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

• Leo Sayer Still Feels Like Dancing - The Life and Music of a Pop Legend

  Leo Sayer, born Gerard Hugh Sayer in Shoreham-by-Sea, England, in 1948, has been one of the most enduring figures in pop music for more than five decades. Known for his curly hair, soulful voice, and boundless energy, Leo’s journey from art student to international pop superstar is the stuff of legend. His career has taken him from intimate folk clubs in the UK to packed arenas across the globe, making him one of the most recognisable singer-songwriters of the '70s and beyond.Leo first found success as a songwriter. He co-wrote Giving It All Away, a hit single for The Who’s Roger Daltrey in '73. That track helped put him on the map, showcasing his knack for heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies. With management by Adam Faith, Leo soon made the leap into performing, bringing his own distinctive sound and image to the stage. His debut album included the poignant single The Show Must Go On, which became his first major hit.By the mid-'70s, Leo Sayer was everywhere. His unique mix of pop, soul, and soft rock resonated with audiences worldwide. He scored a string of unforgettable hits, including Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance), Moonlighting, and the chart-topping ballad When I Need You in 1977, which went to number one in both the UK and the US. Around the same time, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing stormed the charts, earning him a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance – a rare feat for a British artist in that era. These songs not only defined the sound of the late ’70s but also cemented Leo's reputation as one of pop’s most versatile performers.Leo's albums consistently sold well across Europe, the US, Australia, and beyond. Tracks like More Than I Can Say and Orchard Road showcased his ability to blend catchy hooks with heartfelt emotion, ensuring his songs stood the test of time. He also became a fixture on television variety shows, his charisma and instantly recognisable look making him a favourite with audiences everywhere.Unlike many of his contemporaries, Leo Sayer has never stopped working, recording, and performing. In the 2000s, he scored an unexpected resurgence when a remix of his '77 song Thunder in My Heart topped the UK charts in 2006. He has since continued to tour extensively, particularly in Australia, where he eventually made his home and became a citizen in 2009. His live shows are legendary for their energy, warmth, and connection with the audience – proof that Leo remains every bit the showman he was at the height of his fame.Leo Sayer’s contribution to pop and rock music is undeniable. His voice, both tender and powerful, has influenced countless singers. His songs have been covered by artists across genres, and his longevity proves the universal appeal of great songwriting. Beyond his hits, Leo is admired for his resilience – navigating the highs and lows of the music industry while staying true to his craft. Few artists can boast a career that spans from the glam-pop era of the 1970s to the streaming age of today, but Leo Sayer has managed it with style and authenticity.Away from the stage, Leo is known for his wit, warmth, and thoughtful reflections on life in music. He’s also a talented visual artist, having studied graphic design before music, and he continues to express himself creatively in different ways. Our interview reveal a man who is grateful for the opportunities he’s had, candid about the challenges he’s faced, and passionate about continuing to create and share his art with the world.Now in his late seventies, Leo Sayer shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to release new music. His tours regularly sell out, with fans old and new eager to experience the magic of his live performances. Whether he’s singing one of his timeless classics or unveiling a new track, Leo brings the same enthusiasm and sincerity that made him a star in the first place.Look out for him performing in a city near you.https://www.leosayer.com/

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• Bobby Goldsboro: The Story Behind “Honey” and His Legendary Career

