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PODCAST

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove

In this podcast, we discuss our favorite popular music groups, with an emphasis on "the inside story" behind the hits.

music music commentary

All Episodes

00:30:08

"He was EVERYWHERE"--Michael McDonald's backing vocals

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/04/25

Have you ever been listening to a song, and said "That's Michael McDonald?" Well, we have! In this episode Kelly and Dave share some of their favorite songs on which Michael McDonald sang BACKING vocals. Yes, he has had a terrific career as lead singer of the Doobie Brothers, and as a solo artist, but today we focus on just those songs on which Michael is the backing singer. Some are famous, and some might surprise you!

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00:35:24

Chaka Khan--The Queen of Funk

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/04/11

Join Kelly and Dave as we dive deep into the wonder that is Chaka Khan. In our last episode, we covered her work with Rufus. Now we explore the hits that made her famous as a solo artist. You know the songs, but do you know the backstories?Find out how Chaka Khan rose into a supernova, singing some of the most well-loved songs ever.

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00:34:11

Bringing the Funk with Rufus

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/03/28

What do you get when one of the most powerful voices in music teams up with a pioneering funk band? Pure magic — and a few behind-the-scenes twists. This week on It’s The Groove, we’re diving into the rise of Chaka Khan and Rufus — from their earliest days to the breakout success of classics like “Tell Me Something Good” and “Ain’t Nobody.”Discover how they redefined funk and R&B, created musical sparks (and a little tension), and left an unforgettable mark on music history.

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00:35:42

Steely Dan's Aja album

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/03/11

Dive deep with Kelly and Dave into one of popular music's most famous albums: Aja by Steely Dan. Learn about how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker assembled an All-Star Team of studio musicians to bring their vision to life. We leverage Don Breithaupt's tome on the album for detail, and sprinkle in a few fun stories along the way. Most of all, listen to the classic tracks, and uncover something new about an album so many adore.

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00:32:15

Why weren't they released as singles?

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/02/28

Kelly and Dave had a fun time discussing 8 songs that are REALLY good, and you'll know a lot of them...but they were never released as singles. One night we went down the rabbit hole and found 20+ songs that we love that were never released as singles. We had to pare this down to 8, so listen to our episode and then tell us the ones YOU think should have made the list!

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00:48:13

Fingerprints All Over Popular Music

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/02/14

They played on literally thousands of tracks. We have curated some of the very best, from albums as diverse as Boz Scaggs' Silk Degrees, Michael Jackson's Thriller and Lionel Richie's Can't Slow Down. What connects these great songs? The musicians behind them. So who are they? Listen as Kelly and Dave uncover more "hidden connections" in the music we love.

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00:32:32

The Music Of Toto

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/01/31

Join Kelly and Dave to examine the music of a highly underrated group of Musicians who came together to create some music magic as Toto. Learn about the origins of the band, and listen to some of our favorite Toto songs. Stay tuned because in the next episode we will cover more of the music they created with and for other artists.

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00:38:00

Celebrating Sade

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/01/17

Join Kelly and Dave as we celebrate the Queen of the Quiet Storm, Sade. Learn about how the band started, and how they were anything but an "overnight success." Listen as we discuss our favorite Sade tracks and play them. Groove with us as we listen to these smooth, funky tracks.

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00:39:41

Celebrating the top hits of 1985

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/01/03

Join It's The Groove as Kelly and Dave reminisce about the year 1985 in music. From "The Greatest Night in Pop Music" to LiveAid, the year was filled with so much great music. Your Groove hosts select 10 songs from that year that highlight the diverse music scene.

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00:16:57

Kelly and Dave are Grateful

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/12/27

As we close out 2024, Kelly and Dave reflect back on what we are grateful for. We focus on those who have encouraged, supported and guided us through our musical adventures, including beginning this podcast.

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00:26:41

Rod Temperton, the "Invisible Man," Part 2

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/12/20

Rod Temperton was named "The Invisible Man," because, while he composed some of the best-known, and most-loved songs of our generation, many never knew who he was. In the second installment of our tribute to Rod, Kelly, Faith and Dave uncover more of the songs he wrote, for artists as diverse as George Benson and Anita Baker. And stay tuned to find out what Faith feels is a "travesty."

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00:23:13

Rod Temperton, "The Invisible Man" of Pop Music

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/11/30

Co-Hosts Kelly and Dave are joined by filmmaker and author Faith Penick to uncover the history behind one of the best songwriters in history, Rod Temperton. In Volume 1, listen as Faith, Kelly and Dave discuss his beginnings with the band Heat Wave, and his subsequent collaboration with the titans of popular music, Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. And listen to a few of our favorite songs from this era.

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00:26:30

Saxy Songs with Kelly and Dave, Part 2

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/11/21

If you haven't already listened to Saxy Songs, Part 1, check that out to find out why Dave is such a Saxophile, and how we chose the songs that are on these two podcast episodes. We had too many songs to cram into one pod, so we added a second, which is still full of great songs featuring a saxophone. Kelly even gets into the action with a few of her favorites.

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00:27:23

Quincy Jones--1933-2024 A lifetime of Groove

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/11/11

Sadly, we lost Quincy Jones on November 4. However, it does give us the opportunity to celebrate a life well lived, and his amazing contributions to the world of music. We pay tribute to this amazing man and his legacy through a review of just a handful of the songs he brought into our lives and hearts. There will never be another Quincy Jones, so join us in our celebration of his life.

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00:40:27

Saxy Songs with Kelly and Dave

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/11/08

From Baker Street to Rio, lots of popular songs have featured the work of the saxophone artist. But which saxy songs reign supreme. Join Kelly and Dave as they sift through It's The Groove-worthy songs to select their top saxilicious songs.

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00:32:43

Bands That Should Have Been Bigger, Volume 2

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/10/25

In this episode, Kelly and Dave review two bands that they LOVE, that haven't had great popularity. Join them as they return to the late 80's and early 90's to explore two bands, Curiosity Killed The Cat (yes, that's the name), and The Brand New Heavies. Hear the tunes they love, and find out how they each discovered these great bands.

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00:46:00

Bands That Should Have Been Bigger

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/10/11

Join Kelly and Dave as we discuss 3 bands which should have been more popular. We have loved these artists, and think when you hear their music, you'll love them too. Kelly introduced Dave to one of these artists, and he is eternally grateful she did. Join us and maybe you'll find some great new songs to enjoy!

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00:25:55

Groove Ambassador: Squeeze and the English Beat

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/09/27

Let's groove to some 80's pop with the band Squeeze. Be "Tempted" by the "Hourglass," and enjoy some "Black Coffee in Bed." Listen as Groove Ambassador Kelly walks us through the historic ambiance of Massey Hall, and the crowd's excitement. Hear her describe the English Beat's opening set and relive the spotlight incident. Finally, hear her take on the performances by both bands.

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00:31:08

Groove Ambassador: Steve Winwood and The Doobie Brothers

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/09/13

Listen as Groove Ambassador Dave reviews the Steve Winwood/Doobie Brothers concert held in Tinley Park, IL. Hear clips of some of the favorite songs played during the set, and get some insight into what makes these artists still so terrific. And stay to the end where Dave talks about something "special" that occurred during the encore.

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00:29:56

Happy Heavenly Birthday Michael Jackson

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2024/08/29

In this episode, hosts Kelly and Dave share the impact Michael Jackson made with his music. We share some of our favorite songs from his catalog while digging deep into the lore of how he became the "King of Pop." Stay with us as we share stories about how each of these songs influenced society and changed popular music forever.

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