Canyon Songs of Love & Heartbreak with Emmeline Summerton of Lost Canyons LA
Love, lust, and heartbreak are the secret soundtrack of the LA canyons.
In this episode of My Rock Moment we welcome Emmeline Summerton of Instagram's Lost Canyons LA, a historian of the LA Canyons and former writer of the New Topanga Times. Together we trace that soundtrack through eight songs — uncovering the romance, the messiness and the broken hearts behind the lyrics.
We start with “Guinnevere,” David Crosby’s mysterious song inspired by 3 women — Christine Hinton, Joni Mitchell, and the surprising third muse, “Delta Lady” — Leon Russell’s ode to Rita Coolidge and the wild, studio-to-road romance that sent them straight into Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs tour. Then we move to the Mamas & the Papas’ “Go Where You Wanna Go,” a sunny single born from the band’s very messy affairs.
From there: “Our House,” Graham Nash’s tiny, perfect snapshot of life with Joni Mitchell in Laurel Canyon — ordinary moments made into a classic. Then Joni’s own “All I Want’ about her relationship with James Taylor. We’ll also unpack “Leather and Lace,” the duet that reunited Stevie Nicks and Don Henley after a broken romance and leer jet flirtations; “Faithless Love,” J.D. Souther’s devastating ballad given wings by Linda Ronstadt during their fraught romance and end with Neil Young’s "A Man Needs a Maid" off of Harvest.
This is a tour of romance and ruin, tenderness and betrayal — the songs that turned private heartbreak into something the rest of us could sing along to. We’ll share the stories behind each track and the music that made the canyons heartbreak famous.
Find out more about Emmeline Summerton of Lost Canyons LA:
https://topanganewtimes.com/author/emmeline-summerton
https://www.instagram.com/lostcanyonsla
For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:
www.myrockmoment.com
For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
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1:26:26
Steve Rosen's Tonechaser: Understanding Eddie Van Halen
In this episode of My Rock Moment, I sit down with veteran music journalist Steve Rosen — author of Tonechaser: Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen — to uncover the untold story of the man behind the legend: Eddie Van Halen.
For more than two decades, Rosen wasn’t just a journalist covering Van Halen, he was a close friend, confidant, and witness to the creative fire that reshaped rock guitar. We revisit that very first night at The Whisky a Go Go, where their friendship began, and talk about the moment Rosen was invited to hear an early cut of Van Halen’s second album — long before the world had any idea what was coming.
Steve shares an intimate look at Eddie’s humility, his complex relationship with David Lee Roth, and the moments that defined both the man and the music.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a guitarist chasing tone, or someone simply curious about the soul behind the sound, this episode peels back the myth to reveal the man.
Find out more about Steve Rosen:
Website: https://www.tonechaserbook.com/
Buy the book on Amazon HERE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TONECHASERBOOK/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve.rosen.guitar.picks/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveRosenInterviews
Van Halen songs from this episode:
Girl, You Really Got Me
Runnin' With the Devil
Somebody Get Me a Doctor
Hot For Teacher
Right Now
For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:
www.myrockmoment.com
For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:13:28
Michael Des Barres - Murdoc, Live Aid, and Zeppelin Nights
Before becoming a rock ‘n’ roll frontman, Michael Des Barres was making his mark on screen—starring alongside Sidney Poitier in the 1967 classic To Sir, With Love. But it wasn’t long before he traded the film set for the stage, forming glam rock outfit Silverhead in the early ’70s before moving on to Detective, one of the few bands signed to Led Zeppelin’s legendary Swan Song label. Hanging with Page, Plant, and Bonham was all part of the ride.
In this episode of My Rock Moment, Michael shares his wild journey through music and acting—from those early days in London to writing one of the biggest songs of the 80s, to stepping in with The Power Station just days before Live Aid, and later, his unforgettable run as Murdoc on MacGyver. We also talk about his time with Pamela Des Barres, his show on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, and the wise advice Sidney Poitier gave him early on.
Michael Des Barres has lived a life where Hollywood and rock ’n roll collide—and he’s got the stories to prove it.
