Kent Blazy discusses how "Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song" came about.

The Don's Hit List 

"Seeing Your Black Dress Hit The Floor" - Kent Blazy On Writing This Line For Chris Young

Brian Wheat of Tesla on the impact of "Revolver" and "Eleanor Rigby" on him and his music career.

"It All Started With Revolver"  - Brian Wheat of Tesla On The Life Changing Album From The Beatles

The goosebump moment in Hard Habit To Break with Co-Lead Vocalist Bill Champlin and the studio antics with Producer David Foster  
Lead Vocals: Peter Cetera & Bill Champlin
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitars: Chris Pinnick & Michael Landau
Drums: Danny Seraphine
Trumpet: Lee Loughnane
Trombone: James Pankow
Saxophone: Walter Parazaider
Backing Vocals: Peter Cetera, Bill Champlin & Robert Lamm

Strings Arrangement by Jeremy Lubbock
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Bill Champlin On Recording/Performing Chicago's "Hard Habit To Break"

Country Artist Dave Wilbert discusses the song  “It’s All Yours”  with The Don.  We focus on starting at the 1:18 mark. “Ocean Front Property” by George Straight and “Pick Up Man” by Joe Diffie are big inspirations.   This song has the great tongue in cheek humor that is found in classic country music.

Ep 262: Country Artist Dave Wilbert Discusses "Its All Yours" with The Don's Hit List

We start the show  with “Mother, May I” with Liz and Lynn singing together 
"Mother, May I" is a song written and recorded by American country music artists Liz Anderson and Lynn Anderson. The song was recorded as a duet between mother and daughter. It was released as a single in 1968 via RCA Records.
“You happen to play one of my favorite songs and I am already crying” - Lisa Sutton 
They performed this song live on the Lawrence Welk show on Mother’s Day.  
This song is special because Lynn is about to marry Glenn Sutton so there is all of this going on in the Lawrence Welk show as Lynn is singing this with her mom Liz 
We talk about the beautiful harmonies between mom and daughter
“It’s like the Judds” - Lisa Sutton 
I asked if there were moments at home when they would sing together.  Lisa recounts these moments.   
“Lots of singing in the home”  - Lisa Sutton 
I asked if they ever tried to bring her (Lisa) into singing.  Lisa responded.  
“My passion is handling the legacy.  I was always a hillbilly junk store girl.”  - Lisa Sutton 
“I never thought my mom would be gone so soon” - Lisa Sutton
I asked Lisa if there is a prized possession of the collection.  
Lisa then shares a goosebump moment that leads to tears regarding one of Lynn’s outfits.  
This is an emotional story involving Brenda Lee. I truly had goosebumps during this story. 
‘Lynn, you look like an angel” - Brenda Lee to Lynn Anderson 
The we play a clip of Lynn Anderson’s version of “Drift Away”  

16:34 -  If I Kiss You Will You Go Away written by Liz and performed by Lynn 

Around this same time her only child, daughter Lynn, was rising as a country singer. Anderson wrote a number of her daughter's early hits, including her 1967 debut single "Ride, Ride, Ride", as well as her first big hit, the top 5 "If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away)" (also in 1967). Liz and Lynn had a top 25 duet with "Mother May I" in 1968, and appeared together on a Mother's Day episode of the Lawrence Welk Show that May. Lynn would later have her biggest success in the 1970s, becoming one of country music's most successful female vocalists.
The beauty of country music is the double entendre.  Liz was a master at this.
Liz was one of the first “Chick songwriters”   
Lisa talked about how George Jones was shy on stage and Liz wrote songs for him that helped him with his performances.  
Liz NEEDS to be in the songwriter Hall of Fame.  How is she not in there???
“She had the passion for writing songs.  When she was behind the typewriter working her secretary job she would type out her lyrics.”  Her dad Glenn Sutton was writing songs at 9 years old.   



23:37 - “Husband Hunting” this is so brilliantly written.  The very first line is a double entendre.  “Husband Hunting” #26 in 1970 “I’m Lonely and I’m Looking for a husband” 
We start playing the song.  
“He’s high and wide and handsome. He’s high and wide and handsome but mostly high”  
“She had grandpa behind her 100%.  She met a natural born salesman.  He realized she could write songs so they went to California and then Nashville and the rest is history”.

27:35 - “It Don’t Do No Good To Be A Good Girl” This song alone should have Liz Anderson in the songwriter Hall of Fame.  How is she not in yet???
“I sure took a long time knowin' oughta keep my brains from showin'
That to play it smart you played it dumb”.  On the actual music track, this lyrics is at 45 seconds in.   1971 reached #69.  
This performance was done by Lynn Anderson.   
Lisa talks about Lynn meeting Glenn Sutton for the first time.  Lynn was 19 years old.  
This song is about trying to break out from ‘good little girl’ songs to something more free.  
Today we have the Carrie Underwoods and Taylor Swifts of this world coming from this musical cloth.  

