This week Dan, Mike and Ashley are putting on their boogie shoes and discussing some of the great songwriters of the 1970s. These songwriters have written some of the most quintessential songs of that decade including “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “All Right Now,” “Express Yourself,” “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty,” “Love Train” and so many more!

Ep. 97 - Songwriters of the 1970s

The introduction of the synthesizer brought with it a many new types of sounds and a new way of thinking when it came to creating instruments. This week on The Music History Project, hear from some of the legendary synth pioneers that creatively and scientifically invented some of the most iconic sounds in recent popular music including Don Buchla, John Chowning, Suzanne Ciani, Bob Moog and Malcolm Cecil.

Ep. 104 - Synth Pioneers

This week The Music History Project discusses recording studio design! We will hear from several innovative engineers who have put their own unique spin on studio design including Glenn Phoenix, Guy Charbonneau, Michael Marquart, George Augspurger, Jimmy Nutt and Sherry Klein. We discovered that a studio can truly be anywhere you need it to be including in an old bank, post office, barn or even on wheels. We also learned first-hand how attention to detail during the process results in a safe and comfortable space for the performer to make the most of their recording.

Ep. 109 - Studio Design

Join Alex and Dan for this episode of the Music History Project as we highlight the musical innovator and stylistically diverse Frank Zappa. Hear from some of the musicians who played in his bands as well as the technicians who worked with him on stage and in his home studio.

Ep. 114 - Frank Zappa

This podcast begins with an introduction to hip-hop by the one and only DJ Grand Master Caz, followed by three interviewees speaking about the founder of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc! These remarks are provided by Caz, Christie Z, and Kool DJ Red Alert. You will also hear from other pioneering DJs from New York including GrandMaster Flash and Grand Wizzard Theodore. Join us and our very special guest musician, curator of culture, and frontman of The Lyrical Groove, Kendrick Dial.

EP - 133 Hip-Hop @ 50 Part 1

The second installment of the hip-hop series focuses on several more East Coast DJs from the early days of hip-hop. This program includes segments from our interviews with DJ Jazzy Joyce, Johnny Juice, DJ Cash Money and hip-hop advocate and historian Christie Z. Join us and our very special guest musician, curator of culture, and frontman of the Lyrical Groove, Kendrick Dial.

EP - 134 Hip-Hop @ 50 Part 2

For this third episode of the hip-hop series, the focus shifts to the West Coast with interview segments from Chris The Glove, DJ Tony G, Chopmaster J and Arabian Prince. Join us and our very special guest musician, curator of culture, and frontman of the Lyrical Groove, Kendrick Dial.

EP - 135 Hip-Hop @ 50 Part 3

The final podcast in our series dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop provides the views of leading DJs and how equipment advanced as well as the growth of the mobile DJ and DJ battling. Check out this episode with DJ Qbert, Dave Lopez, DJ Imperial JayCee (may he rest in peace), DJ Aladdin and DJ Sir Jinx. Join us and our very special guest musician, curator of culture, and frontman of the Lyrical Groove, Kendrick Dial.

EP - 136 Hip-Hop @ 50 Part 4

Back by popular demand! While listening to our favorite music, we often overlook the unseen force, creativity and vast knowledge of the recording engineer. We repost this exciting episode of the Music History Project (with a special guest) as we discover the background and techniques of a true pioneer, Sylvia Massy!

EP - 137 Sylvia Massy

Joining the Music History Project podcast team for a special episode dedicated to the band Yes with our guest longtime musician, arranger and our friend Mr. Bill Kilpatrick! Together we will explore the incredible talents of those in the band we have interviewed over the years including Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Trevor Rabin!

Ep - 138 Yes

This episode of The Music History Project highlights the important philanthropic work of the Otis Redding Foundation — launched in 2007 by Otis’ wife, Zelma, to honor his memory. Otis’ grandson Justin Andrews, director of special projects and outreach, and his daughter Karla Redding-Andrews, vice president and executive director, describe the foundation’s music and arts education programs, which are designed to empower, enrich and motivate young people through music, writing and instrumentation. As a special treat for all Otis Redding fans, Justin and Karla gracefully share their insights about Otis Redding as a father, his music and his support for education.

EP - 139 The Otis Redding Foundation

Join the Music History Project podcast team for a special episode discussing guitar effects and looping. Our guest is musician, songwriter, looper and former music retailer David Jenson. We will highlight a few Oral History interviews related to effects including Mike Porter, Del Casher, Thomas Blug and enjoy David presenting a looping demo!

EP. 140 - Looping And Effects

To celebrate the bass players we have interviewed over the years, the podcast team called on NAMM’s Membership Coordinator and bassist Malcom Holman. Join us as we hear from Verdine White, Victor Wooten, Mohini Dey, Stanley Clarke and the legendary Ron Carter.

EP. 141 - Bass Players

Folk singer-songwriter and one-third of the legendary group Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow, passed away earlier this year. In honor of his memory and his profound contributions to music, we’re reposting the podcast episode of Peter's full NAMM Oral History interview we conducted with him in June 2017. We remain grateful for the time he shared with us and for his friendship. He is deeply missed.

EP. 142 - Peter Yarrow

Digging deep into the NAMM Oral History collection, our podcast team unearthed some remarkable jazz treasures we’re excited to share with you! In this special episode, we’re joined by Father Doran Stambaugh, priest at St. Michael’s Church in Carlsbad and host of a unique weekly jazz service called Evening Song. Together, we’ll explore powerful interview moments from some of jazz’s most iconic voices, including Miles Davis’ bassist Ron Carter, Louis Armstrong’s trombonist Trummy Young, Clora Bryant of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, New Orleans trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, and legendary Blue Note recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder.

