Onstage and Backstage Podcast

Bob Carlin, the authors of Banjo: An Illustrated History spoke with Jason Verlinde of The Fretboard Journal Podcast. He spoke about his expansive coffee table book, the process of writing it and how it all came together. Listen to the interview below!   About the BookThis book offers the first comprehensive, illustrated history of the banjo in its many forms. It traces the story of the instrument from its roots in West Africa to its birth in the Americas, through its coming of age in the Industrial Revolution and beyond. The book profiles the most important players and spotlights key luthiers and manufacturers. It features 100 "milestone instruments" with in-depth coverage, including model details and beautiful photos.               Bob Carlin is an author, researcher, radio and record producer, and one of the best-known clawhammer style banjoists performing today. With over 100 articles for music magazines such as The Fretboard Journal and Bluegr

John Breglio, author of I Wanna Be a Producer: How to Make a Killing on Broadway...or Get Killed, was interviewed on Talk Radio Europe. He spoke about his background as an entertainment lawyer, and the do's and don'ts of producing a Broadway play. Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!     About the BookPart memoir, part handbook, I Wanna Be a Producer is a road map to the hows and wherefores, the dos and don'ts of producing a Broadway play, written by a Broadway veteran with more than 40 years of experience. This comprehensive and highly informative book features practical analysis and concepts for the producer – and is filled with entertaining anecdotes from Breglio's illustrious career as a leading theatrical lawyer and producer. Breglio recounts not only his first-hand knowledge of the crucial legal and business issues faced by a producer, but also his experiences behind the scenes with literally hundreds of producers, playwrights, composers, and directors, including su

Tom Harkins, one of the authors of Pearl Jam FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Seattle's Most Enduring Band spoke with Talk Radio Europe. He spoke about Pearl Jam's success, why he and Bernard Corbett decided to write this book, and lots more! Listen to the interview below!   About the BookPearl Jam FAQ is what the British refer to as a "spanner," covering the entire arc of the band's career, from their pre-Pearl Jam days to the present. Each chapter explores a different aspect of Pearl Jam's fascinating history. You will read about the members' successes, failures, and tragedies in earlier bands. You will learn the band's origin story and the unusual manner in which they came up with a name. We will go inside the studio and analyze each of their albums in turn. We will hit the road with the band as Pearl Jam sets out to conquer Seattle, the West Coast of the United States, and then the entire world.               Thomas Edward Harkins is a m

John Breglio, author of I Wanna Be a Producer: How to Make a Killing on Broadway...or Get Killed, was interviewed on the Knowledge@Wharton Podcast. They spoke about John's life as a lawyer and his transition to producing Broadway shows, and lots more! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookPart memoir, part handbook, I Wanna Be a Producer is a road map to the hows and wherefores, the dos and don'ts of producing a Broadway play, written by a Broadway veteran with more than 40 years of experience. This comprehensive and highly informative book features practical analysis and concepts for the producer – and is filled with entertaining anecdotes from Breglio's illustrious career as a leading theatrical lawyer and producer. Breglio recounts not only his first-hand knowledge of the crucial legal and business issues faced by a producer, but also his experiences behind the scenes with literally hundreds of producers, playwrights, composers, and directors, including such

David Bushman and Arthur Smith, authors of Twin Peaks FAQ: All That's Left to Know About a Place Both Wonderful and Strange spoke with Mr. Media, a podcast hosted by Bob Andelman. They spoke about why they wrote this book and the appeal that Twin Peaks still has to this day.   About the BookTwin Peaks FAQ will guide longtime fans and the newly initiated through the origins of the series, take them behind the scenes during its production, and transport readers deep into the rich mythology that made Twin Peaks a cultural phenomenon. The book features detailed episode guides, character breakdowns, and explorations of the show's distinctive music, fashion, and locations. With a sometimes snarky, always thoughtful (but never dry or academic) analysis of Twin Peaks' myriad oddities, mysteries, references, and delicious insanity, Twin Peaks FAQ is a comprehensive, immersive, and irresistible reference for experts and newbies alike.               David Bus

