

Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame
Steve Blame
Each Week - Pop: The History Makers presents a new one-hour interview with an icon of popular culture.If you prefer watching the interviews - go to my YouTube podcast channel -https://www.youtube.com/@popthehistorymakersOnline - Per Martinsen - Norwegian's Electronic Godfather!UPDATE and DEEP DIVE interviews include:Raz Lindvall (formerly Rob 'n' Raz), Louis C. Oberländer (Jeremy Days), Justin Currie (Del Amitri), Fish (Update interview) Phillip Boa, Toyah, Anne Clark (the poet who continually reinvents herself), Belouis Some (80s hitmaker back in the dance charts), Papa Dee (Swedish Rapper/Toaster/Pop musician) Carl Magnus Palm (ABBA historian), Suzi Quatro (70s Rocker who broke the glass ceiling for female musicians)DEEP DIVE interviews include:Larry Flick (Legendary music journalist), Alanas Chosnau (Lithuanian singer), Elizabeth Thomson (Author of Joan Baez - The Last Leaf), Sleaford Mods (electronic punk poets), BISHI (Electro Sitarist), Mike Evans - author - of the Who - Much Too Much, Tony Swain (80s hit producer), Lanah P (LGBT pioneer), David McAlmont (Vocalist, Essayist, Historian).Previous Series include:Radiohead - Life in a Glasshouse by John Aizlewood. The Velvet Underground by Chris Roberts. Sex Pistols - I Wanna Be Me by Dave Simpson. Joy Division + New Order by John Aizlewood. Lady Gaga - Applause by Annie Zaleski. ABBA at 50 - by Carl Magnus Palm. Previous Series include; P.P. Arnold, Marcella Detroit, Steve Lipson, Chris Huelsbeck, Kevin Hegge, Dieter Meier, Sue Tilley, Stefan Holm Mardo, Rusty Egan, Suzi Quatro, Hifi Sean, Man Parrish, D:Ream, Dave Dorrell (M/A/R/R/S), Papa Dee, Madeline Bell (Blue Mink), Simon Napier-Bell (documentary maker & former Wham! manager), Steve Kilbey (The Church), Jonas Åkerlund, Steve Barron, Jimmy Helms (Londonbeat), Belouis Some, Mousse T., Wolfgang Flür, Billie Ray Martin, Belouis Some, Mark Reeder, Marcus Vere (Living in a Box), Raz (of Rob n Raz), Ulf (Ace of Base), Marian Gold (Alphaville), Louis Oberlander, Dr. Alban, and Youth (Killing Joke). Fish (ex-Marillion), Leee John (Imagination), Durga McBroom (Blue Pearl), Martyn Ware (Heaven 17), Kevin Godley (10cc, Godley & Creme), Michael Münzing (Snap!), Alexander Bard (Army of Lovers), Sam Brown, John Watts, Anne Clark, Right Said Fred, Justin Currie (Del Amitri), WestBam.Mini-Memories. Short personal interview memories of; Whitney Houston, Madonna, Kurt Cobain, Al Green, Elton John, Milli Vanilli, Dave Gahan, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, Kylie Minogue ... (ongoing) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2024 • 49min
Yoko Ono; A new book by Madeline Bocaro
In Your Mind - The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono by Madeline Bocaro.Yoko Ono is a Japanese artist, musician, and peace activist who rose to international prominence as the wife of the legendary Beatles member, John Lennon. Born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo, Ono's avant-garde art and experimental music have played a significant role in the Fluxus movement and conceptual art. She gained attention for her innovative and unconventional approach to artistic expression, often challenging traditional boundaries. Yoko Ono's influence extends beyond her art; she has been an advocate for peace and human rights, using her platform to address social and political issues. While she has faced both admiration and criticism, Yoko Ono remains an influential figure in the art world and a symbol of resilience and creativity.Full Interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/0WFd9CDMmWUThe book is the true story of the woman John Lennon loved. A complete look at Ono's fascinating life, art and music in astounding detail.Includes the love story of John and Yoko.In the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives. Acclaimed in MOJO and GoldmineHonorable Mention in The Beatles Gift Guide. On several Best Music Books listsWalking on Thin Ice:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft7-xEiwvJwCut Piecehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbQBD06N0HsTo buy the book:HARD COVER BOOKS signed by the author are exclusively available athttp://conceptualbooks.comSOFT COVER: Amazon worldwide andhttp://bookbaby.conceptualbooks.comWebsite:https://inyourmindbook.comSocial Media:https://linktr.ee/conceptualbooksYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@madelinebocaro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 21, 2023 • 11min
Five Artists on David Bowie
DAVID BOWIE; by Dana Gillespie, Man Parrish, 'M' Robin Scott, Marcella Detroit, & Steve KilbeySomething a little bit different this week - a new feature - FIVE ARTISTS on ...Full Feature;https://youtu.be/qLdaTgW0j_AThis week all about David Bowie featuring -Dana Gillespie (former friend of Bowie)Man Parrish (of Hip Hop Be Bop (Don't Stop) fame.'M' Robin Scott (of POP MUSIK fame)Marcella Detroit (Shakespear's Sister)Steve Kilbey (of The Church - Under the Milky Way) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 16min
Niki Haris & Donna De Lory