EP. 143 - Jazz With Father Doran

Tune in to this week’s podcast replay: Composer Suzanne Ciani began her musical journey with the piano, but after discovering Don Buchla and the world of electronic music, she never looked back. Ciani has been a pioneering force in bringing electronic instruments into mainstream pop culture, shaping film, television, and music along the way. Join Dan, Mike, and Ashley as they dive into the remarkable career of one of America’s trailblazing female synth icons.

EP. 144 - Synth Pioneer Suzanne Ciani

In this special episode, we explore the influential legacy of The Ventures, the iconic instrumental rock band that shaped generations of musicians with their driving sound and distinctive style. Joining us is guest host Jeff Schermer—lifelong music advocate, NAMM volunteer, and oral history contributor—who brings personal insight and passion to the conversation. The episode features interviews with Ventures members Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards, and John Durrill, along with Mosrite Guitar co-founder Andy Moseley. We’re also thrilled to include Jeff’s recent interview with Fiona Taylor, wife of drummer Mel Taylor, now part of the NAMM Oral History collection.


EP. 145 - The Ventures

If you’ve ever watched a Disney movie or visited a Disney park, chances are you’ve heard the unforgettable music of Richard Sherman. As one half of the legendary Sherman Brothers, Richard helped create some of the most beloved songs in film history. In this podcast replay, he reflects on his remarkable career writing music with his brother Robert for classics like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book, including their iconic song, “It’s a Small World (After All).” Heard by millions each year, his music continues to bring joy around the world. 

EP. 146 - Richard Sherman

In the first of two episodes about Sun Records in Memphis, TN covers studio founder Sam Phillips efforts to record the Memphis sound recording stars such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison.

Ep. 1 - Sun Records - Part 1

The second half of the Sun Records podcast discusses the legendary “Sun sound” that defined an era of music, famed recordings that were captured in the studio by Sam Phillips, and the Million Dollar Quartet session that brought together Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley for one defining night of music history.

Ep. 2 - Sun Records - Part 2

Les Paul is known for his role in the popularity of the electric guitar, the design of the Gibson Les Paul guitar, multi-track recording, early guitar effects, and hit recordings with his wife Mary Ford.

Ep. 3 - Les Paul

In part one of this two-part series we explore the televised debut of scratch with Grand Mixer DXT showcasing his skills on the Herbie Hancock hit “Rockit” as well as the birth of scratch from its creator, DJ GrandWizard Theodore. In addition, we learn what it took to build speakers, develop that signature DJ technique, and the formula to building a set from pioneering DJs Afrika Bombaataa, DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Jazzy Joyce, and DJ Johnny Juice.

Ep. 4 - DJs and the Birth of Turntablism - Part 1

This week’s episode of The Music History Project is part one of a two-part series celebrating Motown Records. You’ll hear from greats such as Bob Olhsson, Allee Willis, Brian and Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier as they explore the history of the label and commemorate some outstanding songwriters.

Ep. 50 - Motown - Part 1

Musician, Product Endorser and TEC Awards Hall of Fame Inductee, Todd Rundgren, is the topic of this week’s episode of The Music History Project. Join Dan, Mike and Michelle as we hear about Todd’s passion for music, music advocacy and working with NAMM’s President and CEO, Joe Lamond.

Ep. 62 - Todd Rundgren

In this week’s episode we discuss all things synthesizer with Marcus Ryle, who combined his passion of music and technology into an impressive career. Join us as we go from Marcus taking apart his first synthesizer to creating a guitar electronics company, Line 6.

Ep. 68 - Marcus Ryle

This week’s episode is dedicated to Grammy Award winning songwriter Allee Willis. She wrote/co-wrote such hits as “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, the theme song to Friends “I’ll Be There for You”, the Broadway musical The Color Purple and the “Neutron Dance”. As a multi-talented artist, Allee enjoyed working with other performers to create art that expressed her views, emotions and gratitude of the arts. We hope you enjoy her fascinating interview as much as we do!

Ep. 69 - Allee Willis

Join us this week for a very special episode celebrating 20 years of the NAMM Oral History Program. We reminisce about some amazing interviews we have conducted over the years including the very first one! We also chat with some current and former colleagues who have played such an important role in getting us to 20 years. We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane!

Ep. 70 - 20 Years of the NAMM Oral History Program

Grammy award winner, Andrew York is the topic for this week’s episode of The Music History Project. As a classical guitarist and composer, Andrew has toured the world and has performed with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Join us as he shares his unique insight on composing and playing as well as his recent passion of mathematics.

Ep. 71 - Andrew York

Get ready rock this town with us and all three of the Stray Cats! Join Slim Jim Phantom, Lee Rocker and Brian Setzer as they tell the story of how they went from neighborhood friends to single-handedly bringing Rockabilly back to the record charts.

Ep. 72 - Stray Cats

Dan, Mike and Ashley have just one question for you - are you experienced? It has been fifty years since the passing of Jimi Hendrix and this week we are honoring the man and his music by sharing the impact he made. We will hear from Recording Engineer, Eddie Kramer; Bassist, Billy Cox; Founder of Seymour Duncan Pickups, Seymour Duncan; Studio Musician, Mike Finnigan; Founder of Luthier’s Workshop, Tony Louscher and Founder of Spector Guitars, Stuart Spector as we honor the iconic guitar hero!

Ep. 82 - Remembering Jimi Hendrix

NAMM’s resident Music Historian Dan Del Fiorentino and co-hosts examine the innovative creations, evolution of musical instruments, the changing world of music retail, music industry icons, and other topics covered in NAMM’s Oral History program.  The NAMM Oral History program boasts over 4,500 interviews and is continually growing.  For more information about NAMM’s Oral History program please visit https://www.namm.org/library.

The Music History Project

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