Follow Your Dream - Music And Much More!
Robert Miller hosts the award-winning Follow Your Dream Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts with listeners in 200 countries. Each episode is like a world tour, featuring solo shows and interviews with famous musicians, actors, authors, and other dreamers. Robert is a professional musician who followed his music dream later in life, becoming a rock star after turning 60, releasing 13 albums including a Billboard #1, and writing an Amazon #1 best-selling book. The podcast aims to inspire and motivate listeners to pursue their own dreams, regardless of age.
Episodes
Zach Brock - 3x Grammy® Winning Violinist And Composer Spanning Jazz, Chamber And Orchestral. Member Of Snarky Puppy. Terrific Improvisation!
Zach Brock is a 3x Grammy® winning violinist and composer whose work spans jazz, chamber, and orchestral music. He’s a member of Snarky Puppy, one of my favorite bands. He also has a Grammy® nomination as a leader for his own recording Dirty Mindz. He’s toured with the great Stanley Clarke. He’s the Artistic Director of the Chamber Music Festival of Lexington. And he’s taught at Temple University
ENCORE: Francesca Tandoi - Amazing Italian Jazz Pianist And Vocalist. Snarky Puppy, Scott Hamilton, Darius Brubeck. Performances In U.S., Italy, Japan, India, Turkey, Israel!
Francesca Tandoi is an amazing Italian Jazz Pianist and Vocalist who I discovered online and invited to be a guest on the show. She has performed with Snarky Puppy, Scott Hamilton and Darius Brubeck. She has performed in the U.S., Italy, Japan, India, Turkey and Israel.My featured song is my version of Chick Corea’s “Sea Journey” from my debut 1994 album Miles Behind. Spotify link.—---------------
Paquito D'Rivera - Extraordinary 16x Classical And Latin Jazz Grammy® Winner. Saxophone, Clarinet, Composer, Author!
Paquito D'Rivera is a remarkable artist - a Cuban-born saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and author. He’s a multiple award winner including 16 combined Grammys® and Latin Grammys®. He was the first artist to win Grammys® in both classical and Latin Jazz. He’s performed as a soloist with the London Symphony, Warsaw Philharmonic, National Symphony and too many more to mention. His classical compos
LEGENDS: "Weird Al" Yankovic - 5x Grammy® Winning, 17x Grammy® Nominated, Song Parodist And Entertainer
This Legends episode spotlights “Weird Al” Yankovic. He’s one of the most remarkable musicians of this or any other era. He’s known primarily for his numerous song parodies. But he’s much more than just a parodist - he’s a comedy musician, songwriter, singer, accordionist, record producer, music-video director, actor, voice actor, screenwriter, and children’s author. And above all else he’s a tota
Curtis Stewart - Award Winning, 7x Grammy® Nominated Violinist And Composer. Performed With Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Seal. Professor At Juilliard
Curtis Stewart is a spectacular, adventurous, award winning, 7x GRAMMY® nominated violinist and composer. He’s a solo violinist, the Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, a professor at Juilliard, and a member of the PUBLIQuartet. As a soloist, he’s performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and the GRAMMYs® among others. He’s also performed with Stevie Wonder
Amanda McBroom - Extraordinary Grammy® Nominated, Multiple Award Winning Songwriter And Singer. Wrote "The Rose", Bette Midler's #1 Hit. Wrote For Judy Collins, Barry Manilow, Kurt Cobain!
Amanda McBroom is an extraordinary songwriter and singer. She wrote “The Rose”, Bette Midler’s #1 hit. Her songs have been recorded by a Who’s Who including Barbara Cook, Manhattan Transfer, Judy Collins, Barry Manilow, Reba McEntyre, and Kurt Cobain. She’s received a Golden Globe, a Grammy® nomination, the Johnny Mercer Songwriter of the Year Award, and the Mabel Mercer Lifetime Achievement Award
SPECIAL EPISODE: Presenting Robert's "THE BUZZ". Submitted For GRAMMY® Consideration. Featuring OBIE Award Winner Darius de Haas On Vocal And 7x GRAMMY® Nominee Dave Eggar On Cello!
