Skip to content
PodParley
The Ken Calvert Show podcast artwork

PODCAST · music

The Ken Calvert Show

by Ken Calvert

Ken Calvert was born and raised in Detroit. A graduate of Brother Rice High School with college studies at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He took broadcast, voice and acting courses at OCCFarmington Hills, Michigan. Ken has spent the last forty-four years as a radio broadcaster and freelance voice-over announcer. He's also worked for Sony Music Corporation (Columbia Records) as both a local and regional promotion and marketing manager specializing in artist development, marketing, and retail. Ken currently enjoys doing a podcast and telling kids to get off his lawn!

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 28, 2026 · Source feed

Subscribe · 0 Bookmark

Episodes

  1. I'm a genius and up close with Jason Bonham

    During this most unusual time we need to think of smart new ways to stay germ free. I share my thoughts on what I predict will be our new world order (at least for me). I also catch up with Jason Bonham, son of the great Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

  2. Did you know that I play the Accordion?

    Yes, yes and yes! Check out this nugget from the 80's. We'll talk about 'Morning Radio' then-and-now, Hallmark events in my life like this COVID-19. I hope you'll enjoy, stay safe and know we're gonna get thru this! Peace & Love.

  3. It's Great To Be Back! Now Get Off My Lawn!

    It's hard to write a compelling tease for a podcast. So, simply put I've been away from the show and I'm back. I hate the time-change, winter and especially the plastic clamshell. I'll also share a 1998 interview with the late Ray Manzarek of The Doors.

  4. Comedian Derek Richards is 'Just the right amount of wrong'!

    I caught up with Detroit native and Specs Howard grad, Derek Richards, to talk about the fast-paced, raucous ride across America with four Irish comedians starring in The Irish Comedy Tour. It's St. Patrick's Day every day!

  5. Les Paul and Bob Seger on the Same Podcast!

    On June 9th we celebrate the great Les Paul's birthday. Les Paul is one of the nicest people I've ever interviewed. On that same Mount Rushmore of Great Guys is Bob Seger. They don't get any nicer. This week there were two events, and I have two stories.

  6. Stevie Nicks had a crush on me and I can prove it!

    That's right, it happened back in 2011. She wrote a song about me called "Secret Love." It was the first single from the 2011 solo release called "In Your Dreams." Look, it's complicated, but I'm telling you it happened. Stevie shares the sad details.

  7. The Real Story Behind Guess Who's "American Woman"

    Burton Cummings starts by saying "It's an attitude of gratitude." On this podcast we hear the story behind 'American Woman', Guess Who's only number one. Burton Cummings tell us that there wouldn't be a Guess Who without Rosalie Trombley and CKLW.

  8. "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star"

    "Just get an electric guitar then take some time and learn how to play." So said the Byrds in 1966. I'll take a look at the state of the music industry. Most musicians aren't making any money. Are the record companies? And, my chat with Robert Cray.

  9. "Kenny Kenny Who Can I Turn To" 867-WKEN

    "Hello, how are you?" I tried counting the number of songs written and recorded about the phone. Well, I can tell you that there's an entire website devoted to telephone songs. I stopped at 100! A radio station couldn't survive without a phone. Here's why.

  10. For the Record, I love Vinyl

    Saturday April 13, 2019 was 'Record Store Day.' I love my vinyl. I love and hug my collection of long playing 33 1/3 records every chance I get. Paul Rodgers sold a ton of records. He's an amazing artist and a great interview. Whew, I'm all right now!

  11. Scans, Drugs and Slip 'N Falls

    Ozzy Osbourne recently fell at his home and re-injured his back. Mick Jagger and Lindsey Buckingham have just had major heart procedures. In 2017, Bob Seger had neck surgery. Frampton is walking away from music. Our rockers are starting to show their age!

  12. Alex Lifeson, What's Your Rush?

    In January, 2018 Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson confirmed that Rush is done, over, end of story. After the "R40" tour, Neil Peart announced his retirement, citing chronic tendonitis and other ailments. "After 41 years, we felt it was enough."