Norman Harris, author of Confession of a Vintage Guitar Dealer, spoke with Carol Massar and Cory Johnson hosts of Bloomberg Advantage on Bloomberg Radio. They spoke about why he wrote the book, the multiple guitars he's come across, and more! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookIn Confessions of a Vintage Guitar Dealer, Norman Harris tells how he became the world's leading seller of vintage guitars. As founder and owner of the legendary store Norman's Rare Guitars, he has sold some of the finest fretted string instruments to the biggest stars in the world, including George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and many others.               Norman Harris owner of the renowned Norman's Rare Guitars, has for 50 years bought and sold treasured guitars in deals with the world's top stars and supplied instruments for more than 100 TV shows, music videos, and films, including Back to the Future, The Last Waltz, and This

Elliott Landy,  author of The Band Photographs 1968-1969 spoke with Ralph McLean from the BBC Radio. They spoke about The Band's music, how Elliott captured the images in the book, and lots more! Listen to the interview below!     About the BookOnce in a while a photographer gains the trust of an artist or a band, and his work fuses with that of the artist in such a way that the two become married in the public consciousness. One can think of David Duncan's pictures of Picasso at work or Alfred Wertheimer's pictures of Elvis backstage in 1956. Elliott Landy's chronicle of The Band from 1968-1969 is of similar importance. He was trusted so deeply that this group of photographs is as intimate a portrait of a group of musicians inventing a new music as you are ever likely to come across.               Elliott Landy is one of the first music photographers to be recognized as an "artist." His images of Bob Dylan and the Band, Janis Joplin

Dave Thompson, author of The Rocky Horror Picture Show FAQ Everything Left to Know About the Campy Cult Classic, spoke with Mr. Media, a podcast hosted by Bob Andelman. They spoke about what motivated him to write this book and its impact on pop culture. The podcast is available below, click play to hear more.   About the BookThe Rocky Horror Picture Show FAQ is the in-depth story of not only the legendary stage show and movie but of a unique period in theatrical history – in the movie's UK homeland as well as overseas. Rocky Horror has been performed worldwide for more than 40 years in over 30 countries and has been translated into more than 20 languages.               Dave Thompson is the author of more that 100 books on television, music, and pop culture, with previous titles in the Backbeat Books and Applause Books FAQ Series on Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Who, South Park, The Twilight Zone and soccer. His writing has appeared in Rolling Stone, Sp

Michael Seth Starr, author of Ringo: With a Little Help, spoke with Ghosty of The Vintage Rock & Pop Shop. They spoke about the book and why he chose to write about Ringo Starr. Listen to what else they had to say in the podcast below!   About the BookRingo: With a Little Help is the first in-depth biography of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who kept the beat for an entire generation and who remains a rock icon over fifty years since the Beatles took the world by storm. With a Little Help traces the entire arc of Ringo's remarkable life and career, from his sickly childhood to his life as The World's Most Famous drummer to his triumphs, addictions, and emotional battles following the breakup of the Beatles as he comes to terms with his legacy.                 Michael Seth Starr is the TV editor for the New York Post, where he has written about television for the past 20 years.  He is a native of northern New Jersey, and has authored biog

Don Randi, author of You've Heard These Hands: From the Wall of Sound to the Wrecking Crew and Other Incredible Stories spoke with Spencer Leigh host of On the Beat. They spoke about Don Randi's musical background, people he's worked with, and lots more! Listen to the interview below!     About the BookAs a keyboard musician, composer, arranger, music director, and record producer, Don Randi has thrilled music lovers for years, even if they weren't aware of it... until now. He played keyboards on over a thousand popular recordings and was a member of the remarkable "Wrecking Crew" of studio musicians during the explosive pop music era of the 1960s and early 1970s. Nancy Sinatra, the Beach Boys, the Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, Sammy Davis Jr., Neil Diamond, and Linda Ronstadt are among the many music greats Randi has worked with and writes about in You've Heard These Hands.               Don Randi is a composer, arranger, music director, and key

