The Coda Podcast

Frank Czuri is a Pittsburgh music legend whose career has spanned more than six decades. A Penn Hills native, he began performing professionally at age 14 and first gained national attention when Atlantic Records signed his band, The Igniters. He later performed with Pittsburgh favorites The Jaggerz, fronted the hard-rock band Diamond Reo, and became the voice of The Silencers, whose music earned MTV airplay and critical acclaim. Czuri also spent 25 years with the popular doo-wop group Pure Gold and has performed with Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners. Known for his powerful tenor voice and dynamic stage presence, Czuri remains one of Pittsburgh’s most respected and enduring entertainers.

Cheryl Rinovato is a dynamic Pittsburgh-area vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist whose music blends the heart of Soul, the grit of Blues, and the timeless grooves of R&B and Jazz. Best known as one-half of the soulful duo Soulful Femme, Cheryl has built a reputation for powerful vocals, authentic storytelling, and performances that connect deeply with audiences.A familiar face in the Western Pennsylvania music scene, Cheryl has performed at respected regional venues and events including the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival, Rivers Casino, and the Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts. Whether delivering an intimate acoustic set or fronting a full band, her style combines raw emotion with seasoned musicianship.Through Soulful Femme and her solo work, Cheryl continues to champion original music rooted in classic soul-blues traditions while bringing her own modern energy and personality to every stage. Passionate about live performance and creative expression, she remains an active and respected presence in Pittsburgh’s vibrant music community.

Bill Deasy is a Pittsburgh-born singer-songwriter, author, and frontman of The Gathering Field, whose regional hit “Lost in America” earned the band an Atlantic Records deal in the 1990s. He later built a respected solo career, releasing numerous acclaimed albums blending folk, rock, and Americana influences. Deasy has also written songs for artists including Martina McBride and contributed the longtime theme song for Good Morning America. Beyond music, he is the award-winning author of several novels and remains a beloved figure in the Pittsburgh music scene.

Tim Stevens wasn’t just a Pittsburgh musician—he was a voice for the city in every sense of the word. By day, Stevens worked in the trenches of change: a Hill District native who became a leader in civil rights and Black political empowerment, serving as Executive Director of the Pittsburgh NAACP and later President of the Pittsburgh branch for a full decade. But when the sun went down, he stepped into a different kind of spotlight—crooning jazz, blues, and pop with a rich, throaty voice in clubs that carried the soul of old Pittsburgh.In this episode, we trace the rare double-life of a man who could move a crowd with a song… then move a city with a speech. From his roots at Trinity AME Church to the creation of the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP), Tim Stevens lived at the intersection of music, power, and purpose—and left a legacy that still echoes through Pittsburgh.

Tina Daniels has spent the last decade becoming one of Pittsburgh’s go-to live-rock forces—fronting a band built for packed rooms, big singalongs, and the kind of “oh man, I forgot how much I love this song” moments that hit the second they kick in. The Tina Daniels Band delivers a wide-span set of rock favorites, leaning into the hits people don’t always hear anymore—but still know every word to once the chorus lands. It’s high-energy, crowd-friendly, and all about that sweet spot between nostalgia and adrenaline. If you’re looking for a night of guitars up front, voices loud, and a dance floor that doesn’t quit… this is the one.

Nick Scanga has been a working musician since his teenage years, carving out a reputation in Pittsburgh as a versatile vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter who can move effortlessly through nearly any style. His credits include The Night Owl Band, who scored a local hit with “Lay That Rhythm Down” and opened shows for legends like Blood, Sweat & Tears, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Gil Scott-Heron, and Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Over the years, Nick has performed and co-written with Chuck Corby, collaborated with artists spanning cool jazz to Santana-style fire, and played with standout acts including Stillwater, Freeze, The Fabulous Gemtones, and The Skyliners. Whether solo, duo, or full band, Nick’s story is pure Pittsburgh music history—built on talent, range, and decades of stage-tested soul.