  13. Who Took the Fun Out of Radio?

    Well, that's a great question. When I first got in to radio it was the wild, wild west. The FM dial was freewheeling and free forming as we went along. New music was flowing like water, and there was live music nightly. So, who took the fun out of radio?

  14. My First Radio Didn't Have a Speaker! Wait...What?

    I received my first radio at age 9 from my dad. It was called a Harpers Pocket Radio. No battery, no AC plug, just an earphone and an alligator clip. Today It would be called the 'MacGyver'. That radio would set me on a path that would become my passion.

  15. Say Ken, Where have you been? At Several Detroit Radio Stations

    I've worked at 6 Detroit area radio stations. W4, WABX, WRIF, WLLZ, WJR and WCSX. On today's podcast, I discuss the evolution of the various formats that were born out of the late 60's radio revolution. I also talk with Thomas Hayden Church.

  16. Marijuana Infused Coca-Cola and a Side of Stephen Stills

    According to USA Today Coca-Cola is "closely watching" the market for drinks infused with cannabidiol, or CBD, the chemical in marijuana. Will it come in a bottle resembling a bong? And, Happy Birthday Buffalo Springfield. So, drink up and have a listen!

  17. David Crosby - Not a Fan of the Record Companies

    A Twitter user infamously claimed to have spent her rent money on Elton John tickets. Concert ticket prices worldwide increase at a rate much faster than inflation. The average price of a ticket to see your favorite band has tripled in the last 20 years.

  18. Hey, Hey, We're The Monkees – Davy Jones 1997

    Thursday, February 21, 2019 we lost Peter Tork of The Monkees. Stephen Stills originally auditioned for the part. He didn't get it. Stills then recommended Peter Tork. I checked my archives and found this classic interview with Davy Jones. RIP Peter Tork.

  19. My Last Interview with the Late Glenn Frey

    It's still with a heavy heart that I share this with you. It's with my old friend Glenn Frey. We lost Glenn Frey just over three years ago on January 18, 2016. It was one of those "I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news." Damn, I miss Glenn Frey.

  20. Give a Hand to UTR Michigan Hosts Tom Daldin & Jim Edelman

    I met Tom Daldin & Jim Edelman at WRIF in the early 80's. We had a lot of fun. Now, they're living the dream with their hit PBS television program Under the Radar Michigan. The entire state of Michigan is 96,716 miles. They have a lot left to see. Let's go!

  21. My Podcast Needed to Get Out of the House, So...

    Up and coming Detroit comedian Nate Armbruster is my podcasting mentor. He's the millennial son I never had. He helps me with all things social media. I asked Nate how to do a podcast on the road? We went to a great burger bar. Well let's see how we do.

  22. Happy Birthday Alice Cooper

    On today's podcast we say happy birthday to Alice Cooper.

  23. Martin Gross is a Musician's Musician and He Loves Detroit

    I'm blessed to have met a lot of cool people. But, Tino Gross, or should I say, Tino G exudes cool. He's a beautiful soul with love in his heart for Detroit, his family and his music. Put on your shades my friends and have a listen. Live it up!

  24. "Monday Memories" With Chad Smith

    You will not meet a nicer human being than Chad Smith. Chad grew up in the Detroit suburbs and was an active member of the rock 'n roll scene. Chad is currently getting ready for the Red Hot Chili Peppers tour of Australia and New Zealand. Enjoy!

  25. "Monday Memories" With Iggy Pop

    As you know, I have a lust for life! Today's interview features my 2010 interview with Iggy Pop just days prior to the Stooges induction in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You're going to want to listen to this one. Trust me!

  26. "Monday Memories" With Queen's Brian May

    Happy New Year! As you may know, the Queen with Adam Lambert Tour will be up and running in 2019 with a stop in Detroit at the LCA on July 27th. The tour follows the incredible success of the movie and music biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody". Enjoy!

  27. "Monday Memories" With Don Henley

    Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! On today's podcast, I'll share one of my all-time favorites. It's a chat with Don Henley. He wasn't very happy with me. I told him he needed to write more music. Well, we made up and he surprised me with a great gift!

