Music In My Shoes

Ozzy Osbourne's triumphant final performance and sudden passing just 17 days later highlights his remarkable journey from heavy metal pioneer to beloved cultural icon. We explore his legacy while reminiscing about forgotten musical gems that transport us back to specific moments in time. • Ozzy's final concert "Back to the Beginning" in Birmingham featured major bands like Meta...

Journey back to the summer of 1980 through a recently listened to hour of WPLJ radio from July 18, highlighting the soundtrack of that era and the memories it evokes. • Exploration of a genuine hour of WPLJ radio from July 18, 1980 • Discussion of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" from the movie Honeysuckle Rose • Reminiscing about my Top 5 Favorite All-Time Live Album, The Kinks...

The day the world stopped to listen. July 13, 1985 stands as a pivotal moment when music transcended entertainment to become a global force for humanitarian change. Live Aid connected London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's JFK Stadium through groundbreaking satellite technology, reaching nearly 2 billion viewers. What made Live Aid revolutionary wasn't just its scale but its im...

Rock music's evolution unfolds through fascinating personal stories and historic milestones in this nostalgic journey across seven decades of American music. From Bill Haley's groundbreaking "Rock Around the Clock" hitting #1 in 1955, we travel through time exploring the authentic connections between fans and artists before security barriers existed. The conversation weaves thr...

What happens when lifelong fandom meets musical opportunity? Matt Hughes knows firsthand. Having grown up purchasing Black Sabbath albums, Matt eventually found himself trading guitar solos with Tony Iommi and jamming alongside Bill Ward through Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp experiences that transformed his relationship with music. The most remarkable chapters of Matt's story revolve around Rock...

Jim and Jimmy reflect on some of the iconic music from the summer of 1980, exploring how these cultural touchstones shaped friendships and created lasting memories during a transformative time. • The summer of 1980 wasn't just hot—it was transformative. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Blues Brothers film, we dive deep into why this musical comedy masterpiece continues to captivate...

We pay tribute to two musical legends who recently left us - Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Sly and the Family Stone's Sly Stone - while celebrating their revolutionary contributions to music history. • Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind the Beach Boys, died at age 82 on June 11, 2025 • Wilson's incredible harmonies and arrangements made songs like "In My Room" and &qu...

Mom's radio was always on—at dinner, while cleaning, everywhere—sparking a lifelong love for music that shaped this podcast and our musical journeys. Music becomes a bridge between generations, creating shared experiences that last a lifetime. • Exploring Music Midtown 2005—a three-day festival featuring six stages • Lou Reed's performance with amp troubles and orchestral direction of hi...

Travel back to June 1965 when John Lennon first received his black Rolls-Royce Phantom V limousine – a vehicle destined to become an icon of rock history. We trace the fascinating journey from luxury transport to psychedelic art piece with its famous yellow paint job and swirling patterns. We celebrate the 40th anniversary of "The Goonies," exploring this beloved adventure film, unpackin...

We take a nostalgic journey through the Billboard Hot 100 chart from June 7, 1980, and explore musical milestones of that year including Frank Sinatra's comeback and Peter Gabriel's innovative album "Melt." • Examination of Billboard Hot 100 hits from June 7, 1980 • Discussion of Frank Sinatra's "Theme from New York, New York" which became his signature song desp...

Jim and Jimmy explore iconic cultural moments from the 70s through 90s, connecting the dots between classic films, personal memories, and music history touchpoints. • Smokey and the Bandit and its filming locations throughout Georgia • Memorial Day memories spanning from 1977 to 1990 • Joy Division's tragic story and how Ian Curtis's suicide led to New Order's formation • The existe...

Music transports us through time as we explore musical milestones and memories that feel both distant and immediate, creating a fascinating perception of different decades. • Reminiscing about Atlanta's Music Midtown Festival from 1995 and the unique urban setting that transformed into a cultural gathering space • Why we struggle with 90s nostalgia being "30 years ago" while easily...

