The John Lennon Hour

The one and only Dave Bedford, author of Liddypool and The Fab One Hundred and Four will be in studio with John Lennon Series author Jude Southerland Kessler to talk about their favorite topics: 1) The Beatles and 2) Liverpool! You can't miss with that! Dave has recently been involved in a film project about the rich musical heritage of Liverpool called "The City That Rocked the World," and he'll tell you all about its inception, filming, and distribution. Here's a clip for you to enjoy: http://www.getbackfilms.co.uk/the-city-that-rocked-the-world-3-min-trailer/ As an added bonus, Dave will also give you a sneak peak of his new book about the search for a Beatles' drummer! Soo much to discuss! Join them for Scouse insights and loads of fun!

Bill King, the articulate and clever editor of Beatlefan magazine, returns to The John Lennon Hour to share his interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. He'll also be talking about his time with Cynthia Lennon and Neil Aspinall. Bill has been there for some of the greatest moments in Beatles history, and he'll share that with us Thursday night at 9pmET. Don't miss this chance to relive a part of music history!

Dr. Kit O'Toole, author of the upcoming book Michael Jackson FAQ is Kit; Jude Southerland Kessler, author of The John Lennon Series (http://www.johnlennonseries.com), is Kaboodle. And together they're the powerhouse team of Kit and Kaboodle who meet bi-monthly via The John Lennon Hour to discuss any topic in the realm of Beatles music and/or biographies. Tonight they'll consider the topic of Most Unappreciated Beatles songs. Why are these songs so overlooked? What do the critics say about these selections? And is there any reason that listeners should give these tunes another glance (or ear)? Tune in to the second "Kit and Kaboodle Show" of 2015 and find out. Fun and informative...that's Kit and Kaboodle. And be sure to visit the Official Kit and Kaboodle Fan Page on Facebook and "like" us.

"Nowhere to Run," "Help!" "Mr. Tamborine Man," "Ticket to Ride," "A Change is Gonna Come," and "Yesterday." 1965 was a year of incredible songs, TV shows, movies, and historical events. And here to walk through that mind-blowing year with us is author Andrew Grant Jackson whose book 1965: The Most Revolutionary Year in Music will bring back good memories (if you were indeed there) or introduce you to the fabbest era ever! John Lennon expert, Jude Southerland Kessler, (author of The John Lennon Series, http://www.johnlennonseries.com) will chat with Jackson about the catalysts for the BIG changes in 1965 and will explore the impact of The Beatles, The Stones, Bob Dylan, The Brill Building writers, the new Nashville sound, and Motown. As an added treat, at the end of the show, Marquise Ruffin, grandson of David Ruffin of The Temptations will join us for a chat about David's impact on music. And Marquise, who is an extremely talented musician in his own right will perform his latest hit song! Don't miss this great hour of music, both retro and current! Ad by Federated Media

Meet the one and only Dennis Ferrante who served as John's Sound Engineer at the Record Plant in New York City. This incredibly talented and witty musician has also worked with Alice Cooper, Hall and Oates, Cher, and many others...and even won a Grammy for his restoration of the complete collection of Duke Ellington's works. Funny, sweet, and full of energy join Dennis and his host, Jude Southerland Kessler, as they talk about John's days in New York City, about Yoko's encounter with Dennis, and about John's invitation to Dennis on 8 December 1980. At the beginning of this show, Jude (author of The John Lennon Series, http://www.johnlennonseries.com) will offer her tribute to the lovely Cynthia Lennon.

Hailed by The New York Times and The Guardian in the U.K., author Jonathan Gould is one of the most respected Beatles experts on either shore. His best-selling work, Can't Buy Me Love: The Beatles, Britain, and America, examines The Beatles' music, their biographies, and their historical impact in context of the 1950's and 1960's. In the first of a two-part series, Jude Southerland Kessler, author of The John Lennon Series (http://www.johnlennonseries.com) talks with Gould about his extraordinary research, his belief that America helped to shape the Fab Four, and his belief that Ringo was crucial to the band's success. These subjects and many more from the pages of his award winning work will make any Beatles' fan sit up and take note. Fascinating!

This is a "live" version of a show already in the archives. We are just placing this one here so that we can play the show at its regular time on Thursday night the 12th. You can hear the same show in the archives if you go there now. It's an interview that Jude Southerland Kessler, author of the John Lennon Series, did with George Harrison's lively sister, Louise. They talk about George's career from 1964 on, their parents, and Louise push to help Brian Epstein establish the boys in America. You'll enjoy it! Hear it live Thurs. nite at 9pmET.

