Warm Classic Rock Interviews with Famous Music Legends of the '60s '70s '80s - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

So you'd like to know if any of the Wailers played with Bob Marley? What happened to the Wailers after Bob's death?How many songs did the group have? And what was Bob Marley's biggest hit?

We answer all of these questions and more in this episode.

Bob Marley was born in 1945, in Saint Ann, Jamaica. His father was a Jamaican of English descent. His mother was a black teenager.
Bob started his career with the Wailers, a group he formed with Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston in 1963. Marley married Rita Marley in 1966, and it was she who introduced him to Rastafarianism. By '69 Bob, Tosh and Livingston had fully embraced Rastafarianism, which greatly influenced not only Marley's music but reggae music in general.

It didn't take long for Bob Marley's music to come to the attention of Chris Blackwell, the owner of Island Records. Chris immediately signed the Wailers and produced their first album, "Catch a Fire". This was followed by "Burnin'", featuring tracks as "Get Up Stand Up" and "I Shot the Sheriff." Eric Clapton's cover of that song reached #1 in the US.

In 1974 Tosh and Livingston left the Wailers to start solo careers. Marley later formed the band "Bob Marley and the Wailers", with his wife Rita as one of three backup singers called the I-Trees. This period saw the release of some groundbreaking albums, such as "Natty Dread" and "Rastaman Vibration".
In 1976, during a period of spiraling political violence in Jamaica, an attempt was made on Marley's life. Marley left for England, where he lived in self-exile for two years. In England "Exodus" was produced, and it remained on the British charts for 56 straight weeks. This was followed by another successful album, "Kaya." These successes introduced reggae music to the western world for the first time, and established the beginning of Marley's international status.
In 1977 Marley consulted with a doctor when a wound in his big toe would not heal. More tests revealed malignant melanoma. He refused to have his toe amputated as his doctors recommended, claiming it contradicted his Rastafarian beliefs. Others, however, claim that the main reason behind his refusal was the possible negative impact on his dancing skills. The cancer was kept secret from the general public while Bob continued working.
Returning to Jamaica in 78, he continued work and released "Survival" in 1979 which was followed by a successful European tour. In 1980 he was the only foreign artist to participated in the independence ceremony of Zimbabwe. It was a time of great success for Marley, and he started an American tour to reach blacks in the US. He played two shows at Madison Square Garden, but collapsed while jogging in NYC's Central Park in 1980. The cancer diagnosed earlier had spread to his brain, lungs and stomach. Bob Marley died in a Miami hospital on May 11, 1981. He was 36 years old.

This week we are joined by one of the original Wailers, Al Anderson - an American guitarist who became Bob's closest and most trusted friend. Bob had asked Al to make sure that his beloved music transcended his death and Al has obliged him all these years.

Today, Al Anderson leads the group called The Original Wailers and their constant touring ensures that audiences everywhere still know and enjoy the incredible music of Bob Marley.

Do you know it's been 50 years since 'Radar Love', first hit the airwaves? Ever thought Golden Earring was a one-hit wonder? Do you know how they got their name? Find out all during this episode as Drummer Cesar Zuiderwik shares his stories and memories.

Do you know why Huey Lewis doesn't perform anymore? What he's been diagnosed with and how many hits the band has had?

Find out this week as Bill Gibson, Huey's friend and drummer for Huey Lewis and the News shares the stories that led to the band's global success.

Bill has been a vital force behind the band’s distinctive sound since its formation in the late 70s. Growing up in Northern California, he was immersed in the local rock and blues scene, which shaped his versatile drumming style. His early passion for music led him to master multiple instruments before dedicating himself to drums.

Gibson joined Huey Lewis and the News just as the band was finding its footing, bringing a solid rhythmic foundation that helped propel them to stardom.

The band’s rise paralleled that of their charismatic frontman, Huey Lewis. Born Hugh Anthony Cregg III in New York City, Lewis moved to California and, after stints in various bands, joined the Bay Area group Clover, which later evolved into Huey Lewis and the News.

Known for his soulful voice and stage presence, Lewis brought warmth and humor to the band’s image, setting them apart from other rock acts of the time. His childhood wasn’t easy, as his parents divorced when he was young, yet he channeled his experiences into music, developing a unique vocal style that blended rock, soul, and blues.