34:10 - We talk about the song “Rose Garden’ and the tributes done for Lisa’s mom and talk about the Woodlawn cemetery.

and more including performances with Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard.

Ep 265:  Liz & Lynn Anderson Tribute w Granddaughter Daughter Lisa Sutton on The Don's Hit List

John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Fame) joined us and we started the show with “The Dogs Are In the Woods”.  
John Carter Cash called up John and he wanted to finish up some of his dad’s (Johnny Cash) poems and turn them into songs.  John did that with this song. “Hey, now I’m a co-writer with Johnny Cash.”   

We talk about the relationship that John has with the legendary comedian Steve Martin.   They worked together at the magic shop at Disneyland for three years.   Steve and John were attracted to the banjo at the same time. They would meet up after work and play songs together.  John shares a story of how the song “King Tut” by Steve Martin came together and the first night Steve performed it and used John and the band with it.  

We play several goosebump moments from tracks from John’s solo works which are incredible.  


We play "Some Of Shelly's Blues" from The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  “I loved it.  Part of the dream in getting into the music business was to get the 5-string banjo on pop radio and it worked!” - John McEuen.

Ep 269: John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame) on The Don's Hit List

Frankie Sullivan of the iconic rock band Survivor discusses their late lead vocalist and his close friend Jimi Jamison.   Frankie discusses the first meeting/audition with Jimi and the magic which occurred and the pivotal moment when Jimi got the gig .   We also get into the goosebump moments from Jimi's vocals on "I Can't Hold Back", "Is This Love", "When Seconds Count", and "Burning Heart".   We also have laughs over the Starbucks commercial and the the icon that is James Brown.   We also hear Frankie's opinion on "There's No Easy Way Out" by Robert Tepper and how that is an incredible song in the Rocky soundtrack catalogue.

Iconic Band Survivor Guitarist Songwriter On Jimi Jamison & Their Biggest Hits on The Don's Hit List

Waylon Reavis (Frontman from Mushroomhead fame) joined The Don and Grizz to discuss his band A Killer's Confession music.  There are many goosebump moments in the AKC arsenal and we deep dive into them.   We also discuss the relationship he had with his dad and the special moment they had when his dad was about to leave this mortal coil.

Ep 312:  Waylon Reavis (Mushroomhead fame)discusses A Killer's Confession on The Don's Hit List

Bruce Blackman of the legendary group STARBUCK joined us to discuss his book “The Road to Moonlight Feels Right.”   Bruce went into detail about meeting Jeff Lynne of ELO at a show they were performing together and how that changed their musical journey.   Bruce talks about the lean years of the band before the big break.  We also review the iconic songs "Moonlight, Feels Right" and an unreleased song,

Bruce Blackman of the legendary STARBUCK (Moonlight, Feels Right)

Wanted Noise. A bunch of loud, obnoxious, and handsome dudes who love to play distorted instruments in cool places. Bringing back that SoCal punk sound with a twist and shake of today’s modern hits. They'll play venues, bars, backstage, backyard, your home, garage, next to your pool, in your pool, wherever the sun sets.

Suri Sherman (Guitar / Vocals)

Jin Salamack (Bass / Vocals)

Caleb Adkins (Guitar / Vocals)

Taylor Wagner (Drums)

Wanted Noise: SoCal punk

On the new album, the four-piece cranks out 8 tracks of melodic hardcore and pop-punk that feel years beyond their age, yet altogether sincere and energetic.

The band says, “This record represents a lot of growth for our band; past sound blending with new sound, and longtime bandmates with new ones. Writing this record gave us a sense of purpose during lockdown, and we can’t wait to share it.”

With a sound that encompasses equal amounts hardcore, emo, skate punk, and pop-punk, Bad Planning is a band that truly does things their own way.

The newest recruits of Jump Start Records have been writing together since they were freshmen in high school. Now all these years later, the band is still booking their own shows, playing gigs with some of their favorite bands, and making a name for themselves in the midwest.

Bad Planning writes with a sound that runs in the same vein as their fellow Chicago-based influences such as Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, and The Lawrence Arms. In 2019 they released “Splitting Hairs” alongside Chicago band A Semester Abroad, bringing on a heavier side with singles “Be Brave” and “Actors”.