This is a SPECIAL EPISODE presenting my song "THE BUZZ". It's been submitted for GRAMMY® consideration in the category of Alternative Music Performance.As I like to say, “THE BUZZ” is short, sweet and totally different! It’s a wordless vocal, just 1:26. It features OBIE Award winner Darius de Haas ("Rent", "Mrs. Maisel") on vocal, and 7x GRAMMY® nominated cellist Dave Eggar (Paul Simon, Norah
Becca Stevens - 2x Grammy® Nominated Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist And Producer. Combines Appalachian Folk, Jazz, Experimental Indie. Snarky Puppy, Jacob Collier, Taylor Eigsti
Becca Stevens is a 2x Grammy® nominated songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Her music combines Appalachian folk roots, jazz, and experimental indie. She’s collaborated with Jacob Collier and pianist Taylor Eigsti. She’s a member of Lighthouse Band, formed by David Crosby and Michael League of Snarky Puppy and she co-leads the international ensemble Mirrors. She’s the bandleader of her
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: The Ladies Lead ft. Laetitia Eido, Sabeth Perez, Ebet Roberts, Nino Surguladze, Donna Masini, Noa Wildschut
After more than 850 episodes, I’ve observed that many of my remarkable guests are connected by one or more common threads.Each episode of Special Collections focuses on a particular thread that ties together some of my guests. In this episode that common thread is all the ladies who are in the forefront of the arts.Bios typically recite all of the accomplishments and awards of the artist. They're
Lance Rubin - NY Times Bestselling Author Of Young Adult And Middle Grade Books Including "16 Forever", "Crying Laughing" And "Denton Little" Books
Lance Rubin is a bestselling author of YA/MG books, shorthand for Young Adult/ Middle Grade. He’s the author of “Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend”, “16 Forever”, “Crying Laughing”, and the “Denton Little” books. He’s also the co-author of “Monster Club: Monsters Take Manhattan”; and co-author of “The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek”. He is also a voiceover actor, and co-writer of the Off-Broadway musical “
Ginita: Fabulous Equadorian-Honduran-American Trombonist, Composer, Vocalist And Bandleader. Latin Jazz And Salsa. Founder Of La Orquesta Esa
Ginita is an Ecuadorian-Honduran-American composer, trombonist and vocalist. Her music combines straight-ahead jazz, latin-jazz, and popular Latin American music. She has performed with, arranged, and composed for Classical Chamber groups, Jazz Big Bands and Salsa Bands. She’s worked with The Roy Hargrove Big Band, The Rufus Reid Big Band, and The Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band among others. She pla
ENCORE SPECIAL EPISODE - Turning The Tables: Robert Is Interviewed By Ivor Davis, Renowned Journalist, Investigative Reporter And Author!
In a turnabout, Robert is interviewed by former guest Ivor Davis, the renowned Journalist, Investigative Reporter and Author. Over a 60 year career Ivor covered stories involving music, murder, politics and Hollywood. He traveled with The Beatles on their 1964 American tour and 50 years later he wrote a book about it. This episode originally was aired in June 2025. Ivor did a masterful job as
Josh Nelson - Award Winning Pianist, Composer And First-Call Accompanist. Natalie Cole, Rufus Wainwright, Michael Buble, John Pizzarelli
Josh Nelson is a pianist, composer, recording artist and a first-call accompanist and collaborator for artists like Natalie Cole, Rufus Wainwright, Michael Buble, and John Pizzarelli among others. He’s performed in recordings, films and television shows. He’s a winner of the Louis Armstrong Award and the John Philip Sousa Award and he was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Pi
ENCORE: Tierney Sutton - Superb 9x Grammy® Nominated Jazz Singer And Bandleader. Clint Eastwood's "Favorite Singer" Who Scored His Movie "Sully". 16 Albums As Leader!
Tierney Sutton is a superb 9x Grammy® nominated jazz singer. Since 1993 she has fronted The Tierney Sutton Band. Clint Eastwood has called her “my favorite singer” and he hired her to score his film “Sully” in which she sang the ending song “Flying Home”. She has released 16 albums as leader, addressing themes like materialism and the pursuit of happiness. When she’s not performing she is in deman
Sophia Agranovich: Ukraine Born, Award Winning, Concert Pianist. Juilliard Trained. Several Corporate Careers Before Emerging As A World-Class Performer
Sophia Agranovich is a Ukrainian born multi-award winning pianist acclaimed for her virtuosity and sensitivity. She's been called “a tigress of the keyboard”. She has performed worldwide including recent solo performances in France. She’s appeared at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Merkin Hall among many other venues. She’s released 12 albums and several singles. And she’s listed in "Who's
Robbie Nevil - Superstar Pop Artist, Songwriter, Producer. 5 Billboard Top 40 Hits. Songs On 35 Gold And Platinum Albums. Kenny Loggins, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus And Hannah Montana
Robbie Nevil is a superstar songwriter and producer. He’s had songs on more than 35 gold & platinum albums. He’s had 5 Billboard Top 40 hits. He’s worked with a Who’s Who in the record business including Kenny Loggins, Jonas Brothers, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin, Babyface, David Lee Roth, Stevie Nicks and the Pointer Sisters.My featured song is “All Of Th
Lumanyano Mzi - South African Born, 2x South African Music Awards Nominated, Drummer, Composer And Bandleader
Lumanyano Mzi is a South African drummer whose music is shaped by reggae, jazz, African music, and gospel. He attended Berklee Music School in Boston. He’s performed at Lincoln Center and the JFK Library among many other venues.My featured song is my version of Miles Davis's “Nardis”, from the album Miles Behind by The Robert Miller Group. Spotify link.—------------------------------------Top 1% o
Polo Piatti - Award Winning British-Argentine Composer, Pianist, Conductor. His Works Have Been Performed For The Pope And Queen Elizabeth II
Polo Piatti is a distinguished, award-winning, British-Argentine composer, conductor, and pianist. He’s an advocate for accessible contemporary classical music. He’s the Founder of the International Composers Festival and the Hastings Sinfonia Orchestra. His works have been performed and recorded by leading orchestras, including the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra. He is among the world’s most so
Marc Migo - Spanish Classical Composer. Works Span Various Genres. Winner Of Multiple Awards
Marc Migo is a composer from Spain. He blends his Iberian roots with American music which is regularly performed on the world’s most prestigious stages by major ensembles and soloists. His range spans all genres—from piano preludes to large operatic productions. He has received numerous awards including the Pablo Casals Award, the George Enescu Prize, the Dominic Argento Fellowship for Opera Compo
Lauren Marcus -Actress, Singer, Writer. Performed In "Be More Chill", "tick, tick...Boom!", "The Bedwetter". Writing Book For "Girls Just Want To Have Fun"
Lauren Marcus is an actress, a singer and a writer whose work has been seen on stage, screen, and at various New York City music venues. She’s perhaps best known for her work in the original Broadway production of “Be More Chill”, which was created by her husband, Joe Iconis, who was also a guest on this show. She’s currently working on the book for a new musical adaptation of “Girls Just Want to
ESSAY: Passing The Baton - Each Generation Builds Upon The Prior One.
