My Rock Moment

Legendary bassist Leland Sklar has played on more than 2,000 albums, performed with some of the biggest names in music, and helped create the soundtrack of the last five decades. But behind the credits is a fascinating story of talent, timing, friendship, and an unwavering love of music. In this episode of My Rock Moment, Leland reflects on his remarkable journey…from growing up in Los Angeles, to the moment James Taylor walked into a rehearsal for Leland's band Wolfgang and reportedly told Peter Asher, "I just found the bass player of my dreams." We dive into the magic of the Troubadour era, where Leland found himself surrounded by future legends including Carole King, Russ Kunkel, and Danny Kortchmar, and discuss the uniquely collaborative spirit of Laurel Canyon. Along the way, we talk about the tremendous impact Peter Asher had on his career, the importance of giving session musicians proper credit, and how a chance opportunity turned into decades of performing and recording with James Taylor, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, and countless others. Leland also recounts surviving two frightening airplane incidents, including a near-disaster en route to a Kent State performance, his deep admiration for Phil Collins, why "In the Air Tonight" remains his favorite song to play live, and the origins of The Immediate Family and the acclaimed documentary that tells the story of the musicians behind some of rock's most iconic recordings. And of course, we couldn't resist talking about his YouTube channel, his viral Everybody Loves Me photo project, and the humor that has endeared him to generations of fans. The conversation is funny, insightful, and filled with incredible stories from one of music's most respected players. Find out more about Leland Sklar: Website: https://lelandsklarsbeard.com YouTube Songs from the episode: Jackson Browne "Doctor My Eyes" James Taylor "Country Road" Phil Collins "Sussudio" Immediate Family "Werewolves of London" Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight" For more information on My Rock Moment, visit www.myrockmoment.com Follow us for photos and news of upcoming episodes at: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My Rock Moment had the extraordinary privilege of catching up with Blondie Chaplin, a true legend whose musical journey reads like a who's-who of rock history. Born in Durban, South Africa, he first made waves as a teen with The Flames, eventually catching the attention of Carl Wilson, who helped bring him into the Beach Boys family in the early 1970s. During our conversation, Blondie took me back to that pivotal era - remembering how he and Ricky Fataar joined the group following Bruce Johnston's departure and Dennis Wilson’s hand injury. It was a time when the band sought new identity and creative depth, and Blondie’s soulful presence helped shape that fresh direction. We delved into the making of "Sail On, Sailor," the standout track from Holland (1973), which Blondie famously sang lead on. He shared how the song wasn’t just another composition. Recorded in a barn outside of Amsterdam and finished at Village Recorders in L.A., Blondie recalled how Carl and the rest of the band coaxed him into singing it, and how the performance eventually anchored the album. Then we turned to his time with The Rolling Stones, where from 1997 onward, Blondie became an invaluable collaborator - touring, recording, and contributing acoustic guitar, percussion, and backing vocals for around ten years. He reflects on what it was like stepping into that legendary circle. It was one of those interviews that reminds you: some musicians don’t just witness rock history - they help write it. Find all things Blondie on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BlondieChaplin Songs from this episode: The Beach Boys - Sail On, Sailor The Rolling Stones - Saint of Me The Rolling Stones - Low Down For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck: www.myrockmoment.com For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fred Mollin has done it all—from scoring film & cult TV classics to producing chart-topping ballads and lullabies for Disney. But behind his long list of credits is a winding, wild journey through the music industry that’s anything but ordinary. In this episode, Fred joins My Rock Moment to talk about his new memoir Unplugged and the moments that defined his career. He shares stories of leaving school at 16 to chase music, auditioning for John Hammond, producing Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch” (and seeing none of the royalties), and the time that Clive Davis dropped the mic and the phone call on Fred. You'll also hear about Fred’s work with Jimmy Webb and Kris Kristofferson, the unexpected magic of his Disney Lullabies series, and a hilarious prank on Rod Stewart that did not land the way he’d hoped. It’s a candid, funny, and deeply human conversation with one of music’s great behind-the-scenes storytellers. Check out the links below to learn more about Fred and get his book, Unplugged. Fred's website: https://fredmollin.com Buy the book: https://fredmollinunplugged.com Songs from today's episode, in order: The Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand" Dan Hill "Sometimes When We Touch" Jimmy Webb "Wichita Lineman" Rod Stewart "Every Picture Tells a Story" Kris Kristofferson "Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do)" For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host: www.myrockmoment.com For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when rock gods go off the rails—and the music still slaps? In this episode of My Rock Moment, we sit down with Jake Brennan, the creator and voice behind the wildly popular podcast Disgraceland. Known for blending true crime and music history, Jake explores the wild, dark, and often unbelievable stories behind some of rock’s most iconic figures. We dive into the legends—and the controversies—surrounding John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Mama Cass, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more. We also tackle the bigger question: Can we really separate the art from the