Beyond The Fame with Jason Fraley

Jason Fraley interviews hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane, who performs live with the Duke Ellington School Orchestra at the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday. He also teases his upcoming final album “Curtain Call" and shares memories of how Biz Markie gifted him “Ain't No Half Steppin',” how he recorded “Very Special” with a very pregnant DJ Spinderella, and who he'd put on Rap's Mount Rushmore. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews singer/songwriter Rachel Platten, who headlines the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's AcceptAbility Gala in Washington D.C. tomorrow night. She previews the event and reflects on her career of inspirational tunes like “Fight Song” and “I'll Stand By You.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 50th anniversary of Henry Winkler competing for his first Primetime Emmy for his iconic role as The Fonz on the TV sitcom “Happy Days." They spoke in 2016 to promote his NBC reality show “Better Late Than Never,” traveling the globe with William Shatner, Jeff Dye, Terry Bradshaw, and the late George Foreman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Darryl "DMC" McDaniels teams with Public Enemy alumni Brian Hardgroove and DJ Johnny Juice to form the new hip-hop supergroup FREEDOM, dropping their new single "I'm On Your Side" tomorrow. They also praise each other's greatest hits from Run-DMC's "It's Like That," "Rock Box," "King of Rock," "It's Tricky" and "Walk This Way" to Public Enemy's "Rebel Without a Pause," "Bring the Noise," "Don't Believe the Hype," "Fight the Power" and "Shut Em Down." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates “Top Gun” returning to movie theaters nationwide tomorrow for its 40th anniversary by flashing back to his interview with Berlin lead singer Terri Nunn, who sang the Oscar-winning hit “Take My Breath Away." They spoke when the band reunited for their 40th anniversary tour at The Anthem in Washington D.C. in 2019. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks tomorrow's 70th anniversary of Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray's “Pather Panchali” winning Best Human Document at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, sparking a trio of landmark films known as “The Apu Trilogy." Jason spoke to Criterion Collection President Peter Becker and Criterion Technical Director Lee Kline about the trilogy's exciting 4K restoration in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Broadway star Shereen Pimentel, who played Maria in the 2020 Broadway revival of “West Side Story” and returns to the role TONIGHT, TONIGHT in a special new production by the Washington National Opera at The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland on May 8-10, followed by the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on May 14-15. They discuss how the show's timeless themes of The Sharks vs. The Jets can heal our divisive political climate that caused the WNO to leave the Kennedy Center after 55 years. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates Tony nominations day with Kelsie Watts, the current star of Broadway's “Moulin Rouge: The Musical." This week also marks the 25th anniversary of Baz Luhrmann's “Moulin Rouge” making its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival with iconic performances by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Acclaimed author Walter Mosley headlines the Frederick Speaker Series at the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland this Thursday, April 30. They discuss his prolific literary career, including his 1990 detective novel “Devil in a Blue Dress,” which was memorably adapted into a 1995 film starring Denzel Washington. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Julie Pacino, daughter of Al Pacino, makes her feature-length directorial debut this week with the new horror flick “I Live Here Now," available on Video On Demand. She joined me to discuss the film's psychological allegory and her own evolution as a filmmaker, following in the footsteps of her legendary father, star of classics like “The Godfather,” “Dog Day Afternoon” and “Scarface.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the indie film “Elvis & Nixon," chronicling the true story of the King of Rock & Roll meeting the President of the United States. Acclaimed director Liza Johnson called in to promote the film's release in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley wishes a happy 50th birthday to celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio, who competes tonight in the finale of the Food Network's "Tournament of Champions VII." They spoke when he competed on Bravo's "Top Chef: All-Stars L.A." in March 2020 right as the pandemic shook up the restaurant industry, including businesses in their shared hometown of Frederick, Maryland. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews comedian Paula Poundstone, who cracks up the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland this Friday night. They spoke when she played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia in November 2016, just days before the presidential election between Donald Trump & Hillary Clinton. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 165th anniversary of the Civil War by reviving his conversation with Rev. Gary Hall, former Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., from when he hosted a 2015 panel called “Civil War to Civil Rights: The Last Great Speeches of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley salutes Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd, former guitarist for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, who headlines the annual Rock & Roll for Children benefit this Saturday in Potomac, Maryland to raise money for The Children's Inn at NIH. Here's a flashback to their convo when Byrd headlined the event back in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Trent Harmon winning Season 15 of “American Idol," making him the last winner of the show's iconic 15-year run on Fox before being revived on ABC. They spoke in 2016 when he performed at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. You'll also hear from former “Idol” judges Kara DioGuardi, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Kylie Morgan, who performs live at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia this Friday, April 3. She discusses her new album “The Healed Cowgirl," including the singles "Like My Own" and "Love and Country Music," as well as the biggest hits of her career from “Two Night Stands” to “If He Wanted to He Would,” which just went platinum. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Oscar-nominated producers Tim & Trevor White, who screen “Carolina Caroline” this Saturday at the Annapolis Film Festival (March 26-29). The brothers also reflect on their prolific producing career, including Rob Reiner's “LBJ,” Aubrey Plaza's “Ingrid Goes West,” Taylor Sheridan's “Wind River,” Steven Spielberg's “The Post,” Will Smith's “King Richard” and most recently “Eternity,” starring Miles Teller & Elizabeth Olsen. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Tony-nominated musical "Bright Star" premiering on Broadway on March 24, 2016. Jason spoke with co-creators Steve Martin and Edie Brickell when the show made its pre-Broadway premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clairon")