Niki Haris and Donna De Lory; You want to know about Madonna then this is the interview for you.Full interview on YouTube: (Please subscribe)https://youtu.be/LDF6CWJqT2YBut to be fair, to define Niki Haris and Donna De Lory only by their careers as backing vocalists for Madonna would do them a disservice. Both are distinguished artists in their own right, but certainly both would not deny that their work with Madonna helped their careers.Niki Haris, born in 1962, is the daughter of the Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris. Haris contributed her remarkable voice to some of Madonna's most iconic albums, including "Like a Prayer" and "Erotica," showcasing her versatility across various musical genres, from pop to jazz and gospel.Donna De Lory, born in 1964, is a multifaceted artist and whose rich vocals and stage presence were integral to Madonna's sound, making her an indispensable part of the pop icon's musical journey. Her father worked closely with Jimmy Webb, and his work can be heard on some of the greatest tracks in pop history - Wichita Lineman, Pet Sounds amongst many other famous songs.Beyond her work with Madonna, De Lory has explored diverse genres, incorporating world music and devotional chanting into her solo projects.This interview is their story, the Madonna part makes up half of this interview, but to understand their opinions of their time with Madonna please listen all the way through and please subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 7, 2023 • 55min
Dieter Meier
Dieter Meier from YELLO talks about how YELLO came about, his long-term partner in the band - Boris Blank, the departure of Carlos Peron, the hits, about his love of Billy Mackensie's voice, and of course their Rhythm Divine track with Shirley Bassey. And he talks about the role co-incidence has played in his life, the highs and the lows, his art, his ranch in Argentina, and his latest venture - chocolate.The interview took place a in 2021 and coincided with the release of the limited vinyl run of all six YELLO albums from the 80s. Every album comes with a bonus 12’‘ including rare live recordings and extended versions. And if you like this interview, check out others from Wolfgang Flür from Kraftwerk, or Man Parrish - a wild ride through New York of the 1980s.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 1min
Ulf Ekberg - ACE OF BASE
Ulf Ekberg, one of the founding members of Ace of Base along with Jonas, Jenny, and Malin or Linn Berggren, co-wrote most of the tracks on their debut album Happy Nation which included the hits All That She Wants and Wheel of Fortune, and which subsequently gave the band worldwide success.At the height of their success in 1993, stories appeared in the Swedish press revealing his past as part of a neo-nazi band when he was between the ages of 13 and 16. He subsequently expressed his regret as to that involvement and has said many times that he does not agree with any extremist views.In 1994, The Sign became the best-selling single in America. One morning that year back in Sweden, Jenny woke up at her parent’s home with a stalker holding a knife to her neck and she and her mother suffered a shocking attack. This is Ulf’s story, his regret for his past, the effect on the whole of the band of that knife attack, and, of course, the story of the 3rd best-selling act to come out of Sweden - Ace of Base.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 23, 2023 • 1h 14min
Jennie Bellestar
Following the break-up of The Bodysnatchers, Jennie Matthias got her big break in the 80’s all girl group The Belle Stars, later signed to Stiff Records, and hit the charts in 1982 with Iko Iko, a song which was to later again feature significantly in Jennie’s life, after it was used in the Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise film Rain Man. Full Interview on YouTube here:In the UK, The Belle Stars released a further 7 singles after 'Iko Iko', scoring their biggest hit with ‘Sign of The Times’.This is Jennie’s story, which is deeper and more moving that the two paragraphs above could do justice to.She witnessed her mother kill her sister in front of her.She spent time in a children’s homeShe was sent back to live with her mother, and again physically abused.She became a pop star in The Belle Stars almost by accidentShe became a heroin addictShe was in the States, trying to get off Heroin, when Iko Iko became a hit after bring used in the film Rain Man.Her boyfriend of 7 years committed suicide. A moment that changed her life.Today she works with disadvantaged children. And she uses her poetry to raise awareness of drug issues.Devised a system of help for people who have been through similar issues in their livesAuthored a book about her journey and the process of help; Surviving the Storm; How to embrace your pain and grow through adversityThis is Jennie’s story, powerful, uplifting, and moving.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 3min
Dee C. Lee - Style Council, Wham! Solo and New Material
British singer songwriter Dee C. Lee rose to prominence as a session musician for Wham! and the Style Council. She had risen through the ranks of the Brit Funk movement of the late 70s, early 80s singing sessions for bands like Central Line. Full length Interview on YouTube - Please subscribe if you watch it therehttps://youtu.be/H6F9nM6HK80Working with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley raised her profile, and at one point, she had started singing with the Style Council when she became the first ever person to sing in two bands during the recording of one episode of Top of the Pops. At first her solo career with CBS stumbled, but in 1985 she released See the Day, a song she had written at 18 years of age, and it became a massive hit in the UK. She remained with the Style Council for many years, and her relationship with Paul Weller became official, and they have two children together. Long separated, and after a period away from the spotlight she has returned to the music scene with a double A side single - Don’t Forget about Love & Be There in the Morning, and a forthcoming album.More information on her website;https://www.deeclee.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 16min