Passing the baton is the natural rhythm of every profession, every art form, and every generation. The new group builds upon the accomplishments of those who came before. Then, in time, they hand the baton to those who follow them. It’s the natural cycle of life.This Essay discusses baton-passing in various contextsCLICK HERE
Travis Carlton - Terrific Bassist Who's Played With Joe Bonamassa, Robben Ford, Steve Gadd, Mark Lettieri, Andy Timmons. Dad Is Guitarist Larry Carlton
Travis Carlton is an active working bass player in Los Angeles who’s played with a lot of folks including Steve Perry, Robben Ford, Christopher Cross, Joe Bonnamassa, Sara Barellies, Steve Gadd, Mark Lettieri, Andy Timmons, and Don Randi, the last four of whom have been guests on this podcast. And his dad is Larry Carlton, the celebrated guitarist who has played with Steely Dan and Joni Mitch
Craig Dobbin - Acclaimed Composer And 2x BMI Winner In Film, TV And Commercials. Shark Week, NCIS Los Angeles, Ads For Sherman-Williams, Samsung, McDonald's
Craig Dobbin is an acclaimed composer and 2x BMI award winner in film, television and commercials. Shows include NCIS Los Angeles, Discovery Channel Shark Week and the PBS shows Jay Jay the Jet Plane and Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures. His compositions have also been featured in commercials for Samsung, Visa, McDonalds, Netflix, and Marvel. And he’s got a contemporary jazz group called 3RD FORCE.
ENCORE: Melissa Stylianou - Superb Canadian Jazz Vocalist With Irish And Greek Cypriot Roots. Sings The Great American Songbook To Johnny Cash, And Also With Duchess Vocal Trio!
Melissa Stylianou is a superb jazz singer. She’s Canadian born, with Irish and Greek Cypriot roots. Her material runs the gamut from the Great American Songbook to Johnny Cash. She has performed at numerous festivals and clubs and toured internationally. And she’s also a member of the award winning vocal trio Duchess.My featured song is “Tessa” from the album East Side Sessions by my band Project
Zuill Bailey - Grammy® Winning Cellist. Has Performed Worldwide With Numerous Symphonies. Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall. Recurring Role On "Oz"!
Zuill Bailey is a Grammy® Award winning, internationally renowned, cellist, performing as a soloist, recitalist and Artistic Director. He has been featured with symphony orchestras worldwide, including Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Israel and Cape Town symphonies. He has performed at Disney Hall, the Kennedy Center, the United Nations, Alice Tully Hall, the 92nd St. Y and Carnegie Hall. His
Donna Masini - Acclaimed Poet. Author Of Four Books Of Poetry And A Novel. Her Poems Published In The New Yorker, Best American Poetry, Paris Review And Others!
Donna Masini is an acclaimed poet and the author of four books of poems: Did You Find Everything You Were Looking For?, 4:30 Movie, Turning to Fiction, and That Kind of Danger. And she’s also written a novel called About Yvonne. Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Best American Poetry, American Poetry Review, The Yale Review, and the Paris Review. And she’s a Professor of English at Hunter
Ciara Moser - Spectacular Irish-Born, Austria-Raised, Blind Electric Bassist. DownBeat Rising Star Electric Bassist Of The Year!
Ciara Moser is a spectacular electric bassist. Rarely have I seen talent like this - and she’s even more impressive because she is blind. DownBeat named her Rising Star Electric Bassist of the Year. She was born in Dublin and raised in Austria. She plays jazz, fusion, pop, rock, world, classical, and contemporary. She performed at festivals and venues around the world and played and recorded with
James Abruzzo - Arts Executive And Management Consultant. Author Of Several Books Including "Fefe: A Sicilian American Journey"!
James Abruzzo is a longtime non-profit arts executive and management consultant, and he’s an author. He’s the Vice Chair of DHR Global and in that capacity he’s consulted with major symphony orchestras, ballet companies, theaters and opera companies in the United States and abroad. And as I said he’s also an author. He’s written several books including a new fictional short story called “Fefè
Steve Conte - Rock N' Roller With The Look, The Songs, The Voice And A Jazz Background. Played With The New York Dolls. Won Finnish "Album Of The Year" Award!
