The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Send us a textIn the latest episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we celebrate the upcoming induction of The Hassles—a legendary 1960s Long Island band that helped launch Billy Joel’s career. Host Tom Needham speaks with drummer and original member Jon Small for an intimate conversation about the group’s early days, their rise on the local rock and soul scene, and their enduring impact on Long Island’s musical legacy.Beyond his work with The Hassles and the short-lived duo Attila with Joel, Jon Small forged a groundbreaking career as a pioneering director and producer of concert films and music videos. He went on to work with artists like Garth Brooks, Whitney Houston, Van Morrison, and Aerosmith, famously directing the iconic “Walk This Way” video featuring Run-DMC and Aerosmith. In this episode, Jon shares stories from his decades behind the camera and reflects on the honor of being inducted into LIMEHOF.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textOn this episode of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we present a panel discussion recorded live at LIMEHOF in Stony Brook as part of the ongoing Local Filmmakers Series. The featured event celebrated Huntington director Sean Quincy King with a screening of his latest film, Screamwalkers. Following the screening, the audience enjoyed a lively and insightful conversation moderated by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham, featuring Screamwalkers director Sean King and cast and crew members Bob Heckman, Will Puntarich, Glenn McBride Jr., and Peter Bune Jr.The Local Filmmakers Series highlights the creative talents emerging from Long Island’s independent film scene, offering a platform for regional filmmakers to share their work and connect with the community. Screamwalkers, shot in various Long Island locations, represents King’s continued dedication to producing high-quality genre films rooted in local storytelling. This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and the collaborative spirit that defines Long Island’s filmmaking culture.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textIn this episode of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, host Tom Needham explores the legacy of legendary composer and LIMEHOF inductee Aaron Copland. Known as the “Dean of American Composers,” Copland helped define a distinctly American sound with iconic works such as Appalachian Spring, Fanfare for the Common Man, and Rodeo. His groundbreaking compositions, film scores, and role as a mentor made him one of the most influential musical figures of the 20th century.Tom is joined by Michael Boriskin, Artistic and Executive Director of Copland House, to discuss Copland’s impact on American music and the mission of Copland House as a living tribute to his work. Located at Copland’s former home in Westchester, the organization is expanding with the development of Copland House at Bluestone Farm—an ambitious new cultural center dedicated to nurturing American composers and creativity.Together, they reflect on Copland’s deep connections to New York, his role in shaping generations of musicians, and the enduring power of his music to inspire and unite. It’s a fascinating look at how one composer’s legacy continues to resonate through performances, education, and the ongoing support of new musical voices.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textOn this episode of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, host Tom Needham sits down with Hall of Fame inductee Randy Jackson, lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the iconic rock band Zebra. Known for their dynamic live performances and a sound that blends the power of Led Zeppelin with the complexity of Yes and the melodic sensibilities of the Moody Blues, Zebra burst onto the scene in the 1980s with their self-titled debut album—Atlantic Records’ fastest-selling debut at the time.Randy shares stories from the band’s early days, their rise to fame with hits like “Who’s Behind the Door” and “Tell Me What You Want,” and how Zebra built a loyal fan base that spans decades. He also talks about the band’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Tour, presented by WBAB, and reflects on the lasting impact of Zebra’s music.Catch Zebra live at their 50th Anniversary Tour stop on Saturday, May 17 at 8:00 PM at the Westbury Music Fair.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textBlackmore’s Night’s Candice Night joins Tom Needham to discuss her upcoming induction and new album on the next episode of the LIMEHOF Podcast.Candice Night New Album Release Party and the Induction of Blackmore’s Night to be Held at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on Tuesday, May 13th at 7 p.m.Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night of Blackmore’s Night to be inductedinto the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on May 13th. Photo credit: Barry Fisch. Candice Night will perform LIVE for the first time music from her album Sea Glass. The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will host a night celebrating Candice Night and the release of her new album, Sea Glass. This celebration will feature a LIVE solo performance of Candice Night, performing three songs from her new album followed by the officialinduction of Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night of Blackmore’s Night into LIMEHOF on Tuesday, May 13th at 7p.m. at its museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook, NY. Candice Night will accept the induction on behalf of Blackmore’s Night as Ritchie will not be able to attend.The two inductees met on Long Island and have strong Long Island community ties. Legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple and Rainbow) grew up in the UK and moved to the USA in 1974, moving to Huntington, Long Island in the 1980s. Candice Night grew up in Hauppauge and is a lifetime Long Island resident and a graduate of NYIT in Old Westbury. While interning at WBAB in 1989, she met Ritchie Blackmore at a charity soccer game where Deep Purple played against the station’s DJ’s and Staff. After the game, Candice asked Ritchiefor his autograph and the two became friends, later developinginto more. They started living together in 1993 and co-founded Blackmore’s Night in 1997. They have been very involved in many local charity efforts and community events across Long Island where they continue to live on the North Shore while raising their family. A limited number of tickets will be available to LIMEHOFmembers and the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will cost $50.00. To purchase tickets, visithttps://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textIn this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we’re joined by legendary drummer and Hall of Fame inductee Roger Earl of Foghat. With iconic classics like “Slow Ride,” “Fool for the City,” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” Roger has been thrilling audiences for over fifty years—all while proudly calling Long Island his home. Don’t miss Foghat live at the Patchogue Theatre on May 17th for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night of rock and roll.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textIn this special episode of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, host Tom Needham sits down with Long Island hip hop pioneers AJ Rok and B-Luv of the legendary group JVC Force. Hailing from Central Islip, JVC Force helped define the golden era of hip hop with their unmistakable sound and lyrical prowess. The duo reflects on their groundbreaking 1987 hit “Strong Island,” a powerful anthem that put Long Island on the hip hop map, as well as fan favorites like “Take It Away,” “Do That Dance,” and “Stylin’ Lyrics.” They discuss the group’s early days, the influence of Long Island’s music scene, their rise to fame, and the lasting impact of their music. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of JVC Force—true architects of the Strong Island sound.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textOn this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, historian and author Lisa MacKinney joins host Tom Needham to talk about her new book, Dressed in Black. The first full-length history of the Shangri-Las, the book tells the story of how a group of Queens schoolgirls became 1960s pop legends with hits like “Leader of the Pack” and “Remember (Walking in the Sand).” MacKinney’s meticulous research uncovers the real story behind the group’s meteoric rise and the forces that ultimately cut their careers short. She challenges long-standing myths and restores the Shangri-Las to their rightful place in American music history. It’s a fascinating conversation about one of pop’s most influential yet misunderstood groups.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textOn this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the region’s most exciting emerging talents—Rob Eberle.Originally from Long Island, Rob is a young and versatile singer, songwriter, and producer whose music blends emotional depth with genre-bending creativity. Influenced by artists like FINNEAS, Elliott Smith, Billie Eilish, Jeremy Zucker, Olivia Rodrigo, and Alexander 23, Rob has crafted a sound that lives at the intersection of dark alternative pop and heartfelt storytelling.What sets Rob apart is his gift for turning real-life moments—both his own and those of others—into hauntingly beautiful songs. Every lyric and melody comes from a deeply personal place, and he works closely with producers to ensure each track is a unique expression of emotion and experience.With over hundreds of thousands of streams on his debut EP Collateral Damage and chart success with his latest singles “goodbye (to someone you love)” and “SIGNAL FADES,” Rob is capturing hearts and headlines. Whether he’s on stage at SXSW, on Top 40 radio, or collaborating with brands like Coca-Cola, Rob Eberle is proving he’s an artist to watch—and listen to.In addition, he has a highly anticipated performance coming up at the 2025 Great South Bay Music Festival.Rob Eberle is quickly becoming a name to watch in the Long Island music scene—and beyond.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into the vibrant legacy of 1960s Greenwich Village with Richard Barone—acclaimed musician, producer, author, and frontman of the power-pop trailblazers The Bongos. Richard joins us to discuss his fascinating new book, “Music + Revolution: Greenwich Village in the 1960s,” a vivid exploration of one of America’s most influential cultural hotspots and the artists who helped reshape music, politics, and social consciousness.We’ll explore the making of the book, the revolutionary energy of the Village, and its lasting impact on today’s cultural landscape. Plus, we’ll shine a spotlight on several Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame inductees featured in the book, including Melanie, Simon & Garfunkel, Oscar Brand, and The Lovin’ Spoonful.Tune in for a rich conversation that blends history, music, and storytelling with one of the era’s most passionate scholars and performers.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888