Jason Kendall is a multi‑instrumentalist—vocals, saxophone, piano, guitar, harmonica—who began performing professionally at age 15. Since founding Jason Kendall Productions in 2007, he’s delivered tailored live entertainment across classical, smooth‑jazz trio, acoustic pop, dance‑band, and DJ formats for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and more! A songwriter and composer, his music appears in two feature documentaries. He also taught music at Penn State University (2005–2015) and holds a Master’s degree in music from West Virginia University’s College of Creative Arts.

Craig Zinger is a talented pianist, vocalist, and parody‑writer whose musical journey began at age 10. He’s performed at prestigious venues—such as a Duquesne Club event benefiting the Andrea Bocelli Foundation—and opened for Yanni at Pittsburgh’s Star Lake Amphitheatre. He also recorded with a young Christina Aguilera and performed alongside icons including Peter Noone, Lou Christie, The Drifters, The Shirelles, and Leslie Gore.  Craig has five recordings, available on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon Music, and his work has aired on NPR, WDUQ, 3‑W‑S, and WPXI‑TV. Additionally, he offers piano lessons and creates playful parodies, including one featured at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pierogi Races

A native of McMurray, Pennsylvania, Gary Prisby began teaching himself guitar at age seven and sang publicly for the first time at 16. With over 50 years of musical experience and nearly 40 as a pro, he’s performed in bands like Reckless Abandon, Bush & Gary, Smokin’ Section, and more, featuring at festivals such as the Pittsburgh Blues Festival and on Pittsburgh radio. Today, he performs mostly solo acoustic shows—mixing blues, classic rock, alternative, and original songs—and since 2018 has made music his full-time career, while also volunteering through the Music Smiles program.

Joel Lindsey is the British-born, Pittsburgh-based powerhouse behind Joel Lindsey Entertainment—your all-in-one party starter. Singer. Guitarist. DJ. Vibe curator. Since 2008, Joel’s brought unforgettable energy to events across Western PA with electrifying live music, epic DJ sets, and full-throttle lighting. Bonus: he writes bangers too—check out “Take Some Love and Pass It On.” Let’s get this party started.

Joe Grushecky is a Pittsburgh-born rock singer-songwriter known for gritty, blue-collar anthems with his band The Houserockers. A longtime collaborator with Bruce Springsteen, Joe’s music blends heartland rock with honest storytelling. A true working-class hero in and out of the studio.

Byron Nash is undefinable. Pittsburgh-based musician, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Byron Nash has electrified audiences with elevated rock sounds for over a decade, headlining major stages and collaborating with noteworthy artists on a local, regional and national level.

Joe Munroe is the powerhouse behind the keys for Ghost Hounds, a blues-rock band that’s toured with legends like The Rolling Stones and ZZ Top. With four studio albums, including First Last Time (2023), Munroe helps drive their signature sound, proving rock ‘n’ roll is alive and thriving. 

Legendary Pittsburgh jazz drummer Roger Humphries has played with icons like Horace Silver, Ray Charles, and Stanley Turrentine. A prodigy, he went pro at 14 and performed at Carnegie Hall at 16. He’s led bands, taught at Pitt, and continues to influence jazz!

Scott Anderson is a two-time Emmy Award-winning composer, music director, and producer, renowned as one of Pittsburgh’s top keyboardists. He has worked with national and regional artists, composed for film and TV, and teaches music in cinema at Point Park University.

Judi Figel is a powerhouse vocalist and pianist wowing Pittsburgh audiences! With a dynamic repertoire spanning jazz, pop, Broadway, and more, her electrifying performances and legendary voice leave crowds spellbound. She’s shared stages with music icons and delivers show-stopping renditions of some of music's greatest singers!

Legendary Pittsburgh rocker Jimmie Ross is the voice of The Jaggerz, the band behind the 1970 smash hit The Rapper! From sharing stages with icons to releasing his solo album Full Circle, he’s still bringing the music to life

Mark Matteo isn’t just the frontman of No Bad JuJu—he’s the heartbeat of every electrifying performance. A dynamic musician and seasoned entertainer, Mark has brought his talents to Broadway and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, crafting unforgettable live experiences. His passion for music and crowd engagement ensures every wedding celebration is a high-energy, nonstop party. Whether selecting the perfect soundtrack for your big day or commanding the stage as MC, Mark makes sure the dance floor stays packed and the night feels legendary.