John Breglio, author of I Wanna Be a Producer: How to Make a Killing on Broadway...or Get Killed, spoke with Kathleen Hays and Pimm Fox hosts of Taking Stock on Bloomberg Radio. They spoke about certain chapters in John's book, his life before becoming an author, and more! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookPart memoir, part handbook, I Wanna Be a Producer is a road map to the hows and wherefores, the dos and don'ts of producing a Broadway play, written by a Broadway veteran with more than 40 years of experience. This comprehensive and highly informative book features practical analysis and concepts for the producer – and is filled with entertaining anecdotes from Breglio's illustrious career as a leading theatrical lawyer and producer. Breglio recounts not only his first-hand knowledge of the crucial legal and business issues faced by a producer, but also his experiences behind the scenes with literally hundreds of producers, playwrights, composers, and dire

Shelly Peiken, author of Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, was on the Standing "O" Project! She spoke with Viv Nesbitt about the unsung heroes,songwriters, and what inspired her to start songwriting! The podcast is available below, click play to hear what they had to say!   About the BookConfessions of a Serial Songwriter is an amusing and poignant memoir about songwriter Shelly Peiken's journey from young girl falling under the spell of magical songs to working professional songwriter writing hits of her own. It's about growing up, the creative process – the highs and the lows, the conflicts that arise between motherhood and career success, the divas and schemers, but also the talented and remarkable people she's found along the way. It's filled with stories and step-by-step advice about the songwriting process, especially collaboration. And it's about the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing and youth-driven world.              

Stephen Tropiano, author of The Prime Time Closet: A History of Gays and Lesbians on TV, spoke with Patrick Phillips host of Pop Culture Tonight. They talked about the book and the impact that shows like Will & Grace had on today's culture. Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookTelevision history was made on April 30, 1997, when comedian Ellen DeGeneres and her sitcom alter-ego Ellen Morgan, “came out” to her close friends and 36 million viewers. This groundbreaking episode represented a significant milestone in American television. For the first time, a TV series centered around a lesbian character who was portrayed by an openly gay actor. The millions of viewers who tuned in that historic night were witnesses to a new era in television. THE PRIME TIME CLOSET offers an entertaining and in-depth glimpse into homosexuality on television from the 1950s through today. Divided into four sections, each devoted to a major television genre, this unique book

Shelly Peiken, author of Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, was on the SongCraft Show! She spoke with Scott Bomar and Paul Duncan about what inspired her to write songs and how the book came to be! The podcast is available below, click play to hear what they had to say!   About the BookConfessions of a Serial Songwriter is an amusing and poignant memoir about songwriter Shelly Peiken's journey from young girl falling under the spell of magical songs to working professional songwriter writing hits of her own. It's about growing up, the creative process – the highs and the lows, the conflicts that arise between motherhood and career success, the divas and schemers, but also the talented and remarkable people she's found along the way. It's filled with stories and step-by-step advice about the songwriting process, especially collaboration. And it's about the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing and youth-driven world.               She

Shelly Peiken, author of Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, was on The Pauly Cast! She spoke with Paul Samuel Dolman about her book, her experience as a songwriter, and much more! The podcast is available below, click play to hear what they had to say!   About the BookConfessions of a Serial Songwriter is an amusing and poignant memoir about songwriter Shelly Peiken's journey from young girl falling under the spell of magical songs to working professional songwriter writing hits of her own. It's about growing up, the creative process – the highs and the lows, the conflicts that arise between motherhood and career success, the divas and schemers, but also the talented and remarkable people she's found along the way. It's filled with stories and step-by-step advice about the songwriting process, especially collaboration. And it's about the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing and youth-driven world.               Shelly Peiken is a Gr