The four-piece, consisting of Alex Crook, Jack Coombs, Aaron Hornback, and Miles Schuett, teamed up with Jump Start Records in May 2021 sharing a strong DIY ethos and love for punk rock. The band looks to continue playing shows in and outside of their local scene, developing their sound for future releases.

Bad Planning: Melodic Hardcore Pop-Punk from the Midway and their album "El Fortes"

Breaking In A Sequence is based out of Huntington Beach, California and features drummer David Silveria, bassist Chris Dorame, guitarists Joe Taback and Mike Martin. The band formed after a worldwide vocalist search led them to recruit Rich Nguyen. The band’s diverse musicality is backed by Silveria’s signature groove and neatly wrapped together by captivating vocal melodies.
The band's debut singles "Pity" and "Change Your Mind", released on January 4, 2019, were met with tremendous fanfare. "Pity", the edgier track of the two, has helped grow the band's following exponentially in both the U.S. and abroad. "Change Your Mind", showcases the band's softer, melodic side. The two singles were released as a SIDE A/B as a throwback to the 80's and 90's single releases. "Pity" peaked in the TOP 25 (#23) on the Billboard (BDS) Indicator Chart and TOP 10 (#9) on the Foundations (SMR) Chart. It has reached over 264,000 streams on Spotify and 54,000 views on YouTube.
A third single "Hesitation", was released on July 16, 2019 to radio with an accompanying music video. The song is the exact middle ground between the first two singles. It peaked in the TOP 25 (#24) on the Billboard (BDS) Indicator Chart and TOP 10 (#6) on the Foundations (SMR) Chart. It has reached over 26,000 streams on Spotify and over 72,000 views on YouTube.
The band released their debut EP Acronym in January of 2021. It has reached over 560,000 streams on Spotify. The video for the final single "Anything But Right" was released on August 13, 2021.
Please reach out if you would like to review the EP or interview the band.
Breaking In A Sequence is:
Rich Nguyen - Vocals
David Silveria - Drums
Joe Taback - Guitar / Backup Vocals
Mike Martin - Guitar
Chris Dorame - Bass

Breaking In A Sequence: A Direct Descendent From The #korn Family Tree #hardrock #numetal

Ryan Hadlock has become one of today’s most in demand artist-oriented producers/songwriter/mixers, and with his recent work producing and mixing Zach Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” he is again involved in a GRAMMY® nominated record. Bryan is up for the  2023 GRAMMY® for Best Country Solo Performance for the crossover hit.  The song spent 10+ weeks as the #1 country song globally on Spotify, peaking at Spotify US #3 and captured the #12 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and has 300M streams to date and is showing no sign of slowing down. 

Hadlock's diverse array of credits includes working with artists such as The Lumineers, Vance Joy, Brandi Carlile, Metric, The Strumbellas, Stephen Malkmus, The Afghan Whigs, The Gossip, Blonde Redhead, and more. Hadlock’s first GRAMMY® recognized project was The Lumineers self-titled album nominated in the categories of Best New Artist and Best Americana Album. The band’s single “Ho Hey,” a billion-streamer, spent 14 weeks in the top ten Billboard Hot 100 and had Hot 100 Airplay for 62 weeks proving to be one of the longest chart runs ever. Hadlock’s second GRAMMY® nominated album came on Brandi Carlile’s breakthrough 2016 release, The Firewatcher’s Daughter.  He also worked with multi-format hit folk/pop songwriter Vance Joy producing Dream Your Life Away  which earned the artist an Aria award in 2015. In 2014, Hadlock produced the Juno Award winning Best Roots & Traditional Album of the Year for The Strumbellas' We Still Move On Dance Floors.

Hadlock’s organic production process, left-of-center pop sensibility, and multi-format success has made him a sought after producer, in part because he brings out the best in the musicians he works with, and in part because many of his records prove to be hits. 

Hadlock travels the world to work with various artists, though his Pacific Northwest Bear Creek Studio remains his home base and creative haven. He grew up on the Bear Creek property, just outside of Seattle, which was developed into a studio by his parents in 1978. As a teenager, he assisted in sessions with producers Dave Stewart, Gill Norton, and Terry Date. He worked recording artists such as Heart, The Deftones, Soundgarden and the Foo Fighters. Brandi Carlile loved the studio so much that she named an album she recorded there Bear Creek. Bear Creek came into its own as a residential studio in the late ’80s, right as Seattle’s grunge movement exploded. Soundgarden was the first band to reside at the studio for six weeks when they recorded Badmotorfinger. “Despite its quaint and rustic aesthetic, Bear Creek is very much a modern recording facility,” Billboard wrote. “Its studio comes equipped with preamps, digital recording gear, vintage microphones and instruments.”