  In 1968 while Joplin, Hendrix, the Doors and Jefferson Airplane were singing about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, Bobby Goldsboro was singing about “Honey.” After a career in which he sold more than 35 million records, hosted a national TV show, wrote six best-selling children’s books and produced a national PBS show, you’d think the almost 85 year old Goldsboro would be winding down. Think again.Bobby Goldsboro was born in the small town of Marianna, Florida. Growing up in a modest setting, he discovered a love for music at an early age. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing guitar and dreaming about a life in the spotlight. After high school, Bobby attended University but quickly found himself drawn more to music than academics. That passion led him to join a band called The Webs—the first real stepping stone to his career.The Webs were talented enough to catch the attention of rock legend Roy Orbison. In 1962, Orbison invited the band to back him on tour. Bobby suddenly found himself on the road with one of the most iconic voices in rock history, gaining invaluable experience. For two years, he traveled the world with Orbison, honing his skills and learning the ins and outs of the music business. In 1964, Bobby launched his solo career, and his very first single, “See the Funny Little Clown,” became a hit. The song shot into the Top 10 and introduced his unique, heartfelt vocal style to the world. More singles followed that proved he wasn’t a one-hit wonder. Everything changed in 1968 with the release of “Honey.” The emotional ballad tells the story of a man grieving the loss of his wife. Goldsboro’s tender delivery turned it into a cultural phenomenon. The song spent five weeks at No. 1 and became one of the decade’s best-selling singles, topping charts worldwide. Love it or find it schmultzy “Honey” defined Bobby Goldsboro’s career and remains his signature song.Though “Honey” was his biggest success, Bobby continued to deliver memorable music. Songs like “Summer (The First Time)” and “Watching Scotty Grow” touched audiences everywhere. Bobby's tracks showcased his versatility, blending country, pop, and folk influences while always keeping the storytelling front and centre.During the '70s, Bobby expanded his career beyond the recording studio. He became the host of The Bobby Goldsboro Show, a syndicated musical variety program that ran for several years. It highlighted his warmth, charm, and sense of humour—qualities that endeared him to audiences far beyond his music.As the '80s rolled in, Bobby gradually stepped away from the spotlight of hit records and touring. But creativity still flowed. He turned his attention to painting, creating detailed wildlife and landscape art that quickly gained recognition. Collectors admired his work, and he established himself as a respected visual artist.He also ventured into children’s programming, producing the animated series The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon.What makes Bobby Goldsboro special is the emotional connection he forges with his audience. He has a rare ability to capture universal feelings in simple, beautiful ways. His soft, vulnerable voice made listeners feel like he was singing directly to them, a gift that explains why his songs have endured for so long.Today, Bobby Goldsboro may no longer dominate the charts, but his influence is undeniable. He continues to paint, create, and inspire, while fans old and new revisit his music with appreciation. His career is a reminder that creativity comes in many forms and that an artist’s legacy isn’t defined by a single moment, but by a lifetime of work.Tune in to hear Bobby relive the story of his career and let him take you back to your youth, to a time when his songs dominated the charts.Please reach out to me with any comments or feedback through the website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

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• Cherie Currie and The Runaways: One Helluva Wild Rock ’n’ Roll Ride

  When you think about '70s rock ’n’ roll, few names bring to mind teenage rebellion and raw energy like Cherie Currie, the original lead singer of The Runaways. She was only 15 years old when she fronted one of the most groundbreaking all-girl rock bands of the era, making waves with her powerhouse voice, striking stage presence, and that iconic corset-and-chains outfit that became part of rock history.Cherie was born in California and grew up in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Before she ever thought about fronting a rock band, she was just a music-obsessed teenager who idolized David Bowie. In fact, it was her love of Bowie’s glam-rock style that shaped her own look and attitude. Cherie was already performing in small gigs around L.A. when Kim Fowley and Joan Jett came calling. They were putting together a tough, edgy, all-female rock band that would soon shake up the male-dominated music scene.In '75, Cherie joined The Runaways, alongside Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox. She quickly became the band’s lead singer, famous for belting out songs like “Cherry Bomb”, which became the group’s signature anthem and is still celebrated as one of the defining punk-rock tracks of the ‘70s. Currie’s onstage persona—provocative, fearless, and rebellious—made her a standout in the band and a poster child for teenage rock rebellion.The Runaways were groundbreaking. They weren’t just a novelty “girl band”—they could really play. The girls toured the world and in Japan they were treated like superstars. But behind the scenes, things weren’t always as glamorous. Tensions within the band, combined with the pressures of fame, the exploitation of young girls in the rock world, and substance abuse struggles, led to Cherie leaving The Runaways in '77—just two years after she’d joined.Life after The Runaways was a wild mix of ups and downs for Cherie Currie. She launched a solo music career, releasing the album Beauty’s Only Skin Deep in '78 and later teaming up with her identical twin sister, Marie Currie, for the duet album Messin’ with the Boys in '80. Cherie also explored acting. She starred alongside Jodie Foster in the cult classic film Foxes (1980) and appeared in other films throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, including Parasite and Twilight Zone: The Movie.But Cherie didn’t stop there. She reinvented herself yet again—as a chainsaw artist. In the 2000s, she became an award-winning chainsaw carver, creating intricate wooden sculptures that stunned critics and fans alike.In 2010, interest in her story skyrocketed with the release of The Runaways movie, starring Dakota Fanning as Cherie and Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett. The film reignited global attention for the band, cementing Cherie’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in rock. Around the same time, she published her memoir Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway, a raw, honest account of her life in and out of the band.She’s continued to perform music into recent years, releasing the 2019 album Blvds of Splendor.Cherie Currie will always be remembered as the fierce blonde teenager who stepped onstage and screamed “Hello world, I’m your wild girl!” with The Runaways. She was part of a band that kicked open doors for future generations of female rockers—from Joan Jett’s later success with The Blackhearts, to the riot grrrl movement, to today’s women-led rock bands.Her story isn’t just about teenage fame—it’s about survival, reinvention, and proving that rock ’n’ roll really can be forever.This week Cherie joins us to share it all.I'd love to hear if you enjoy this episode. Please reach out with any comments or suggestions through the website: https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

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• 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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