Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
Dig into the history of classic rock songs and the storytellers that created them in "Behind The Song," a podcast by Janda Lane. Hear what was happening behind the scenes while some of the most iconic songs in rock history were being written.
Episodes
Saving Grace: The Many Lives of Robert Plant
He once sang for eighty thousand fans as the voice of Led Zeppelin. Now in his late 70s, Robert Plant is playing centuries-old songs and loving every minute of it.In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda skips the hits to trace Plant’s musical path. From a planned career in accounting to what happened after Led Zeppelin disbanded, everything led to his latest chapter, the collective proj
Decoding King Crimson: Steve Vai on the BEAT Tour
In the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda chats with Steve Vai about gearing up to tour once again with BEAT, performing the music of King Crimson with Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Terry Bozzio. He spoke about what it takes to play this level of “high information music,” his time as a teenager working for Frank Zappa, and what’s next musically for him and this supergroup!&
The Mighty Comeback of Oasis with Janda and Christian
In this bonus Behind The Song episode, Janda is joined by her husband, Behind The Song music producer Christian Lane, to talk about the incredible comeback of Oasis. From their '25 tour to the Don't Look Back In Anger documentary to how hard it was to score tickets to the 2027 tour, the world is finally ready for the Gallagher Brothers. Janda shares what it was about Oasis' music that she
Mother Nature on the Run: The Story of "After the Gold Rush"
In 1970, Neil Young was handed a screenplay by a neighbor about an apocalyptic flood wiping out the Topanga Canyon community they lived in. The film was never made and the script is now lost, but it unlocked one of the most potent songs of his career. In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda dives into the elusive meaning of "After The Gold Rush” and why the song is more rele
Make Some Noise For Illinois! Interview with Ron Romero, Illinois Rock & Roll Museum On Route 66 Founder
As the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum On Route 66 prepares for its 5th annual Hall Of Fame awards ceremony in Chicago on September 27th, Janda had a chat with founder and CEO Ron Romero to talk about this year’s inductees and what a privilege it is to preserve the rich musical history of Illinois. The Drive will be the radio station honored with an induction in this year’s event, and the
Rocky Horror Rock Star: Tim Curry’s Accidental Impact on Joe Bonamassa’s Career
In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda pays tribute to the late, great Tim Curry. Beyond his iconic role in the Rocky Horror Picture show and his other roles as an actor, he had an almost-forgotten career as a rock musician. Janda digs into how his overlooked solo albums had a big impact on none other than Joe Bonamossa, who launched his own musical career with an obs
Transmission from the Edge: The Clash's “London Calling”
In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda digs in to “London Calling” by The Clash, a song that called an alarm about what was going on in London and the world in the late 70’s, with “S.O.S.” in Morse code buried right in the track. Follow the story of how The Clash became more than just a broke punk band with the London Calling album, now considered one of the greatest albums
Remembering Dolly Parton
In this bonus episode of Behind The Song, Janda pays tribute to the late Dolly Parton. More than just a country singer, entertainer, or her late-in-life role as a surprise rock star, Dolly spent her life helping others, even when the cameras weren’t rolling. That philanthropy is her true legacy. Janda traces her story from a one-room cabin in Tennessee to becoming one of the most inspirat
The Class Of ‘76: An A+ Year for Classic Rock
Fifty years ago this week, Boston released one of the best-selling debut albums in rock history. In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda flips through the class of ‘76 yearbook in classic rock, a year stacked with albums that still shape what we listen to today: Boston’s debut, Led Zeppelin's Presence, Rush's 2112, Aerosmith's Rocks, Steve Miller Band's Fly Like an
Five Years Late, Six Times Platinum: The Wild Ride of AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds
In 1976, an exhausted AC/DC wrote "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" between tour stops, built around a line Angus Young lifted from a cartoon villain's business card. What followed was stranger than the song itself: an Illinois couple harassed for years because their real phone number matched the lyrics, a U.S. label that shelved the album for nearly five years and almost dropped the band, an
Us and Them: The Band Divorce Behind Pink Floyd's The Wall
It started with literal spit! Roger Waters, spitting on a fan mid-concert in 1977. That moment was the inspiration behind one of rock's most ambitious concept albums, Pink Floyd’s The Wall. In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda dives into the chaotic making of the album, the four-city stage show too expensive to take anywhere else, and the courtroom battle over who actuall
Grateful Dead fans and the "Days Between"
Every year from August 1st to August 9th, Deadheads mark the “Days Between" — the span between Jerry Garcia's birth and death. In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda digs into how a deep-cut song title that was only played 41 times by the band became the name of what has evolved into a high holy week for an entire community of Grateful Dead fans.See Privacy Policy at
Don Henley: The Boys Of Summer and the Eagles’ Long Goodbye
