Rock N' Roll Stories

Wayne Kramer founder of the MC5 band talks about the sounds that influenced him while growing up in Detroit.

Charles Wright founder of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band talks about the era of the Watts Riot and how he formed his band around that time.

Singer/Songwriter Billy Vera will discuss the top five songs that influenced his career as a songwriter. Some of these songs include "Take the 'A' Train" by Duke Ellington's Orchestra and Ray Charles's "Yes Indeed".

Sam Farrar will discuss how artist such as the Beatles and Radiohead influenced his music producing.

Singer/Songwriter Mary Gauthier talks about how she was a teenage runaway and how music helped to heal the pains in her life.

Thomas Dolby recalls as a teenager listening to artist such as Genesis, Yes and Pink Floyd . He distinctly remembers being introduced to Punk Rock artists such as the MC 5 and Iggy Pop by a colleague in school , Shane McGowan whom he calls an encyclopedia of music.

British producer/engineer who worked on The Beatles "Abbey Road" and "Let it Be' recounts the first time working with the Beatles, and how his heart was pounding when he introduced himself.

Johnny Rivers talks about the L.A. music scene in the 1960's, the twist and shouts of his own career,and, of course the songs and artists that changed his life.

Songwriter,James Holvay will share his thoughts and insights on his experience writing 4 top ten songs for the Chicago based group , The Buckinghams, in the 1960's. He will also give insight into forming what was then called the very first "Horn rock Band" the MOB.

Members of the band, The Dollyrots, Kelly Ogden and Luis Cabezas will discuss their journey together in music and life. In 2000 they formed their first band "No Chef" which led them to writing such hits as "Because I'm Awesome", which was featured in the movie "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" and ABC's TV show "Ugly Betty". Knowing each other since the 8th grade, Kelly and Luis will share their lifelong experiences and journey through music.

Noel Paul Stookey, known from the trio Peter, Paul and Mary will talk about the twist he put on the song "America, the Beautiful", by writing a new verse for this iconic song.

Known for his albums "Worlds Around the Sun" and "Seeking other Beauty", Todd Cochran is a prolific keyboard and piano player. He will discuss how he developed his style of playing his own music, as well as his collaboration with other artists.

The original lead singer and still part of the band Leroy "Lonnie" Jordan will delve into some of his early musical influences that created the band's sound in the 60' s through the height of their popularity in the 70's and now with their most recent collaboration with the USC Trojan Marching Band.