A Tribute to Earl Forest

 In this very special and bittersweet episode, a tribute to one of the architects of the Memphis sound and the birth of rock and roll, a conversation about Earl Forest. Contributing to the conversation is Brad Webb, Cam Mtenzi, Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms, and Thomas Clay, Jr. In this episode you will hear first hand stories about the early days of Memphis music by the men who were there. You'll also hear some of those early recordings and what is the very first rock and roll song. 

A special note regarding this episode is that shortly after this conversation, Thomas Clay, Jr. passed away. This episode marks his final broadcast appearance. Therefore, this episode is dedicated to him.

NEXT WEEK: Mark "Muleman" Massey 

It Came from Memphis as did Robert Gordon

 There is something to be said for a good old fashioned history lesson and that is exactly what is on tap for this episode. Taken from a previously aired broadcast, this conversation celebrates the anniversary of the book It Came From Memphis by Robert Gordon. 

During this talk, there are a couple of great stories from the book as well as Robert's thoughts about who would direct this story if it were ever to be made into a movie. Also in this episode, you'll hear some music that accompanies the book as it is likely the only book that has a varied soundtrack. 

Plus, Ric tells you about who will be visiting Radioland in the coming weeks.

NEXT WEEK: Rew Starr

The Lizzard Kings

It's not a typo. The word "lizzard" (with 2 Zs) has an amusing connotation. You'll learn about it here. These guys represented Memphis in the International Blues Challenge this past week in the band category. They are a real blast to hang out with as we did that night. You'll hear some studio performances and a few songs off their brand new CD.

Also, we are getting close to wrapping our 5th year of production with this show. An interesting milestone for sure. With that, there are some changes coming to Radioland. But you can think of it as more of an expansion than anything else. I'll explain in the show.



NEXT WEEK: Benny Turner & Cash McCall

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Carla Thomas, Willie Hall & Vanese Thomas - Dropping Bombs

The musical influence of the Thomas family in Memphis is enormous. Rufus Thomas was a true showman. His children learned that craft from the best. Carla Thomas scored 2 major hits in the 1960s with Gee Whiz and B-A-B-Y (the latter showing up recently on the Baby Driver soundtrack) along the way, the time spent at STAX was important for Carla.

Also, our great friend Willie Hall joined the conversation to talk about his days with STAX and Isaac Hayes and Booker T. & The MGs. And then Carla's sister, Vanese got on the air and dropped a bomb.



NEXT WEEK: Kyle & Gabe are Brother Boulevard

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Dr. Feelgood Potts & Sheba Potts-Wright

This particular show has been a couple of years in the making. Trying to get everyone's schedule together and the right time for everyone to sit down and have a conversation. Finally, it happened. This is a great story of two legendary entertainers as father and daughter on the stage together and separately.

You'll also hear some of their music and the stories behind those recordings.



NEXT WEEK: Mick Kolassa & The Taylor Made Blues Band

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Big T & Johnny Drummer

It is always a great time when Big T & The Family step into the studio. That' exactly what happened a couple of weeks ago. There was one notable difference though. This time, Big T brought along the legendary Johnny Drummer to play some keys.

Also in this episode, I'm starting to think the electric scooters littering the sidewalks and streets are for the birds.



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NEXT WEEK: Mick Kolassa

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Walking East & West with Pops Fountaine

Pops has been a long time friend of Radio Memphis. He is originally from Chicago where he has been a percussionist for many great artists over the years. When he came to Memphis, he found himself on stage with many more great musicians.

Through all of this, Pops has learned many of life's greatest lessons on and off the stage. Plus, his stories are moving, touching and down right hilarious.



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NEXT WEEK: Sharde Thomas & The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band

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Frank Monteleone & Blind Mississippi Morris

When we were on the air the night this was taped, we had no idea what was going to happen aside from there being some great music from a fantastic guitar player and his band. Just before we went on, I was informed that Blind Mississippi Morris was in the studio and I knew right then we were all in for a real treat.

And so are you.

Enjoy!



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NEXT WEEK: Pops Fountaine

Gee Whiz, It's Carla Thomas

I recently spent some quality time with Carla Thomas. In 1961 she scored her first Billboard hit with Gee Whiz. In 1966, she repeated that with B-A-B-Y Baby with that song seeing the light again by being featured in the movie Baby Driver.

She spoke of how her path to show business was not quite what you'd think it was. Never seeking it out, the spotlight found her and her music still stands the test of the time.



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NEXT WEEK: Frank Monteleone and Blind Mississippi Morris

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Stepping Off The Mothership with Harold Beane

If there was some sort of an accurate record out there regarding just how many times a guitar player had his work sampled, Harold Beane would probably win. Harold played all the guitar parts for Isaac Hayes iconic Hot Buttered Soul album. He also spent some quality time with George Clinton and Funkadelic.

And this is just some of the story.

Wait until he tells the sad story of the plane crash that killed Otis Redding and most of the Bar Kays. He was supposed to be on that flight.