That vintage vibe, but with a modern twist, is also descriptive of Hadlock’s success. His organic production process, left-of-center pop sensibility, and multi-format success has brought focus and edge to emerging artists, and to legacy acts. Hadlock’s resume includes diverse artists from multiple genres for both indie and major labels. Whether it is refining an established artist’s sound, as he did with now superstar Brandi Carlile, or crafting a unique crossover hit, as he did with Zach Bryan, Hadlock seeks to be an innovative producer and to inspire quality songcraft.

“You ultimately work for the artist,” Hadlock says. “But even above the artist, you have a responsibility to capture the power of a great song. That’s what I seek to do with my work —  make a recording that serves the song as well as it serves the artist.”

View Ryan Hadlock’s Full Discography

Ryan Hadlock: Producer on Hits for The Lumineers, Brandi Carlile, Vance Joy, Zach Bryan and more!

Ryan McCombs (Vocals) and Guitarist/Songwriter/Founding Member C.J. Pierce of Drowning Pool  joined  Dean Baldwin (Host of Sirius XM shows on Classic Rewind, Classic Vinyl, and Deep Tracks) and The Don for a candid interview.   The return of Ryan to the band, "Bodies" longevity and the crazy mosh pit stories, the song that Ryan sings that he channels the late great Dave Williams with on the set list, a Neil Diamond cover tune in the works, and the concerns around artificial intelligence in music.

Drowning Pool: "Bodies" and Mosh Pit Stories, The Return Of Ryan McCombs,  Thoughts On AI in Music

Dean Baldwin of Sirius XM (Classic Rewind, Classic Vinyl, Deep Tracks) and Stryk TV joined The Don of Deans Of Nashville to interview the legend known as Mickey Thomas.   Mickey Thomas is the voice of Jefferson Starship on songs like "Jane" and "Find Your Way Back" but it was his voice on Starship's "Knee Deep In The Hoopla" that made Mickey a household name.   
The interview starts as Mickey talks about seeing The Beatles live August 18, 1965.  

We dug into the backstory of recording the vocals on Elvin Bishop's "Fooled Around And Fell In Love" which tell Mickey his voice on that song still gives us goosebumps all these years later.   Dean got into the backstory of the Jefferson Starship family of members.   How MTV helped Starship transition from the 70s to the 80s.  We get into "We Built This City" and how Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics.   "Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now" as the 'sell-out' song.   How Mickey can STILL pull off singing "Sara" live. We also got into the Starship album "Loveless Fascination" and working with the great Jeff Pilson.  We also got into 2 songs that Mickey felt should have been hits but missed.  Dean also asks Mickey about AI in music.

The Mickey Thomas Of Starship (Former Jefferson Starship)Interview: Nothing Is Going To Stop Him Now

A Light Divided is led by the powerhouse vocals of front woman Jaycee Clark with instrumentation from drummer Adam Smith along with guitarists Doug Weichbrodt and Scott Vallina. Together, they create a unique blend of rock and metal with a pop sensibility.

Through their electrifying live performances, A Light Divided has garnered a devoted following, steadily growing their underground army of fans. Their high-energy shows have earned them coveted spots at major festivals such as Vans Warped Tour, Blue Ridge Rock Fest, and Cadott, WI's Rock Fest. Additionally, they have shared the stage with esteemed national acts like In This Moment, Motionless In White, August Burns Red, Lacuna Coil, Diamante, 10 Years and many more.

In addition to their successful touring endeavors across the country, their most recent single “Inhale/Exhale” impressively climbed to #9 on the billboard top singles chart beating their previous single “Radio Silence” debut at #55.

A Light Divided has also achieved over 2.8 million Spotify streams, won the "Best Rock Video" award at the 2019 Carolina Music Awards for “Scars of You”, and was hailed as a band you need to know by AltPress. Jaycee Clark further showcased her versatility by lending her voice to AEW wrestler Leyla Hirsch's entrance theme, "Legitimate," as seen on TNT.

As they gear up for their next chapter, A Light Divided released their highly anticipated new single, "RAIN," today, August 11th. This track promises to showcase their evolution as musicians and further solidify their place in the music industry.

A Light Divided is:
Vocals - Jaycee Clark
Guitar - Doug Weichbrodt
Guitar - Scott Vallina
Drums - Adam Smith

Jaycee Clark: Powerhouse Vocals in A LIGHT DIVIDED And She Is Electrifying

There are tribute bands, and there is Killer Queen.  Frontman Patrick Myers take the tribute to Freddie Mercury seriously.   Patrick joined us and we talk about the history of 'Killer Queen', emotional performances, songs from Queen that affect him, and so much more!