Steve Conte is a rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. He’s got the look, the songs and the voice. His description of his most recent album, The Concrete Jangle, captures him: It’s a Brit Pop/Motown/‘60s/Post-Punk ‘80s record – with trashy NYC guitars. He’s a soul-singer/guitar-slinger in tight pants, scarves and eyeliner. He toured with the New York Dolls. One of his works recently wa
Billy Stritch - Leading Nightclub And Cabaret Pianist-Singer. Worked With Liza Minelli For 25 Years. Also Tony Bennett, Marilyn Maye, Ann Hampton Callaway. Wrote Hit Song "Does He Love You"!
Billy Stritch is an acclaimed Pianist-singer who has been a mainstay of the New York and national nightclub scene for nearly four decades. He was the musical director for Liza Minelli for 25 years, and her confidant. He also accompanied Tony Bennett and Marilyn Maye, and currently collaborates with Linda Eder, Christine Ebersole, Laura Benanti, Ann Hampton Callaway and many other top performe
ENCORE: Nicole Zuraitis - Fabulous 2x Grammy® Winning And 4x Grammy® Nominated Jazz Singer-Songwriter And Pianist. Winner Of The American Traditions Vocal Competition. Christian McBride, Morgan James, Benny Benack!
Nicole Zuraitis is a fabulous 2x Grammy® winning and 4x Grammy® nominated jazz singer-songwriter and pianist. This lady has an absolutely gorgeous voice. She won the American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. She’s collaborated with Christian McBride, Morgan James, Livingston Taylor and Benny Benack among others. Nicole leads her own quartet and has performed and recorded with the Birdland
ENCORE: Melissa Manchester - Musical Superstar And Grammy® Winning Singer, Songwriter, Actress. 50+ Year Career. Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Carole Bayer Sager!
Melissa Manchester is a musical superstar and Grammy® winning singer, songwriter and actress. Her career has spanned over 50 years. She’s written and recorded a number of hit records starting with “Midnight Blue” (1973) which she wrote with Carole Bayer Sager. In 1980 she was the first artist in the history of the Academy Awards to have, and to perform on the show, two movie nominated theme songs.
Vivian Fang Liu - Award Winning Chinese Born Concert Pianist, Singer, Songwriter, Educator. Performed At Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center!
Vivian Fang Liu is an award-winning concert pianist, singer, songwriter, music educator, and researcher. But this description just scratches the surface. Her works are like a three ring circus. So much going on. You’ll hear when we get to the Songfest portion. She’s performed all over the place. At Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Grammy Museum among others. She’s re
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: The Stories Hidden In Guest Bios
After more than 825 episodes, I’ve observed that many of my remarkable guests are connected by one or more common threads.Each episode of Special Collections focuses on a particular thread that ties together some of my guests. In this episode that common thread are the Bios that I get from each artist.Bios typically recite all of the accomplishments and awards of the artist. They're important of c
Tracy Bonham - 2x Grammy® Nominated Alternative Singer-Songwriter. Hit Single "Mother Mother" And Hit Album "The Burdens Of Being Upright"!
Tracy Bonham is a classically trained violinist and pianist, who somehow became a very successful alternate rock singer- songwriter and she had a big hit album and single in that genre. That album was called “The Burdens of Being Upright”, and the single was called “Mother Mother”. She received two Grammy nominations for them in 1996. And she became a global star through MTV and radio airplay. And
Matthew Szlachetka - Roots Rock Singer-Songwriter. Tours 200 Days A Year. Nashville Based Producer And Session Guitarist!
Matthew Szlachetka is a roots rock singer-songwriter. For the past five years he’s been touring more than 200 days a year. He’s got a music catalog that’s been called "road-dog roots-rockers and Americana ballads." His latest album is “Young Heart, Old Soul”. He’s appeared alongside Brandi Carlisle, Chris Isaak, and Blackberry Smoke, among others. When not on the road, Matthew has become an in-dem
Alan Broadbent - New Zealand Born, Acclaimed 2x Grammy® Winning, 14x Grammy® Nominated, Jazz Pianist And Arranger. Played With Woody Herman, Charlie Haden, WDR Big Band!
Alan Broadbent is an acclaimed 2x Grammy® winning jazz pianist and arranger originally from Auckland, New Zealand. He’s worked with the Woody Herman band and Charlie Haden’s Quartet West, touring and recording with them for 25 years. He won Grammys® as an arranger for Natalie Cole and Shirley Horn and has been nominated fourteen times. He arranged and performed an evening of music dedicated to Mil
ENCORE: Liz Callaway - Remarkable Actress, Singer, Recording Artist. Tony Nominee And Emmy Winner. "Baby", "Evita", "Miss Saigon", "Cats". 9 Albums!
ENCORE: Liz Callaway is a force of nature. Just listen to her accomplishments. She’s a Tony nominee and an Emmy award winning actress, singer and recording artist. She made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along”. She went on to star in “Baby” for which she earned a Tony nomination, “The Three Musketeers”, “Sunday In The Park With George”, “Evita”, “Miss Saigon” and “Cats”
ENCORE: Ann Hampton Callaway - Musical Star Of Broadway, TV, Songwriting! Great American Songbook. 2x Voted "Best Jazz Vocalist". "The Nanny" Theme. Streisand, Feinstein, Liza!
