The Music History Project
by NAMM Resource Center
NAMM’s resident Music Historian Dan Del Fiorentino and co-hosts examine the innovative creations, evolution of musical instruments, the changing world of music retail, music industry icons, and other topics covered in NAMM’s Oral History program. The NAMM Oral History program boasts over 4,500 interviews and is continually growing. For more information about NAMM’s Oral History program please visit https://www.namm.org/library.
Episodes
-
EP149_Repair_Techs_NAPBIRT
Instrument repair technicians are the unsung heroes of the music products world. This replay episode of the Music History Project is dedicated to those technicians and the NAPBIRT organization that works to breathe new life into our long loved and often battered and bruised instruments.
-
EP148_Clyde_McPhatter
For this episode of the Music History Project, we explore the life and legacy of one of rock and roll’s most influential—and often overlooked—voices: Clyde McPhatter. Joining us is author Steve Bergsman, whose book Have Mercy Baby brings new depth to the story of the singer whose soaring tenor...
-
EP. 147 - Women Studio Engineers
In this inspiring episode, we celebrate women who have shaped the world of audio engineering. Our guest host is Cato Zane, an accomplished audio engineer and founder of Lost & Sound Foundry in San Diego. With a background in both music and physics, Cato brings insight, passion, and a strong...
-
EP. 146 - Richard Sherman
If you’ve ever watched a Disney movie or visited a Disney park, chances are you’ve heard the unforgettable music of Richard Sherman. As one half of the legendary Sherman Brothers, Richard helped create some of the most beloved songs in film history. In this podcast replay, he reflects on his...
-
EP. 145 - The Ventures
In this special episode, we explore the influential legacy of The Ventures, the iconic instrumental rock band that shaped generations of musicians with their driving sound and distinctive style. Joining us is guest host Jeff Schermer—lifelong music advocate, NAMM volunteer, and oral history...
-
EP. 144 - Synth Pioneer Suzanne Ciani
Tune in to this week’s podcast replay: Composer Suzanne Ciani began her musical journey with the piano, but after discovering Don Buchla and the world of electronic music, she never looked back. Ciani has been a pioneering force in bringing electronic instruments into mainstream pop culture,...
-
EP. 143 - Jazz With Father Doran
Digging deep into the NAMM Oral History collection, our podcast team unearthed some remarkable jazz treasures we’re excited to share with you! In this special episode, we’re joined by Father Doran Stambaugh, priest at St. Michael’s Church in Carlsbad and host of a unique weekly jazz service…
more -
EP. 142 - Peter Yarrow
Folk singer-songwriter and one-third of the legendary group Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow, passed away earlier this year. In honor of his memory and his profound contributions to music, we’re reposting the podcast episode of Peter's full NAMM Oral History interview we conducted with him in...
-
EP. 141 - Bass Players
To celebrate the bass players we have interviewed over the years, the podcast team called on NAMM’s Membership Coordinator and bassist Malcom Holman. Join us as we hear from Verdine White, Victor Wooten, Mohini Dey, Stanley Clarke and the legendary Ron Carter.
-
EP. 140 - Looping And Effects
Join the Music History Project podcast team for a special episode discussing guitar effects and looping. Our guest is musician, songwriter, looper and former music retailer David Jenson. We will highlight a few Oral History interviews related to effects including Mike Porter, Del Casher, Thomas...
-
EP - 139 The Otis Redding Foundation
This episode of The Music History Project highlights the important philanthropic work of the Otis Redding Foundation — launched in 2007 by Otis’ wife, Zelma, to honor his memory. Otis’ grandson Justin Andrews, director of special projects and outreach, and his daughter Karla Redding-Andrews, vice...
-
Ep - 138 Yes
Joining the Music History Project podcast team for a special episode dedicated to the band Yes with our guest longtime musician, arranger and our friend Mr. Bill Kilpatrick! Together we will explore the incredible talents of those in the band we have interviewed over the years including Jon...
-
EP - 137 Sylvia Massy
Back by popular demand! While listening to our favorite music, we often overlook the unseen force, creativity and vast knowledge of the recording engineer. We repost this exciting episode of the Music History Project (with a special guest) as we discover the background and techniques of a true...
-
EP - 136 Hip-Hop @ 50 Part 4
The final podcast in our series dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop provides the views of leading DJs and how equipment advanced as well as the growth of the mobile DJ and DJ battling. Check out this episode with DJ Qbert, Dave Lopez, DJ Imperial JayCee (may he rest in peace), DJ Aladdin...
-
EP - 135 Hip-Hop @ 50 Part 3
For this third episode of the hip-hop series, the focus shifts to the West Coast with interview segments from Chris The Glove, DJ Tony G, Chopmaster J and Arabian Prince. Join us and our very special guest musician, curator of culture, and frontman of the Lyrical Groove, Kendrick Dial.