Don Henley's “The Boys Of Summer” is a song with lyrical roots that trace back to the poet Dylan Thomas, but it got its musical start from a demo Mike Campbell played for Tom Petty -- who passed on it! In an updated episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda takes a look at how “The Boys OF Summer” fits into the Eagles' story as the band winds down its farewell tour. With H
Rush Fifty Something: A Night To Remember in Chicago
Janda recaps night one of Rush's Fifty Something tour in Chicago on July 16, 2026— a show few fans thought they'd ever see after Neil Peart's passing in 2020. The episode covers drummer Anika Nilles winning over skeptics with a show-stopping "Tom Sawyer," the emotional Peart tributes, a full 2112 suite, a surprise nod to founding drummer John Rutsey, and the joy of watching Geddy Lee and
Unpacking The Rolling Stones’ Foreign Tongues
Sixty-plus years in, the Rolling Stones return with Foreign Tongues — fourteen tracks featuring Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, and a surprise turn from The Cure's Robert Smith, plus previously unheard drumming from the late Charlie Watts. Janda goes track by track through the record, digging into its riffs, ballads, and covers, and makes the case for why it's the Stones' best album in yea
Tadpole In A Jar: Unpacking Led Zeppelin's "Dancing Days"
In 1972, Led Zeppelin traded the studio for Mick Jagger’s driveway and the Rolling Stones' recording truck, after a detoured trip to Bombay reshaped their sound. Join Janda on the new episode of Behind The Song as she dives into the making of "Dancing Days," from its Eastern-tinged riff to the lyric that's baffled fans for 50 years: the lion standing alone with a tadpole in a jar. Plus: t
Remembering Clive Davis: The Hitmaker Who Rocked
In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda remembers the legendary Clive Davis, the music icon who almost single-handedly dragged the music industry into the rock revolution. He was a lawyer with no musical training whatsoever but with truly magic ears when it came to signing the cream of rock’s crop: from Janis Joplin to Aerosmith, The Grateful Dead to Springsteen, Santana to
Three Classic Albums That Radiate Summer Heat
Roll the windows down and crank the volume up! In the new bonus episode of Behind The Song Janda tracks the arc of a summer day through three classic albums that vibe with the season in very different ways. From Van Halen to the Eagles to Chicago, these albums rock your glorious summer days and nights. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:
Baby I Love Your Way: Peter Frampton, But Make It Live!
How did Peter Frampton go from an industry underdog to an absolute stadium-packing global phenomenon? In the new episode of Behind The Song, Janda tracks the incredible "grind-it-out" story behind the 1976 double-album smash, Frampton Comes Alive! Did you know there was a real-life muse behind “Baby I Love Your Way,” one of the hit songs he wrote in a single day while sitting on a beach i
Bohemian Cat-sody: Freddie Mercury's Felines
In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast with Janda Lane, step inside Freddie Mercury’s London mansion to meet the pampered clowder of ten felines who truly ruled his world. From mandatory long-distance phone calls to check in while Queen was on the road to the song inspired by his favorite calico, Delilah, Mercury truly went above and beyond typical pet care. In fact, he was so loy
The Rolling Stones & Sonny Rollins: When Two Musical Worlds Collided
In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda shares the incredible story behind how the late, great “saxophone colossus” Sonny Rollins came to record the sax solo on the Rolling Stones hit, “Waiting On A Friend.” Following the passing of the jazz legend at age 95, this awesome recording remains as proof that when talented musicians respect each other, the lines between
Pete Townshend: The Guru Between The Notes
In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda takes a closer look into Pete Townshend’s “Let My Love Open The Door,” just one of many songs that he consistently wrote with his spiritual guru in mind. It’s a deep dive into the how Townshend’s decades-long devotion to Meher Baba completely colored his creative output and shifted his focus to search for the divine. From “Baba O’Riley
Get On The Bus! Why The Grateful Dead Will Never Die with Christian Lane
Janda is joined by Behind The Song podcast producer Christian Lane (her husband!) for a conversation about what makes the Grateful Dead continue to compel fans to “get on the bus,” more than 60 years after they played their first concert. The conversation explores the various entry points into the band's world and the philosophy of fun outlined by Jerry Garcia that still resonates with De
A Triumphant Return! Janda chats with Gil Moore and Mike Levine of Triumph
Triumph returns to the road and to Chicago’s Allstate Arena on May 13th in a Drive 25th Anniversary concert event! In this bonus episode, revisit the conversation as Janda sits down with Mike Levine and Gil Moore to discuss what made them decide to tour again and what fans can expect now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c
Flies in the Vasoline: Stone Temple Pilots' Tragic Prophecy
In 1994, Stone Temple Pilots hit #1 with Purple, but behind the scenes, the band was fracturing. In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda breaks down the STP classic "Vasoline." It’s the story of a band at their creative peak, even as their frontman Scott Weiland began a very long, sad goodbye. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://
Rock’s Unsung Gems: Songs That Should Have Been Hits
Why did Aerosmith’s "You See Me Crying" never top the charts? How did a musical genius like Lowell George of Little Feat miss out on a solo smash? Janda is joined by WDRV Brand & Content Director Keith Hastings (her boss!) for a deep dive into the "should've beens" of rock and roll. From the hair-metal transition of Kip Winger to the bluesy hooks of the Arc Angels and the shifting sou
