Music In My Shoes

Music shapes our memories and creates connections across generations, from legendary drummers who defined rock to the venues that launched careers and the songs that withstand time.

• John Bonham of Led Zeppelin died September 25, 1980, at age 32
• Exploration of the greatest drummers of all time across various lists
• Hal Blaine, session drummer extraordinaire, played on over 35,000 songs including hits by The Bea...

We remember Jimi Hendrix's final performances and lasting legacy as arguably the greatest guitarist of all time. From his final show in Germany where fans booed him for weather delays to his breakthrough at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, we trace the trajectory of this revolutionary musician.

• Examining Hendrix's final days, including his last performance at the Love and Peace Festival in Germany on September 6...

We dive into a musical time capsule exploring the Billboard Modern Rock tracks from September 16th, 1995, highlighting the songs that defined a generation and soundtracked a wedding day.

• Matthew Sweet's "Sick of Myself" featuring Television's Richard Lloyd on lead guitar
• Hole's "Softer, Softest" with Kurt Cobain on backing vocals, recorded in Marietta, Georgia
• Toadies' ...

The Rolling Stones' "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" changed rock history as the ultimate live album experience, capturing the raw energy of their November 1969 performances with new guitarist Mick Taylor delivering an unforgettable sound.

• Released September 4, 1970, it features definitive versions of classics like "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Midnight Rambler," and "Sympathy for the Devi...

Journey back to the summer of 1970 as we explore the legendary Isle of Wight Festival, where music lovers converged on a small island off England's southern coast for five days of extraordinary performances. What makes this festival particularly special is how well it was documented – allowing us to experience these historic performances through recordings and film footage decades later.

From Chicago's early hits...

There's something magical about a determined paperboy chasing John Cusack down, saying "I want my two dollars!" That's the power of an unforgettable movie moment - it sticks with you for decades. In this episode, I dive into why Johnny the Paperboy from 1985's "Better Off Dead" created one of cinema's most quotable running gags despite being just a minor character in the film.

But th...

We welcome special guest Lucy, who attended The Beatles' historic concert at Atlanta Stadium on August 18, 1965, sharing her firsthand experience of Beatlemania and still treasuring her original ticket stub nearly 60 years later.

• Discussion of the Beatles' film "Help!" including its madcap adventure plot and innovative music videos
• Deep dive into the Atlanta Stadium concert, the only Beatles sho...

We take a nostalgic journey through the MTV top videos of 1990, revealing fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and cultural impacts of songs that defined a generation.

• Iggy Pop's "Candy" featuring Kate Pearson after Chrissy Hynde was ghosted 
• Midnight Oil's "Blue Sky Mine" highlighting the deadly impact of asbestos mining in Australia
• Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner&q...

Ozzy Osbourne's triumphant final performance and sudden passing just 17 days later highlights his remarkable journey from heavy metal pioneer to beloved cultural icon. We explore his legacy while reminiscing about forgotten musical gems that transport us back to specific moments in time.

• Ozzy's final concert "Back to the Beginning" in Birmingham featured major bands like Metallica and Guns N' Ros...

Journey back to the summer of 1980 through a recently listened to hour of WPLJ radio from July 18, highlighting the soundtrack of that era and the memories it evokes.

• Exploration of a genuine hour of WPLJ radio from July 18, 1980
• Discussion of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" from the movie Honeysuckle Rose
• Reminiscing about my Top 5 Favorite All-Time Live Album, The Kinks "One for the ...

The day the world stopped to listen. July 13, 1985 stands as a pivotal moment when music transcended entertainment to become a global force for humanitarian change. Live Aid connected London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's JFK Stadium through groundbreaking satellite technology, reaching nearly 2 billion viewers.

What made Live Aid revolutionary wasn't just its scale but its immediacy. Unlike Woodstock ...

Rock music's evolution unfolds through fascinating personal stories and historic milestones in this nostalgic journey across seven decades of American music. From Bill Haley's groundbreaking "Rock Around the Clock" hitting #1 in 1955, we travel through time exploring the authentic connections between fans and artists before security barriers existed.

The conversation weaves through the 40th anniversary ...

What happens when lifelong fandom meets musical opportunity? Matt Hughes knows firsthand. Having grown up purchasing Black Sabbath albums, Matt eventually found himself trading guitar solos with Tony Iommi and jamming alongside Bill Ward through Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp experiences that transformed his relationship with music.

The most remarkable chapters of Matt's story revolve around Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, wh...

Jim and Jimmy reflect on some of the iconic music from the summer of 1980, exploring how these cultural touchstones shaped friendships and created lasting memories during a transformative time.

• The summer of 1980 wasn't just hot—it was transformative. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Blues Brothers film, we dive deep into why this musical comedy masterpiece continues to captivate audiences decades later. ...

We pay tribute to two musical legends who recently left us - Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Sly and the Family Stone's Sly Stone - while celebrating their revolutionary contributions to music history.

• Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind the Beach Boys, died at age 82 on June 11, 2025
• Wilson's incredible harmonies and arrangements made songs like "In My Room" and "Don't Worry Ba...

Mom's radio was always on—at dinner, while cleaning, everywhere—sparking a lifelong love for music that shaped this podcast and our musical journeys. Music becomes a bridge between generations, creating shared experiences that last a lifetime.

• Exploring Music Midtown 2005—a three-day festival featuring six stages
• Lou Reed's performance with amp troubles and orchestral direction of his band
• The White...

Travel back to June 1965 when John Lennon first received his black Rolls-Royce Phantom V limousine – a vehicle destined to become an icon of rock history. We trace the fascinating journey from luxury transport to psychedelic art piece with its famous yellow paint job and swirling patterns.

We celebrate the 40th anniversary of "The Goonies," exploring this beloved adventure film, unpacking memories of its cast inc...

We take a nostalgic journey through the Billboard Hot 100 chart from June 7, 1980, and explore musical milestones of that year including Frank Sinatra's comeback and Peter Gabriel's innovative album "Melt."

• Examination of Billboard Hot 100 hits from June 7, 1980
• Discussion of Frank Sinatra's "Theme from New York, New York" which became his signature song despite being recorded in ...

Jim and Jimmy explore iconic cultural moments from the 70s through 90s, connecting the dots between classic films, personal memories, and music history touchpoints.

• Smokey and the Bandit and its filming locations throughout Georgia
• Memorial Day memories spanning from 1977 to 1990
• Joy Division's tragic story and how Ian Curtis's suicide led to New Order's formation
• The existence of "C...