'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic, Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Steve Katz is known as a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears as well as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and author.
Steve shares incredible stories from a career that spans more than six decades, taking listeners inside the birth of folk-rock, the Greenwich Village music scene, the formation of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Woodstock, Monterey Pop and beyond.
Steve recalls his early days studying under folk and blues legends Dave Van Ronk and Reverend Gary Davis, spending time with Mississippi John Hurt, and joining Danny Kalb's influential band The Blues Project.
He describes the excitement of discovering electric music in the mid-1960s and how that experience eventually led him to help create one of the most innovative bands of the era.
The conversation explores the formation of Blood, Sweat & Tears with Al Kooper, the decision to incorporate a horn section, and the band's meteoric rise following the arrival of vocalist David Clayton-Thomas.
Steve discusses the enormous success of hits including "Spinning Wheel," "You've Made Me So Very Happy," and "And When I Die," as well as the Grammy-winning album that made the band international stars.
Listeners will also hear fascinating stories about performing at Monterey Pop Festival, the realities of Woodstock, sharing food backstage with Jimi Hendrix, meeting Otis Redding, and navigating the political pressures that resulted in Blood, Sweat & Tears undertaking a controversial State Department tour of Eastern Europe during the Nixon era.
Steve also opens up about leaving Blood, Sweat & Tears, producing Lou Reed, working with Beatles producer George Martin, his years in the record business, discovering new artists, passing on U2, and why he remains grateful for every twist and turn in his extraordinary career.
The episode also highlights Steve's memoir, Blood, Sweat and My Rock 'n' Roll Years, and his continuing work as a musician and creative artist.
A fascinating listen for music fans of all generations.

Did you know that one singer secretly voiced some of the biggest pop hits of the 1970s — all at the same time?
Most people have no idea who he was.
In this fascinating episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye chats with legendary British session singer Tony Burrows, the man behind an astonishing string of international hits including Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes), My Baby Loves Lovin', Gimme Dat Ding, United We Stand and many more.
Tony reveals the incredible story behind his unique career as one of Britain’s most in-demand studio vocalists during the golden age of pop music.
While audiences believed these were all separate bands, Tony was often the lead voice behind them all — a situation so unusual that at one point he famously appeared multiple times on Top of the Pops performing with different “groups” on the same show.
In this warm and revealing conversation, Tony shares how he deliberately chose life as a studio singer over the pressures of touring and fame, allowing him to become one of the music industry’s best-kept secrets. He explains why he never wanted to tour with Edison Lighthouse, how he negotiated royalties that still pay today, and why he believes TikTok has helped introduce Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) to a whole new generation of listeners.
Tony also opens up about:
Recording the smash hit Gimme Dat Ding in just two takes
Why United We Stand still resonates so strongly today
Touring with The Beatles during the height of Beatlemania
Singing backing vocals for Elton John, Rod Stewart and Cliff Richard
His contribution to Elton’s iconic Tiny Dancer
The bizarre moment the BBC reportedly banned him from appearing on television
The real story behind Edison Lighthouse and the many studio “bands” of the era
Why he became more famous in America than in his native UK
There are wonderful behind-the-scenes stories throughout this interview, including Tony’s memories of working nonstop in London recording studios, travelling anonymously on the Tube while his songs dominated radio stations worldwide, and the surreal experience of hearing modern audiences rediscover his music decades later through social media.
Despite being connected to an extraordinary catalogue of timeless hits, Tony remains remarkably humble and funny throughout the conversation, reflecting on a career that helped shape the sound of classic pop music.
If you love '60s and '70s music, studio session stories, classic pop craftsmanship and discovering the hidden figures behind famous songs, this episode is an absolute treat.
Listen now to hear the remarkable untold story of the voice behind some of the biggest hits of a generation.

Al Jardine is perhaps one of few artists who can say they helped create an entirely new sound that changed popular music forever.
In this warm and revealing conversation, the founding member of The Beach Boys looks back on the extraordinary journey that took a group of California teenagers from local surf culture to global music immortality.
