The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

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

Send us a textOn this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, host Tom Needham speaks with legendary bluesman Kerry Kearney about his incredible career and the release of his powerful new album, “The Kerry Kearney Band,” on Paradiddle Records. Known for his fiery slide guitar and soulful sound, Kerry shares stories from the road, including touring with The Allman Brothers Band and sharing stages with blues greats like BB King and Robert Cray. The conversation dives into the making of the new album, which features seven original songs and blazing covers of Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon, and Otis Rush. Kerry reflects on his decades-long journey through blues music and what continues to inspire his playing today. Don’t miss this deep and heartfelt episode with one of Long Island’s finest.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 special episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we welcome Hall of Fame inductee and legendary singer-songwriter Elliott Murphy to discuss his highly anticipated new album, INFINITY. Marking his 52nd release, the album is a deeply personal yet universally resonant collection of songs that blends past, present, and future with a genre-defying sound. Recorded in Paris and produced by his son, Gaspard Murphy, INFINITY showcases Elliott’s signature storytelling, featuring collaborations with longtime musical partner Olivier Durand and a host of talented musicians. Murphy reflects on his lifelong journey in music, his inspirations, and the creative process behind this ambitious project, which he describes as a novel in musical form.Throughout the episode, Elliott takes us inside INFINITY’s standout tracks, from the nostalgic “Granny Takes a Trip” to the socially reflective “Baby Boomers Lament” and the driving rock energy of “Makin’ It Real.” He shares stories of his early days in Garden City, his fascination with American and European culture, and the unexpected burst of songwriting inspiration that fueled this album. As he prepares for his upcoming European tour, Murphy offers insights into his ever-evolving artistry and the timeless themes that continue to shape his work. Tune in for a fascinating conversation with one of Long Island’s most influential and enduring 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 textIn this classic interview, Anthony DeCurtis joins Tom Needham to discuss his popular book, ‘Lou Reed: A Life.’‘Lou Reed: A Life’ is the essential biography of Long Island rock star, Lou Reed. As lead singer and songwriter for the influential Velvet Underground and as a celebrated solo artist, Lou Reed is considered to be the inventor of alternative rock. His music violated all definitions of genre, while his lyrics spoke to millions of fans. The man who created massive hits like “Walk on the Wild Side” and “Sweet Jane,” also pushed boundaries with unconventional albums like ‘Berlin,’ ‘Street Hassle,’ and ‘Magic and Loss.’ DeCurtis’ book examines an artist who was always reinventing his personae, sexuality and sound. The book also explores his unique relationships with other legends like David Bowie, Andy Warhol and Laurie Anderson.Anthony DeCurtis has been a contributing editor for ‘Rolling Stone,’ where his work has appeared for over 35 years. He is the co-writer of Clive Davis’ ‘New York Times’ bestseller ‘The Soundtrack of My Life.’ He is a Grammy winner and has served as a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s nominating committee for more than 20 years.Join Tom Needham for a compelling look at one of music’s most enigmatic figures in this must-listen episode of The LIMEHOF Podcast.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, host Tom Needham sits down with none other than inductee Mark “The Animal” Mendoza. Best known as the powerhouse bassist of Twisted Sister, Mark joined the band in 1978 after his tenure with The Dictators. His thunderous basslines and electrifying stage presence played a pivotal role in shaping Twisted Sister’s iconic sound on albums like Under the Blade, You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll, and the multi-platinum Stay Hungry, which spawned anthems like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.”Beyond Twisted Sister, Mark has lent his talents to Blackfoot and Leslie West while also making a name for himself in production and broadcasting as the co-founder of Area 22 Production. Tune in for an in-depth conversation about his legendary career, the stories behind the music, and his continued impact on the industry.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 spotlight hip-hop pioneer and LIMEHOF inductee Eric B. As one half of the legendary duo Eric B. & Rakim, he helped shape the sound of golden age hip-hop with his innovative DJing and production. Emerging from East Elmhurst, Queens, Eric B. first made his mark as a DJ at WBLS before teaming up with Rakim in 1986. Together, they released the groundbreaking album “Paid in Full,” widely recognized as one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time. Together, they made some of hip hop’s most legendary songs including, “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” “I Ain’t No Joke,” and “I Know You Got Soul.”His production style, known for its precise use of samples and stripped-down beats, set a new standard in the genre. Following the duo’s split in the 90’s, Eric B. continued his career as a producer and entrepreneur. He later reunited with Rakim for a series of live performances and remastered releases, cementing their legacy in hip-hop history. Tune in for an in-depth conversation about his journey, impact, and continued influence on music and culture.This “classic” interview was originally recorded for Tom Needham’s Sounds of Film.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 special episode of SOUNDS, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of Craig Knapp, the 2024 recipient of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame’s (LIMEHOF) prestigious Educator of Note Award. This award recognizes educators who have made a profound impact on music education, and Craig’s 27-year career is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and passion for teaching.Craig has inspired countless students as the Elementary Classroom Music Specialist and Choral Director at Rocky Point Public Schools, the Director of the Nassau and Suffolk Treble Choirs of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, a former Adjunct Assistant Professor at Hofstra University, and a highly respected clinician, guest conductor, and author. His work has shaped Long Island’s musical landscape, enriching the lives of young musicians through his creative and engaging approach to music education.Joining us in this conversation is Mike Rodgers, Craig’s friend and fellow educator, who also serves on the LIMEHOF Education Committee. Together, they discuss Craig’s journey as an educator, his philosophies on teaching, and the significance of receiving this prestigious honor. We’ll also explore his innovative methods for inspiring students, the challenges and rewards of music education, and the role of organizations like LIMEHOF in supporting educators and the arts.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 revisit a classic interview with Emmy-winning director Jim Brown, originally aired on Tom Needham’s “The Sounds of Film” radio show. Brown discusses his powerful documentary, “A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia,” which chronicles Billy Joel’s historic 1987 tour of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.The film, released as part of a Deluxe Edition by Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings in 2014, captures the groundbreaking cultural exchange that unfolded as Billy Joel brought Western rock and roll to Russian audiences for the first time. Featuring electrifying Billy Joel performances in Moscow, Leningrad, and Tbilisi, the tour became a symbol of unity and hope in a time of political reform and cultural change.Jim Brown, celebrated for his work on iconic documentaries like “Pete Seeger: The Power of Song” and “American Roots Music,” shares his insights into documenting this pivotal moment in music and political history. 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