-
EP - 134 Hip-Hop @ 50 Part 2
The second installment of the hip-hop series focuses on several more East Coast DJs from the early days of hip-hop. This program includes segments from our interviews with DJ Jazzy Joyce, Johnny Juice, DJ Cash Money and hip-hop advocate and historian Christie Z. Join us and our very special guest...
-
EP - 133 Hip-Hop @ 50 Part 1
This podcast begins with an introduction to hip-hop by the one and only DJ Grand Master Caz, followed by three interviewees speaking about the founder of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc! These remarks are provided by Caz, Christie Z, and Kool DJ Red Alert. You will also hear from other pioneering DJs from...
-
EP. 132 - AES 75th with Frank Wells
The Audio Engineering Society (AES) was formed in New York in 1948 and is celebrating its 75th anniversary! Join us as we learn about this important organization through the words of Past President Frank Wells. Frank served as a radio and audio technician during his long career and became a Life...
-
EP. 131 - Bob Dylan
To celebrate the artistry of Bob Dylan, the Music History Project team brought our special guest, NAMM’s own Zach (Dylan’s No. 1 fan) Phillips, to the table. Zach provided his views on Dylan as related to interviews in the NAMM Oral History Collection with the likes of Garth Hudson, Robbie...
-
EP. 130 - Solomon Burke
Join us for this special episode of The Music History Project featuring an interview with Solomon Burke who is known as one of the founding fathers of soul music. In addition to hearing first-hand from Solomon listen to NAMM’s music historian Dan Del Fiorentino as he recounts fascinating memories...
-
EP. 129 - Latin Jazz
Join us, Suzanne, Alex and Dan, as we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with a fun discussion about Latin Jazz! This episode will feature two legends of Latin Jazz, bandleader, percussionist and songwriter Tito Puente and percussionist and drummer Walfredo Reyes Sr. Hear firsthand from these...
-
EP. 128 - Boden Sandstrom
In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Music History Project podcast team is thrilled and honored to highlight the career of Boden Sandstrom, a pioneer of the live sound industry. Over her career, she provided sound and gear for countless rallies in Washington DC and was key in the...
-
EP. 127 - Allen Toussaint
In celebration of Black History Month, we are honored to share with you the full NAMM Oral History interview of multitalented songwriter and musician Allen Toussaint. Mr. Toussaint (1938-2015) penned such classic hits as “Southern Nights” and “Lipstick Traces” and spent decades in music studios…
more -
EP. 126 - Sun Records Part 2
Following the first episode of Sun Records sit back and enjoy Sun Records Part 2. This completes our two-part series on Sun Records in recognition of the Music History Project’s fifth anniversary.
-
EP. 125 - Sun Records Part 1
In celebration of the fifth anniversary of our podcast, we are reposting some of the most popular episodes over the next year. Let’s begin with our first two episodes of the Music History Project. Here is Sun Records Part 1.
-
EP. 124 - R&B Pioneers Part 3
Our final installment of this Rhythm and Blues podcast series uses the interviews of two important pioneers, band leader, trumpeter and songwriter (“Blue Monday” etc.) Dave Bartholemew and studio drummer Earl Palmer, who was in the first class of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a...
-
EP. 123 - R&B Pioneers Part 2
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…
more -
EP. 122 - R&B Pioneers Part 1
EP. 122 - R&B Pioneers Part 1 by NAMM Resource Center
-
EP. 121 - Gospel Singers Part 2
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…
more -
EP. 120 - Gospel Singers Part 1
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...
-
EP. 119 - TM Stevens
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.
-
EP. 118 - Sylvia Massy
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!
-
EP. 117 - Songwriters 2
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,...
-
Ep. 116 - Songwriters 1
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…
more -
Ep. 115 - Dr. George Shaw
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.
-
Ep. 114 - Frank Zappa
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.
-
Ep. 113 - Robert Yates
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...
-
Ep. 112 Amro Music
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…
more -
Ep. 111 - V-Discs
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…
more -
Ep. 110 - Larry Ramirez
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...
-
Ep. 109 - Studio Design
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…
more -
Ep. 108 - Earth Wind Fire
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.
-
Ep. 107 - Don Lewis
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...
-
Ep. 106 - Sam Cooke
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...
-
Ep. 105 - Benjamin Scheuer
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…
more -
Ep. 104 - Synth Pioneers
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...
-
Ep. 103 - Evolution of FOH
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...
-
Ep. 102 - Industry Heroes - Pickups
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.
-
Ep. 101 - Innovators of Steel Guitar
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…
more -
Ep. 100 - Mary Jo Papich
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...
About this show
NAMM’s resident Music Historian Dan Del Fiorentino and co-hosts examine the innovative creations, evolution of musical instruments, the changing world of music retail, music industry icons, and other topics covered in NAMM’s Oral History program. The NAMM Oral History program boasts over 4,500 interviews and is continually growing. For more information about NAMM’s Oral History program please visit https://www.namm.org/library.
Hosted by
NAMM Resource Center
Categories