A Wild Ride through Zoot, Mississippi and International Fame
    Beeb Birtles was born Gerard Bertelkamp in 1948, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Beeb is a celebrated musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. As a founding member of iconic bands such as Zoot, Mississippi, and the Little River Band, Birtles has left an indelible mark on the music industry, both in Australia and internationally. His story is one of remarkable transition—from his Dutch heritage to becoming an influential figure in Australian rock.Gerard Bertelkamp, better known by his stage name Beeb Birtles, was born into a Dutch family in post-war Amsterdam. His father was a skilled carpenter and building contractor, while his mother shared a love for music that would influence her son’s career. In 1959, the Bertelkamp family embarked on a life-changing journey - emigrating to Australia. Settling in Adelaide, South Australia, the family embraced their new home, which provided fertile ground for young Gerard’s passion for music to flourish.While attending high School in Adelaide, Beeb formed his first band, Times Unlimited. This group evolved into Down the Line, where he began honing his craft by covering popular English Mod songs. In 1967, Birtles joined the influential band Zoot as the bassist and vocalist. Zoot gained popularity with its energetic performances and hits like a rock-infused version of The Beatles’ ā€œEleanor Rigby.ā€Zoot’s success propelled Beeb into the limelight, but the band disbanded in '71, paving the way for new musical endeavours. Beeb then formed the duo Frieze with fellow Zoot member (the late) Darryl Cotton, which marked another chapter in his early career.In '72, Beeb joined the folk-rock group Mississippi, which later transformed into the Little River Band (LRB) in 1975. As a founding member, Beeb played a pivotal role in crafting the band’s harmonious rock sound, contributing to their global success. Hits like ā€œReminiscing,ā€ ā€œHelp Is on Its Way,ā€ and ā€œLonesome Loserā€ cemented the band’s reputation as one of Australia’s greatest musical exports. Beeb remained with the Little River Band until 1983, during which they sold millions of records worldwide.After leaving LRB, Birtles collaborated with Graeham Goble, another LRB alum, to form the duo Birtles & Goble, releasing the albumĀ The Last Romance. He later pursued solo projects, including the 2000 albumĀ Driven by Dreams. In 2002, Birtles reunited with former LRB members Glenn Shorrock and Graeham Goble to form Birtles Shorrock Goble, performing LRB classics alongside new material.Beeb Birtles’ contributions to music have earned him widespread recognition. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to music and inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2004 alongside his Little River Band colleagues. He was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia ā€œfor significant service to the performing arts as a singer, songwriter and musicianā€.Despite his success in Australia and beyond, Beeb remains deeply connected to his Dutch roots. Today he resides in Nashville, USA where he continues to write and produce music. He has written an autobiography called 'Everyday of My Life" and his passion for music hasn't waned at all.Join us during this episode as Beeb shares the story of his incredible musical life through Zoot, Mississippi and the extraordinary Little River Band.
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About '60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic, Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Iconic artists? Music Legends? Sandy Kaye interviews them all on A Breath of Fresh Air - a multi award-winning podcast featuring in-depth interviews with the artists you love. Through compelling conversations, we gain a rare, behind-the-scenes and intimate look at the personal stories and inspirations that fueled the music that shaped entire generations. Explore the lives, struggles, and creative journeys of these legends and relive the timeless hits that defined the soundtrack of our youth. It's all about Their Lives. Their Stories. Their Music https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au
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