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

Iconic artists? Music Legends? Sandy Kaye interviews them all on A Breath of Fresh Air - a multi award-winning podcast featuring in-depth interviews with the artists you love. Through compelling conversations, we gain a rare, behind-the-scenes and intimate look at the personal stories and inspirations that fueled the music that shaped entire generations. Explore the lives, struggles, and creative journeys of these legends and relive the timeless hits that defined the soundtrack of our youth. It"s

music music interviews

All Episodes

00:52:00

Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farmer on The Loco-Motion...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/05/27

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

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00:52:00

Sam the Sham – The Wild Story Behind Wooly Bully and...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/05/20

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

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00:52:00

Remembering Dennis Locorriere :The Voice of Dr. Hook...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/05/18

The music world has lost one of its most distinctive voices with the passing of Dennis Locorriere, the longtime frontman of Dr. Hook, who died aged 76 following a battle with kidney disease. The voice behind some of the most loved soft rock and country-pop hits of the 1970s has fallen silent. In this special tribute episode, we remember the life, music and remarkable legacy of Dennis Locorriere — the unmistakable lead singer of Dr. Hook.Best known for timeless classics including Sharing the Night

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00:52:00

Dire Straits' John Illsley on Mark Knopfler, Fame &...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/05/13

Today, Sandy sits down with John Illsley, founding member and bassist of Dire Straits, for an intimate and revealing conversation about the extraordinary journey behind one of the most iconic bands in rock history.John takes us right back to the beginning, sharing the story of how a modest council flat in South London became the unlikely birthplace of Dire Straits. It was there that a chance encounter with Mark Knopfler—via his brother David—sparked a musical partnership that would go on to change

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00:52:00

Joe Camilleri: The Black Sorrows, Jo Jo Zep & 60...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/05/06

Joe Camilleri is one of the most influential and enduring figures in Australian music, and in this episode he shares the remarkable story behind a career that has spanned more than six decades. From his early life as a migrant child growing up in Melbourne to becoming the driving force behind Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons and The Black Sorrows, Joe’s journey is filled with passion, persistence and reinvention.In this conversation, Joe reflects on leaving school at a young age, working tough jobs, and

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00:52:00

Hugh Cornwell: The Stranglers, Punk Rock Origins &...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/04/29

From Singing for Sweets to Punk PioneerHugh Cornwell, best known as the original frontman of The Stranglers, has lived a career shaped by instinct, rebellion and creative evolution. Remarkably, his journey began at just three years old, singing in the garden for neighbours who rewarded him with sweets. Even then, Cornwell knew he wanted to be a singer—though his parents had very different plans.Despite his artistic ambitions, Cornwell followed a scientific path, studying biochemistry at university

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00:52:00

Heart’s Ann Wilson: The Voice, The Hits & The Story...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/04/22

Ann Wilson, the powerhouse voice behind the band Heart, is widely regarded as one of rock’s greatest female vocalists. Born in 1950 in San Diego and raised in a military family that moved frequently, Ann found stability in music early on. Alongside her younger sister Nancy Wilson, she was inspired by seeing The Beatles perform in '66—a moment both sisters later described as life-changing. Ann began performing in local Seattle bands in the late '60s, developing a commanding vocal style rooted

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00:52:00

Dave Mason: The Untold Story. An Homage to the Late...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/04/22

Sandy recently sat down with legendary guitarist, singer-songwriter and founding member of Traffic, Dave Mason, for a candid and often humorous look back at a remarkable life in music.Dave reflects on his early beginnings, revealing how a failed ambition to join the Royal Air Force led him instead toward music—a path he committed to in his teens after forming his first bands. He shares how his connection with Steve Winwood and others came about, giving insight into the organic, free-spirited

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00:52:00

Don McLean – The Story Behind American Pie, Vincent &...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/04/15

In this episode, Sandy Kaye sits down with legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean, the voice behind one of the most iconic songs in music history—American Pie.Best known for that timeless anthem, Don’s career spans more than five decades, with a remarkable catalogue that includes Vincent, And I Love You So, and many more. But as you’ll hear, there’s so much more to his story than a single hit.Don takes us back to the turbulent late '60s, where his early career unfolded against a backdrop of

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00:52:00

Inside Michael Jackson’s HIStory Era and the Epic...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/04/08

Step behind the curtain of the music industry and into the high-stakes world of one of pop’s most fascinating eras. In this episode, Sandy Kaye explores the remarkable story of Dan Beck — the music executive who worked closely with Michael Jackson during a pivotal and turbulent time in his career.Dan Beck wasn’t just another record label executive. As a senior figure at Epic Records, he became Michael Jackson’s key marketing and product manager in the early 1990s, placing him right at the centre of