ENCORE: Ann Hampton Callaway is a Musical Star and a remarkably gifted artist. She’s a leading champion of the Great American Songbook, and she’s known for her work as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, actress, TV host, and producer.
Her resume is off the charts. Ann was voted by Broadwayworld as “Celebrity of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist”. On Broadway she was nomin
Karen Mason - Broadway Star. Celebrated Musical Theater Actress And Singer. Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard. Cabaret, Symphony Orchestras!
Karen Mason is a Broadway star. A celebrated musical theatre actress and singer. Here’s just a few of her successes. She starred as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. She originated the role of Tanya in Mamma Mia, and she starred as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray. She’s also a cabaret performer and she has performed with a number of symphony orchestras.
My featured song is “The Buzz", one of my rec
Amy B. Scher - Award Winning Bestselling Author Of Non-Fiction And Fiction, Including Her Young Adult Novel "The Unexpected Afterlife Of Salon Rose"!
Amy B. Scher is an award-winning, bestselling author of five non-fiction books, translated into more than 20 languages. She writes and teaches on the topics of healing, human-ing, and writing. She’s recognized in particular for her work in mind-body healing. And she’s written a Young Adult novel, “The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose”, which was inspired by the worst week in
Stevie Simkin - Author, Professor Of Drama, Film And Literature, And A Musician. His Book, "Cultural Constructions Of The Femme Fatale", Is About Dangerous Women!
Stevie Simkin is an author, a teacher of drama, film and literature, and also a musician. And he has a PhD in poetry. For over thirty years he has taught at the University of Winchester in the UK. His recent book, “Cultural Constructions of the Femme Fatale”, is about dangerous women. As his subtitle says: from Pandora’s Box to Amanda Knox.
My featured song is “The Pardners”. It's from the album E
Bruce Forman - Classic Jazz Guitarist. Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby" Soundtrack. "Cow Bop" Western Bebop Band!
Bruce Forman is a Texas-born jazz guitarist, perhaps best know for his work on three of Clint Eastwood’s films including the soundtrack to “Million Dollar Baby”. He’s released 21 recordings as a leader, and played with a number of jazz luminaries including Ray Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, and Bobby Hutcherson. He’s played numerous times at the Monterey Jazz Festival. And he’s got a “west
Eugene Ruffolo - Acclaimed Background And Jingle Singer. Soundtracks, Live Events. Plus 9 Solo Albums!
Eugene Ruffolo is an acclaimed Background and Jingle singer, and a singer/songwriter with 9 albums of his own. He's sung live and on records with artists like David Byrne, Garth Brooks, and Tony Bennett. As a songwriter he’s won first prize in several competitions. He’s done hundreds of radio and TV commercials. He’s been featured in numerous soundtracks. He’s got a passion for working with childr
Zazz - Wonderful Actress, Singer, Songwriter. Musical Theater, Concerts, Cabaret. Toured With Trans-Siberian Orchestra!
Zazz is an wonderful actress, singer, and songwriter. She’s performed in theater, concert and cabaret venues. She’s appeared on Late Night with Stephen Colbert and in the HBO documentary Master Class with Bobby McFerrin, and she’s toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Here's how she came to be a guest.
I first came across Zazz when I interviewed Will Healy, a fabulous musician, about a year ag
LEGENDS: Chas Chandler, The Bassist For The Animals, Who Turned Jimmy James Into Jimi Hendrix!
This Legends episode spotlights Chas Chandler. He’s the guy who turned Jimmy James into Jimi Hendrix. Here’s the story.
Chas Chandler was the bass player for the Animals, the ‘60s British Invasion band fronted by Eric Burdon, which had a string of hits in that era including “The House Of The Rising Sun”, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, “I’m Crying” and many others. They had a rougher, earthier so
Danny Lux - Emmy Nominated Television And Film Composer. Credits Include Grey's Anatomy, Rockford Files, And Ally McBeal!
Danny Lux is a multiple Emmy nominated television and film composer. His TV series' credits include the theme music for Sliders, Million Dollar Mysteries, Crisis Center, Profiler and Boston Legal. He’s contributed music to Grey’s Anatomy, Hacks, Ally McBeal, NYPD Blue, The Good Wife and others. His movie credits include Halloween: Resurrection and Stolen Summer. In total he’s scored over 2,300 epi
Benjamin Kruithof - Multiple Prize Winning Luxembourg Born Cellist. Young Artist Of The Year Award. Performed All Over Europe!
Benjamin Kruithof is a multiple prize winning Luxembourg-born cellist. In 2025 he won the Young Artist of the Year award. He’s given recitals all over Europe including Cologne, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, London and Baden-Baden. As a soloist, recent highlights include performances with the Luxembourg Philharmonic, Liechtenstein Symphony and the East-West Chamber Orchestra. In recital, he has perf
Tess Remy-Schumacher: Grammy® Nominated Cellist, Producer And Educator. Multiple Award Winner. Has Performed All Over The World. Professor At U. Of Central Oklahoma!