Patrick Myers Of Killer Queen Brings Freddie Mercury To Life Without The Use Of AI Or Hologram

Trevor Rabin is a guitar icon.  From his tremendous solo work, to YES, to over 50 film scores, Trevor Rabin never rests.   Trevor joined The Don and Dean Baldwin to talk about his new solo effort in over 34 years titled 'Rio' which also happens to be the name of his cherished granddaughter.  

Trevor talks about the true backstory to '90125' on whether it was intended to be a YES album or not.   What were the forces that drove the iconic album to become a YES album.   We got into his classical music influences as his father was a conductor with the symphony orchestra in South Africa for over 17 years.   We got into how Trevor's mind NEVER stop creating to where his wide understands the cues and sets up him up properly.   We talk about his over 50 film scores and the creative process in that undertaking.  There is so much more to this discussion that it is definitively worth the listen.

Trevor Rabin Interview: From YES to RIO in 34 Years

Glenn Hughes is the iconic bassist of bands like Deep Purple, but he is touted by the great Stevie Wonder as one of his favorite vocalists.   Glenn joined us and we discussed his amazing vocals which started in Trapeze to his time with Deep Purple.  Glenn also shared stories about Stevie Wonder and being David Bowie's roommate.  We discuss songs from his current set list and Glenn shares amazing stories.  We also ask him, is there anyone he has yet to collaborate with and we all unanimously requested Vernon Reid. Maybe the universe will allow that to happen one day.  Glenn also discusses how he constantly likes to change.

Glenn Hughes: The Legendary Bassist of Deep Purple Always Likes To Change

Kurt Deimer released his brand new single "Doom" to all major platforms along with the official music video today, August 11, 2023. Kurt has also announced that he will be heading out on select tour dates with Skid Row and Buckcherry.

Kurt joined The Don, Grizz, and Dean Baldwin to talk about his new song 'Doom' from his upcoming movie 'Hellbilly Hollow'.  We talk about the horror film and the song in detail.  We also talk about his cameo in Halloween movie and being killed my #michaelmyers on screen.  We also get into how his constantly surrounded by positive people.

Kurt Diemer Brings The Doom In Music and Screen, But At Leisure He Has a Heart Of Gold

Tommy Victory of the legendary metal band PRONG joined us to talk about their 13th studio album 'State Of Emergency' which was released on October 6th via Steamhammer / SPV.  The album title aptly describes the state of world as we know it today.  We cover some of the tracks and we talk about NYC yesterday and today.   We also talk about their upcoming shows with Life Of Agony.

Tommy Victor of PRONG: Masters Of Palm Muting In Metal And Album # 13

Legendary performer John Corabi headlines an incredible lineup for G4L Records Cancer Benefit Show #1 for "Elizabeth & Chris" on October 17th in Nashville at The Eighth Room. John will be performing songs from his Motley Crue days including hits such as “Hooligan’s Holiday”; The Dead Daisies’ “Dead and Gone"; “Man in the Moon”, and ”Love (I Don’t Need It Anymore)”. Tora Tora’s Anthony Corder will be performing his hits including “Walkin’ Shoes” and “Guilty”. 13 South’s Chris Blevins will be performing his 2023 Josie Award Nominated “Rock Songwriting Song of the Year” “Mississippi Way”.

"The idea for the show came from G4L Records Founder, Markus Muller-Stach. He began developing the event while his wife was in her battle with Stage 4 Breast Cancer as a way to honor her, give her a night of great music, brighten up her day, raise money to fund an end of life trip and pay for cancer related bills. Sadly, during production Elizabeth passed," says John Corabi.

The event has grown to include artist and friend Chris Blevins who is also battling cancer, performing, and co-producing the event.

Markus Muller-Stach adds, “I’m excited to move forward with this event. It’s been very therapeutic to work on. The last 3 ½ years of my wife battling cancer, losing her recently, the impact and all that goes with it has inspired me to help other families that are going through this. So after this show, we will begin working on the next one in Los Angeles and find other cancer patients to honor. Knowing firsthand the pain and suffering a cancer patient and their family go through, all the associated bills, I’m honored to be doing my small part to help cancer warriors in the future. I’m so blessed to have such talented, accomplished, and generous artists help make this idea a reality.”

Purchase G4L Records Cancer Benefit Show #1 Tickets HERE

John Corabi will head back on tour with The Dead Daisies at the end of the month. For Tour & Ticket information, please visit: https://thedeaddaisies.com/

John Corabi (Dead Daisies / ex-Mötley Crüe) Screams "F*ck Cancer!"