What The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Got Right in 2026 with Christian James Hand
In the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda sits down for a no-filter conversation with musicologist Christian James Hand to break down the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026. The duo dive into the singular career of Phil Collins, who now enters the rarified air of two-time inductees, and expand into what else the Rock Hall got right this year. See Privacy Policy a
David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”: The Reinvention That Changed Everything
In the early 1980s, David Bowie was an artist’s artist, but he wasn’t yet a blockbuster hitmaker in America. Fresh off the experimental depths of his Berlin Trilogy, Bowie decided it was time to step out of the shadows and onto the dance floor. In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda explores the seismic shift that occurred when the Starman traded his avant-garde roots for a truly knock
More Cowbell!!!
It’s one of the most recognizable sounds in rock, but how did it get there? In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda tracks the evolution of the cowbell! Follow along and discover how this humble piece of farm equipment became a secret weapon in rock ‘n roll, and how the Saturday Night Live moment turned a studio quirk into a cultural phenomenon.See Privacy Policy at ht
Jimmy Page and Joe Walsh: The Lost Chicago Tapes
What really happened at the Ambassador East Hotel in Chicago after a late-night dinner at the Pump Room in 1969? It has been whispered in certain circles for decades that Jimmy Page made musical history with Joe Walsh in Room 6 with nothing more than two guitars, a pizza box, and a four-track recorder. Join Janda on this special Behind The Song podcast exclusive as she traces that night a
The Who’s “Who Are You,” Explained
Who are you? Who who, who who….In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda dives into wild night that inspired Pete Townshend to write “Who Are You,” the title track to The Who’s eighth album. From the spiritual meanings in the last verse of the song to the eerie warning on the album cover that preceded Keith Moon’s passing, get into the story of one of The Who’s biggest anthems - f-bombs a
The Curse Of "Layla"
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is one of the best one-and-done albums by any classic rock group, but the cost of making it was staggeringly high. In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda digs into "The Curse" of Derek and the Dominos. From Eric Clapton’s unrequited love that fueled the sessions to the tragic fates of Duane Allman and Jim Gordon, the story behind thi
The G-Man of the Emerald Isle: Rory Gallagher
In the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda digs into the life of the "Architect of Irish Rock," Rory Gallagher. From his roots in 1960s Cork to the legendary moment he turned down The Rolling Stones to do his own thing, Rory was the ultimate "working man" of the Irish-soul blues. Find out why your favorite guitar legends looked up to this man - who famously played the s
A Nice Day To Start Again: Billy Idol's "White Wedding"
Before he was a solo superstar and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee, Billy Idol was a punk rocker at a crossroads in his career. In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda tells the story of how "White Wedding" helped break him into his icon era. Subscribe for more classic rock stories!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr
The Archive Of A Lifetime: Man On The Run director Morgan Neville on Paul McCartney
On the new episode of The Behind the Song Podcast, Janda is joined by Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville to talk about his new documentary, Man on the Run. Listen to hear how Neville accessed Paul McCartney’s massive personal archive to weave the story of McCartney’s life and creative surge in the decade following the Beatles’ breakup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva
The Influence of Lithofayne Pridgon, Hendrix’s Muse
Before there was the "Experience," there was Lithofayne. Lithofayne Pridgon wasn’t just a muse; she was the Queen of Harlem who gave a struggling Jimi Hendrix a place to live, a connection to the music scene, and the inspiration for "Foxey Lady."In this bonus episode of Behind The Song, dig into the story of the mysterious woman who stood toe-to-toe with James Brown, managed the chaos of
It Came In A Dream: Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird"
How do you write one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded in just 30 minutes? For Christine McVie, it was a midnight miracle that came in a dream.In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda gets into the magic creation of "Songbird" and how it kept Fleetwood Mac together when everything else was breaking apart. 🎹✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi
The B-Side of Love: Classic Rock Deep Cuts
Everyone knows the chart-toppers, but sometimes the real magic is buried in the album. In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda breaks down classic rock deep cuts that really strike a chord, even if they weren’t big hits. From Queen to Fleetwood Mac, this is a list of underrated love songs that you don’t want to miss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C
Riff Raff: 10 Infamous Rock Feuds
They say creative tension leads to great art—but sometimes it just leads to a lawsuit and a nasty interview in Rolling Stone. In the latest bonus episode of Behind The Song, Janda explores the thin line between partnership and "bad blood” with a look at 10 legendary feuds. From the friction between Roger Waters and David Gilmour to the sibling rivalry that defined the Black Crowes, these
