The Music History Project

This week Ashley, Dan, and Mike are highlighting the inspiring career of Musician, Songwriter, and Music Advocate Patrice Rushen. She began her career in high school playing at the Monterey Jazz Festival, which led to performing with many artists. Overtime she transitioned into composing and arranging for television and film. Patrice is also a passionate advocate for music education and partners with both USC and Berklee College of Music in promoting the importance of music education.

Grab your favorite snack and don’t touch that dial because this week Mike, Ashley and Dan will be discussing TV show theme songs and the songwriters behind them. We will channel surf through the decades covering classic theme songs from The Addams Family and Mr. Ed, to M.A.S.H. and Doug!

It’s no surprise that Record Producer, Songwriter and Recording Engineer, Al Bell has always had an ear for music. A former radio DJ who became a fundamental part of famed Stax Records has helped propel many of the label's artists over the years including the Staple Singers and Otis Redding. This week The Music History Project discusses the many amazing and historically important events that took place during Mr. Bell’s impressive and inspiring career in music.

Dan, Mike and Ashley have just one question for you - are you experienced? It has been fifty years since the passing of Jimi Hendrix and this week we are honoring the man and his music by sharing the impact he made. We will hear from Recording Engineer, Eddie Kramer; Bassist, Billy Cox; Founder of Seymour Duncan Pickups, Seymour Duncan; Studio Musician, Mike Finnigan; Founder of Luthier’s Workshop, Tony Louscher and Founder of Spector Guitars, Stuart Spector as we honor the iconic guitar hero!

Composer Suzanne Ciani may have started her musical career with the piano, but once she was introduced to Don Buchla and electronic music she never looked back. She has played a key role introducing electronic musical instruments into pop culture including film, television and music. Join Dan, Mike and Ashley this week as we explore the career of one of America’s first female synth heroes.

Buckle up, because The Music History Project is taking you on a long strange trip this week, discussing The Grateful Dead. In this episode, we will explore several aspects of what makes them such a timeless band, including interviews from the original drummer, Mickey Hart; Vocalist, Donna Jean Godchaux; Pro Lighting Pioneer, Michael Paul; President and Founder of Heil Sound, Bob Heil; Luthier, Rick Turner; and Executive Vice President of Meyer Sound Lab, Helen Meyer.

And now for something completely different! For the past fifty years Musical Director, Recording Engineer, Sound Supervisor & Designer Andre Jacquemin has worked with Monty Python on several iconic movies. Join Dan, Michael and Ashley discuss all things Monty Python on this week’s episode of The Music History Project.

Join Dan, Mike and Ashley as they go on a Surfin’ Safari this week with The Beach Boys! Enjoy the Good Vibrations and some fantastic stories from band member, Bruce Johnston; Tour Manager, Fred Vail; and Musicians, Paul Tanner and Jim Horn.

This week we celebrate the phenomenal drumming career of Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett. Join us and try not to get whiplash backlash as he goes through his stunning career which includes touring with Michael Jackson, performing at Live Aid with Madonna and recording the 1979 hit “Don’t Stop the Music” by Yardbrough & Peoples.

In this week’s episode of The Music History Project, Dan, Mike and Ashley highlight the life and career of record producer, Gail Davies. Being the first female record producer in Nashville was not easy but she was determined to make her mark and she did. She has assisted the careers of hundreds of artists over the years while also writing and recording her own music.

Time has come today for another episode of The Music History Project! This week, join us as we discuss the groundbreaking career of The Chambers Brothers. In this episode, you will hear from three of the brothers; Joe, Willie and Lester, as well as entertainment veteran Beverly Noga and musician Snooky Flowers.

Legendary Live Sound Mixer, Buford Jones has had quite the career. Spanning over 50 years and touring with artists including Pink Floyd, 3 Dog Night, David Bowie and Linda Ronstadt, Mr. Jones has some remarkable stories to tell and fantastic insight for fellow engineers and anyone in the live entertainment industry.

Join Dan, Mike and Ashley as they put on their Mickey Mouse ears and celebrate award-winning songwriter Richard Sherman. If you have ever seen a Disney movie or been to one of their parks, odds are you have heard one of the many Sherman Brothers hits. In this episode, Mr. Sherman describes his amazing career with his brother, and discusses writing for Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and arguably their most famous piece, “It’s a Small World (After All).”

Get ready rock this town with us and all three of the Stray Cats! Join Slim Jim Phantom, Lee Rocker and Brian Setzer as they tell the story of how they went from neighborhood friends to single-handedly bringing Rockabilly back to the record charts.

Grammy award winner, Andrew York is the topic for this week’s episode of The Music History Project. As a classical guitarist and composer, Andrew has toured the world and has performed with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Join us as he shares his unique insight on composing and playing as well as his recent passion of mathematics.