The Hard Rock band Fall of Envy returns with vocalist/lyricist Michael Baker and Lead Guitarist/Songwriter Tommy Harrington.  We dig into songs from their debut album "Poetic Rage" that we did not cover in the first interview.  We also get into their latest single "Left For Dead".

Fall Of Envy Is Not Left For Dead

The Verve Pipe lit up the alternative rock world in 1996 with their album 'Villains' which contained the HUGE hit song "The Freshman" which recently became a viral trend on Tik Tok.  We dig into that album as well as the influences of music on Brian including early Genesis.  Brian also talks about how times are different when it comes to street teams.   We also dig into their David Bowie cover of "Life On Mars?" which they have been doing on tour

Brian Vander Ark Of The Verve Pipe New Interview

Ronnie James Dio's widow Wendy join us to talk about the release of the Dio documentary on DVD/Blu-Ray called, 'DIO: Dreamers Never Die'.   We get into Ronnie's love of classical music.  Wendy still feeling Ronnie's presence in her life and the special trumpet he would play since he was 5 years old.  Wendy got a laugh on how Dean woke up his wife when he saw a special moment in the Dio documentary.  Ronnie's love of literature.  Science Fiction, History, and Fantasy which led to his love of lyrics.   We also talk about special moment with Rob Halford of Judas Priest and Don Dokken with Ronnie and Wendy went into the personal experience.   These stories and more in this interview.

Wendy Dio Interview:  Ronnie's Dreams Will Never Die

Bryan Bassett joined The Don, Dean, and Stormy to talk about the latest release from Foghat.   Bryan talks about the genesis of the song "Play That Funky Music" and how it changed his music career for the better.   We get into rock guitar players who are heavily influenced by funk.  Bryan talks about being a part of Foghat and his close relationship with "Lonesome" Dave Peverette and Dave's closing words regarding carrying on the music of Foghat.  So many great stories in one interview.

Bryan Bassett Of Foghat and Wild Cherry:  Playing That Funky Music Is Not A Slow Ride

Whitehall is an indie rock four-piece band from Charleston, SC. Paddy McKiernan (vocals, guitar), Brennan Clark (bass), Davis Rowe (drums), and Avery Greeson (guitar) met while attending the College of Charleston and got their start writing songs in a dorm room. After four years spent in the South Carolina DIY scene playing house shows throughout the state, the band recorded their debut album, 'Ocean Fiction,' and embarked on their first tour on the East Coast with a live show that is at once frenetic and introspective. In the years that followed, Whitehall recorded and released their sophomore effort 'Swordfish Catcher' and received praise and playlist placement from national publications like NPR, Alternative Press, and American Songwriter. This album saw their sound shift from bouncy, melody-laden indie, to something grittier, with distorted guitars and imaginative lyricism that more closely resembles acts like Pavement and Car Seat Headrest.

Whitehall: Just finished a tour opening for The Goo Goo Dolls

LEGENDARY MUSIC PRODUCER TED NICELEY JOINS THE DON’S HIT LIST FOR A SEVEN WEEK SERIES EXAMINING HIS EXTRAORDINARY CAREER FROM MUSICIAN TO PRODUCER 
Ted Niceley has worked on some monumental music projects in his career.  From local DC favorites The Razz as the bass player, to becoming a part of a national sensation in the Tommy Keene Band as both a bass player and a producer.   These foundations and experiences laid the groundwork for the efforts that will go down as one of the greatest recording moments in hardcore history:  Fugazi!   The thing is, there is SO MUCH more to all of these stories.   
Session 1 is where you really get to know where it all began for Ted as a kid:   

“My first musical impression was jumping around on my oldest brother’s bed one Saturday morning really early and hearing ‘Blue Moon’ by The Marcels.  The next memory I have really did it, considering I was a very young guy was sitting around after dinner on a Friday night and my dad pulling out singles and he started playing them...the piece de resistance was Johnny Cash “Ring of Fire” which still impresses me to this day:  The arrangement, notably the mariachi horns.  I dug the lyrics even back then.  I knew what he was singing about from some weird place which I could not imagine why because I was just six years old.” 


During Session 1, Ted shares more stories about growing up in the DC area and how music affected him including being asked by his brother to go with him to see The Beatles.   We all learn what led to The Razz and their rise to popularity in the Mid-Atlantic states.

The Ted Niceley Sessions: Session 1 on The Don's Hit List

Ted Niceley is back for session 2 and he digs deep into his time with the Tommy Keene band.   Ted was the bassist in the early incarnation of the band with the early releases that gained a 4 star review in Rolling Stone magazine.   This is also the time where Ted began to hone his producer chops.