As Al prepares to tour Australia celebrating the 60th anniversary of the landmark album Pet Sounds, he shares deeply personal memories of growing up alongside Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson.
Long before worldwide fame, Al and Brian were football teammates and college friends with a shared love of music, particularly folk, doo-wop and intricate vocal harmonies.
Al reveals that the original musical vision for the band wasn’t surf music at all. But Dennis Wilson’s passion for surfing changed everything.
What followed was one of the most remarkable runs in music history. From “Surfin’ USA” and “California Girls” to “Good Vibrations,” and “Help Me Rhonda,” The Beach Boys became synonymous with youth, freedom and the California dream.
It was Brian Wilson’s musical genius that sat at the centre of it all. According to Al, Brian could hear complete arrangements in his head, using the band members as instruments to bring his musical ideas to life.
The conversation also explores the personal sacrifices and difficult decisions that shaped Al’s life.
Al speaks fondly about songs that remain central to every live show, including “God Only Knows,” “Sloop John B” and “Good Vibrations.” He also shares how his son Matt Jardine now performs alongside him, helping recreate the famously difficult Beach Boys harmonies for modern audiences.
There are emotional moments too, particularly when discussing Brian Wilson’s legacy and passing. Al describes Brian simply as “pure genius,” reflecting on the creative obsession that drove him to constantly compose, arrange and innovate. He credits Brian with pushing the boundaries of pop music while still creating songs filled with emotion and soul.
Despite decades of touring, Al remains energised by performing live. He says younger generations are increasingly discovering The Beach Boys’ music, proving these songs continue to resonate far beyond the era in which they were created.
He also continues writing new material himself, drawing inspiration from his lifelong love of folk music and unfinished songs still waiting to be completed.
This interview is not only a celebration of The Beach Boys’ extraordinary catalogue, but also a tribute to friendship, creativity and the enduring power of timeless music.
More than sixty years after those first harmonies were sung, Al Jardine remains deeply connected to the songs — and the spirit — that helped define generations.
Join Sandy Kaye for a fascinating and deeply personal conversation with Al Jardine — founding member of The Beach Boys and one of the voices behind some of the most beloved songs in music history.
In this episode, Al discusses:
How The Beach Boys originally planned to become a folk music group
Dennis Wilson’s role in introducing surfing culture into the band’s music
The creation of classics
Brian Wilson’s extraordinary musical genius and perfectionism
The emotional legacy of Pet Sounds and Brian Wilson’s later work
Touring Australia with the Pet Sounds Band
New songs and unreleased material Al is still working on today
This episode is packed with warmth, humour, nostalgia and incredible behind-the-scenes stories from one of the architects of the California sound.
This is a warm, funny and emotional interview with one of rock music’s true legends — packed with incredible stories and insights from the soundtrack of our lives.

This week, one of classic rock’s most recognisable voices — singer, guitarist and songwriter Mark Farner, founding member of Grand Funk Railroad.
With more than 30 million records sold worldwide, 16 gold and platinum albums and a string of massive hits including “I’m Your Captain,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “The Loco-Motion” and “We’re An American Band,” Grand Funk Railroad became one of the biggest rock acts of the '70s.
But in this deeply personal conversation, Mark reveals there’s far more to his story than stadiums and success.
Mark opens up about his childhood in Michigan and the devastating loss of his father when he was just nine years old.
He shares how his family’s Sunday gospel gatherings, filled with bluegrass music, harmonies and love, became the foundation for both his spirituality and his future career in music. He also talks about his Cherokee ancestry on his mother’s side and the powerful influence spirituality had within the family from an early age.
You'll hear the extraordinary story of how a young Mark experienced what he describes as a life-changing spiritual moment while watching evangelist Billy Graham on television — a moment that would shape the message and direction of his music for decades to come.
Surprisingly, music wasn’t Mark’s first dream.