Huey Lewis and the News saw a major breakthrough with their 1983 album Sports, which went multi-platinum and solidified them as one of the defining acts of the decade. Bill Gibson’s drumming provided the pulse for hits like “Heart and Soul,” “I Want a New Drug,” and “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” songs that exemplified the band’s energetic mix of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues. Gibson’s style, combining precision with a deep sense of groove, became crucial to the band’s commercial success and unique sound.

Following the success of Sports, Huey Lewis and the News released Fore! in 1986, which featured smash hits like “Stuck with You” and “Jacob’s Ladder.” The band’s brass-heavy arrangements and harmonized vocals distinguished them further in the rock world, with Gibson’s drumming as a consistent, driving force.

Their iconic track “The Power of Love” gained additional fame after being featured in the Back to the Future soundtrack, earning them a Grammy nomination and cementing their cultural impact. Gibson’s drumming on “The Power of Love” demonstrated his adaptability, seamlessly shifting between energetic rock tempos and a bluesy, danceable beat.

The band’s lineup stayed remarkably stable, creating a sense of family and camaraderie that resonated with fans.

Over time, Huey Lewis emerged as a beloved figure both on and off stage, known for his sharp wit and commitment to his craft. Despite facing hearing issues that began affecting him in 2018, Lewis has remained determined to keep performing. The band continued recording and released Weather in 2020, showcasing their resilience and commitment to fans even after four decades.

Bill Gibson has stayed deeply involved with the band’s creative process, contributing to songwriting and recording. His rhythmic approach and technical skill have earned him widespread respect, making him an influential figure among drummers and rock enthusiasts. Both Gibson and Lewis, along with the rest of Huey Lewis and the News, have created a legacy rooted in the authenticity and relatability that made their music timeless.

Ever wondered why Chris Norman left Smokie? What he's doing now or if the band wrote their own songs?

Tune in for all of these answers and more.

As you know, Chris is a British singer-songwriter renowned for his iconic voice and role as the lead vocalist of the band Smokie. Born in 1950, Chris was exposed to music from an early age, influenced by the rise of rock ‘n’ roll in the 50s and early 60s.

Inspired by legends like Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and The Beatles, he developed a passion for music that would shape his career. In the late '60s, Chris teamed up with school friends Alan Silson, Terry Uttley, and Ron Kelly to form a band initially known as The Yen and later Kindness. Their musical journey took a turn when they became Smokie in the early 70s, after being discovered by producers Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn.

Smokie quickly rose to international fame with their distinctive blend of soft rock and pop. Their first major hit was "If You Think You Know How to Love Me" in 75, followed by chart-topping tracks like "Living Next Door to Alice," "Lay Back in the Arms of Someone," and "Oh Carol."

Norman’s raspy, emotive voice became the hallmark of Smokie’s sound. With their catchy melodies and accessible rock style, Smokie became one of the most successful British bands of the 70s. The band's music was characterised by its heartfelt lyrics and warm harmonies with Chris' vocals often drawing comparisons to Rod Stewart.

In 1982 Chris Norman decided to leave the band to pursue a solo career. While his departure marked the end of an era for Smokie, he quickly found his footing as a solo artist.

He initially gained fame outside the UK, particularly in Germany, where he found a loyal fan base. His first major solo success came in 78 when he recorded the hit "Stumblin' In," a duet with Suzi Quatro.

It was his 1986 single "Midnight Lady" that truly cemented his solo career. Hugely popular in Europe, he continued to release successful albums throughout the 80s and 90s.

His solo work took on a more polished pop-rock sound, with hints of folk and country influences, which appealed to a broad audience. Tracks like "Some Hearts Are Diamonds" and "Broken Heroes" became fan favoruites.

Chris' solo career continued to flourish into the 2000s, with regular album releases and extensive touring. Despite his departure from Smokie, he maintained a good relationship with his former bandmates and occasionally reunited with them for special performances. While Smokie continued with new vocalists, Chris Norman remained the voice most associated with the band’s biggest hits.

In 1995, Norman was honored with an award for “International Video Star of the Year” by CMT Europe. Over the years, he has experimented with different styles, blending rock, pop, folk, and country in his solo work, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Today Chris continues to tour extensively across Europe and other regions, performing both Smokie classics and his solo hits. His live performances draw large audiences, captivated by his timeless voice and charismatic stage presence.

Chris Norman’s career has spanned over five decades and as he continues to perform and record new music, he delights fans both old and new.

From his time as the lead singer of Smokie to his successful solo career, Chris Norman remains a beloved figure in the global music scene, with a legacy that continues to grow.