Find all things Michael Des Barres:
Website: https://michaeldesbarres.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdesbarres
Songs from this episode:
Animotion - Obsession
Silverhead - Sixteen and Savaged
Chequered Past - How Much is Too Much?
Michael Des Barres - 20th Century Boy
Detective - Help Me Up
For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:
www.myrockmoment.com
For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:12:43
Steve Postell’s Musical Journey — Our House, The Immediate Family, and Beyond
Some folks grow up dreaming of meeting their heroes—Steve Postell just grabbed his guitar and did it.
Born and raised in New York City, Steve is a guitarist, songwriter, producer, and composer whose career has been nothing short of a musical odyssey. A classically trained guitarist, he went on to collaborate with legends like David Crosby, and after Crosby’s passing, carried that legacy forward by forming Our House: The Music of CSNY, bringing the spirit of those iconic harmonies back to the stage.
He’s also a founding member of The Immediate Family, the supergroup of legendary session players who shaped the sound of countless rock classics. And with his latest solo album, Walking Through These Blues, Steve brings together an extraordinary cast of collaborators—including David Crosby, Glen Phillips, and Leland Sklar—united by his vision and songwriting.
In this episode of My Rock Moment, Steve shares his New York roots, classical training, unforgettable collaborations, and the stories behind Our House, The Immediate Family, and his solo work.
Find all things Steve Postell on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevepostell1
Website: https://stevepostell.com/
Songs from this episode:
CSNY - Carry On
David Crosby - Cowboy Movie
Steve Postell - Bad Weather
The Immediate Family - Slippin' and Sliddin'
Steve Postell - How Far We've Come
For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:
www.myrockmoment.com
For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
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Blondie Chaplin - Legendary Guitarist, Singer and Former Beach Boy
My Rock Moment had the extraordinary privilege of catching up with Blondie Chaplin, a true legend whose musical journey reads like a who's-who of rock history. Born in Durban, South Africa, he first made waves as a teen with The Flames, eventually catching the attention of Carl Wilson, who helped bring him into the Beach Boys family in the early 1970s.
During our conversation, Blondie took me back to that pivotal era - remembering how he and Ricky Fataar joined the group following Bruce Johnston's departure and Dennis Wilson’s hand injury. It was a time when the band sought new identity and creative depth, and Blondie’s soulful presence helped shape that fresh direction.
We delved into the making of "Sail On, Sailor," the standout track from Holland (1973), which Blondie famously sang lead on. He shared how the song wasn’t just another composition. Recorded in a barn outside of Amsterdam and finished at Village Recorders in L.A., Blondie recalled how Carl and the rest of the band coaxed him into singing it, and how the performance eventually anchored the album.
Then we turned to his time with The Rolling Stones, where from 1997 onward, Blondie became an invaluable collaborator - touring, recording, and contributing acoustic guitar, percussion, and backing vocals for around ten years. He reflects on what it was like stepping into that legendary circle.
It was one of those interviews that reminds you: some musicians don’t just witness rock history - they help write it.
Find all things Blondie on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BlondieChaplin
Songs from this episode:
The Beach Boys - Sail On, Sailor
The Rolling Stones - Saint of Me
The Rolling Stones - Low Down
For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:
www.myrockmoment.com
For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My Rock Moment celebrates the golden era of rock music - the 60s, 70s and 80s. Hosted by Amanda Morck—a native Angeleno, longtime Sunset Strip resident, and adjunct instructor of California rock history—the show delves into the personal stories and pivotal experiences that have shaped the world of rock 'n' roll.
Each episode features in-depth interviews with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Grammy-winning producers, renowned music journalists, photographers, DJs, managers, authors, and award-winning directors. They share unforgettable stories about the moments that sparked their love for music, launched lifelong careers, and helped shape rock history.
The podcast offers a nostalgic journey through rock's most influential decades, providing both historical context and personal anecdotes that bring the music to life.
My Rock Moment is a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts, the first of its kind, all music-based podcast network.
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