Junior Giscombe - Mama Used to Say
Norman Washington Giscombe, otherwise known as Junior who gained fame with his hit single "Mama Used to Say" in the early 80s.If you want to watch this episode on YouTube - SUBSCRIBE to POP the history makers::https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg?sub_confirmation=1When the album Ji was released, he was compared to Stevie Wonder.He wrote Too Late about domestic violenceHe was the first British singer to appear on Soul Train since David BowieMichael Jackson stole a couple of his dance movesHe recorded tracks with Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) - and the record company didn’t even release the material.Suffered from Racist attitudes at the time. On British TV when performing his duet with Kim Wilde he was introduced as Kym Wilde & friend! Not even mentioning his name.Suffered terrible personal loss - his wife Nardia and daughter Jenique both died from Multiple Sclerosis.But despite the successes, the trials and the loss, Junior’s interview is an uplifting interview about the power of music to heal.For more information on Junior go to https://juniorgiscombe.co.uk/For news of a new single titled “Sweet Tender Love” - out soon, and also tour dates.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 13min
Dana GIllespie - A Wild Ride through the 60s
Singer. Actor and Author, Dana Gillespie has a career that has spanned over 50 years. Her first foray into music was folk and pop, but later, and she has appeared on more than 70 albums, she’s concentrated on the Blues. Her family and private life has been a constant source of fascination for many people. - Her father had breakfast with Hitler.- She slept with Bowie, the beginning of a long friendship, when she was 15 and he, 17- She was a backing singer on It Ain’t Easy, a track on Ziggy Stardust.- He gave her the track Andy Warhol to record.- She became close to Angie Bowie, with whom she’s in contact with today.- She was managed by his then manager Tony DeFries- She met Bob Dylan at 16- She’s friends with Jimmy Page- She’s the original Mary Magdalene in the London stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar.- She’s just recorded an album with Marc Almond, planned for release next year.Dana Gillespie - Weren't Born a Manhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G6LzYM1DekDana Gillespie - Andy Warholhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b11Jw8ddigI&t=70sDonna Donnahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av-lPIvbVQIDavid Bowie - It Ain’t Easy - Dana on backing vocalshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnI_ko3_r_cDana GillespieMove your body Close to mehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gyMPclV2pADana Gillespie Book - Weren't Born a Manhttps://www.amazon.com/Dana-Gillespie-Werent-Born-Man/dp/1838099050#danagillespie #davidbowie #andywarhol #bobdylan #jeffbeckSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 2023 • 49min
Peter Straker - Freddie Mercury's close friend
Peter Straker - the man who was close friends with Freddie Mercury. When Peter Straker first recorded music he was the given the moniker of the Black Bowie. He was fresh from a career defining role as Hud in Hair - the musical that redefined the musical, outrageous, brave and trailblazing. His career as an actor, found him choosing roles which were audacious and bold - playing what we'd term today as a non-binary role in Girl/Boy - a film way ahead of its time. He was the narrator in the original Tommy musical, and much later in 2017 played the role that Tina Turner took in the film, the Acid Queen. His roles in the west end are numerous and has had a stellar career, his voice captivating.Born in 1943 in Jamaica, Peter's recording career started in the late 1970s. He had just met Freddie Mercury with whom he was to become firm friends. Mercury helped him getting a recording deal with EMI and even co-produced with Roy Thomas Baker (who produced the first three Queen albums) This One's For Me, Straker's first album on the label.His career as a recording artist stuttered and he reconsidered what was he doing. In the end he continued as a stage actor in countless musicals, and even in classical roles in the Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre in London.His close friendship with the legendary Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, shines a light on the private side of Freddie - and gives an insight in that era, what Freddie's interests were, and humanises a person we often just see as an icon or idol - I found his insights fascinating.Today Peter Straker has a 3-track digital single on Cherry Red Records, Just Spend the Night with Me - a 2023 mix of his original single.Here are some links to hear the new materialhttps://sendeyo.com/en/e8da47ddfc Lyric Video here: https://youtu.be/rX01DLn4JewOrder Digital Single link: https://cherryred.co/PeterStraker2023Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


