#7 Unearthing the Hitmaker: Rick Blaskey on Discovering Whitney Houston, Creating Global Anthems, and the Power of Music

    Ever wondered what it's really like to spot a teenage Whitney Houston singing in a tiny New York supper club and help turn her into a global superstar? Or how one song can bring an entire country together — even if it took a whole lot of near-misses and pure luck to get there?   Join me,John Dodds, chatting with  Rick Blaskey — the music insider behind some of the biggest crossover moments of the past few decades.    Rick shares how he launched artists like Russell Watson and violin sensation David Garrett, worked with legends like Barry Manilow and Andrea Bocelli, and created massive anthems that defined events and generations.   He opens up about the old music business versus an algorithm-driven world, why great melodies and hooks still matter, and his deep passion for using music to heal and bring communities together.   Plus, he opens up about his lifelong passion for Sheffield Wednesday and why fighting for your local club (and community) still matters.   He is funny, honest, and full of real behind-the-scenes tales.  If you love music stories, underdog journeys, or just a good yarn about how hits (and careers) actually get made I guarantee you will love this episode.    If you've enjoyed my conversation in Café W.O.W. with Rick Blaskey, please click the SUPPORT and FOLLOW buttons on your favorite podcast platform. Your support secures a prime seat for future episodes and keeps Café W.O.W. thriving.  Do you have ideas for the show? I would love to hear them. Drop me a line at [email protected]. Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who is found at http://www.Jon1st.Co.uk    Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing!   Cafe W.O.W. Podcast