Tess Remy-Schumacher is is a Grammy® nominated cellist and producer. She’s won a whole bunch of awards including the World Entertainment Award for “Best Classical Album”, first Prize at the International Carlo-Zecchi Competition in Rome, and multiple medals at the Global Music Awards. As a concert soloist, she has recorded at Abbey Road Studios as part of the Six String Symphony with the London Sy
Pille-Rite Rei - Estonian Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Songwriter. Plays Brazilian Music. Performed With Roberto Menescal!
Pille-Rite Rei is an Estonian jazz musician, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter known for her deep connection to Brazilian and Latin-infused jazz. She plays Estonian bossa nova! Her work spans multiple albums and singles, blending Nordic jazz melodies with acoustic and bossa nova rhythms. She honed her vocal skills in Sweden and later won a musical award in Denmark. She then went to Brazi
SPECIAL EPISODE: Introducing Robert's “Ma Petite Fleur String Quartet". New Re-Mixed, Re-Mastered Version In Dolby Atmos. Released On St7dio - Classical!
This episode announces the release of the new re-mixed and re-mastered “Ma Petite Fleur String Quartet”.
The new recording has been released on St7dio - Classical, the boutique classical label owned by multiple Grammy® winner Kitt Wakeley and which is run by Allison Charney. Allison is a Grammy® nominated opera singer in her own right, and a recent guest on the podcast.
Here’s the back story.
In 2
ESSAY: Fading Stars
I believe that creativity has no expiration date. But there is another side to the story. Sometimes we watch an artist who we have loved for decades slowly fade before our eyes.
Recently I saw a ‘60s era superstar in concert. He will remain nameless for these purposes.
In my opinion, he was one of the greatest artists of the rock era. His songwriting, his guitar playing, his singing - all masterfu
Adrian Galante - Perth, Australia Born Jazz Clarinetist And Pianist, Arranger, Composer. Debut Album Features Tamir Handelman And Joe LaBarbera!
Adrian Galante is an Australian-born jazz multi-instrumentalist, arranger and composer who plays the piano and the clarinet. His debut album, “Introducing Adrian Galante”, was released last year and features pianist Tamir Hendelman and drummer Joe LaBarbera, both of whom have been guests on this podcast.
My featured song is “Mi Cachimber”, one of my recent singles. Spotify link.
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Mitch Marcus - Independent Director And Screenwriter In Movies And TV. Worked On "Field Of Dreams" And "Stand By Me". "A Boy Called Hate". New Movie: "I Don't Love You Anymore"!
Mitch Marcus is a director and screenwriter for movies and television. He started out working on film crews on movies like 'Stand By Me" and "Field of Dreams". In 1995, his film “A Boy Called Hate", about the youth culture of guns, received a prize at the Berlin International Film Festival. He’s worked as a director for hire on several feature length movies. He’s filmed two feature length docum
Jhoely Garay - Mexican Born Jazz Guitarist, Composer, Arranger. Her Music Combines Jazz And Latin With Environmental Concerns. Leads Jhoely Garay Jazz Orchestra!
Jhoely Garay is a Mexican-born jazz guitarist, composer, and arranger and the leader of the Jhoely Garay Jazz Orchestra. She combines classic and contemporary jazz with Latin rhythms. And like me, she likes to write message songs about subjects like the climate, and also about untold or hidden histories left out of official narratives. She’s become an important part of the jazz scene in New York a
Jason SweetTooth Williams: Multi-Talented Singer And Actor. Cabaret, Broadway, TV, Films. Original Member Of Iconis And Friends!
Jason SweetTooth Williams is a singer, an actor and a writer. He’s performed in cabaret, on TV, in films and on Broadway. He was in the Broadway musical “Be More Chill”, and regionally and Off Broadway in “Freaky Friday”, “Benny and Joon”, “Bloodsong of Love”, “The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S Thompson Musical” and “Once Upon a Mattress”. And he’s an original member of Joe Iconis and Family. On
Ana Petrova - Kazakhstan Born Jazz Organist And Pianist. Performed At Dizzy's, The Bitter End, And The Umbria, Panama And Monterey Jazz Festivals!
Ana Petrova is a jazz pianist and organist from Kazakhstan. Her playing is a combination of improvisation, groove, and jazz traditions. She studied at Berklee with Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, and Joe Lovano. She’s shared the stage with Dave Liebman, Catherine Russell, and Terri Lyne Carrington, among others. She’s performed at clubs like Dizzy’s and The Bitter End, and at festivals like the Umbr
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: Poetry In Motion
After more than 800 episodes, I’ve observed that many of my remarkable guests are connected by one or more common threads.
Each episode of Special Collections focuses on a particular thread that ties together some of my guests.
In this episode, that common thread is poetry.
This episode features five remarkable, world-class poets who have expanded the range of artistic expression featured on this
Ed Hinman - Author Of "The Barbarian In You". Graduate Of US Naval Academy. Former Marine. Deployed To Afghanistan And Other Middle East Countries. Former Bodyguard!