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NEXT WEEK: Gee Whiz, It's Carla Thomas

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The Architects of Memphis Music

History is a fun subject for me. Especially when you get the opportunity to talk to those who actively created iconic historical moments. Howard Grimes, Percy & Spencer Wiggins did just that. In this episode, Jeff and I sat down with these three gentlemen to learn about the very early days of that Memphis sound, where it came from and how it happened.

Also, you'll learn what it was like for African-American performers who worked the road and studios to bring that special sound to homes around the world.



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NEXT WEEK: Harold Beane steps off The Mothership

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The Customer Service Blues

Everyone has a tale to tell about their customer service nightmares. Major corporations who treat you more as a number than a human. It is inevitable and there is no way out. But man, when that bell rings and I am getting screwed, that fight is on, Jack.

I'll tell you about a little trick I learned in this episode. Also a great time with Gypsy Heartz with some stories and songs are right here.



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NEXT WEEK: Howard Grimes and The Wiggins Brothers

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In The Absence of Reason

After spending some time in the social media echo chamber bouncing about through the news cycle, it occurred to me there is something missing from all of this, reason. There is a lot of tough talk out there from people who are propped up by their hidden identities. These people blindly write their feelings with no real purpose. Surely, they aren't trying to convince someone of their superior point of view.

But what happens when these same "flame throwers" get out in public. Are they the same person? No.

Plus a conversation and performance with Sorianna Wood.



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NEXT WEEK: Karen Altman Latham

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A Conversation With Robert Allen Parker

Robert is a sort of a rare breed of entertainer. He was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He is steeped in the music culture from here and has devoted his life to the very thing he has studied all of his years.

This is a fantastic conversation with someone who is not only happy about his art, he is proud of being able to live his life as a Memphis musician. And what a life it has been so far.

Plus, you may have invited a spy in your house.

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NEXT WEEK: Massimo Bevilacqua brings Rome to Memphis

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The Delta Project and Uncomfortable Statements

Like everyone, I have opinions about certain things. What is interesting about that is the simple fact I enjoy the reactions of people when I make certain statements which are not always agreeable to a lot of people. Not that such statements are horribly rude. For example, I have never had any interest in The Walking Dead and I have yet to see one episode of Game of Thrones.

To me, what is funny is the reactions of those who hear such things and the always amusing reaction I get. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Plus a great conversation with some ling time friends of Radio Memphis, The Delta Project.



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NEXT WEEK: Robert Allen Parker

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Eddie Dattel & Wally Ford Talk Songwriting

Songwriting is the art few people will talk about. Who knows why? But, not in this case. I got to sit down with these two guys as they talk about Eddie's new record called Another Side of the Sun. They play a bit from that collection and there are couple of songs played from the disc itself in this episode.

Plus, wrapping up 2017. Whatever that means.



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NEXT WEEK: Getting bent with Liz Kinnmark and music from Low Life Leakers.

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William Charles - Weekend Vlogger

William Charles of the William Charles Collective stopped in to Radio Memphis last week. He and bassist Matt wanted to play a couple of tunes on the air. They also wanted to talk about the new vlog page on YouTube.

It was a good time and an interesting look at the business of vlogging. William also shot some stuff about Radio Memphis for an upcoming episode of his show.

Also, a discussion about Thanksgiving and bonus music from Butch Mudbone.


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NEXT WEEK: Hangin' out with Lightnin' Malcolm.

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Cash McCall & Butch Mudbone Part 2

In our continued discussion with these two bluesmen, Jeff Janovetz & I learn about the long lasting problems that come from getting screwed by your record label. When you are the age of these guys, on a fixed income and you are still playing to eat, the hard truths come up when something as basic as having a roof over your head becomes an issue.

Pay attention to this episode. There is a way you can help when you hear the story. It's spelled out during this episode. If you have any questions, drop a comment here and I'll steer you in the right direction.

Plus in this episode, another tune from these two great guys.



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NEXT WEEK: Frank Roszak & The Art of Artist Promotions

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Fear & Loathing in the ER

Last week, my wife Josephine had a reaction to some medicine she was taking and the end result was a trip to the ER here in Memphis. Yes, everything has worked out for the best and all is good with her. In the process of her getting some medical treatment, we had the quintessential ER experience, including the lengthy wait in the waiting room and all the characters one would encounter in the middle of the night at a hospital.

I saw what appeared to be a major flaw in the system. Not this particular hospital's system, mind you. The entire system.

Plus, being ignored by the "local media" and music from The RV's featuring Billy Gibson with song from their current EP Progress Trap.



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Music & The City of Memphis

I have lived in this city long enough to make me almost a native. This is a great city and I have no real reason to leave. Don't plan on doing so, either. Like any other city, it has its problems. Some of them are quite responsible.

Take for example, how the city of Memphis treats its only real tourism draw, music. Everyone knows about the history of Memphis music. God only knows the city won't let you forget that.

Having said all of that, there are times where this city will do boneheaded things like flat out ignore certain aspects of the scene.

Take a listen to this episode and you'll understand exactly what I am talking about here.



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NEXT WEEK: God says you need to give me all your money.

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