He had originally planned on a future in football until injuries forced him off the field. That setback led his mother to rent him a guitar and arrange lessons, unknowingly setting him on the path that would eventually change rock history.
Mark takes us through the early Michigan band scene, including his time with Terry Knight and the Pack alongside future Grand Funk drummer Don Brewer.
He explains how the frustrations of struggling bands, freezing road trips and failed tours eventually led to the formation of Grand Funk Railroad with bassist Mel Schacher.
One of the highlights is Mark’s vivid recollection of the band’s breakthrough appearance at the Atlanta Pop Festival, where three unknown musicians from Flint, Michigan stunned a crowd of 185,000 people and instantly realised their lives had changed forever.
Mark also reflects on the unique musical identity of Grand Funk Railroad, explaining how the band’s roots were grounded more in soulful R&B than traditional blues or heavy metal.
He discusses wanting audiences to dance, feel joy and experience connection through the music.
The conversation dives deeply into the creation of the band’s most iconic songs. Mark reveals the remarkable spiritual experience that inspired “I’m Your Captain,” describing how the song arrived almost fully formed during a semi-conscious moment in the middle of the night after praying for music that could truly reach people’s hearts.
He also shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories about recording “The Loco-Motion,” including how producer Todd Rundgren spontaneously decided the band should record the song after hearing them casually singing it outside the studio.
Throughout the interview, Mark speaks passionately about the emotional connection between musicians, instruments and songwriting. He explains how specific guitars and keyboards inspired entire songs and albums, including E Pluribus Funk and “Mean Mistreater.”
Mark also discusses:
The pressures and excitement of massive success in the '70s
Grand Funk Railroad being labelled “the loudest band in the world”
The unexpected breakup of the band in 1976
His Christian music career
Charity work
Family life, marriage and staying grounded despite fame
Why spreading love and positivity remains his greatest mission
Warm, funny, spiritual and refreshingly honest, Mark Farner proves himself to be far more than simply a rock star.
This is an uplifting conversation about resilience, creativity, faith and the enduring power of music to bring people together.
If you love classic rock history, candid artist interviews and the stories behind timeless songs, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we dive into the colourful, high-energy world of Domingo Samudio, better known as Sam the Sham, the unforgettable frontman of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs.
With his trademark turban, cape, and mischievous grin, Sam didn’t just perform music—he created a spectacle that helped define the fun, rebellious spirit of 1960s rock and roll.
We explore Sam’s early life in Texas, where his rich cultural influences helped shape a sound that fused rhythm and blues, garage rock, and Tex-Mex flair.
From humble beginnings playing small clubs to forming the Pharaohs, Sam’s journey is one of persistence, personality, and pure musical instinct.
Of course, no conversation about Sam the Sham is complete without his global smash hit Wooly Bully—a track that became one of the biggest-selling singles of 1965.
With its infectious groove and playful lyrics, the song captured the carefree spirit of a generation and remains a party favourite to this day. We take a closer look at how that iconic track came together and why it still resonates decades later.
We also revisit the success of Little Red Riding Hood, another standout hit that proved Sam was far more than a one-hit wonder. With its cheeky storytelling and catchy hook, it cemented his place in pop culture history and showcased his ability to blend novelty with genuine musical craftsmanship.
As musical tastes shifted in the late 1960s, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs faced the same challenges as many artists of the era. We explore the changing landscape of rock music, the impact of lineup changes, and how Sam navigated a rapidly evolving industry.
You’ll also hear about Sam’s decision to step away from the spotlight in the 1970s, choosing a quieter, more spiritual path rather than chasing ongoing fame. It’s a fascinating turn that adds depth to the story of a man who once lit up stages around the world.
This episode celebrates the legacy of a true original—an artist who brought humour, theatre, and unforgettable music to millions. Whether you remember dancing to Wooly Bully or are discovering Sam the Sham for the first time, this is a story that captures the magic of a golden era in music.
Tune in and rediscover the sound, the style, and the spirit of one of the most unique voices of the '60s.