Why R.E.M.’s "The One I Love" Is NOT a Love Song
Think twice before you add R.E.M.’s "The One I Love" to your romance playlist. While it reached #9 on the Billboard charts and even became a favorite at weddings, Michael Stipe himself calls the track "downright brutal." Get into the story of this often-misunderstood song in the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast with Janda Lane. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and
Triumph Returns! Interview with Gil Moore and Mike Levine
The wait is over! In this special bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda sat down with Mike Levine and Gil Moore from Triumph to talk about their massive 50th Anniversary tour, their induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and why they decided now was the time to hit the road again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at
They're Called What? The Origins Of 13 Classic Rock Band Names
Before they were legends, they were "The Tea Set," "The Warlocks," and even "Soft White Underbelly." In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda uncovers the weird, accidental, and sometimes hilarious ways 13 classic rock bands landed on their names—from Led Zeppelin to Foghat!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co
Whitesnake’s Do-Over Hit: "Here I Go Again"
Did you know "Here I Go Again" was originally released 5 years before it became a hit? This week on the BehindTheSong podcast, Janda breaks down the evolution of Whitesnake's signature tune—from its bluesy origins to its chart-topping 1987 reinvention.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You’re Not Alone: 5 Inspirational David Bowie Songs
In this bonus episode of Behind The Song, Janda dives into five songs where David Bowie offered something more than just music—he offered hope. From Ziggy Stardust’s final anthem to the graceful goodbye of “Lazarus,” Bowie’s messages of connectivity and faith are like a light in the dark. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://
If These Walls Could Talk: Infamous Rock ‘N Roll Hotels
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda is checking us into the infamous accommodations that became as legendary as the bands that trashed them! We're talking about the places where history was made, TVs were thrown, and the accountants were always on call.From Led Zeppelin riding motorcycles down the halls of the "Riot House" in Los Angeles to the love affair betwe
No Schmaltz, Just Rock 'n' Roll: The Story Behind Tom Petty's "Christmas All Over Again"
Did you know Tom Petty wrote just one Christmas song? In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, find out how the gift of a ukulele from George Harrison inspired “Christmas All Over Again,” a song that required over 20 musicians to get the wall-of-sound vibe that Petty wanted for his rockin’ holiday tune. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a
Total Transformation: Bands Who Abandoned Their Debut Sound
In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda dives into the sonic evolutions of artists whose debut albums sound like they were recorded by a completely different group. Trace the changes in bands like Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and the Scorpions!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Alice’s Restaurant: The Thanksgiving Massacree
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda revisits Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree.” Listen in on how a ridiculous (and hilariously true) littering incident became an 18 minute Thanksgiving classic for generations of fans! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Hit That Won’t Quit: Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”
Stevie Nicks wrote the hit "Dreams" in about 10 minutes as the drama with Lindsey Buckingham was peaking during the Rumours sessions. It’s the only Fleetwood Mac song to ever go to #1 when it was released, and it keeps entering the charts as the decades go on! Get into this hit that just won’t quit in this episode of the Behind The Song podcast with Janda Lane. See Privacy Policy at
Beyond the Stage: The Weirdest Side Gigs of Rock Stars
You won't believe the wild second careers some of your favorite musicians found! From Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan) becoming a legit missile defense consultant to The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan running the National Wrestling Association, join Janda as she dives into the most surprising second acts in rock in this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast.See Pri
Getting Loud And Clear About The Grateful Dead’s Wall Of Sound with Author Brian Anderson
The Grateful Dead’s desire to create the best sound for their audience led to the construction of the legendary Wall Of Sound, a sound amplification system that grew to enormous proportions with one goal in mind: to make their live concerts loud, but clear. It was one of the many technical innovations that sprung out of the Grateful Dead’s inner circle, and it impacted all of live music a
That's All: The Story Behind Genesis’s Breakthrough
It took twelve albums, but 1983's "That's All" finally launched Genesis into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10.This episode of the Behind The Song podcast dives into the single that cemented the Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford lineup as the band's most commercially successful era. Hear how this hit transformed them from progressive pioneers to chart-topping superstars, kickstarti
Songs About Places
In this bonus episode of Behind The Song, take a journey with Janda Lane into songs where the setting is everything. From the powerful metaphors in "Hotel California" to the real memories behind "Strawberry Fields Forever," these songs are always worth a trip! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Who Is Anika Nilles?
When Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush surprised everyone and announced their 2026 celebrating 50 years of Rush’s music, Anika Nilles was named to join them behind the drumkit. This led to lots of Rush fans immediately wondering, who is Anika Nilles? Find out about the powerhouse drummer who landed the gig of a lifetime in this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast with Janda Lane
The story of Springsteen’s “Born To Run”
Bruce Springsteen was only 24 when he wrote the lyrics to "Born To Run." He had two critically-acclaimed albums but was facing a make-or-break moment with the record label. Then came his first Top 40 hit in 1975 and that changed everything.Get into the story of the song that saved his career in the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast with Janda Lane.See Privacy Policy at https://ar
Classic Rock’s Super Producers: Architects of The Sound
Janda Lane kicks off Rocktober with an episode about the genius of some of Classic Rock’s Super Producers. Get into the stories of the legends who knew exactly what to do with the talent of bands like The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, AC/DC, and Def Leppard and shaped their music into the soundtrack of our lives. Listen to this episode of the Behind The Song podcast!See Pri
The Tragic Tale of Sandy Denny
Did you know that only one guest vocalist ever appeared on a Led Zeppelin studio album? It was the incredible Sandy Denny, the voice behind “The Battle of Evermore.” This cemented her place in rock history, but her life was cut short at just 31 years old after a tragic - and weird- accident. Get into her story in the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast with Janda Lane. S
Alice In Chains’ “Rooster”: A Song From Son To Father
The story behind one of Alice In Chains' biggest hits is deeply personal. “Rooster,” written by Jerry Cantrell, was what he imagined his father's experience in the Vietnam War was like, and the song was so spot-on, his dad told him he "hit the nail on the head."Listen to the full story of "Rooster" on the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast with Janda Lane. See Privacy Policy at ht
When Axl Rose Wanted To Fight David Bowie
Once upon a time in Hollywood, David Bowie made Axl Rose so mad that it nearly caused a brawl in the middle of the street! Get into the story of this very rock ‘n roll moment in this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Desert Island Songs
You're stranded on a desert island and can only bring three songs. What are you choosing?Would you pick something to keep your spirits high, or a song that makes you reflect on life? It’s an impossible task to pick just three, but hear what Janda and her boss, WDRV Program Director Keith Hastings, would choose in this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast. See Privacy Policy at htt
The Sweet Story Behind Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Lookin' Out My Back Door"
In the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda dives into the surprising inspiration behind Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Lookin’ Out My Back Door.” Find out how one of CCR’s most trippy tunes actually has a connection to a book by Dr. Seuss!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Remembering Bobby Whitlock
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda looks back on the remarkable career of the late Bobby Whitlock and his contributions to some of rock's greatest albums. Take a listen and discover how this soulman’s talent made a huge impact on Layla and other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, and Exile On Main Street by T
Coco Schwab: The Woman Who Saved David Bowie
In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, dig in to the story of Coco Schwab, the behind-the-scenes assistant David Bowie credited with saving his life. Together until the very end, their friendship was a lifeline for Bowie for over 46 years, and he even wrote a song specifically for her. Get into it in this episode!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi
Photograph: The Song That Started It All for Def Leppard
It all started with a "Photograph." Def Leppard’s first smash hit kicked off their path to the top and had fans wondering who the song was about, thanks to its music video featuring a Marilyn Monroe lookalike. So what’s the story behind this classic tune? Get into it on this episode of the Behind The Song podcast! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy
Janda and The Professor Of Rock Remember Ozzy Osbourne
When Ozzy Osbourne passed away, on July 22, 2025, it was a sad day for rock ‘n roll. Listen in on this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast as Janda and Adam Reader, The Professor of Rock, share their conversation grappling with the loss of the legendary “Prince of Darkness." Take a look back on why his music with Black Sabbath, his solo work, and his persona will remain ico
Tom Petty: Lyrics To Burn
In the new bonus episode of Janda's Behind The Song podcast, listen in on the chat about Tom Petty's particular gift for writing some of the most cutting lyrics in classic rock. From "Change Of Heart" to "I Need To Know," you're gonna get it! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Unpacking “Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac
Songs can transport us, and for Stevie Nicks, "Gypsy" is a powerful portal to her past. Join Janda on this episode of Behind The Song as she unpacks this unforgettable Fleetwood Mac hit, from its origins as a raw reflection on Nicks’ early days with Lindsey Buckingham, to its deeper meaning as a heartfelt remembrance of her late friend, Robin Snyder Anderson.See Privacy Policy at https://
Janda and Christian talk Classic Rock Cover Songs, Part 2!
