September 21, 2021
For 30 years, the Grateful Dead were the most unlikely success story in rock and roll. At the peak of their popularity, they were the highest-grossing concert act in America. Director Amir Bar-Lev joins us to talk about his remarkable film “Long Strange Trip” that explores all aspects of this beloved band, a tribe of contrarians who made art out of open-ended chaos, and inadvertently achieved success.
Longtime heads will happily tune in and drop out, of course, but casual or even non-fans shouldn't fear Long Strange Trip, the definitive and unprecedented look at the life of the Dead. Join us and Amir to hear more about this one-of-a-kind documentary film.
September 20, 2021
The legendary independent roots label Rounder Records was born in 1970. Founder and author Bill Nowlin said “it was a hobby that got out of control.” His new book is the story of three people with no background in business who took an idea and, through hard work and passion, built up something of lasting cultural significance.
Bill joins us to take us through those fifty years, with stories about the music business, and his partners, roots music, George Thorogood and The Destroyers, Studio One and Jamaica, 15-year -old prodigy Alison Krauss, her record with Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, and the role of record labels today.
August 31, 2021
"Journey of Dreams" is the story of the iconic genre-busting 1990s 'Low Rock' band Morphine. Director Mark Shuman joins us to talk about the trio's unique and mesmeric sound. that continues to resonate with its fans and music lovers worldwide following the death of its singer, songwriter and two-string bassist Mark Sandman onstage at an Italian music festival in 1999.
Morphine's story is told by its surviving members and the coterie around them, sans narration, and made palpable through saxophonist Dana Colley's tour journals. Rare live performances from throughout the group's career are woven into the tale, along with interviews with Joe Strummer, Steve Berlin, Henry Rollins and The Blasters hornman Steve Berlin.
August 31, 2021
Philip Lynott packed a vast amount into his 36 years. An instantly identifiable singer, charismatic stage performer and supremely gifted songwriter, the guiding spirit of Thin Lizzy combined the instincts of a wild man with the soul of a poet.
Author Graeme Thomson joins us and talks about Lynott’s unique childhood, his embrace of Irish history and mythology, and his fascinating contradiction between rock star excess and the shy, sensitive “orphan” raised in working-class Dublin. And, of course, Thin Lizzy.
August 5, 2021
“Bob And The Monster" is a documentary film that follows Thelonious Monster lead singer Bob Forrest, through his life-threatening struggle with addiction, to his transformation into one of the most influential and controversial drug counselors in the US today.
The film, directed by Keirda Bahruth, crafts contemporary footage, animation and compelling interviews with archival performances and personal videos from Bob's past to reveal the complex layers of this troubled, but hopeful soul.
July 26, 2021
In 1972, director Perry Henzell released the film “The Harder They Come.” Its story revolves around a rural Jamaican musician who journeys to the city of Kingston in search of fame and fortune. Ivan, the central character is played by a young Jimmy Cliff. The film was an immediate hit in Jamaica and eventually the US via midnight shows, running weeks and sometimes years in some cities.
Reggae historian Roger Steffens joins us to talk about this highly influential film, which turns fifty next year! We’ll also discuss the soundtrack that features Cliff, Toots and The Maytals, Desmond Decker and many others, and would virtually establish reggae music outside of Jamaica. Join us!
Part of Pantheon Podcasts
July 6, 2021
On May 5, 2019, we published our very first podcast, speaking with authors about their books on music in various genres. And now, we are 58 episodes and two years in, and we’re still at it. Thanks to all of you who follow us, comment, makes suggestions and tune in. And in fact, we’re still growing. Or about to anyway…
One thing we’ve noticed is the incredible increase in music documentaries and films. There are so many classics and, these days, there seems to a new music movie every week. . So….what to do when you’re super busy, and still growing? Cast a bigger, wider net, of course. Veteran documentary filmmaker Peter Spirer joins us to talk about this phenomenon, and reggae historian Roger Steffens gives a taste of what's coming to AllMusicMovies. Have a listen and find out more!
June 22, 2021
In Jamaica, the music world was rougher than rough. The record men took monikers of royalty and machismo, like Duke and King and Lord. These boastful ringleaders fired guns into the air after descending a throne, and violent gangs stormed dances to "mash up" competing sound systems. The Jamaican music business was a man’s world. How was a little girl with a sweet song in her soul to have a chance?
In Songbirds: Pioneering Women in Jamaican Music author Heather Augustyn joins us to bring to life the stories of these inspirational women who found a way. These are the never-before-told stories of the women singers who persevered and made it – no matter the struggle— so that their music can be savored, and their lives finally celebrated. Tune in!
June 8, 2021
Nipsey Hussle was a hip hop mogul, artist, and activist whose transformative legacy inspired a generation with his motivational lyrics and visionary business savvy — before he was tragically shot down in the very neighborhood he was dedicated to building up.
Join us and Vibe magazine’s Rob Kenner as we dig into his book on Nipsey Hussle, and trace the life and work of an extraordinary artist, placing him in historical context and unpacking his complex legacy. Hussle was determined to win the race to success on his own terms, and he wanted to see his whole community in the winner’s circle with him. Sadly, it all ended too soon.
May 25, 2021
Author Robert Duncan was barely out of his teens when he started writing for the influential music magazine Creem, becoming its managing editor at 22. He worked alongside legendary rock critic Lester Bangs, witnessed his tragic spiral, and finally discovered him dead of an OD in the apartment next door. He went on to write for Rolling Stone, Circus, Life, and dozens of other publications, interviewing hundreds of rock stars at the top of their game.
These experiences, and many others, provide the fuel for his debut novel, Loud Mouth, a rock ‘n’ roll coming-of-age novel about sex, drugs, attempted murder, successful arson, love, hate, faith, fraud, family, Springsteen, Clash, Stones, Creem magazine, Lester Bangs, the Seventies, New York, Detroit, Memphis & buck teeth. Duncan promises that “Some of it is factual. All of it is true.”