Norman Nardini, Pittsburgh’s rock’n’roll powerhouse, has been shredding stages for decades. From playing with legends like Big Mama Thornton to rocking with Diamond Reo and leading The Tigers, his raw energy and songwriting endure. With a career spanning national tours, major label releases, and relentless passion, he remains the "Uncrowned King."

As Pittsburgh's Lady Of The Blues,  Miss Freddye keeps the blues alive in her native hometown of PittsburghShe started singing in church at a young age. The influence of church and her mother's love of the Blues gave Miss Freddye the beginning to venture in the world of Blues Music in 1996. She joined BMW(Blues  Music  Works) under the direction of Big AL Leavitt.  In 2002, Miss Freddye formed her own band,  "Blue Faze". Several years later, she became Miss Freddye's Blues Band and Miss Freddye's Homecookin' Band.Her Influences include: Koko Taylor,  Etta James, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday,  Big Mama Thornton,  Big AL Leavitt,  and Bessie Smith

Donnie Iris, known for 80s hits "Ah, Leah!" and "Love is Like a Rock," got his start with The Jaggerz and Wild Cherry before forming The Cruisers. A Pittsburgh rock legend, he continues to perform, keeping his classic rock sound alive in the tri-state area!

https://www.duq.edu/faculty-and-staff/eric-susoeff.phpGuitarist and composer Eric Susoeff has been a staple of Pittsburgh’s jazz scene since 1976, performing with legends like Dizzy Gillespie. He leads the Latin jazz quintet Salsamba and teaches at Duquesne University.

From: https://byronnashmusic.com/Byron Nash is undefinable. Pittsburgh-based musician, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Byron Nash has electrified audiences with elevated rock sounds for over a decade, headlining major stages and collaborating with noteworthy artists on a local, regional and national level.

From: https://tombreiding.com/aboutMany would say that country music as well as the broader Americana genre are the musical heart and soul of our nation, but singer/songwriter (and working rock guitarist) Tom Breiding has been creating a sub-genre of Americana for decades. A celebrated writer, Breiding focuses on the true heart and soul of America: our laborers and union members. Hailing from West Virginia, a state with a large populous of mine workers and laborers, Breiding has shared an intense artistic connection with the working class heroes of the United States, most especially United Mine Workers of America.Former Collins Music Corporation staff writer, Tom has spent the entirety of his career as a chronicler of small town America and the past decade as a musician in residence for the United Mine Workers of America. Commissioned to write songs by the UMWA, Breiding's anthems were instrumental in preserving the health care and pensions for tens of thousands of retirees and their families in both the “Fairness at Patriot” fight and the "Keep the Promise" campaign. His original ballads have retold the stories and have punctuated the commemorations of many of the most important labor events of the 20th century where Tom has performed them. Breiding’s work with and passion for the UMWA and Wheeling’s Appalachian Institute have taken him all over the U.S. and through every back road and coal town of his home state, West Virginia. Tom has been invited to perform at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Woody's hometown of Okemah, OK for the past four consecutive years and his 2020 release "Love Commits Me Here" is Tom’s most recent tribute the hard wrought labors of mining, steel, and growing up.In addition to providing the songs for the "Fairness at Patriot" and "Keep the Promise" rallies, Tom Breiding was commissioned by the United Mine Workers Union to write and perform original songs for the the 100 year commemoration of the Ludlow Massacre, the 50 year commemoration of the Farmington mine disaster, the International Inaugurations of Officers, and International President Cecil Roberts lifetime award from the Labor Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C.

From: http://www.squirrelhillbillies.com/about.htmlFrom deep within the urban forest of Pittsburgh's East End, the Squirrel Hillbillies often emerge to share their eclectic mix of acoustic roots music, spanning folk, country and blues. They have headlined at venues across the US and the UK.Through a collaborative, nonlinear songwriting process, duo partners Jenny Wolsk and Gary Crouth draw from personal experiences, third-hand stories, and vivid imaginations to craft songs that are unpredictable and quirky yet widely accessible. Their CDs have gotten radio play around the world.

