The Music History Project

Continuing on from our last episode, which looked at the early development of Rhythm and Blues, part two focuses on the amazing career of Lloyd Price. When he was interviewed for the NAMM Oral History collection in 2016, Lloyd provided an up-close and personal look at some of his classic recordings and how they influenced a generation of music makers. Join us and our special guest Jonah Del Fioren...

EP. 122 - R&B Pioneers Part 1 by NAMM Resource Center

Join the Music History Project team as we dive a little deeper into gospel music as told by those interviewed for the NAMM Oral history program. Our special guest is Jonah Del Fiorentino, who chose to discuss the interviews of legendary vocalist Betty Wright and Jonah's own grandmother who has been a life long pianist and piano teacher.

Gospel and Contemporary church music have changed greatly over the last 50 years. One of the key elements of this development has been catchy and relatable songs churchgoers can sing along to. Join us as we explore the contributions of three such songwriters, Kurt Kaiser (“Pass It On”), Karen Lafferty (“Seek Ye First”), and Robert Watters (“The Shepard’s Song”). Our special guest will be Jonah Del...

Join Suzanne, Alex and Dan as we play and discuss the full NAMM interview with bassist and beloved studio musician TM Stevens! This 2011 interview is chocked-full of stories about James Brown, Shocka Zooloo and TM’s relationship with Warwick Basses.

While listening to our favorite music, we often overlook the unseen force, creativity and vast knowledge of the recording engineer. Join us for 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!

What 80’s hit was written on the toilet? Was “Puff, The Magic Dragon” really about marijuana use? These and other burning questions will be answered in this month’s episode of the Music History Project! We will be learning the backstories of songs written by Jason Mraz, Valerie Day & John Smith, Jerry Fuller, Mark Stein, Peter Yarrow, Gail Davies, and Trevor Rabin. Join us for this fun-filled epis...

Why do werewolves dine at Lee Ho Fooks, and what is a Schlimazel? All throughout the NAMM Oral History interview collection are the stories of songwriters talking about the inspirations behind their musical creations. Join us as we reveal fun facts about such songs as “Werewolves of London,” the TV theme to Laverne & Shirley as well as several other classic hits. This episode is guaranteed to make...

This Episode of The Music History Project is dedicated to the great music educator and musician Dr. George Shaw. Hear how Dr. Shaw became an accomplished trumpeter and a gifted college professor. His passion for education and life-long learning has inspired generations of young musicians.

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.

Join the Music History Project team as we explore some fascinating facts about the ukulele! While reviewing NAMM’s interview of Robert Yates, we are provided insight into the instruments interesting history as well as the making of the ukulele. Mr. Yates, known as Uncle Uke, provides a wonderful look at the uke’s background and he even plays for us!

The Music History Project podcast would like to join the music community in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Memphis retailer Amro Music! Over the years, the NAMM Oral History program has captured numerous interviews with family members and employees.  In this episode we utilize those interviews to showcase how Amro Music has supported music makers over the last 100 years! Established in 1921...

During World War II special records were sent overseas to the troops with the goal of boosting morale. These records which would later be called V (for victory) Discs have a fascinating history. This week on The Music History Project we will hear from two music historians about this unique program including one who remembers hearing the music being played over the PA system of his ship. We will al...

The Music History Project is highlighting the fascinating career of trumpeter and product engineer, Larry Ramirez. Join us as Larry shares the unique way he was able to purchase his first instrument and how his career with the Holton Company developed. Mr. Ramirez has an impressive list of iconic artists he has worked with over the years including Miles Davis, Maynard Ferguson and Dizzy Gillespie...

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...

Do you remember the 21st night of September? Because we sure do! Join Dan, Mike and Ashley on this week’s episode of The Music History Project as we celebrate the iconic Earth, Wind & Fire with interviews from bassist Verdine White, keyboardist Larry Dunn and percussionist Ralph Johnson.

This week The Music History Project will be discussing multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and electronic engineer Don Lewis. Utilizing our interview with him in 2004 in the Museum of Making Music as well as a recent interview in 2021 we will go through Don’s impressive career working for Hammond and Mr. Kakehashi to the creation of LEO (Live Electronic Orchestra).

This week’s episode is dedicated to the King of Soul, Sam Cooke. Join Dan, Mike and Ashley as they discuss Sam’s influence and contribution to not only soul music  but popular music as well. Enjoy stories from Jerry Blavat and Al Schmitt who worked with him in the industry, Tommy Roe and Chris Montez who toured with him and Ellis Hall and Deacon John Moore who were inspired by him.

The Music History Project is featuring the inspiring musician and songwriter Benjamin Scheuer this week. Join Ashley, Dan and Mike as they discuss Benjamin’s infectious passion for music and the unique and remarkable career he has had. Benjamin also performs a few of his songs including “Cookie Tin Banjo”, “I Am Samantha” and “Weather the Storm” and shares the stories behind them.

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 Malcol...

Mike, Dan and Ashley are going behind the scenes this week to discuss the evolution of Front of House (FOH). Using interviews from the NAMM Oral History collection, the team begins with a review of the innovations that took place while Rusty Brutsche was developing Showco. This episode also features highlights from the careers of audio engineers Scott Rodgers, Karrie Keyes, Buford Jones, Baja Flet...

This week on The Music History Podcast Mike, Ashley and Dan will be featuring two industry heroes of the pickup! Discussing their first designs and the evolution of the product will be the Founder of Seymour Duncan, Seymour Duncan and the Founder of the Bill Lawrence Guitar Pickups, Bill Lawrence.

The Music History Project continues highlighting the remarkable steel guitar this week by discussing the great innovators over the years. Join Ashley, Mike and Dan as they chat about the evolution of this versatile instrument and some of the key players. Enjoy interviews from industry greats Lowell Kiesel, Jody Carver and Kay Koster as well as iconic musicians Junior Brown, Paul Franklin and Chuck...

The Music History Project is celebrating their 100th episode this week and highlighting the inspiring career of the Co-Founder of the Jazz Education Network, Mary Jo Papich! Join Dan, Mike and Ashley as they discuss the importance of music education and the wonderful work Mary Jo is doing as a music advocate.

The Music History Project will be highlighting the steel guitar in our next two episodes. In this episode Dan, Mike and Ashley will be discussing the pioneers of this versatile instrument and going through its fascinating history. Enjoy interviews from iconic musicians Speedy West, Bud Issacs, Buddy Merrill, Gary Morse, Alvino Rey and Buddy Emmons, as well as industry legends Herb Remington and De...