artist? Find more info on Disgraceland and Hollywoodland here: https://www.disgracelandpod.com Disgraceland Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disgraceland/id1275172907 Hollywoodland Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywoodland/id1563966720 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jude Warne is a rock biographer and music columnist. Jude joined the show a few years back to discuss her book America the Band - An Authorized Biography - an episode I highly recommend. Now she’s back with a new book, Lowdown: The Music of Boz Scaggs. ​If you're a Boz Scaggs fan—or just someone who appreciates a deep dive into music history—Jude Warne's book is a must-read. It's a comprehensive exploration of Scaggs's six-decade career, offering insights into his musical evolution from blues roots to pop stardom. Warne delves into Scaggs's collaborations with artists like the Steve Miller Band and the session musicians who would form Toto, providing insight into the artistry behind albums such as Silk Degrees and Middle Man. In this episode, we discuss Skagg’s discography and these collaborations that have shaped his enduring musical legacy. Find out more about Jude: https://judewarne.com Buy the book Listen to Jude's My Rock Moment episode on America the Band: Apple Podcasts Spotify Playlist from this episode: 1. "Lowdown" Boz Scaggs 2. “Steppin’ Stone” the Steve Miller Band - start at 10 seconds 3. “Rosanna” Toto 4. “Lido Shuffle” Boz Skaggs 5. “Breakdown Dead Ahead” Boz Scaggs 6. “I Will Forever Sing the Blues” Boz Scaggs 7. “Georgia” Boz Skaggs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Law’s still, movie and video images have chronicled decades of social and cultural changes in America. And her film, ‘Flashing On The Sixties,’ was described by actor-director Dennis Hopper as “the most compelling, moving documentary of the Sixties”. In 1966, Lisa and her husband resided in the renowned "Castle" in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, a hub that welcomed numerous prominent musicians, including Bob Dylan. She shares stories from Dylan's stay and offers her perspective on the recent film, A Complete Unknown. Lisa was also part of the Hog Farm commune, and they were tasked with keeping the peace at Woodstock ‘69. Yet, her efforts at the festival were integral to its success - from managing the trip tents to mobilizing members of the Hog Farm and other festival goers so that they were able to feed over 200,000 people! She also played a role in the organization of Woodstock '99, and was featured in the recent Netflix documentary, "Trainwreck: Woodstock '99." In our discussion, we explore the stark contrasts between the two festivals and how insights from '69 might have prevented the latter's challenges. Lisa was there for all the seminal pop culture moments of the 1960s, capturing them with her beautiful photos. And she’s one of the very few people that can say she’s been to all 3 Woodstock festivals! For more information on Lisa, her photos, as well as her book and film of the same name, 'Flashing on the Sixties,' take a look at her website: https://www.flashingonthesixties.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Canyons have long called to the bohemians and artists of Los Angeles. While Laurel Canyon is renowned for its role as a hub of rock history in the 1960s and '70s, Topanga Canyon has its own rich tapestry of stories. In this episode of My Rock Moment, we welcome Emmeline Summerton from the Instagram account Lost Canyons LA, a historian of the LA Canyons and former writer for the New Topanga Times. Together, we explore Topanga's iconic rock legends and the songs inspired by this enchanting area. Was there truly a roadhouse that sparked Jim Morrison’s lyrics in “Roadhouse Blues”? Did a fateful house party in Topanga Canyon contribute to the breakup of one of the most successful bands of the late '60s? Which famous Topanga musician got his start with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention before forming his own band? And did Ronald Reagan’s daughter really co-write a classic Eagles song? In light of the recent devastating fires, this episode pays tribute to the unique beauty of Topanga Canyon, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Despite the challenges, this iconic area endures, and My Rock Moment is proud to celebrate its lasting rock ’n’ roll legacy. Playlist: “Ain’t That A Lot of Love’ Taj Mahal “Mr. Soul” Buffalo Springfield “Going Up The Country” Canned Heat “Roadhouse Blues” The Doors “I Wasn’t Born to Follow” The Byrds “Willin” Little Feat - Linda Ronstadt cover “Already Gone” Eagles “From Boulder to Birmingham” Emmylou Harris “On the Way Home” Buffalo Springfield “Long May You Run” CSNY You can find Emmeline Summerton at @lostcanyonsla on Instagram. And follow My Rock Moment at @la_woman_rocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Boyd, though not a musician, is well-known in the music industry. Formerly married to Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, she's also Pattie Boyd's sister and sister-in-law to George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Jenny was surrounded by rock royalty from a young age and experienced many legendary moments in rock history as a result. Drawing on her deep connections in the rock world, Jenny wrote 'Icons of Rock: In Their Own Words' - a compilation of candid interviews with some of the greatest musicians of the '60s, 70s, 80s and today. Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, Don Henley, Eric Clapton and other rock giants draw back the curtain on their creative process, their thoughts on spirituality and the effect that drugs and alcohol may have had on their art. Infused with personal stories of her time in San Francisco during the Summer of Love, meeting George Harrison for the first time and her stay in India with The Beatles, Jenny and I discuss some of the most poignant interviews in the book. Get more details on the book with the links below: https://thejennyboyd.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Icons-Rock-Their-Behind-Famous/dp/1684815444 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices