The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Send us a textDavid Franklin Reeves Jr., better known as Davy DMX, is an iconic figure in the annals of hip-hop history. He was raised in the vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood of Hollis, Queens and emerged as a pioneering force in the genre's formative years. His musical journey, deeply influenced by the soulful sounds of the Jackson 5 and the electric atmosphere of 1970s New York, saw him master an array of instruments and techniques. From his early days as a self-taught guitarist to becoming a renowned DJ and producer, Davy DMX's fingerprints are all over hip-hop's early soundscape.In the late 1970s, Reeves made a name for himself as a versatile musician and DJ, forming the influential group Solo Sounds in Hollis. His collaborations with legendary figures like Kurtis Blow, whom he toured with extensively, and the formation of the groundbreaking band Orange Krush, highlighted his innovative spirit. Orange Krush's track "Action," a seminal work that laid the foundation for Run-DMC's "Sucker MC's (Krush Groove 1)," showcased Davy DMX's knack for creating beats that would echo through the decades, sampled by artists ranging from Jay-Z to Kanye West.Davy DMX's solo career took off with the release of his instrumental hit "One for the Treble (Fresh)" in 1983, a track that featured his signature use of the Oberheim DMX drum machine and solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking producer. His full-length album, "Davy's Ride" released in 1987, was hailed for its imaginative and technically adept approach to hip-hop. Now, as Davy DMX prepares to be inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, his legacy continues to shine brightly. His extensive body of work, including collaborations with Run-DMC, The Fat Boys, and Kurtis Blow, as well as his recent role as the lead bass player for Public Enemy, underscores his lasting impact on hip-hop. Join us on the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast as we delve into the career of this Queens legend, celebrating his contributions to music and his unwavering influence on generations of artists.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 textLIMEHOF Inductee Darryl "DMC" McDaniels co-founded Run-DMC alongside Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, setting the stage for a revolutionary impact on the music industry.Run-DMC quickly ascended to fame with the release of their debut album in 1984 under Profile Records. Their single "Rock Box" became the first rap video played on MTV, breaking new ground for the genre. The group continued to achieve historic milestones, including being the second rap act on American Bandstand and releasing the groundbreaking Raising Hell album in 1986, which went triple platinum and featured the iconic collaboration with Aerosmith on "Walk This Way." Their influence extended further as they became the first rap group to grace the cover of Rolling Stone.Beyond music, McDaniels has made significant contributions to society and the arts. He co-founded The Felix Organization, supporting children in the foster care system, and penned an autobiography, "King of Rock: Respect, Responsibility, and My Life with Run DMC," alongside a candid memoir, "Ten Ways to Not Commit Suicide." In 2014, he ventured into the comic book world with Darryl Makes Comics. McDaniels' legacy was cemented when Run-DMC was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.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 textTaking Back Sunday's Shaun Cooper joins Tom Needham on The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast.Taking Back Sunday, a 2018 Long Island Music Hall of Fame inductee, has solidified their place as one of America's most beloved rock bands. Over the past two decades, they have captivated audiences with their powerful sound and emotionally charged lyrics. The band has consistently released top-selling albums, with notable entries such as 'Louder Now,' 'Where You Want to Be,' and 'Happiness Is.' These albums have resonated with fans and critics alike, showcasing Taking Back Sunday's ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.Some of the band's best-known songs have become anthems for a generation. Tracks like “MakeDamnSure,” “Cute Without The ‘E’ (Cut From The Team),” “A Decade Under The Influence,” and “You’re So Last Summer” highlight their knack for combining catchy melodies with raw, honest storytelling. These songs not only define Taking Back Sunday's unique sound but also reflect their influence on the rock music scene. Their energetic performances and relatable lyrics have earned them a dedicated fanbase and a prominent spot in the rock genre.Beyond their success in the music industry, Taking Back Sunday has also made significant cultural impacts through their contributions to film and television. Their music has been featured in major films like ‘Spider Man 2,’ ‘Fantastic Four,’ and ‘Transformers,’ bringing their sound to even wider audiences. Additionally, their appearance in ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ cemented their status as cultural icons. Through their dynamic presence in both music and entertainment, Taking Back Sunday continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry, showcasing the enduring power of their artistry.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 textJoin us on the latest episode of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast as we sit down with inductee Kenny Vance to discuss his documentary, "Heart & Soul: A Love Story." In an intimate conversation with host Tom Needham, Vance takes us on a journey through the world of Doo-Wop, exploring the vocal harmony masterpieces created by teenage artists in the 1950s and 60s. This genre, now fast fading from history, formed a crucial bridge to today's popular music and youth culture.Kenny Vance, a multi-platinum singer/musician and debut director, captures the essence of this era with verité footage shot over decades. His film showcases how young, diverse street artists—Vance's friends and fellow performers—broke new ground by singing in harmony, ultimately changing the course of music and culture. As a teenage co-founder of the iconic Sixties pop group Jay & the Americans, Vance brings a unique perspective to the stories and lives of the artists featured in his documentary. Tune in to hear the heartfelt stories of the music and its makers, told in their own words.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 textListen to a special Q&A featuring host Tom Needham, director Ellen Goldfarb and iconic WLIR DJs Denis McNamara and Larry "The Duck" Dunn. This event took place during a screening of the acclaimed documentary "New Wave: Dare to Be Different" at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. The documentary, directed by Goldfarb, delves into the revolutionary role of Garden City-based radio station WLIR in transforming the 1980s music scene. The Q&A session provided an intimate glimpse into the station's groundbreaking efforts and the personal experiences of those who made it all happen.WLIR was a trailblazer in the U.S. music industry, being the first to introduce American audiences to now-legendary bands like The Cure, U2, The Smiths, and New Order. Under the guidance of program director Denis McNamara, who joined the station in the mid-1970s, WLIR shifted from album-oriented rock to a daring New Wave format in the 1980s. This bold move not only set the station apart but also played a pivotal role in shaping the national musical landscape. This podcast episode, recorded at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, also highlighted the station's significant influence on the local club scene.The special screening event and podcast recording at the Hall of Fame provide a nostalgic yet insightful journey into WLIR's legacy. Ellen Goldfarb, Denis McNamara, and Larry Dunn share anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories that illuminate the station's fearless approach to programming and its enduring impact on music 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 textRon Alexenburg has over 60 years of experience in the music industry. In 1965, he joined CBS Records and soon moved onto Columbia Records, where he became the youngest head of promotion in the company’s history, working with the label’s top talent. He rose through the ranks at Columbia, eventually becoming senior vice president and general manager of Epic Records, a division of CBS Records Group. Over the years, Alexenburg has worked directly with many recording artists, including Boston, Meat Loaf, Charlie Daniels, and Michael Jackson. Under his helm, Michael Jackson’s Thriller became—and still is—the best-selling album of all time.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 textKurtis Blow was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2014.Kurtis Walker—known to the world as Kurtis Blow—kicked off his career in the 1970s as Kool DJ Kurt, spinning records and making waves. He became the first rapper to achieve commercial success and land a major record deal with Mercury. His 1980 debut album featured “The Breaks,” the first rap song to go certified gold. He is known for his songs "Basketball," "Christmas Rappin," "If I Ruled the World, and "Hard Times."Over his career, Blow has released 15 albums and crafted hits for The Fat Boys and Run DMC (with Run initially billed as “The Son of Kurtis Blow”). Blow has also produced or collaborated with legends like Lovebug Starski, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Full Force, Russell Simmons, and Wyclef Jean.Kurtis Blow also starred in the film Krush Groove along with Run DMC, Sheila E. and The Fat Boys.This interview originally aired on Tom Needham's The 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 textJay Jay French will be joining Tom Needham for an extended conversation about his documentary We Are Twisted F***ING Sister.  The film focuses on the ten grueling years leading up to Twisted Sister's commercial breakthrough as they cross-dressed their way all over Long Island bars and clubs to super-stardom.Twisted Sister was a dangerous combination of the New York Dolls’ glam, KISS’ theatrics, and the shock-rock styling of Alice Cooper. In 1972, Jay Jay French formed a glam-rock cover band modeled after the New York Dolls. An apprenticeship on the local Long Island club scene followed, and, by early 1976, French hired Dee Snider and along with fellow guitarist and high school buddy Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda,  gave the band’s glam sound a kick in the chops and also quickly developed into the dominant songwriter. After a rotating array of ex members who couldn’t maintain the work schedule of 250 nights a year x 4 shows per night for 10 years,  Long Island native, bass player Mark “The Animal ” Mendoza (formerly of the punk legends The Dictators) joined in 1978 which also made the band much heavier sonically. The Long Island  club scene exploded (drinking age was 18) with ever larger rooms Twisted Sister started setting attendance records in many Long Island Clubs such as Speaks in Island Park, Hammerheads in Levittown & East Islip, The Mad Hatter in Stony Brook, and the Mad Hatter in East Quogue which, after many rejections, led to a record deal. In 1982 drummer AJ Pero completed the band line up.  In 1984, with the simultaneous explosion of MTV, and their groundbreaking videos,TS released their third album Stay Hungry, (7 million sold worldwide and counting..) that included the monster hits “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” The band recorded and toured extensively around the world  (they took a hiatus from 1988-2001) and returned to become one of the biggest bands on the European and South American rock and metal festival circuit from 2003-2016In 2006 TS released A Twisted Christmas, the most successful heavy metal Christmas album in history.Drummer AJ Pero passed away in 2015 and was replaced by legendary Long Island drummer Mike Portnoy for the band’s remaining live performances.This interview originally aired on Tom Needham's The Sounds of FilmBuy 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 textBlue Öyster Cult was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2008. Albert Bouchard will be performing with some past and current members of the band at LIMEHOF's 20th Anniversary Concert Honoring Billy Joel on June 7th at the Tilles Center.Albert Bouchard, a globally recognized Grammy® Nominated songwriter and rock drummer, has sold over 24 million albums worldwide. As a co-founder of the renowned band 'Blue Öyster Cult,' his innovative drumming style has left an indelible mark on both fellow musicians and devoted fans.Early Musical JourneyAlbert embarked on his musical journey at a young age, growing up on a bustling family farm in Clayton, New York, amidst six siblings. His inaugural musical endeavor, 'The Regal Tones,' featured Albert on drums alongside his brother Joe and cousin Teddy. Their performances, often held on weekends, quickly gained popularity, with barn dances turning into sold-out sensations. Albert's musical pursuits led him to college, where he formed the successful band 'Travesty,' ultimately prompting him to leave college and establish what would later evolve into Blue Öyster Cult.Blue Öyster Cult and Global RecognitionIn 1967, Albert co-founded Blue Öyster Cult, a heavyweight rock ensemble originating from New York. The band's rapid ascent to fame saw the release of several albums, notably the 1976 hit 'Agents of Fortune,' distributed by Columbia Records, featuring their chart-topping single 'Don't Fear the Reaper.' This iconic track soared up the Billboard charts, achieving international acclaim and securing a permanent spot in rock history. Albert's influential presence within the band was instrumental in shaping its trajectory, even inspiring the legendary "More Cowbell" sketch on Saturday Night Live, starring Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell.Blue Coupe and Grammy AccoladesFollowing his tenure with Blue Öyster Cult, Albert collaborated with esteemed acts such as The Mamas & The Papas, the Spencer Davis Group, and Peter Noone of Hermans Hermits. After a brief hiatus to pursue academic endeavors, obtaining both a BA and MA in English, Albert formed 'The Brain Surgeons' before co-founding the successful outfit Blue Coupe, featuring renowned bassist Dennis Dunaway from Alice Cooper. Their critically acclaimed album 'Tornado on the Tracks' garnered multiple Grammy nominations and showcased the exceptional talent of The Doors' guitarist, Robby Krieger. Blue Coupe's ongoing tours across North America and Europe, including standout performances at the New York City Halloween Parade, continue to captivate audiences worldwide.Albert remains an active presence in the music scene, touring internationally and imparting his knowledge to aspiring musicians. 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

Original sax player for Billy Joel, Richie Cannata, shares stories of collaborating with Billy, touring, and producing albums. Reflects on the challenges of a music career and emotional moments performing at Madison Square Garden.