'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic, Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Few voices are as instantly recognisable as Colin Blunstone's. As the lead singer of The Zombies, he helped define the sound of the British Invasion with timeless classics including She's Not There, Tell Her No, Time of the Season and the landmark album Odessey and Oracle. More than six decades later, Colin continues to tour the world, record new music and perform with the same unmistakable voice that first captivated audiences in the 1960s.In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Colin shares the extraordinary story behind one of rock's most influential bands. He explains how The Zombies came together through little more than chance, why Rod Argent almost remained the band's lead singer, and how She's Not There became a worldwide hit despite a chaotic recording session. Colin reflects on the realities of life during the British Invasion, revealing why hit records didn't necessarily mean financial success and how the original band ultimately dissolved while still enjoying international acclaim.The conversation also explores Colin's remarkable solo career, including his brief period recording as Neil MacArthur, the success of Say You Don't Mind, his years with Elton John's Rocket Records, working alongside Alan Parsons and Dave Stewart, and the unexpected legal battle that temporarily stalled his career. Colin opens up about returning to live performance after more than twenty years away, the reunion with Rod Argent that led to the rebirth of The Zombies, and the band's emotional induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.Along the way, Colin discusses maintaining his voice into his eighties, the discipline required to continue performing at the highest level, overcoming self-doubt despite decades of success, and why he still believes nobody in the music industry truly knows what tomorrow will bring.If you love classic rock, the British Invasion, timeless songwriting and honest conversations with legendary artists, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear the remarkable story behind one of music's most distinctive voices.And ... if you're in any of these cities make sure you go see The Zombies live!Sep 2 Somerville TheatreSomerville (Boston), MA The Fixx, Colin Blunstone, and Peter AsherSep 4 Count Basie Center for the ArtsRed Bank, NJSep 5The ParamountHuntington (Long Island), NYSep 6 United TheatreWesterly, RISep 8 Tupelo Music Hall Derry, NHTSep 10 Adler Hall New York Society for Ethical Culture New YorkSep 11 Keswick Theatre Glenside (Philadelphia), PASep 12 Warner TheatreWashington, DCSep 13 he Kent StageKent, OHSep 15 Uptown TheaterMinneapolis, MNSep 17 Genesee Theatre Waukegan (Chicago), ILSep 18 The Ludlow GarageCincinnati, OHSep 19 Barrymore Theatre Madison, WISep 21 DeVos Performance HallGrand Rapids, MISep 23 Brown County Music Center NashvilleSep 26 College Street Music Hall New Haven, CTSep 27 Santander Performing Arts Center Reading, PASep 29 RIT Performing Arts CenterRochester, NYTSep 30 Troy Savings Bank Music HallTroy, NY

Before stadium tours, platinum albums and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition, John Kay was simply a young refugee searching for a better life. Music became his escape, his identity and ultimately the vehicle that carried him from the hardships of post-war Europe to the front of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, host Sandy Kaye welcomes the legendary singer, songwriter and founding member of Steppenwolf for a deeply personal conversation about the remarkable life behind one of rock's most recognisable voices.Born in East Prussia during the closing months of World War II, John spent his earliest years amid conflict and uncertainty. His family fled advancing Soviet forces before eventually escaping communist East Germany and building a new life in Canada. Those formative experiences shaped his resilience, independence and determination long before music entered the picture.John recalls discovering rock and roll as a teenager and finding inspiration in the blues, folk and early rock artists who would influence his own distinctive style. He shares how those early musical ambitions led to the formation of Steppenwolf in Los Angeles, where the band quickly became one of the defining acts of the late 1960s with its raw sound, powerful songwriting and unforgettable performances.The conversation explores the creation of timeless classics including "Born to Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride," "Rock Me," "The Pusher" and "Monster," songs that helped shape the soundtrack of a generation. John reflects on how "Born to Be Wild" became forever linked with the landmark film Easy Rider, transforming it into a global anthem of freedom, adventure and rebellion. He also explains how the famous lyric "heavy metal thunder" unexpectedly became part of rock music history, helping to popularise a phrase that would define an entire genre.Beyond the music, John offers thoughtful insights into songwriting, creativity and the realities of life in one of the world's biggest rock bands. He discusses the pressures of fame, the changing music industry and why staying true to his artistic principles has always been more important than chasing commercial success.John also speaks passionately about his lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental causes, revealing another side of the man behind the music. His dedication to protecting the natural world has remained just as important as his musical legacy, demonstrating that his influence extends well beyond the recording studio and concert stage.This conversation is more than a look back at Steppenwolf's extraordinary career. It's the story of perseverance, reinvention and the enduring power of music to transcend borders, generations and cultures. Whether you've been a fan since the 1960s or you're discovering Steppenwolf for the first time, John's remarkable journey is every bit as compelling as the songs that made him famous.If you enjoy hearing the stories behind the artists who created the soundtrack of our lives, subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air for more in-depth conversations with the legendary musicians who continue to inspire audiences around the world.