Ed Hinman is an author who says that he likes to explore open fields where violent things happened a thousand years ago. He’s a graduate of the US Naval Academy, and he served eight years in the Marine Corps including a deployment in Afghanistan. He earned a master’s degree in history, and he’s spent his post-military career as a bodyguard at a security firm. He’s now about to publish his first bo
Eric Oberstein - Cuban-American 2x Grammy® And 2x Latin Grammy® Winning Producer, Curator, Artist Manager, Arts Administrator, And Educator. Also Plays Saxophone And Drums!
Eric Oberstein is a Cuban-American 2x Grammy® and 2x Latin Grammy® -winning producer, curator, artist manager, arts administrator, and educator. He runs an artist management and producing company, and an arts management consultancy that produces programming and advises cultural organizations on strategy. Two of his clients are Claudia Acuna and Kali Rodriguez-Pena, both of whom have been guests o
Allison Philips - Brooklyn Based Trumpeter, Composer, Educator. She's Led Duos, Trios, Quartets. Plays With Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra!
Allison Philips is a Brooklyn-based trumpet player, composer, and educator. She’s led a trio and a quartet, and she’s co-led the DeiCont | Philips Collective. She’s toured throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada. She is a member of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra which has performed with The Jonas Brothers and Yo La Tengo among others. She’s appeared at Carnegie Hall, Birdland, and The North Sea Jazz
Steven Pressfield - Bestselling Author Of Over 20 Fiction And Nonfiction Books Including "The Legend Of Bagger Vance", "Gates Of Fire", And "The War Of Art". Newest: "The Arcadian"!
Steven Pressfield is the author of over twenty books of fiction and nonfiction. Two themes emerge from his writings: self-help and creativity, and historical fiction and war. He wrote “The Legend of Bagger Vance”, which in 2000 was made into a major motion picture directed by Robert Redford and starring Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron. He also wrote “Gates of Fire”, and “The Virtues of
REFLECTIONS: Podcast Interviews As Jazz Improvisations
Hi everybody. Robert Miller here with another Follow Your Dream Reflection — observations drawn from my many conversations with remarkable creative artists.
One of the hallmarks of my podcast interviews is that they are completely free-form. While I study each guest, read their bio, and do my due diligence on their art, I don’t script the interview. I don’t write down questions in advance. At most
Allison Charney - Acclaimed Grammy® Nominated Soprano Opera Singer. Madam Butterfly, Tosca, La Boheme, Figaro!
Allison Charney is a Grammy® nominated soprano opera singer. She has performed dozens of leading roles with opera companies across the United States. she’s been a soloist with major orchestras, and she has recorded worldwide. She made her debut at the New York City Opera in La Bohème. She also sung Puccini’s Madam Butterfly and Tosca. She has sung Mozart’s Figaro and Don Giovanni. Other performanc
Jeremy Ledbetter - JUNO Award Winning Canadian Pianist. Plays A Fusion Of Jazz And World Music With His Trio And With CaneFire!
Jeremy Ledbetter is a JUNO Award-winning Canadian pianist, composer, and producer known for his fusion of jazz and world music. He was trained as a classical pianist, but he switched to jazz and spent over a decade travelling to Trinidad, Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela to study local musical cultures. He’s released two albums with his trio. He’s also the leader and composer for the Caribbean Jazz ens
Ludovica Burtone - Italian Born Violinist And Composer. Plays An Eclectic Mix Of Jazz, Classical, Brazilian And Contemporary. New Album Explores Stories Of Immigrant Women!
Ludovica Burtone is a violinist and composer. Her music spans an eclectic range of styles and genres including classical, jazz, Brazilian, and contemporary. She has performed worldwide as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborator in numerous ensembles. And at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City, Boston Symphony Hall, and Boston Opera House among others. Her latest projec
Ricky Riccardi - Celebrating Louis Armstrong With The Director Of Research Collections For The Louis Armstrong House Museum And Armstrong Expert!
Today is a very special day on the podcast. It’s Satchmo day! Or as you may know him - Louis Armstrong day! For anyone who doesn’t know him, Louis Armstrong was simply one of the greatest American artists ever. And my guest to celebrate this occasion is Ricky Riccardi. He is the Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Ricky has written three critically-acclaimed biog
ESSAY: The Road Not Taken
In Robert Frost’s famous poem, called “The Road Not Taken”, a traveler comes to a fork in the road and must choose between two paths.
The poem is really about life’s crossroads—those moments when we must choose between the expected path and one that is uncertain, unconventional, and uniquely our own.
My life has been about pursuing that second path.
Like most people, I spent much of my adult life
Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Theater Historian, Author, Producer And Creative And Programming Director At 54 Below, The Iconic NYC Club!
Jennifer Ashley Tepper is a theater historian, author and producer. She conceived of The Jonathan Larson Project. He’s the guy who wrote Rent. She’s been the longtime Creative and Programming Director at 54 Below, the iconic New York City cabaret club. She’s curated or produced over 8,000 shows. As an author her latest book is “Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out”, a
Gentiane MG - Montreal-Based Jazz Pianist And Composer Combining Jazz And Classical. Has Toured Throughout Canada And Europe. OPUS Awards And Juno Nominations!