From Clapton to Aerosmith...listen in on this chat about specific cover songs from the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie, and some of the artists who have had big hits covering J. J. Cale songs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Her Name In A Song: Songs Named After Girls
Rosanna, Beth, Mary Anne, Michelle....join Janda on a fun musical list of some of classic rock's songs titled after girls' names in this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Unpacking Traffic's Prog-Rock Gem: "The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys"
Join Janda on a deep dive into Traffic’s “The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys,” a nearly 12-minute epic song co-written by Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi that defies any kind of pop logic from the band that has had a lasting impact on progressive rock and beyond. Check out the story in the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor
The Classic Rock Songs That Shaped Janda's Formative Years
From David Bowie to Zeppelin to Janis Joplin, Janda goes through a list of classic rock songs that opened the door to classic rock and shaped her taste in this genre of music. Check it out in this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Janda and Christian talk Classic Rock Cover Songs!
Listen in on this conversation about classic rock cover songs that might just transcend the original! From Creedence Clearwater Revival’s take on “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” to Nirvana’s version of “The Man Who Sold The World," check out this chat about covers that really rock in the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy an
How Bad Company became the supergroup that ruled the 70's
Dive in to the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast as Janda explores Bad Company: the supergroup, the song, and the debut album. Find out how the band crafted their authentic sound and their identity to become an essential part of mid-70's hard rock 🎵See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Janda and Christian talk notable guitar solos! (Part 4)
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, listen in as the conversation continues about notable, memorable classic rock guitar solos. In this fourth installment, Pete Townshend, Mark Knopfler, and Eddie Van Halen are in the spotlight!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Janda and Christian talk Classic Rock Summer Songs!
Listen in on this conversation about classic rock songs that just feel like summertime! From Mungo Jerry to ELO, warm up with a great list of tunes to put you in a summer state of mind. Check it out on the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Unpacking a Gen X anthem: Nirvana's “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
In this episode of the Behind The song podcast, Janda unpacks Nirvana's “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the song that defined an entire generation. From the enigmatic lyrics to the raw energy that served as an antidote to the excess of the 80’s, get into how this song’s impact can’t be overstated, why it remains timeless and how it revolutionized rock music. See Privacy Policy at https://art19
Janda and Christian talk Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025!
In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, listen in as Janda and producer Christian chat about some of this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame most deserving honorees, including Warren Zevon, Nicky Hopkins, and Bad Company. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Janda and Christian talk notable guitar solos! (Part 3)
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda and Christian come back for round three of their chat about classic rock guitar solos. This time around, the conversation centers around Joe Walsh, Mike Campbell and Mick Ronson and three very memorable songs! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not
As Long As It Was Deep: Unpacking “Just What I Needed” by The Cars
In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda dives into “Just What I Needed,” the first hit single released from The Cars’ self-titled debut. A song that proves even the catchiest little tunes can actually be very complex, expressing a feeling that's hard to verbalize. And the killer opening riff borrows from a 1960’s bubblegum pop hit! Get into it in the new episode
The Kinks! A conversation with the cast of the Sunny Afternoon musical
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda chats with the lead actors in the cast of Sunny Afternoon, based on the music of The Kinks. This jukebox musical first was seen on London's West End, and is premiering in North America in Chicago through April 27, 2025 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Listen in on the conversation with Danny Horn (Ray Davies) and Oliver Hoa
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