The Ted Niceley Sessions:  Session 2 - The Tommy Keene Years on The Don's Hit List

Ted Niceley is back for session 3 and he discusses the record store in Rockville, MD which was world known in "Yesterday and Today".   He also discusses coming to a career crossroads with music and his desire to become a chef.   Then, a deep dive into the Fugazi years!

The Ted Niceley Sessions:  Session 3 (The Fugazi years) on The Don's Hit List

Legendary music producer Ted Niceley joins The Don's Hit List for session 4.  On this session, Ted takes us to France when he worked on projects for French bands The Dirty Hands and Noir Désir.  So many great stories involving Eli Janney and the time spent in France working on records.  We also get into The Dead Milkmen album "Soul Rotation".

The Ted Niceley Sessions:  Session 4 (...and then I went to France) on The Don's Hit List

Tim Atwood hails from East Peoria, Illinois, where he began his music career playing gospel music at the age of thirteen for The Harris Family. It wasn’t long before Tim decided music was his calling and headed to Music City USA.  Tim immediately began touring with country legends Mel Street, Lynn Anderson and Jim Ed Brown, before settling in at the Grand Ole Opry, where he racked up over 8,500 Grand Ole Opry performances to his credit.  

Tim successfully transitioned from the spotlight’s fringe where he played piano for Grammy award winners and CMA “Entertainers of the Year” to the center stage where he performs his high energy stage show for eager audiences all over the world. 

Tim Atwood is known as an Entertainer’s Entertainer — one of the highest compliments you can receive in the music industry. And why not? This multi-award-winning piano virtuoso learned from the best.

With recent television appearances on the Hallmark channel’s Home & Family show, Fox News, RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner and the television series Country Family Reunion: Another Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting, new converts to Tim’s music have discovered what long time Atwood fans have known all along: Tim Atwood has a voice!

Tim is a stylist who feels every song he sings, and in turn, the audience feels it too.

Perhaps Grammy award winner and Grand Ole Opry matriarch Jeannie Seely summed up Tim’s talents best when she said, “Tim Atwood will have his audience laughing at one of his many road stories delivering his lines with a quick wit and country boy charm. Then he’ll fire that audience up like only he can – bopping his head and raking his foot across those keys – the audience clapping their hands and singing along, and just like that, he belts out a poignant ballad that puts a lump in their throats and a tear in their eyes. Tim Atwood is an entertainer!” 

With recent nods for Entertainer of the Year by the Reunion of Professional Entertainers and Male Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists, Tim received the 2017 R.O.P.E. award for “Musician of the Year” and was named by the Genuine Country Music Association as their 2017 “Fan Favorite.”  In June 2018, Tim was inducted into the ALM Musician’s Hall of Fame.

On the heels of his hit single “Let’s All Go Down To The Rive r,” which earned him a top five spot in the national music charts, Tim experienced a career highlight when he returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage as an artist. “From all those years backing country music’s elite on the Opry stage to walking on the Opry stage as an entertainer myself, felt wonderfully strange. Yet it felt so right,” Tim reminisced. “I was back home.”

Tim’s third album Livin’ The Dream defines his current place in life. The album’s content reflects Tim’s love for traditional country music combined with his ability to update the classics to make them his own. His debut single, the patriotic anthem “I’ll Stand Up And Say So,” continues to be a crowd pleaser and has been used widely during the many patriotic events recognizing those who have served. 

While he enjoys performing his own show and recording his own projects, Tim continues to be a sought-after studio musician in Nashville. Being able to create great music for others is one of his favorite things about the music business. A devout Christian, Tim believes his gift FROM God is his gift TO God.

Ep 143:  Country Legend Tim Atwood on The Don's Hit List

Session 5 takes Ted back to Europe with Eli Janney to record more Noir Désir.   This actually took them to Bath, England.  

Also in this session. Ted goes deep into the great band Girls Against Boys (GvsB)

The Ted Nicelely Sessions: Session 5 on The Don's Hit List

Survivor guitarist Frankie Sullivan reveals the inspiration for “Eye Of The Tiger” and how it become the Rocky Theme Song.

From Episode 134 of The Don’s Hit List

“Eye Of The Tiger” Guitarist Reveals Inspiration For Rocky Theme Song on The Don’s Hit List

This clip is from Episode 53 of The Don's Hit List.  Henry Gross talks to The Don about his classic song "Shannon".   Henry's dog was named Shannon.  When he was at Carl Wilson's (Beach Boys) house, Carl mentioned he had a dog named Shannon once who passed away.   Henry talks about how this led to the song and more of the backstory to the song that gets us emotional.

