Music historian Harvey Kubernik has written twenty books on the history of popular rock music. On Friday's show, he talked about prominent artists in the history of Rock & Roll, including Tina Turner. Kubernik was working for an English music weekly called Melody Maker in 1975 when he was asked to interview Turner during what he described as her "down and out" period." Kubernik expressed his joy at seeing the rebirth of Turner's career post-interview. "I was so proud of her to watch a woman over fifty and sixty headline arenas and stadiums, become a multi-millionaire, find happiness in a marriage, and make some damn good music," he said.
Kubernik spoke about the enduring popularity of Classic Rock and why the music and artists from that time continue to resonate. "People made selections of dating, or relationships, or maybe taking a job, or going to a college because concerts were available in the area," he explained, noting the same fans who saw artists like Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel in their twenties now want to see them as seniors. That music had durability, he added. Kubernik suggested Ed Sullivan's should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for having treated rock music seriously and introduced the United States to so many noteworthy upcoming Rock acts.
Kubernik commented on digital and vinyl formats, pointing out the LP or vinyl album really started gaining prominence with the release of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967. He praised digital platforms for allowing listeners to easily find new music, something that was much more difficult in the past. Kubernik also reported on the renaissance of the music documentary, specifically mentioning recent releases about Donna Summer and David Bowie. These new documentaries go behind the music and offer rare clips of the artists, he said.
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Open Lines followed in the latter half of the program. Scott in Costa Mesa, California, recommended listeners play music for their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia, noting the music should be from their era. "There's something about the music and the synapses... they become cognizant again," Scott said. You may be able to briefly converse with them, he added.
Charles from Joplin, Missouri, challenged George to play "Waiting for a Train" by Jimmie Rodgers, and asked if listeners liked it, could it be in the bumper song rotation. Charles gave the song a score of ten out of ten. He also yodeled for George. "It takes a long time to learn how to do that," Charles revealed.
Allen in Auburn, California, talked about this favorite music artist, Roy Orbison. "To me, he was incomparable," he said. Allen recalled seeing Orbison in Lake Tahoe in the early 1970s during a lull in his career. He had a resurgence with the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and the movie Blue Velvet which featured Orbison's song, "In Dreams," Allen explained. "He was one of the most gracious entertainers I have ever met," he added. Allen also recommended singer Marty Robbins. "He was just every bit as good as the records live," Allen reported.
The final half hour featured a replay of ufologist Stanton Friedman.
News segment guests: Heidi Hollis / Kevin Randle