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PODCAST

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

Go "under the wrapper" to uncover the hidden connections in the music we love: 70s-90s Pop and R & B. You"ll know the songs, but you MIGHT not know the backstory: those who composed, arranged, produced, or played on the songs that are the soundtrack of our generation. Aimed at Boomers and Gen X"ers, if you grew up during the 70s and 80s, you"ll know this music. Join Kelly and Dave to hear the stories and learn about those who crafted the hits.

music music commentary

All Episodes

00:16:36

The Groove Behind Strawberry Letter 23

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2026/03/27

Join Kelly and Dave as we unpack The Brothers Johnson hit "Strawberry Letter 23." Learn about the genesis of the song, as well as the musicians who played it. Join Kelly as she discovers something new about the song even after nearly 50 years. And learn about why she feels this song is special to her.

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00:23:39

Anita Baker's Rapture at 40

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2026/03/13

Join Kelly and Dave as we unpack Anita Baker's amazing album Rapture, celebrating its 40th anniversary this month. Go back and time and relive the songs, the stories and the memories of that era. And we discuss some of the musicians who helped Anita make this album timeless.

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00:29:06

Laying the groove for Chicago

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2026/02/27

Join Kelly and Dave for Part II of our conversation with legendary drummer Tris Imboden. In this episode, Tris shares how he found his way behind the drum kit for Chicago—and why that seat became home for the next 28 years. He takes us inside life on the road, the energy of those unforgettable live performances, and the musicianship that kept the band’s engine running night after night.Stick around through the end as Tris opens up about his newest musical projects and where his creative journey is

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00:57:28

He Turned Songs Into Classics

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2026/02/13

Join Kelly and Dave as we are visited by Rob Mounsey, the relatively unheralded genius behinds such hits as Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), Crazy for You, and You Can Call Me Al, as well as countless others. Hear the stories behind those iconic Steely Dan sessions, and learn how Rob made arrangements for some of the most famous songs of the 80s.

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00:23:47

They Changed The Sound

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2026/01/30

Join your co-hosts Kelly and Dave as they uncover the "secret" behind Janet Jackson's Control album: an album that simultaneously launched Janet into stardom and also changed the sound of Funk/R & B. The artists responsible? Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who would go on to produce so much great music in the decades to follow.

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00:50:53

The Man Behind The Music

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2026/01/16

Join Kelly, Dave and Special Guest Roy to uncover the "hidden connection" between so many great songs! Keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, who worked with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and more to create the amazing songs we all love. Who else played on Songs in the Key of Life, Thriller, and Anita Baker's Rapture? And hear the amazing story of Roy's connection with Greg.

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00:31:55

Happy Anniversary 1986

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2026/01/02

Join Kelly and Dave as we journey back to the days of MTV, Ferris Bueller, Top Gun, and Pretty in Pink. Hard to believe that 1986 was 40 years ago! The It's The Groove team is all over celebrating our top songs from that incredible year in popular music. Which songs made the cut? Join us as we uncover the songs that dominated our playlists back then, and are STILL on heavy rotation today!

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00:43:49

Why Duran Duran's Big Thing Needs More Love

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/12/19

Join Kelly and Dave and special guest Shari B Ellis to discuss Duran Duran's Big Thing album. Learn why this album is really a soundtrack album, as we go track by track to uncover the hidden wonders. And stay tuned to hear Duranies Kelly and Shari tell their stories about their Close Encounters of the Duran kind! You won't want to miss this episode.

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00:35:59

Jeff Porcaro: Laying down the grooves we love

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/12/05

Join Kelly, Dave and Special Guest Phil Wood to uncover the magic behind the grooves of Jeff Porcaro. What made him such an incredible drummer? Why was he so universally loved? We look back at his catalog and cover 10 of our favorite songs on which he played. You will recognize every song, although you might not know Jeff was behind the kit. Jeff Porcaro, one of the most beloved and accomplished drummers, who laid down the groove for the soundtrack of our lives!

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00:59:29

Bobby Caldwell: The Man Behind The Music

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/11/21

Kelly and Dave have loved Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love" for a very long time. Imagine our delight at being able to chat with Bobby's wife Mary, and his stepdaughter Katie to hear the stories behind the songs! Listen as they tell us wonderful stories about his legacy, the music, and the artists that he worked with. This is a wonderful and touching tribute to one of the best-loved figures in popular music.