Gentiane MG is a fabulous Montreal-based pianist and composer who combines jazz and classical. Her music explores human connection, emotional depth, and the quiet relationship between inner life and the natural world. She’s toured with her trio extensively across Canada and Europe and she’s earned major honours including OPUS Awards, Radio Canada recognition, and JUNO nominations. Her latest album
Kevin Kiner - Celebrated Multi-Award Winning Movie and TV Composer. Star Wars, CSI: Miami, Narcos, Walker Texas Ranger!
Kevin Kiner is an Annie Award and BMI award winning, and Emmy nominated, TV and film composer. He’s one of the entertainment industry's most versatile and in-demand composers. He scored several Star Wars movies. He’s work on shows like CSI: Miami, Narcos and Walker, Texas Ranger. He’s recognized for his ability to craft intimate, soulful guitar melodies as well as epic and grand orchestral composi
David Maraniss - Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Of Books On Vince Lombardi, Jim Thorpe, Roberto Clemente, Vietnam, Clinton, Obama. Former Associate Editor Of The Washington Post!
David Maraniss is a Pulitzer Prize winner and a 3x Pulitzer Prize finalist. He’s also the former associate editor for the Washington Post. And he is the author of numerous books, ranging from politics to sports, including head coach Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers, American hero Jim Thorpe, Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics, the Vietnam War, and U.S. Pr
Rochelle Rice - Singer And Composer Blending Jazz, Soul, Pop. Former Disney Performer. Member Of Sweet Honey In The Rock Ensemble!
Rochelle Rice is a singer and composer who blends jazz, soul, and pop. Take it from me - her singing is simply sublime. Since 2016 she’s been a member of Sweet Honey in the Rock. They are a 3x Grammy nominated, all female, African American a cappella ensemble. She’s performed at The Kennedy Center and Blues Alley among many other venues. She’s an advocate for social justice. Her latest project, “T
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: Young Stars / Old Souls. Featuring Benny Benack III, Bria Skonberg, Christian Wiggs, Danny Jonokuchi!
After 800 episodes, I’ve observed that many of my remarkable guests are connected by one or more common threads. Each episode of Special Collections focuses on a particular thread that ties together some of my guests.
In this episode, the common thread is a group of young artists who are dedicated to keeping alive and vibrant the music of the Great American Songbook and the big band era and carry
Scott Hosfield And Maria Newman - Married Couple And Musical Collaborators. Both Play Violin and Viola. Maria Also Is A Composer And Pianist. Much Work In Film And TV Including "Anamaniacs"!
Scott Hosfield and Maria Newman have been married for 25 years and they collaborate together musically. They have spent much of their professional lives as studio musicians and artists working in film and TV, including on the “Anamaniacs” series and other Hollywood based projects. Scott plays the violin and viola. Maria is a composer and also plays violin and viola, plus she’s a Pianist and Conduc
Josh Smith - Dynamic Blues Guitarist. Ranked In The Top 20 Best Blues Guitarists By Guitar World. Producer For Joe Bonamassa, Marc Broussard, Andy Timmons!
Josh Smith is a dynamic, young blues guitarist. And he’s special. He’s the real deal. He was ranked as one of the Top 20 best blues guitarists in the world by Guitar World Magazine. He’s also a producer for musicians like Marc Broussard and Andy Timmons - both of whom have been guests on this podcast - and also for the great Joe Bonamassa.
My featured song is “Annie and Leni”, from the album Bobby
Celebrating Our 800th Episode!
I’ve got some big news - Follow your dream has just released its 800th episode! That’s right, 800 episodes in just under 5 1/2 years. And on top of that, we’re about to hit 5 million total downloads. How about that!
What started out as a pandemic-era podcast with no audience and no guests has now morphed into a global arts platform featuring guests from over 40 countries and including musicians, a
Tasha Warren And Dave Eggar - 2x Grammy Nominated Clarinetist, With 7x Grammy Nominated Cellist. Their 1st Album Was Grammy Nominated. Their New One Is "Motherload"!
My guests today are Tasha Warren and Dave Eggar. Tasha is a 2x Grammy nominated clarinetist and bass clarinetist, and an international performer who has premiered over 100 works worldwide. She’s a member of the American Modern Ensemble, Lansing Symphony and Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Dave Eggar is an amazing cellist who is making his third appearance on this podcast, putting him at the top of my
N'Kenge - Spectacular Crossover Singer In Pop, Opera, Jazz. Tony, Emmy, Grammy Nominated. Broadway Star In "Sondheim On Sondheim", "Motown: The Musical", And "Caroline, Or Change". New Dorothy Dandridge Musical!
N’Kenge is a spectacular powerhouse crossover singer in pop, opera and jazz. Just Wait till you hear what this lady has accomplished. She is a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy nominated performer with a 5 octave vocal range. She’s headlined with major orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Houston, Edmonton, and Jacksonville Symphonies, and she’s performed at major venues including Carnegie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Today’s a pretty special day for me. It’s my 75th birthday.
Yes you heard me correctly.
It feels like just the other day I was watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. And then I ran out afterwards and taught myself guitar and bass.
Then it feels like it was only a few days ago that I was playing jazz fusion in Boston.
And then recording my first album when I was in my 40s but still
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