The Music History Project

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 helped define early rhythm and blues and rock. Rooted in the gospel traditions of North Carolina, Mr. McPhatter brought a powerful emotional intensity to popular music. As a member of Billy Ward and the Dominoes, his voice helped propel doo-wop into the mainstream, and as the founder of The Drifters, he shaped a sound that would influence generations. In addition to this conversation, this episode also features Steve’s full NAMM Oral History interview, offering listeners a deeper look into his research process and his passion for preserving the stories of artists whose contributions might otherwise be overlooked.

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 commitment to mentorship. She guides us through powerful interview segments with pioneering engineers including Lenise Bent, Fela Davis, Sylvia Massy, Leslie Ann Jones, and Apogee President Betty Bennett—each sharing their personal stories and contributions to the craft, culture, and future of sound.

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 remarkable career writing music with his brother Robert for classics like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book, including their iconic song, “It’s a Small World (After All).” Heard by millions each year, his music continues to bring joy around the world.

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 contributor—who brings personal insight and passion to the conversation. The episode features interviews with Ventures members Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards, and John Durrill, along with Mosrite Guitar co-founder Andy Moseley. We’re also thrilled to include Jeff’s recent interview with Fiona Taylor, wife of drummer Mel Taylor, now part of the NAMM Oral History collection.

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, shaping film, television, and music along the way. Join Dan, Mike, and Ashley as they dive into the remarkable career of one of America’s trailblazing female synth icons.

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 called Evening Song. Together, we’ll explore powerful interview moments from some of jazz’s most iconic voices, including Miles Davis’ bassist Ron Carter, Louis Armstrong’s trombonist Trummy Young, Clora Bryant of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, New Orleans trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, and legendary Blue Note recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder.

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 June 2017. We remain grateful for the time he shared with us and for his friendship. He is deeply missed.

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.

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 Blug and enjoy David presenting a looping demo!

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 president and executive director, describe the foundation’s music and arts education programs, which are designed to empower, enrich and motivate young people through music, writing and instrumentation. As a special treat for all Otis Redding fans, Justin and Karla gracefully share their insights about Otis Redding as a father, his music and his support for education.

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 Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Trevor Rabin!

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 pioneer, Sylvia Massy!

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 and DJ Sir Jinx. Join us and our very special guest musician, curator of culture, and frontman of the Lyrical Groove, Kendrick Dial.

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.

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 musician, curator of culture, and frontman of the Lyrical Groove, Kendrick Dial.

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 New York including GrandMaster Flash and Grand Wizzard Theodore. Join us and our very special guest musician, curator of culture, and frontman of The Lyrical Groove, Kendrick Dial.

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 Fellow of the society, an honor given for his decades of service to the audio community.

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 Robertson, Pete Seeger, Emmylou Harris, and the “father of festival sound” Bill Hanley and brother/partner Terry.

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 of his visit in 2006 with the King of Rock and Soul.

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 innovative musicians and help us spread Jazz appreciation!

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 development of the Women’s Music Movement, thanks in large part to the company she formed, Women Sound. Join us as we showcase the career of this gifted and gracious innovator.

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 as a musician, arranger, musical director, and producer for some of the greatest songs of his era. Please join us as we uncover some rare facts and personal insights into a true musical legend.

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.

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.

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 sideman. Join us and our special guest, Jonah Del Fiorentino!

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 recordings and how they influenced a generation of music makers. Join us and our special guest Jonah Del Fiorentino!

EP. 122 - R&B Pioneers Part 1 by NAMM Resource Center

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 been a life long pianist and piano teacher.

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 Lafferty (“Seek Ye First”), and Robert Watters (“The Shepard’s Song”). Our special guest will be Jonah Del Fiorentino!

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.

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!

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, Jerry Fuller, Mark Stein, Peter Yarrow, Gail Davies, and Trevor Rabin. Join us for this fun-filled episode!

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 TV theme to Laverne & Shirley as well as several other classic hits. This episode is guaranteed to make you smile!

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.

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.

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 look at the uke’s background and he even plays for us!

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 interviews to showcase how Amro Music has supported music makers over the last 100 years! Established in 1921 by Mils Averwater, the store has come to symbolize the power of customer service by providing innovative products and instruments as well as lessons and repairs. Join us as we celebrate an American institution in Memphis, Amro Music!

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 program including one who remembers hearing the music being played over the PA system of his ship. We will also hear from a musician who was played on several of these records and a retailer in Europe who remembers selling them after the war ended.

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 artists he has worked with over the years including Miles Davis, Maynard Ferguson and Dizzy Gillespie - many of whom have become close friends!

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 a studio can truly be anywhere you need it to be including in an old bank, post office, barn or even on wheels. We also learned first-hand how attention to detail during the process results in a safe and comfortable space for the performer to make the most of their recording.

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.

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 Mr. Kakehashi to the creation of LEO (Live Electronic Orchestra).

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 Montez who toured with him and Ellis Hall and Deacon John Moore who were inspired by him.

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 Tin Banjo”, “I Am Samantha” and “Weather the Storm” and shares the stories behind them.

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 sounds in recent popular music including Don Buchla, John Chowning, Suzanne Ciani, Bob Moog and Malcolm Cecil.

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 features highlights from the careers of audio engineers Scott Rodgers, Karrie Keyes, Buford Jones, Baja Fletcher, as well as the founders of Roadies of Color United, Bill Reeves and Lance Jackson.

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.

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 Lowell Kiesel, Jody Carver and Kay Koster as well as iconic musicians Junior Brown, Paul Franklin and Chuck Campbell.

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 music advocate.

The Music History Project will be highlighting the steel guitar in our next two episodes. In this episode Dan, Mike and Ashley will be discussing the pioneers of this versatile instrument and going through its fascinating history. Enjoy interviews from iconic musicians Speedy West, Bud Issacs, Buddy Merrill, Gary Morse, Alvino Rey and Buddy Emmons, as well as industry legends Herb Remington and DeWitt “Scotty” Scott.