Long before blues rock became a global phenomenon, Savoy Brown was helping define the genre. Founded in London in 1965 by legendary guitarist Kim Simmonds, the band became one of the most respected names to emerge from the British blues explosion, earning a devoted following through relentless touring, exceptional musicianship and an unwavering commitment to authentic blues music.In this episode, Pat DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm share the remarkable story behind Savoy Brown's rise from the vibrant London club scene to becoming one of America's favourite live blues rock bands. The two reflect on the early influences that shaped his playing, the explosion of British blues alongside bands including Fleetwood Mac, Cream and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, and the determination that kept Savoy Brown recording and touring for almost six decades.Pat explains why the blues has remained timeless, discusses the band's ever-changing lineup, and reveals how Savoy Brown became a proving ground for musicians who would later enjoy success with other iconic bands, including Foghat. He also talks about songwriting, life on the road, recording classic albums such as Blue Matter, Looking In, Street Corner Talking and Hellbound Train, and why authenticity has always mattered more than commercial success.More than a history lesson, this is an intimate conversation with two of the true pioneers of British blues. Pat and Garnett reflect on the highs and challenges of an extraordinary career, the friendships forged through music, and the enduring appeal of the blues in an ever-changing musical landscape.Whether you've followed Savoy Brown since the '60s or are discovering the band for the very first time, this episode offers a fascinating insight into one of the most influential yet often underappreciated groups in blues rock history.If you enjoy interviews with classic rock legends, blues musicians and the artists behind the soundtrack of our lives, be sure to subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air with Sandy Kaye for more exclusive conversations with the musicians who changed popular music forever.Topics covered in this episode include:The formation of Savoy Brown in London in 1965Kim Simmonds' early musical influencesThe British blues boom and its lasting impactTouring America and building an international audienceClassic Savoy Brown albums and defining songsThe musicians who passed through Savoy Brown, including future members of FoghatWhy the blues continues to inspire audiences worldwideSongwriting, recording and life on the roadKim Simmonds' lasting legacy in blues and classic rockFollow A Breath of Fresh Air for more interviews with music legends from the worlds of classic rock, blues, folk, pop and beyond.

Few musicians have influenced popular music as profoundly as Louie Shelton, yet millions of people know his guitar long before they know his name. In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Louie opens the studio door on one of the greatest periods in recording history.Growing up in Arkansas, Louie discovered the guitar as a young boy, met Elvis Presley while still at junior high school and later became friends with fellow Arkansan Glen Campbell before heading west to Los Angeles with one ambition—to become a top session guitarist. He explains why becoming a studio musician was the ultimate dream and how years of relentless work finally earned him a place among the legendary Wrecking Crew. Louie reveals how one inspired guitar hook changed everything. Asked to come up with something memorable for a new television project called The Monkees, he created the famous opening riff to Last Train to Clarksville, launching a career that would see producers across Los Angeles competing for his talents. He shares extraordinary stories from sessions with The Jackson 5, Motown, Boz Scaggs, Neil Diamond, The Carpenters, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and dozens more, explaining how many classic recordings were built before the artists even stepped into the studio. You'll hear what made the Motown rhythm section so unique, why Michael Jackson immediately stood out as an 11-year-old vocalist and how session musicians created some of the most recognisable guitar parts in music history. Louie also reflects on working with Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter, Tiny Tim and countless stars whose careers he watched unfold, while offering thoughtful observations on fame, celebrity and why so many legendary artists struggled with the pressures that accompanied enormous success. The conversation also explores Louie's transition from session guitarist to acclaimed producer, producing Seals & Crofts' Summer Breeze and Diamond Girl, launching England Dan & John Ford Coley, and producing Art Garfunkel's platinum-selling Fate For Breakfast. Finally, Louie reflects on why he believes the music of the '60s and 70s continues to resonate with audiences around the world and explains why, despite an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades, he still picks up the guitar every day. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the true architects of popular music—a man whose guitar playing became part of the soundtrack of generations.