Music 101

Music 101, now in its third season, explores the question: How did Jimmy Cliff break into Jamaica’s music scene? by tracing the remarkable beginnings of a young artist destined to redefine a genre. Growing up in the vibrant yet challenging streets of Somerton District and later Kingston, Cliff’s passion for music emerged early as he wrote songs, entered talent shows, and knocked on studio doors with unshakable determination. His breakthrough came when producer Leslie Kong recognized his raw talent, leading to the recording of “Hurricane Hattie,” a hit that catapulted Cliff into national fame while he was still a teenager. From that moment, his voice became a beacon of Jamaica’s musical identity, setting the stage for a career that would carry reggae far beyond the island’s shores. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Immortalized: The Characters Who Live in Our Songs explores how music gives eternal life to the people, lovers, rebels, dreamers, and heartbreakers who inhabit our favorite lyrics. Through melody and story, these characters become more than words—they become reflections of our own experiences, memories, and emotions. From unnamed strangers to vividly drawn personalities, songwriters transform ordinary lives into timeless narratives that continue to resonate across generations. This episode dives into how music preserves human stories, allowing voices, moments, and identities to live on long after the final note fades. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Giving Thanks Through Music: A Music 101 Thanksgiving Special invites listeners into a heartfelt celebration where gratitude meets melody. This special episode explores how songs—from timeless hymns to modern anthems—have helped generations express appreciation, heal emotional wounds, and strengthen family bonds during the holiday season. Through rich storytelling and soulful reflections, we uncover how music becomes a universal language of thanks, carrying memories of shared meals, warm laughter, and moments of quiet reflection. Whether it's a nostalgic tune that reminds us of home or a new song that lifts our spirits, this Thanksgiving special honors the power of music to bring people together and deepen our sense of gratitude. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Allen Halas

Music writer / owner of independent music website BreakingAndEntering.net

Allen Halas is a music writer, radio host, and podcaster based in Milwaukee, WI. He currently works for OnMilwaukee, the largest digital media outlet in the city, and can be heard weekly on FM 102/1 in Milwaukee as the host of Love Local Radio. Allen is also the founder of Breaking And Entering, a music website that showcases talent in the Milwaukee music scene. Since 2014, Breaking And Entering has produced daily content based around independent music. In addition to those media outlets, Allen co-hosts the Hustling Sideways podcast, where he and Jim Love look at the side hustles and passion projects of entrepreneurs who maintain a regular 9-to-5 job as well.

They Wrote the Hits: How Pop, Rock & Soul Icons Gave Their Best Songs Away explores the fascinating world of legendary artists who penned masterpieces—not for themselves, but for others who would turn those songs into global sensations. This compelling narrative reveals how icons like Prince, Carole King, Dolly Parton, and Stevie Wonder quietly shaped the soundtrack of generations through behind-the-scenes brilliance, crafting chart-topping hits that elevated the careers of fellow performers. It uncovers the creative decisions, industry dynamics, and unexpected partnerships that led these musical geniuses to let go of their greatest works, offering a rare look at the generosity, intuition, and artistic vision that defined their legacy. In celebrating these hidden stories, the topic highlights how some of the most unforgettable anthems were born not from center stage, but from the artistry of those who understood the magic of giving their best songs away. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.