John Kruth, author of This Bird Has Flown, was on WFDU Radio! He spoke with Ghosty host of The Vintage Rock & Pop Shop. They spoke about the book, what influenced the Beatles, and more! The podcast is available below, click play to hear what they had to say!   About the BookThe Beatles' sixth studio album, Rubber Soul, was a game changer. By December 1965, when the album was released, the Beatles had played the first arena rock show at Shea Stadium for 55,000 delirious fans, been awarded MBE (Member of British Empire) medals, and were indisputably the greatest musical phenomenon since Elvis Presley. With their first film, A Hard Day's Night, John, Paul, George, and Ringo laid down the blueprint for everyone who ever wanted to form a group. The movie, entertaining as it was, became an instruction manual for aspiring pop stars of the day on how to play, dress, and act. Richard Lester's 1964 comedy turned out to be the touchstone for every music video that followed.         &nb

Dave Thompson, author of The Rocky Horror Picture Show FAQ spoke with Dale Johnson of Lincoln Live. They spoke about the writer of the play Richard O'Brien, what drew Dave Thompson to writing the book, and more! Listen to what they had to say in the podcast below!   About the BookPacked with anecdotes, The Rocky Horror Picture Show FAQ is the story of dozens of worldwide performances and the myriad stars who have been featured in them. From Tim Curry to Anthony Head, from Reg Livermore to Gary Glitter, from Daniel Abineri to Tom Hewitt, the lives and careers of the greatest ever Frank N. Furters stalk the pages, joined by the Riff-Raffs, Magentas, Columbias, and all.               Dave Thompson is the author of more than 100 books on television, music, and pop culture, with previous titles in the Backbeat Books and Applause Books FAQ Series on Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Who, South Park, and soccer. His writing has appeared in Rolling Stone, Spin, Goldm

Tom DeMichael, author of Baseball FAQ All That's Left to Know About America's Favorite Pastime, spoke with Ed Randall of WFAN Radio. They spoke about his book, baseball fantasy camps, and more! Listen to what they had to say in the podcast below!   About the BookPart history book, part instructional guide, and part reference manual, Baseball FAQ covers all the bases – from the rules of the game to the ballparks of yesterday and today, from the minors to the major league, from the stats to the food. This engaging, compulsively readable tome offers baseball fans of all ages a wealth of fun facts and anecdotes on America's favorite pastime, including sections on the All-American Girls Professional Ball League, the Negro Leagues, the basic skills of baseball, baseball in the movies, the scandals, and the Hall of Famers.               Tom DeMichael holds a degree in U.S. History and has published numerous books and magazine articles on subjects as diver

Elliott Landy, author of The Band Photographs 1968-1969, was on the Wall of Power Radio Hour. He spoke with Paul Metsa about how he got into the rock and roll business, his meeting with legendary Dylan manager Albert Grossman, and more! The podcast is available below, click play to hear what they had to say!   About the BookOnce in a while a photographer gains the trust of an artist or a band, and his work fuses with that of the artist in such a way that the two become married in the public consciousness. One can think of David Duncan's pictures of Picasso at work or Alfred Wertheimer's pictures of Elvis backstage in 1956. Elliott Landy's chronicle of The Band from 1968-1969 is of similar importance. He was trusted so deeply that this group of photographs is as intimate a portrait of a group of musicians inventing a new music as you are ever likely to come across.               Elliott Landy is one of the first music photographers to be recognized as an

Trevor Tolliver, author of You Don't Own Me: The Life and Times of Lesley Gore, spoke with Ghosty of The Vintage Rock & Pop Shop. They spoke about the book and Lesley Gore's influence that she had. Listen to what they had to say in the podcast below!   About the Book1963 – tail fins were in, sock hops were hot, and a fairytale white knight was president. That summer, sixteen year-old singer Lesley Gore released her debut single, “It's My Party,” propelling her to Number One on the charts. For the next several years, the crowned Princess of Pop dominated the radio with a string of hits including “Judy's Turn to Cry,” “She's A Fool,” “Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows,” and the rousing anthem for independence, “You Don't Own Me,” making her the most successful and influential solo female artist of the 60s. But beneath the bubblegum façade was a girl squirming against social and professional pressures to simply be herself and to