How the Beach Boys Made One of the Greatest Songs Ever—And One of the Worst
Coming up… The story of a legendary band’s 22-year gap between #1 Hits…in the 60s, they had one of the greatest #1 hits in history. It was not only genius…It might be the most incredible piece of music to come from modern music. But then they would go 22 years before hitting #1 again. An all-time record. But it may have been better that they never had this 1988 #1 hit because it is a strong contender for the worst songs of all time. So they went from creating the greatest #1 hit ever to committing one of the worst sins ever to tape. The Good news is the band’s leader had everything to do with the first #1 hit and nothing to do with the second one. But was it intentional? Did his bandmates intentionally leave him out? And it was probably a good thing because I don’t think anyone could’ve made this song better, but then am I being too harsh? Well, I’m not the only one who thinks it’s bad… It’s topped many of the worst songs ever lists, but coming up next, I will try to open my mind to it. Is it so bad it’s good, or is it an unrealized classic? Let’s find out! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Van Halen’s Wild Studio Stories: Forgotten Lyrics, Accidental Genius, and More
Coming up, we get the story behind one of the greatest bands of the rock era from their Rough and Ready bassist, including the story behind a classic album they recorded in just a couple of days. and then many have speculated about the otherworldly sound that the greatest guitarist ever used on one of the band’s most famous songs… today we get the answer plus the F bomb that their charismatic singer accidentally left in their song that for 45 years radio has played the song without realizing it and then there was the classic song that their frontman forgot the words to and just made up a bunch of gibberish and it sounded cool so they left it in. It’s some of the greatest stories behind the legend, next with a legendary guest on the Professor of Rock.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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FROM THE VAULT: 5 Overlooked 80s New Wave Gems That Deserve More Recognition
We're taking it back with a classic POR countdown. Reintroducing the story of 5 cult classics from 80s New Wave. I’ve said it before, Some people are sticklers for labels or genres. I’m calling them new wave... Here are five New Wave Cult classics hidden gems from the 80s that deserve recognition and celebration including the Smiths Rusholme Ruffians from Meat is Murder, my favorite band ever. Appetite by Prefab Sprout from Steve McQueen, who’s singer Paddy McAloon had virtually disappear from the public eye, Kiss Off by Violent Femmes from their debut album that sold a million copies and no one can explain how. as well as Silver by Echo and the Bunnymen from Ocean Rain, and Uncertain Smile by The The.Check it out, right here on Professor of Rock. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Top 5 Haunting Female Vocal Performances of the ’70s: Donna Summer, Patti Smith & More
Coming up, we’re counting down the most Haunting female vocal performances of the 70s, including Donna Summer with a vocal on “Love to Love You Baby” that was stimulated by an explicit action in the recording studio… so explicit that when she performed the #1 hit live, it got men in attendance so worked up, she feared for her life when they rushed the stage. Then there was an oldies hit by a legendary singer — “Gloria” by Them — that was covered by Patti Smith, who added some of her own lyrics to the classic that were so provocative and blasphemous, it completely changed the meaning of the original song. Plus the mysterious song — “Angie Baby” by Helen Reddy — about a strange girl who was visited by an evil boy who then up and vanished. The song left such an eerie feeling with fans that they’ve berated the singer for years about the song’s real meaning and origin, but she’s been radio silent. Plus, the #1 hit from 1977 — “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac — that came back with a vengeance due to a viral video that gave the iconic band their biggest streaming week ever and sent sales of a boring beverage through the roof. It’s next on POR.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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FROM THE VAULT: When The Beatles Took on The Who with “Helter Skelter”
On this day in 1962, Ringo Starr played his first show with The Beatles, marking the start of the classic Fab Four lineup. To celebrate, we revisit the wild story behind one of their loudest, most chaotic songs.After Pete Townshend bragged to Paul McCartney that I Can See for Miles was the dirtiest, loudest rock song ever, Paul took it as a challenge. The Beatles responded with Helter Skelter, pushing their sound to the limit. Ringo played so hard his hands were covered in blisters and blood.Named after a kids’ ride, the song became a heavy metal precursor—until it was tragically hijacked by Charles Manson.The full story of a song that rocked the world… next on Professor of Rock.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it's a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.
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