Get to know Sir Macca's vivacious and witty step-mother, Angie, and his lovely step-sister, Ruth, as Jude Southerland Kessler (author of The John Lennon Series, http://www.johnlennonseries.com) chats with them and explores their many talents and successful businesses!  Ruth and Angie will share their precious memories of the days with Jim McCartney, Paul, Mike, and The Fab Four. Angie is a published author, telling the story of her sweet romance with Jim McCartney and her years in The Beatles' whirlwind; it's entitled My Long and Winding Roads, and it's brilliant! But there's more! Angie's also the owner of McCartney's Teas (http://mrsmccartneysteas.com/), elegant fair trade teas with a Beatles theme! She'll share that story as well. Ruth is an experienced and gifted speaker who, along with Angie, presents a 75-minute Acoustic Anthology Evening for Beatles Fans with music, memories, and a Q & A time called "Behind the Beatles." She also consults for her marketing company that will grow your business or book: http://www.ifanz.com/. But that's not all! Join Jude, Ruth, and Angie to hear their stories and to see what they're up to these days! A rollicking good time is promised for all!  

In 1963, Sean O'Mahoney created Beatles Monthly, a magazine devoted solely to The Beatles, and it ran succesfully until 1969. In Liverpool, Bill Harry created a pop music journal known as MerseyBeat which is still live and vital (online) today. And these two historic publications have inspired distinguished modern journalist to follow in their footsteps. Tonight, Jude Southerland Kessler author of The John Lennon Series http://johnlennonseries,com will interview two of the most respected modern #Beatles/#pop music journalists, Bill King, publisher of Beatlefan magazine, and Allison Boron, editor of Rebeat Magazine online. We'll hear their stories of inspiration, talk about Beatle greats that they've interviewed, and compare their formats. Don't miss this glimpse into the world of Beatles reporting, today and yesterday!

Who wrote the better love songs in the team of Lennon and McCartney, John or Paul? And what solid evidence is there to back it up? Thursday night at 9pmET, Dr. Kit O'Toole (Kit) and Jude Southerland Kessler (Kaboodle) will square off to debate this topic in the First Kit and Kaboodle Show of 2015! Kit will take the case of the magicially melodic Mr. McCartney and Jude will uphold the case of creative genius, John Lennon. Each will play three songs to persuade the listener and will take about the muiscal elements, back story, lyrics, and impact of each song. You won't want to miss this fun and informative Kit and Kaboodle episode. The John Lennon Hour will have 6 Kit and Kaboodle shows this year, one every other month in 2015. Next topic: Beatles songs that were panned by the critics which deserve a second look. Coming up April 2015.

Having just passed the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles 4th LP, "Beatles for Sale," Jude Southerland Kessler (author of The John Lennon Series, http://www.johnlennonseries.com) will focus on each song on the LP tonight. Jude will discuss: Which songs were selected for "Beatles '65," Capitol's version of the LP and why? How was each song recorded and what musical selections were made? Which of the songs on "Beatles for Sale" were Cavern Club favorites? What songs on this LP were orignally sung by other Beatles and where can you find those original versions? What life stories led the the lyrics of these songs? It's a great night on The John Lennon Hour for fans who love the muisc of The Beatles. Join us at 9pmET on Thursday, 5 Feb.

Tired of hearing the SAME OLD Beatles stories? Seeing the SAME OLD Beatles photos? Well, fret no more! Tonight Sara Schmidt, the creator of http://www.meetthebeatlesforreal.com will join Jude for an hour of refreshing new stories from people (just like you) who had the GREAT opportunity to meet John or Paul or George or Ringo (or all of them) for real! Sara documents and records these true stories on her fascinating website, and she'll share her rare photos and unique stories with us! Also, Sara will be announcing the news about her upcoming book! Be here for all the details of her research and publication date. Maybe You can help her with your story or your photos! Tune in and find out. See you Thursday night at 9pmET!

Truly a magical "Pied" Piper, Tim Piper IS John Lennon in his multi-media performance, "Just Imagine: A Tribute to John Lennon." And Thursday night at 9pmET, Jude will talk to Tim about the inspiration for his performance, his songs, and his Lennonesque technique. They'll also discuss the history of each Lennon masterpiece played. Join Jude and Tim as they play 4 of John's biggest hits, a la Tim...and as Tim gives you the back story on each of these incredible songs. "Strawberry Fields Forever" to "She's So Heavy" : John's greatest moments will come to life tonight with Tim Piper at the interveiw mic! Call in at 646-668-2641 to chat with Tim and ask him your questions as well. Some FUN tonight!

Having penned a GREAT new book called Joint Venture, Elephant's Memory Band Tour Manager, Ed Kleinman, gives John Lennon fans an exciting glimpse at John's solo career during the New York City years...a time about which we've heard so little. This week Ed Kleinman will be in the studio to talk with Jude about his first meeting with John, Yoko, and May Pang...and about their happy days at the Record Factory! Ed will be joined at 9:30 by Elephants Memory Band bass player, Gary Van Scyoc, and we'll rock'n'roll!!!! You can call in and chat with these two true rockers on Thursday night at 9pmET.  

Welcome to 2015 and a year of 50th Anniversary Parties for Beatles Fans. It's the 50th of "Help!" and "Rubber Soul" and John's book, A Spaniard in the Works. All across America, we'll be celebrating throughout the year, and tonight I'm going to give you an INSIDER'S sneak peek at the fests, cruises, Beatles weekends, conventions, and tours that will make this year exceptional. When? Where? And who will be starring at each event? Find out tonight on The John Lennon Hour!