Magic Radio Box

How she sold 40 million albums, created Lilith Fair & opened a door for Taylor Swift. Featuring Sarah singing live in Robert's living room. Former KPRi Program Director Haley Jones brings the data. And our first interview with Sarah conducted by morning show host Mike Dale.

His music strikes a mellow chord. Four # 1 selling albums, sold-out tours, and even a performance for the Dalai Lama. He’s an award-winning film maker who told me how his cinema experience helped him write lyrics for one of his most loved songs. @jackjohnson

Comedian Steve Martin and singer-songwriter Edie Brickell join Robert to discuss Bright Star, the musical they co-wrote. Then we hear Edie with guitar maestro Charlie Sexton in a three-song live set and interview from the studios of San Diego’s 102.1 KPRi.  (ROBERT: "...a musical jewel!") @stevemartinreally, @ebnewbohemians

Robert John Hughes revisits his radio documentary on the massive Vietnam War protests in DC in May 1971. How those much larger events compare to the January 6th Capitol riot 50 years later.

How John Hiatt wrote a song about Elvis ("The King") that became the title track of an Eric Clapton album featuring "the King of the Blues" BB King. It only took 17 years. Episode features interview and live performance by Hiatt and slide guitar whiz Sonny Landreth, as well as a Robert's backstage visit with BB King.

You may not know his name, but chances are good he took the cover photo of more than one of your favorite rock albums.

We preview the first episode in our brand new Season 2. Plus, audience insights and highlights from the most loved episodes in Season 1.

This is is one of my favorite interviews of all time and it's because of the easy going humanity of my special guest - the founder and lead singer of the Police. We met October 24, 1999 in San Diego. And he taught me a lesson in leadership.

When you break out an acoustic guitar and put it in the hands of a master, something magical happens. And so it was in August of 1999 when Bruce Cockburn visited KXST for a live interview and performance on our morning show.

Hear what happens when an original Eagle and a founder of the Byrds visit Robert's studio for a live performance and interview. They talk about squirrels, nuts, and Gram Parsons.

2023 saw the re-release of "Stop Making Sense," the classic Talking Heads concert movie by Jonathan Demme. Travel back with me with me to a time when David and I met on a street corner in downtown San Diego.

How a tiny, locally-owned, independent San Diego radio station entered the record business with the help of some major musical artists. KPRi Early Morning Show host Madison joins Robert John Hughes for a behind the scenes listen to Part Two of the radio special The Making of KPRi Live Tracks - Vol. 1. PROGRAM NOTE: Tidy mind? Like things in order? Listen to part 1 (Episode 5) first. You know who you are!

How a start-up independent rock radio station entered the business of recorded music with some of the biggest adult rock artists of that time.

On Monday October 14, 2002, Jason Mraz made his way to KPRi Studio i (my garage). He was 25. The next day, Elektra released his first major label album, and his career was launched. In this episode, you'll hear Jason deliver live performances of three songs and learn about the influences that shaped him as a singer-songwriter, performer, philanthropist, and cool human.

The story behind the Federal Communications Commission's 1971 attempt to ban the airplay of songs with drug lyrics. You know: songs like "Puff The Magic Dragon," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," and "I Get By with a Little Help from My Friends."

June 25, 2003, Jesse Colin Young visits KPRi, San Diego, bringing a song that continues to resonates throughout the ages.

Welcome to Magic RadioBox - Radio memories from the personal collection of Robert John Hughes. In this premiere episode, we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the renowned San Diego singer-songwriter team Berkley Hart by recalling their May 10, 2001 appearance on "Sets Without a Net" on San Diego radio station "SETS 102" - 102.1 KXST.