From: https://johnvento.com/about/John Vento is best known as the front man for the high-energy, rhythm and blues group, The Nied’s Hotel Band (www.niedshotelband.com). NHB is quite a collection of great players that has built a stellar reputation for killer original music and live performances. Away from the band Vento works closely with producer/multi- instrumentalist David Granati in creating more stripped down recordings. ”The Nied’s Hotel Band is like a powerful wall of sound, with two guitars, keys, drums, sax, etc., when I create with David we usually just stick to drums, guitar, bass, and voice, the tunes are stripped back for the most part” says Vento.”

From: https://billtoms.com/bioBill Toms is a poet, a soul-shouter and guitar slinger with one foot in the gutter and an eye on the heavens above. And man, does he front a great rock n' soul band!” - Will Kimbrough/

From: https://barbarablue.com/biography/Pittsburgh, PA native Barbara Blue doesn’t remember life without music. Her answer to the question “When did you start singing?” will always be “since the day I was born and my plan is to exit this life the same way”.  Early childhood years were spent singing in church choir, school choir, school band (flute), piano lessons, school plays and with radios throughout the house.

From : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-milovats-34b7b79Mark Milovats is an international recording artist, television and radio host and entertainer. His live shows tout him as America's Premier Showman in the style o Buble, Sinatra, Manilow and Andy Williams His hits include.. Jingle Bells #2, My Way, Mack the Knife, Somethin's Goin On #5 and To Get to You.

Frank Cunimondo (born 1934) is an American jazz pianist and educator based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to performing, Cunimondo has taught at Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh. (From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Cunimondo)Bob Insko is a member of the “Phoenix Jazz Project”, a sextet that has wowed audiences from Pittsburgh to Prague. He has performed with nationally acclaimed artists, Harry Connick, Jr., Rob McConnell, and Phil Woods, among others. He is a Music Teacher for the Kiski Area Schools. (http://ronwilsonjazz.com/)

From: https://www.localwineevents.com/view/event/live-music-ron-soltis/796714Ron Soltis is a wonderful entertainer, being a professional musician since 1991. He mixes it up with standards, sentimental favorites, some country Johnny Cash, Elvis, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, etc. to more classic rock, Billy Joel, Elton John, Beatles, Paul Simon, etc. He is well-versed at taking requests from the audience too

From: https://www.sonnypugar.org/sonnys-bio.htmlHe picked up his first pair of sticks at the age of 2. He began playing drums professionally at the age of 12; at 14 he was working four nights a week in clubs. At 16 he broke the world’s record for longest drum solo.Starting in the 1960s with B. E. Taylor in a band called “The Redcoats,” Sonny began to hone his performance skills. As he matured as an artist, he understood the concept of filling space. “Being a drummer is like painting a picture. But instead of colors and shapes, you use rhythms,” he said.

From: https://www.tonyjanflonejr.com/tjhome/bio/Tony Janflone Jr. knew what he wanted to do with his life at the early age of 13. He wanted to be a guitarist. He had been playing since the age of 9 and having been influenced from his earliest days by his father, also a guitarist, and his exposure to all facets of music, Blues, Rock, R&B, Jazz, Country, and Classical, his love of music was inherent and not to be denied.

From: https://www.donnagroom.com/shows"Words of Warriors" is a theatrical concert featuring wartime correspondence exchanged by military veterans and their loved ones. Includes letters and music from major military conflicts beginning with the War of Independence through today, accompanied by a multimedia video presentation.

From: http://www.sputzy.com/bio.html​No matter what name you know him by, this former lead singer of "Gigolo" & "Modern Man" will make sure you don't forget him. This becomes evident when you listen to his first solo CD entitled "Not Just Any Love Song", and album entitled "Too Much Too Soon".After his departure from Gigolo, Sputzy went on to perform with "Modern Man", who had national dance chart success. Sputzy's vocal performance with Modern Man was also featured on the soundtrack of George A. Romero's film, "Day of the Dead".When the members of Modern Man parted ways, Sputzy's unique vocal style landed him numerous national radio commercials. Sputzy has built and maintained a loyal following, and regularly packs clubs throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, & West Virginia. His current touring band is called "Soul Provider".

