Carl Wiser - Access Interviews

Greg Lake

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

"We tried to make sure that every line we wrote contained some element of universal truth." - Greg Lake of King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer reflects on writing "Lucky Man" when he was just 12-years-old, tells us what the "9" in "Karn Evil 9" does (or does not!) mean, explains why he filmed the video for "I Believe In Father Christmas" in the desert, and describes one of his most explosive on stage moments in Bologna: http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/greg_lake_of_emerson_lake_palmer/

Ian Anderson

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

"The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula." - Ian Anderson of the legendary Jethro Tull talks Thick as Brick, Frank Zappa and tackling "the unstoppable population expansion of planet Earth" on "Locomotive Breath": http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/ian_anderson_the_delight_in_making_music_is_that_you_don_t_have_a_formula_/

Jayme Dee

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Jayme Dee's eclectic acoustic covers consistently score six figure view counts on YouTube - numbers which recently earned her a deal with Universal Republic and a place on the Hunger Games soundtrack. We speak with Dee to find out what it is like being one of YouTube's biggest and brightest stars. - http://www.songfacts.com/blog/writing/jayme_dee_and_the_youtube_effect/

Colbie Caillat

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

We talk Christmas songs, falling in love and working with Dad, Ken Caillat (who produced Fleetwood Mac's Rumours) with Taylor Swift's good friend, songwriter Colbie Caillat - http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/colbie_caillat/

Vonda Shepard

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Songfacts speak with Vonda Shepard - the resident performer on Ally McBeal - about her childhood, love and, of course, how it felt playing herself on one of the most beloved TV shows of all time. This has to be one of our most honest and heartfelt interviews, ever. Please do enjoy! - http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/vonda_shepard/

Dean Pitchford

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Oscar-winning songwriter, Dean Pitchford, talks writing Footloose and "Fame," working with Luther Vandross, Barbra Streisand, Eric Carmen and mor2e!

Richard Marx

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Richard Marx was one of the biggest stars of the late '80s and early '90s. These days, he's a hit songwriter for Keith Urban, Josh Groban and Hugh Jackman.

Tony Hiller

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Tony Hiller scored with two completely different versions of The Brotherhood of Man, which he produced and managed. He tells the stories behind their hit songs "United We Stand," "Angelo" and the Eurovision hit "Save Your Kisses for Me."

Henry McCullough

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

The only Irishman to play at Woodstock, Henry McCullough has played on albums for Donovan, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane, Eric Burdon. His most famous work might be the guitar solo on "My Love" when he was with Wings - a solo he came up with over Paul McCartney's objections.

Glen Burtnik

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

A New Jersey rocker who shared the club stage with Bruce Springsteen, Glen joined Styx and found his true calling: songwriting.

Don Brewer

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

The Grand Funk drummer talks about their hit songs, including "We're An American Band" and "The Loco-Motion."

Pegi Young

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Pegi Young has been married to Neil Young since 1978. Their son Ben has cerebral palsy, and Pegi spent many years helping to establish the Bridge School, which is devoted to teaching kids like Ben with severe problems communicating and other special needs. In 2007, with Ben and their daughter Amber grown (Ben became a successful organic egg farmer), Pegi stepped into the spotlight and released her first solo album after many years singing backup for Neil. Her second album Foul Deeds was released in 2010, with 6 of the 10 tracks written by Pegi.

Jaret Reddick

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Jaret Reddick is the band's lead singer and primary songwriter, and he wants to make you happy. And if that means trying to bring the word "gay" back into the lexicon the way Mary Poppins used it, then he's going to do it. Quirky and fun can still be meaningful.

Dan Reed

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

With the Top-40 hit "Ritual" and tours with The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, Dan Reed was living the Rock and Roll good life. But then he did something truly extraordinary: he went to India and spent 2 hours interviewing the Dalai Lama.

Jim McCarty

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

As drummer for The Yardbirds, Jim McCarty co-wrote many of their classic songs and helped create an innovative new sound that shaped the history of rock. It was a tumultuous five years where Jim played with Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. He went on to form the progressive rock band Renaissance with Yardbirds vocalist Keith Relf, and released solo albums in 1994 (Out of the Dark) and 2009 (Sitting on the Top of Time). The Yardbirds were a no-brainer for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, going in with Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash in 1992.

Al Kooper

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Many of the greatest moments in Rock were made possible by Al Kooper. He founded Blood, Sweat & Tears, produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, and played on records by Dylan, Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and The Who. A fan of the truth with no revisionism, Kooper was kind enough to answer our 8 burning questions.

Gary Brooker

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Putting music to the words of Procul Harum's lyricist Keith Reid, Gary Brooker created a rich, classical sound without compromise. Revered by legions of fans who appreciate their clever songwriting and outstanding musicianship, Procol Harum is known to the masses for their 1967 hit "A Whiter Shade Of Pale." Brooker is also the group's lead singer and pianist. In addition to his work with Procol, he played on George Harrison's first solo album and some of Eric Clapton's albums in the '80s. We had the good fortune to speak with Gary about his songwriting and inspiration, and got his take on what makes a song a "hit."

Taylor Dayne

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Before reinventing herself as Taylor Dayne, Leslie Wunderman released some dance singles under the name Les Lee. Teaming up with producer Ric Wake, she got a record deal from Clive Davis when her first effort, "Tell It To My Heart," became a surprise global hit. Part of the Arista Records "machine," by 1991 she had 7 Top-10 hits, including the classics "Love Will Lead You Back" and "I'll Be Your Shelter." In 2007, her song "Beautiful" topped the dance charts. Taylor takes us inside the machine - the hits, the videos, the marketing - and explains what it's like to become a huge star in a hurry with a whole new persona.

Millie Jackson

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Unlike her nemesis Tina Turner, this R&B;star never made it mainstream, but that's OK. Wait 'til you hear her Rap conspiracy theory.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:37 +0100

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.