The Classic Top 10 Song That Helps Grieving Pet Owners Cope With Their Loss

Arnel Pineda of Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame band Journey joined The Don's Hit List with special guest co-host Matty Ice from www.madnesstocreation.net to discuss his new single "This Christmas - A Beacon of Hope".   We get into growing up in the Philippines and the struggles.  When he was 10, a women read his palms and his life changed forever.   Also, the Journey Songs that give him goosebumps.

Ep 190: Arnel Pineda of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Band JOURNEY on The Don's Hit List

Mexican Ape-Lord have just issued their second studio effort, ‘Survival Cannibalism.’ And this is no average/ordinary metal release, as it is also conceptual. “It’s based on a true story of shipwreck and cannibalism,” explains the band’s guitarist, Tony Nichols. “If you listen from beginning to end, you’ll experience a trip from utter darkness to the ultimate thrill of cheating death, but the songs are also designed to stand alone. We’re a rock band first and foremost, and we want every song to pack a lot of punches.” To hear the sonic proof, check out the following songs:

No Deliverance: https://youtu.be/oEtVlEW__fU
Situation: https://youtu.be/T-3M3NkGNQI
So Much Wasted Rope: https://youtu.be/tTm6-GV-CHU

Formed in 2012 by Nichols (previously of MELIAH RAGE) and singer/bassist Jon Hardy (formerly of THE BAGS), MEXICAN APE-LORD are purveyors of raw and epic mountain metal. Nichols recruited producer Peter Rutcho (Metal Blade, Century Media, etc.) who recommended a monster drummer named Steve Fry (CROTALUS, GRAVEHEART). Lead guitarist Dan Dykes (TRIPHAMMER), who had just produced MELIAH RAGE’s ‘Dead to the World’ record, completed the lineup.

The band’s debut album, The Late Heavy Bombardment, was released in 2014 on Unable Records and made a slew of top ten lists. Brave Words called it “a balls-out metal album” and True Metal Lives declared, “It proudly stands up and gives genre labeling the big middle finger.”

Which leads us to ‘Survival Cannibalism’ – whose storyline turns out to literally “hit home” with Nichols. “We grew up about 60 miles from where this happened, but only learned about it recently. Unlike the well-known Salem witch trials, the cannibalism on Boon Island [a barren rocky island in Maine in 1710] is a grisly but hidden part of our past. We think it deserves a floodlight. The extreme suffering and will to survive combined with raw conflict and rage make it a natural for a metal album.”

Concerning the album’s top tracks, drummer Steve Fry picked “‘So Much Wasted Rope’ was among my favorites because it just sounded like pure trouble. Especially that verse riff… it’s completely up to no good! So when I was coming up with the drum parts, it was all about accentuating that. I just wanted to lay into it with that simple kick/snare combo so it would be powerful while giving the riff the space to do its thing. It's one of those songs where it's actually more about what you DON’T do as a drummer than what you do that makes all the difference.”
“We call it ‘Mountain Metal’,” is how Nichols describes the band’s sound. “Each song is an expedition – raw and epic. The band functions like an expeditionary force. Every member is a specialist who can also provide backup. It’s an efficient and powerful way to make music. We’re looking to create songs that are big and dangerous, and everyone needs to stay focused in order to come out alive.”

Lastly, the group already has other projects on the horizon. “We have two projects in the pipeline; a three song EP that we plan to release in 2021, and a big badass album called ‘Blunt Instrument’ to follow.”

‘Survival Cannibalism’ tracklisting:
Black Cloud
Situation
No Deliverance
So Much Wasted Rope
The Devil Does Divide Us
Stinkin' Drunk on Blood
Dereliction
Mezzick and Drakelord

 
To stream the album, or to purchase merchandise, please visit : https://linktr.ee/mexicanapelord
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.facebook.com/mexicanapelord/
https://twitter.com/mexicanapelord?lang=hr

Ep 199:  Dan Dykes of Mexican Ape Lord (Alternative Hardcore Metal) on The Don's Hit List

From Episode 124 of The Don's Hit List, "Somewhere Other Than The Night" is a song made famous by Garth Brooks.  The songwriter for that song Kent Blazy discusses Garth's vocal performance on that track.  Goosebumps.

"Somewhere Other Than The Night" Songwriter Discusses Garth Brooks' Vocals on The Don's Hit List

*Audio Quality is Rough due to filtering loud bus engine humming noise* July 20, 2009 Rise Against performed a Sold Out show at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL. Before the show, Tim joined The Don on the Rise Against tour bus to discuss the song "The Good Left Undone".

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against Discusses "The Good Left Undone" with The Don

Focusing on the Goosebump Moments in Music

The Don's Hit List on Fab Radio International

Pinned to spotlight

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