Music becomes a vessel for expressing feelings we can't put into words ourselves, as Jim recounts how he used a Beatles song to declare his teenage affection on a college radio station and how Billy Joel's lyrics helped him navigate heartbreak. • Using Beatles song "I Should Have Known Better" to woo a girl via radio dedication at age 13 • Billy Joel's Glass Houses album a...

We transport listeners into the futuristic world of the Sphere in Las Vegas as Jim shares his whirlwind 24-hour trip to see Dead & Company in this revolutionary venue. Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, we explore the cutting-edge technology that creates an unprecedented concert experience. • Jim scores a last-minute ticket to Dead & Company at the Sphere • The Sphere featu...

Looking back exactly 50 years, we explore the Billboard Hot 100 charts from April 26, 1975 – a time capsule that reveals a diverse musical landscape. From America's "Sister Golden Hair" to Queen's "Killer Queen," each song carries its own fascinating backstory that connects to broader cultural moments of the era. We share personal memories of these songs, including ch...

Join us on a journey through musical touchstones and cultural milestones, weaving together fascinating stories that connect the dots between film, music, and innovation. • The 1985 film "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" featured Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt • "We Are the World" by USA for Africa reached #1 on April 13, 1985, featuring an unprecedented lineup of 21 solo vocal...

We delve into meaningful musical coincidences and explore music history, from supernatural car incidents to the legacy of the "More Cowbell" SNL sketch. • Strange collision of musical omens when "I'm a Loser" by the Beatles coincides with a New York car accident • Reflections on April 1980 as a pivotal moment in my musical awakening through WPLJ radio specials and deep mus...

Ever had a concert experience so powerful it stays with you for decades? Those magical nights when the music and memories fuse together to create something truly unforgettable? That's what we're exploring in this deeply nostalgic journey through legendary concert moments. We kick things off with spontaneous concert adventures from the pre-internet era. Remember when buying tickets meant...

The legendary sounds of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" come alive as we explore this revolutionary anthem that dominated airwaves and captivated a generation in 1980. This cultural phenomenon wasn't just a song – it was everywhere, playing in homes, game rooms, and wherever young people gathered to shout "We don't need no education!" Delving in...

An unexpected music miracle unfolded in Athens, Georgia when all four original members of REM reunited on stage during a Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy performance celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Fables of the Reconstruction." This rare convergence became the highlight of a music-packed fortnight in Athens, GA that I'm thrilled to share with you in vivid detail. The magic mo...

Step into an engaging episode of *Music in My Shoes*, where we dive into nostalgic memories and family connections cultivated around great music. We then take a humorous turn examining an article that lists the ten healthiest and unhealthiest fast food sandwiches. We share opinions on our favored guilty pleasures and reflect on health versus taste.  As the episode winds down, we tackle thought-pro...

Join us as Lenny Kaye of Patti Smith Group and Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin, join us in studio for an insightful conversation. This episode highlights their inspiring friendship between them, showcasing their mutual influence on each other's artistic journeys.  • Discover the moments that bonded Kevn and Lenny in the music scene  • Reflect on Patti Smith's 'Horses' and its his...

Hop into the car with me as I recount a hilarious ride with my daughter and her friend, where our clashing music choices led to unexpected moments of joy. Prepare for a star-studded flashback as we recount the SNL 50 Homecoming Concert, where the unexpected twist of Jimmy Fallon launching the night with a Blues Brothers-style act set the tone for the evening. As the stage lights flickered, Eddie V...

Ever tried to choose which two 80's Pop albums/cassettes you'd be willing to part with? That’s the musical dilemma we tackled in this week's episode of "Music in My Shoes." Our journey starts with a random list of 28 cassettes, that Jimmy and I dive headfirst into, looking for the first 2 out and the first 2 in. Music is subjective and deeply personal, and our lively debat...

Join us on a nostalgic journey to the 1985 classic film "Vision Quest," where Matthew Modine takes us to the heart of doing something meaningful with his life in Spokane, Washington. From personal movie-going experiences to the rockin' soundtrack featuring Red Rider, John Waite, Madonna and Journey, this trip down memory lane captures the essence of an era marked by cinematic magic....