1388 Episodes

  1. How Jackson Browne’s “Take It Easy” Became the Eagles’ Breakthrough Hit

    Published: 11/28/2022
  2. How a Saved Photograph Inspired The Cure’s Heart-Wrenching Classic “Pictures of You”

    Published: 11/27/2022
  3. Interview: Steve Vai on Creating “For the Love of God” and His Spiritual Journey to Guitar Greatness

    Published: 11/26/2022
  4. How Lindsey Buckingham’s “Go Your Own Way” Turned Fleetwood Mac’s Heartbreak into Rock History

    Published: 11/25/2022
  5. How Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” Stole the Show and Made Her a Star Overnight

    Published: 11/24/2022
  6. Interview: Mark Foster on How “Pumped Up Kicks” Sparked Controversy and Became a Modern Classic

    Published: 11/23/2022
  7. Interview: Midge Ure on Ultravox’s “Vienna” and the Awful Song That Kept It from #1

    Published: 11/22/2022
  8. How Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes” Became an 80s Smash and Made the Actress a Legend to Her Grandkids

    Published: 11/21/2022
  9. How Paul McCartney Turned a Robbery in Nigeria into Band on the Run, His Greatest Solo Album

    Published: 11/19/2022
  10. Interview: Toto on How “Africa” Went from a Wildcard Track to an Immortal #1 Hit

    Published: 11/18/2022
  11. How a Schoolteacher Wrote Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” and Made Music History with Her Son

    Published: 11/17/2022
  12. Interview: Peter Frampton on How a Hangover Led to “Do You Feel Like We Do” and a Rock Masterpiece

    Published: 11/16/2022
  13. How Steve Miller’s “The Joker” Saved His Career—Mispronounced Lyric and All

    Published: 11/15/2022
  14. How Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Californication Revived Their Career with Three #1 Hits

    Published: 11/14/2022
  15. How Pink Floyd Proved Roger Waters Wrong with Two #1 Hits After He Quit

    Published: 11/12/2022
  16. Interview: Andrew Farriss on How INXS Created the Timeless Ballad “Never Tear Us Apart”

    Published: 11/11/2022
  17. Interview: Johnny Rzeznik on How “Iris” Saved His Career and Became an All-Time Classic

    Published: 11/10/2022
  18. Interview: Tony Lewis on How The Outfield’s “Your Love” Became an 80s Anthem

    Published: 11/9/2022
  19. Interview: Tommy James on How “Crimson and Clover” Became a Psychedelic #1 Hit by Accident

    Published: 11/8/2022
  20. Interview: John Cafferty & Jim Peterik on Creating the Epic Rocky IV Soundtrack

    Published: 11/7/2022

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The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it's a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.