  28. "Monday Memories" With ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons

    On today's Podcast, I'll share my thoughts on Holiday/Christmas gift-giving. Why do celebrities feel inclined to get into the food and beverage business? I also ask you about proper tipping. My guest today is Billy Gibbons from 2013. Enjoy!

  29. "Monday Memories" With Comedian Bobby Slayton

    On today's podcast, I go off on a new Oreo drink mix and shopping carts left in a parking space! Weed is now legal in Michigan and banned Christmas songs from the WKEN playlist. My guest today is from 2010, the Pitbull of Comedy Bobby Slayton. Enjoy!

  30. "Monday Memories" With Christopher Guest

    I take you back to 2010 and a classic interview with Christopher Guest. You know him from SNL in the 80's, This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind. The Princess Bride, For Your Consideration and Best In Show. I also tackle my OCD/ADD.

  31. "Monday Memories" with the Late Chris Squire of Yes

    I caught up with the late Chris Squire back on August 2, 2012. They were playing DTE with Procol Harum. We only had a limited time, but I wanted to share it on my "Monday Memories".

  32. Whoa Nelly, Keith Jackson and the "Ten-Year War"

    I had the chance to interview Keith Jackson in 1997. He describes himself this way. "I was born on the kitchen table, we grew everything we ate. I rode a horse to school." A fan seeing Keith yells, "You are college football to me!". Whoa Nelly, enjoy!

  33. John Heffron is a Comedy Power Bar!

    Think about it, Detroit has produced some pretty, pretty good talent. Mike Binder, Tim Allen, Dave Coulier, Thom Sharp and John Heffron. On this podcast, I just get out of the way and let John take the controls. Enjoy the ride!

  34. "The Love Master" Craig Shoemaker is Touring Again

    On this podcast, I catch up with my old friend Craig Shoemaker. As Craig puts it, "I know, I know—it's confusing to nail down exactly who Craig Shoemaker is. Hell, I'm not so sure either." I'll tell you, He's funny!

  35. "Raylan Goes To Detroit" - Peter Leonard's Best Book Yet!

    I met Peter Leonard when I was in 3rd Grade. We got off to a rough start. You'll hear about that in our Podcast. From grade school to being college roommates at Aquinas College. Pete remains one of my best friends. Meet the son of Elmore Leonard. Enjoy!

  36. "Monday Memories" With B.B. King

    We lost B.B. King on May 14, 2015. From what I can gather, his last concert appears to have been October 11, 2014. B.B. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time.

  37. "Kirk Gibson Can Make the Impossible Happen"

    In 1988 Vin Scully said, "In a year that has been so improbable the impossible has happened!" He was talking about Kirk Gibson. Meet the often misunderstood "Gibby" Kirk Gibson.

  38. Sir Paul McCartney – 'Monday Memories' from the Archives

    I have been working on archiving hundreds of interviews, and I've a reached the point where I feel they deserve to be out there. Starting today, I'll share an interview I believe you'll enjoy every Monday. As always, thanks!

  39. Roy Orbison Live! Wait...What?

    Roy Orbison, dressed in a grey suit, black shirt and black shades, looks around at the Detroit orchestra behind him, making sure everyone is ready. Satisfied, he turns back to his mic, and starts playing his guitar. Wait, Roy Orbison died December 6, 1988. Tonight, at the FOX Theater 'In Dreams:...

  40. Fred Jacobs - The Media Wizard Behind the Curtain

    Pay attention to the man behind this curtain! If you're in radio, you know Fred Jacobs. Fred is the President of Jacobs Media. I met Fred in 1980 at WRIF FM in Detroit. He was my program director. As much as I tried to push back, he pushed me forward. Meet the Wizard!

  41. Who Has Kept Detroit Laughing for 40 Years? Mark Ridley

    People throw around expressions like 'Pioneer' or 'Iconic'. Well my friends, Mark Ridley is both iconic and a pioneer. Mark hasn't changed a bit from the day I met him. Smiling, laughing and always has a kind word to say, and a fresh joke to tell.

  42. I Finally Reconnect with Detroit's Own Mike Binder

    I have a good one for you. Detroit has produced some of the greatest comics ever! Gilda Radnar, Lily Tomlin, Keegan-Michael Key, Thom Sharp, Tim Allen, Dave Coulier and Mike Binder. I spoke with Mike Binder. His bio would fill (pardon the pun) a 'Binder'.

  43. Man, Dave Coulier Has a Full(er) House!

    I met Dave Coulier in Detroit in 1977. Dave provided cartoon voices for me in our WABX production department. He followed that up with a meteoric rise in comedy, first in Detroit and then L.A. Then came a little show called 'Full House'. Buckle up!

  44. Tim Allen "It's Like We Never Left Last Man Standing"

    It's official: Last Man Standing is back. A year after it was canceled by ABC. Fox was happy to bring back the multi-cam comedy starring Tim Allen. LMS premiers Friday, September 28th. I caught up with Tim yesterday and he tells me "It was like we never left!"

  45. What I Like About Wally Palmar of the Romantics

    If you don't know the songs 'What I Like About You' and 'Talking In Your Sleep', I'm afraid I can't help you. Funny how things work. I got into radio in the 70's and Wally started playing music in the 70's. Turns out, we're long-time neighbors, but have never gone one-on-one. Well, that just...

  46. 'White Boy Rick' - My Interview With Kevin Dietz

    The movie 'White Boy Rick' will be released on Friday September 14th. It stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jonathan Majors and a strong cast. No one has put more time and energy into this story than WDIV investigative reporter Kevin Dietz.

  47. My Chat With Donovan - As Good as it Gets!

    On this date in 1966, Donovan went to #1 on the Billboard Chart with Sunshine Superman. I said, wait a minute, I have an incredible interview with Donovan from 1995. We spent thirty minutes chatting. He brought in his guitar. Have a listen!

  48. My 2006 Chat With Pete Townshend - The Grande Daze

    In this interview Pete Townshend tells me "The music is kept young by the audience not the performers." I was prompted to dig this out after being reminded of Keith Moon's driving prowess at his birthday party in Flint, MI. (He dove the limo into the Holiday Inn pool) ~ Ken

  49. Happy Birthday Casey Kasem

    Casey Kasem would have been 86 today. We lost Casey on June 15, 2014. He was the nicest man I've ever met. I found this interview from 1996. Remember, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."

  50. Tim Allen is Pure Michigan and Home Tonight

    Tim Allen will hit the stage at 8:30 PM tonight at the beautiful, historic Fox Theater. The show is SOLD OUT. The show benefits Forgotton Harvest. We're old friends and Tim stopped by after sound check Forgotten Harvest is a non-profit food rescue organization that collects food that would...

View all 54 episodes →

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Ken Calvert was born and raised in Detroit. A graduate of Brother Rice High School with college studies at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He took broadcast, voice and acting courses at OCCFarmington Hills, Michigan. Ken has spent the last forty-four years as a radio broadcaster and freelance voice-over announcer. He's also worked for Sony Music Corporation (Columbia Records) as both a local and regional promotion and marketing manager specializing in artist development, marketing, and retail. Ken currently enjoys doing a podcast and telling kids to get off his lawn!

HOSTED BY

Ken Calvert

CATEGORIES

music comedy

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Ken Calvert Show have?

The Ken Calvert Show currently has 54 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Ken Calvert Show about?

Ken Calvert was born and raised in Detroit. A graduate of Brother Rice High School with college studies at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He took broadcast, voice and acting courses at OCCFarmington Hills, Michigan. Ken has spent the last forty-four years as a radio broadcaster and...

How often does The Ken Calvert Show release new episodes?

The Ken Calvert Show has 54 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Ken Calvert Show?

You can listen to The Ken Calvert Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Ken Calvert Show?

The Ken Calvert Show is created and hosted by Ken Calvert.
URL copied to clipboard!