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00:52:00

Free & Bad Company's Simon Kirke: His Rock 'n Roll Story

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/04/01

Today’s guest is a true rock icon. Simon Kirke is the powerhouse drummer and co-founder of two of the most influential bands in classic rock history—Free and Bad Company. From the raw, blues-driven energy of Free to the arena-filling success of Bad Company, Simon has lived a life that most musicians only dream about.And as you’re about to hear, it all began with a simple toss of a coin.In this warm and revealing conversation, Simon takes us right back to his early days in London, chasing a dream

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00:52:00

Earth Wind & Fire's Verdine White: The Groove and...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/03/25

In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye sits down with Verdine White, the legendary bassist and founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire, to explore the remarkable life and career of one of music’s most dynamic performers.Verdine reflects on growing up in a large and deeply musical family in Chicago, where jazz, blues and rhythm and blues filled the house and helped shape his earliest influences. He talks about the enormous impact of his older brother Maurice White, whose vision,

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00:52:00

Ross Wilson: The Story Behind Daddy Cool, Eagle Rock...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/03/18

In this episode, Sandy Kaye sits down with one of the true pioneers of Australian rock music — Ross Wilson. With a career spanning more than six decades, Ross has shaped the sound of Australian music as a performer, songwriter and producer.From his early beginnings in Melbourne in the '60s, Ross quickly became part of the thriving local music scene. Inspired by blues records and armed with a harmonica, he joined his first band The Pink Finks while still at school, scoring a local chart hit with

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00:52:00

Ralph McTell: English Folk Icon, Songwriter and...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/03/11

Ralph McTell is one of Britain’s most enduring and respected singer-songwriters, a master storyteller whose songs have become woven into the fabric of English folk music. Born in Kent and raised in Croydon, McTell developed an early love for American blues, folk and traditional British music. As a teenager he was captivated by artists such as Woody Guthrie and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, influences that shaped both his fingerstyle guitar technique and his gift for narrative songwriting.After studying at

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00:52:00

Johnny Townsend - The Voice Behind 'Smoke From A...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/03/04

Johnny Townsend is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Sanford-Townsend Band, the group responsible for the timeless 1977 hit “Smoke from a Distant Fire.” With his distinctive voice, melodic songwriting, and deeply personal life story, Johnny became one of the defining artists of the late-'70s soft rock and Southern rock era.Johnny Townsend was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where music became part of his life from an early

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00:52:00

Paul McCartney + Wings' Laurence Juber: From Beatle...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/02/25

Laurence Juber is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and former lead guitarist with Paul McCartney’s band Wings.His journey began in London during the explosion of Beatlemania. Inspired by The Beatles’ revolutionary sound, he picked up the guitar as a child and quickly developed into a versatile and highly skilled musician. His early ambition was to become a studio guitarist, and by his early twenties he was already working in some of London’s most prestigious recording studios alongside legendary

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00:52:00

Status Quo’s John Coghlan: Founder, Drummer, Rock...

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/02/18

John Coghlan is one of British rock’s most instantly recognisable drummers — a powerhouse player whose relentless, no-nonsense beat helped define the sound and success of Status Quo, one of the UK’s most enduring and best-loved rock bands. As a founding member, John was there at the very beginning, helping to shape a career that would span decades, rack up millions of record sales, and soundtrack generations of fans.Born in London in 1946, John Coghlan’s musical journey began early. Like many

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00:52:00

Mitch Ryder: Living Life at Full Volume

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/02/11

Mitch Ryder is one of the most powerful and uncompromising voices in American rock and soul. Born William Levise Jr. in Detroit, Michigan, he came of age in a city buzzing with rhythm and blues, gospel and early rock ’n’ roll. That musical melting pot shaped Ryder’s unmistakable vocal style — raw, passionate and emotionally charged — setting him apart from his peers from the very beginning.MItch burst onto the international scene in the mid-'60s as frontman of Mitch Ryder & The Detroit

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00:52:00

Burton Cummings: The Voice That Defined Canadian Rock

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/02/04

In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye explores the remarkable life and career of Burton Cummings, one of the most influential and recognisable voices in Canadian music history. From his beginnings in Winnipeg to international superstardom — and now a highly anticipated return to the stage with The Guess Who — Cummings’ story is one of talent, ambition, creative independence and enduring legacy.Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Burton Cummings showed an early passion for music, studying

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00:52:00

The Bee Gees from the Inside: Stephen Gibb Tells

"60s "70s "80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock... ·

2026/01/28

The Bee Gees are one of the most influential and enduring acts in popular music history, a band whose songs have soundtracked generations and transcended genres, eras and trends. Formed by brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the group’s journey began long before global fame, rooted in family, harmony and an almost instinctive musical bond.Born on the Isle of Man and raised between England and Australia, the Gibb brothers began performing together as kids. Music wasn’t just an interest — it was

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