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00:44:46

Laying the groove for songs you love!

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/11/13

Join Kelly and Dave as we have a fun conversation with Tris Imboden, legendary drummer on so many tracks you love. Follow his career as he auditioned for Kenny Loggins, and played on some of those magical tracks. Then, he moved to work with artists like Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan and Anita Baker.This is Part One of a two-part series on his 50 years behind the kit for so many amazing songs.

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00:44:46

You Know The Songs, Now Hear the Stories

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/10/26

Kelly and Dave are joined by Tris Imboden, drummer for Kenny Loggins, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Chicago. In Part One of our conversation, hear Tris talk about joining Kenny Loggins' band, his experience playing at Live Aid, and an astonishing week at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

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00:47:06

The Beat Behind the Hits: Tris Imboden

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/10/24

Join Kelly and Dave for a fascinating interview with drum legend Tris Imboden. Hear his stories about playing on mega-hits like Footloose with Kenny Loggins, including being on stage for the Live Aid concert in 1985. Tris talks about playing with Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan and Anita Baker. And he gives us great insight into the magic behind the music. Stay tuned for Part II which will cover his nearly 30 years with the band Chicago.

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00:47:06

The Beat behind the Hits: Tris Imboden

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/10/24

Join Kelly and Dave for an exciting conversation with the drummer behind so many of our favorite songs: Tris Imboden. During Part One, hear about Tris' early work, including his tenure with Kenny Loggins. You've heard him on Footloose, now hear the stories behind the recordings. Hear about his work with Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan and Anita Baker.

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00:58:28

Steely Dan: Yacht? or Nyacht?

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/10/10

Join Kelly, Dave and special guest author Faith Pennick to discuss the music of Steely Dan. With it's slick production, mixture of jazz and rock, and full of A-list studio musicians, the music of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker certainly hits some of the criteria for being classified as Yacht Rock. But is it? We'll debate this and stay tuned for some of our favorite tracks.

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00:41:14

The Album That Defined The Early 80s

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/09/26

Join Kelly and Dave as they get "Physical" and discuss the landmark album by Olivia Newton John. From upbeat dancefloor songs to the soft ballads, this album had it all and launched ONJ into the stratosphere of pop stars. We uncover the hidden connections that helped make this album a major hit.

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00:52:38

The Philly Soul sound of Daryl Hall & John Oates

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/09/12

Hall & Oates fans, this one’s for you! 🎶 In this episode of It’s the Groove, Dave and Kelly take a deep dive into the music, magic, and impact of one of the most iconic duos of all time. From their Philly roots to chart-topping classics like “It’s a Laugh,” “Private Eyes,” and “Maneater,” we’re breaking down the songs that made Hall & Oates legends.💿 We’ll explore their evolution in sound, the signature mix of blue-eyed soul and pop rock, and the stories behind the hits that defined a

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00:25:24

Music's Best-Kept Secret

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/08/29

Join Kelly and Dave as we unpack the amazing career and incredible catalog of Brenda Russell. From backing Elton John to writing for Rufus and Chaka Khan, to winning a Grammy for writing the score for the Broadway adaptation of The Color Purple, Brenda has continually created magic. We go deep into her catalog for some hidden gems as well as her more popular hits.

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00:27:43

Get Into the Groove with Madonna

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/08/15

Wishing Madonna a Happy Birthday. Kelly and Dave go back to 1984, and revisit the moment Madonna became Madonna: the release of her album "Like A Virgin." We go back and cover ALL the hits, and go under the wrapper to discover how this masterpiece was created. From the influence of music magician Nile Rodgers, to the influence of Stephen Bray, we unpack those who helped put The Material Girl on the pop music map!

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00:42:53

Songs in the Key of Life

It"s Not the Beat, It"s the Groove ·

2025/08/01

Join Kelly and Dave as we dive deep into Stevie Wonder's masterpiece "Songs in the Key of Life." Listen as we discuss some of our favorite tracks from this iconic album and hear the stories behind the music. This work moved us then and still makes us dance and celebrate.

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