From: https://hewlettanderson.com/biosPete Hewlett is a world-class singer who happens to make Pittsburgh his home. He has toured and recorded with Billy Joel, Elton John, Carly Simon, Joe Jackson, Julian Lennon, Amy Grant, and Eric Carmen to name a few.

From: http://www.onetwoonetwo.com/da-building-process-by-kay-bey-aka-da-button-pusha/The independent and underground hip-hop music scene is filled with multiple movers and shakers, networkers, grinders, and builders. Kay Bey aka Da Button Pusha is one such person. You can’t touch down in the Pittsburgh hip-hop music scene and not know who the Da Button Pusha is.

Joe Wodarek Singer, Songwriter, CMA Performer, Billboard Award Winner, and creator of Pittsburgh's "Very Yinzer Christmas Concert." Joe shares his beginnings, his love of music, his time with The Stickers, and a whole lot more!

From TrivLive: WDVE’s Sean McDowell signs off: 'Thank you'Throughout the day, McDowell was joined by the likes of Mayor Bill Peduto, disc jockey Jimmy Roach and beloved local singer Donnie Iris. Roach said after the interview that radio has very few “personalities” anymore.“Sean is a rare talent,” Roach said. “He’s just got it. You can’t teach what he has. He makes everyone feel like they are his best friend. He called me last year before he had his heart surgery and asked how I was doing before mentioning anything about his surgery. That is the kind of guy Sean McDowell is. There is nobody better.He’s the best I’ve ever heard.”Iris said McDowell is the sweetest man in the business.“No question,” Iris said. “He is also an encyclopedia. If I can’t find it on Google, I ask Sean.”For more: https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/wdves-sean-mcdowell-hosts-final-show/

From: https://www.facebook.com/events/d41d8cd9/bob-banerjee-wife-the-universe-and-everysing/310333354167616/Bob Banerjee (Corned Beef & Curry, Gaelic Storm) is unquestioned throughout Pittsburgh as its original maker-performer and solo innovator.

From: https://talentnetworkinc.com/artists/etta-cox-al-dowe-quartet/Etta Cox is one of the most highly-regarded vocalists and entertainers in Pittsburgh, voted “Best Jazz Vocalist” in the city for 8 consecutive years. Etta and Al Dowe have opened for such names as Ray Charles, Doc Severinson, David Brenner, Debbie Reynolds and Danny Glover.

From https://www.billyprice.com/2016 Blues Music Award (BMA) Winner and frequent BMA nominee Billy Price first attracted national attention during his three-year association with guitarist Roy Buchanan. Price is the vocalist on two of Buchanan's LPs, That's What I'm Here For and Live Stock. Since then, with the Keystone Rhythm Band, the Billy Price Band, and solo projects, Billy Price has recorded and released a total of 20 albums, CDs, and DVDs.Price’s album This Time for Real, with the late Chicago soul singer Otis Clay, received a 2016 Blues Music Award in the category of best soul blues album. He received BMA nominations in 2019 (Reckoning) and 2020 (Dog Eat Dog) for best soul blues album, and in 2020, 2022, and 2023 for best male soul blues artist. In 2022, he released a 3-CD compilation retrospective of his career on GetHip Recordings titled 50+ Years of Soul.The Billy Price Band, based in Billy’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa., consists of Dave Dodd (drums), Tom Valentine (bass), Lenny Smith (guitar), Jim Britton (keyboards), Eric Spaulding (sax), and Joe Herndon (trumpet). They won the Pittsburgh City Paper Reader’s Poll in 2021 and 2022 as the top blues band in the city.

From TribLive:Shari Richards' decision to diversify her music was practical while also adhering to her musical template. About 11 years ago, she started to grow weary of the atmosphere in bars, “the sonic chaos going on all the time, whether it's the volume of the band onstage, or the volume of the crowd, or the jukebox when you're offstage,” she says.When Richards was invited to sing jazz and big band standards with Rick Purcell and his Big Band, she accepted immediately, even though some of her friends and fans couldn't understand her decision.“I'm not a one-dimensional woman, so why would I be a one-dimensional musician?” says Richards, 48, of the South Hills. “Almost always, there's some element of style in the music that's authentically me. I don't really see what I'm doing as any different from what horn players or other instrumentalists have been doing for years, which is being a bit of a chameleon. .... If I'm doing a blues-rock show and then I go and play a big-band show with songs from the great American songbook, I'm enjoying myself.”

