Tag Archives: Leon Russell

Shows

#331 – AJ Croce – Croce Plays Croce

AJ Croce – photo credit: Sebastian Smith

Singer, pianist, and songwriter A.J. Croce, the son of Jim Croce, has spent nine albums forging his own musical path. often mining elements of soul, folk and pop.  In fact, he released one of the finest albums of 2017 called Just Like Medicine, which was produced by legendary producer Dan Penn, and featured a song co-written with the late Leon Russell.

Croce’s latest venture is a series of shows, Croce Plays Croce, where he performs the songs of his famous father along with some of his own compositions, which is coming locally to the brand new Levitt Pavilion in Dayton on September 6th.

We also talk to him about recording his dad’s song, “I Got a Name,” which was featured in a Goodyear commercial starring Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Shows

#286 – 2016 In Memoriam – A Salute to Fallen Rockers

Our first show of 2017 is a joint collaboration between Icon Fetch and Dan Miles of the Friends of Dan Music Podcast. We profile several of the legendary artists that passed away in the brutal year that was 2016.

Through the magic of modern technology, Dan and Tony (in Arizona and Ohio, respectively) trade off giving tributes to Prince, Glenn Frey of the Eagles, David Bowie, Maurice White of Earth, Wind, & Fire, Leon Russell, Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane, Merle Haggard, and Keith Emerson & Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

A much more in-depth version of the show is available at the Friends of Dan Music Podcast by clicking here

Shows

#283 – Dwight Twilley – The Tulsa Years

Two-disc set chronicles power popster’s productive latter years

You could say it’s been one hell of a ride for Dwight Twilley.  Emerging from Tulsa, Oklahoma in the mid Seventies, he scored a big hit right out of the gate with “I’m On Fire” – establishing right away Twilley’s keen way with a melody, something he’s been doing for over 40 years.  After souring on the bright lights of the big city, he returned home to Tulsa near the close of the last millennium and began making records on his own terms.

The Best of Twilley: The Tulsa Years sums up one of the most fruitful chapters of his career.  The two disc set also contains several bonus tracks as well. Twilley also gives his memories of the late Leon Russell.

Shows

#218 – Dwight Twilley – Always

Some call it Power Pop, others call it melodic rock – either way, Dwight Twilley has been crafting like-minded tunes for over 40 years now.  His first hit was the Top 20 smash “I’m On Fire” in 1975.  Then, he was back in the Top 20 with “Girls” in 1984.  Twilley had a knack for writing radio-ready songs and probably should’ve been a much bigger star, had it not been for record label blundering.  Either way, he’s never stopped and is back with a brand new record called “Always.”

Shows

#209 – Gary Lewis of the Playboys – Happy Together Tour

In the mid Sixties, the charts were dominated by bands from the British Invasion – the Beatles, Herman’s Hermits, the Rolling Stones.  Yet, a few artists from America were still able to break through – the Beach Boys & Motown artists for example.  Then, there was Gary Lewis & the Playboys, who became the first American band to have their first seven singles hit the Top 10.  In fact, in May of 1965 – Gary & band were the only act from America in the entire Top 10.

Once again Gary is back on the road as part of the Happy Together tour which is coming to a city near you.  Gary tells us the story behind his great hits like “This Diamond Ring,” “She’s Just My Style,” and “Everybody Loves a Clown.”  Plus, he talks about getting discovered at Disney World by producer “Snuff” Garrett, and playing Hulabaloo with his dad, singing a Beatles song.

Shows

#133 – Dwight Twilley – Soundtrack

 

Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dwight Twilley teamed with Phil Seymour in the Dwight Twilley Band, hitting gold with their very first single, 1975’s “I’m On Fire” – lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as “The best debut single by an American rock band ever.”  But, a combination of dumb label decisions and bad luck prevented the band’s career from properly taking off.

That didn’t stop Twilley – he’s into his fifth decade of making melodic rock n’ roll – and he’s just released a brand new record called Soundtrack.  Inspired by a movie that’s currently in production about his life, Twilley turned inward to write 12 new songs about his long journey and ups & downs in the music business.  Icon Fetch talks with the “father of power pop” about his band’s experience playing on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, the personal nature of these new songs, and the passing of longtime friend and guitarist Bill Pitcock,IV.