From https://stoneyrichards.com/Charles David Richards is an actor who works in feature films, television and theatre. Currently with Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks doing Midsummer Night’s Dream. He recently completed The Marksman with Liam Neeson and Demon House with Glenn Close and The Chair with Sandra Oh for Netflix, The Outsiders as Judge Lenzner for Sony TV and the acclaimed Cinemax series for HBO, Banshee as Judge Haller. He also completed work in “Fathers and Daughters” with Russell Crowe and Jane Fonda and prior to that was directed by Academy Award winner Scott Cooper in “Out of the Furnace.” Among his other films are Predator 2 and Three Men and a Little Lady. On TV he recently filmed The Chair on Netflix, and American Rust for Showtime, as well as, Those Who Kill, The Guardian and St. Elsewhere. His theatre work has taken him from New Playwrights Theatre in Washington DC, The Olympic Arts Festival in Los Angeles with James Cromwell and Off-Broadway at the Perry Street Theatre in New York. His voiceover work has been heard across the country, in Europe and Australia. Radio fans know him as Stoney Richards

From: https://positivelypittsburgh.com/johnny-angel/Johnny Angel and his bandmates, the Halos, have been a part of the Pittsburgh music realm since 1972. “I think we are the longest surviving group in the area,” said Jack Hunt, who is more prominently known by his stage name, Johnny Angel.

Hermie Granati (born Beaver Falls, PA) is an American keyboard player, vocalist, songwriter, and producer who has worked with Phweet Phwew, Coconut, The Jaggerz, the Granati Brothers, the B.E. Taylor Band, and Joe Grushecky.

From https://www.mattbarranti.net/The Matt Barranti Band originally formed in 1991 as an Allman Brothers/Southern Rock Tribute Band and went on to survive nearly three decades while going through many changes over the years. They can no longer be classified as a “tribute” band, the MBB has developed its own unique style, stunning audiences with their brand of Blues Rock all over the tristate area.The band features Matt Barranti on Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar, and vocals; Greg McIltrot on Drums, Vocals, and Harmonica; Fred Delu on Keyboards and Willy Franklin on Bass. Each band member brings a lifetime of experience and talent to the table. Together, they have forged a musical identity that has inspired devotion from not only Blues fans, but also anyone who loves music that emanates from the soul.In December 2016, the British Blues-Rock legendary band, Foghat, asked Matt to fill in for Bryan Bassett on their tour. When he returned home, MBB entered and won the Western Pennsylvania Blues Challenge, and went on to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge.Matt is also "Earl #6" in Roger Earl's band, Earl and the Agitators.The Matt Barranti Band is currently in the studio working on new material.

From https://www.soulfulfemme.com/ - Stevee Wellons has been performing since the late 1970’s in a variety of bands, among them any number of accomplished outfits, including the Rhythm Machine, Jumpstreet, Shaker, the Cruisers, the Elmonics, The Real Deal Band, and The Stevee Wellons Band. Over the course of her career, she shared stages with the Dazz Band, Cameo, Peaches and Herb, and Howard Hewett, among many others. She’s released two solo albums — Stevee Wellons -All Natural Ingredients and one simply titled Stevee. In addition, she recently co-wrote and performed background vocals for the artist known as Sun King Rising, A.K.A John Blangero. She previously taught at the Afro-American Music Institute and is currently an adjunct professor at the Community College of Allegheny County.

Kenny Blake is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed saxophonist whose talents have made him a jazz icon in Pittsburgh. Performing for over 30 years, his smooth saxophone sound has thrilled audiences worldwide, yet he continues to keep his roots in his hometown.

Lead singer for international recording artists "The Skyliners" Celebrating their 60+ years as performing artists, and still touring the United States and abroad while recording new music every chance they get.