Jason Fraley interviews Jay Leno, who joins Arsenio Hall at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on March 28. They also discuss his journey to "The Tonight Show," his rivalries with David Letterman and Conan O'Brien, and the state of late-night comedy today, including the recent controversies of Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016, culminating today with "Spotlight" winning Best Picture. You'll first hear Jason's interview with writer/director Tom McCarthy and co-writer Josh Singer at the film's Washington D.C. premiere at the National Portrait Gallery in November 2015, where Jason also interviewed "The Wire" creator David Simon, who hosted a Q&A with the real Boston Globe reporters. You'll then go backstage at the Oscars in 2016 to hear McCarthy and Singer react to winning Best Original Screenplay, followed by "Spotlight" producers Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust celebrating Best Picture. Finally, you'll hear Jason catch up with David Simon again in 2017 to react to "Spotlight" winning Best Picture and the troubling state of journalism in the 21st century. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")

Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016. Each day this week, you'll hear the audio Jason recorded backstage as the winners left the stage and entered the press room holding their Oscars, continuing today with Alejandro González Iñárritu, who won Best Director for "The Revenant," as well as his Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")

Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016. Each day this week, you'll hear the audio Jason recorded backstage as the winners left the stage and entered the press room holding their Oscars, continuing today with Mark Rylance, who won Best Supporting Actor for "Bridge of Spies," and Alicia Vikander, who won Best Supporting Actress for "The Danish Girl." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")

Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016. Each day this week, you'll hear the audio Jason recorded backstage as the winners left the stage and entered the press room holding their Oscars, continuing today with Brie Larson, who won Best Actress for "Room." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")

Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016. Each day this week, you'll hear the audio Jason recorded backstage as the winners left the stage and entered the press room holding their Oscars, starting today with Leonardo DiCaprio, who won Best Actor for “The Revenant." Leo is nominated again this year for "One Battle After Another." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")

Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Hunter Hayes, who releases his new album “Evergreen” this Friday to complete his trilogy of "Wild Blue" and "Red Sky." He also reflects on his life and career, from getting his first guitar from the late Robert Duvall to being nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Malcolm Bruce (son of Cream singer Jack Bruce), who teams with Kofi Baker (son of Cream drummer Ginger Baker) as their legacy band Sons of Cream rocks Rams Head in Annapolis, MD this Friday. They discuss their fathers' biggest hits from “I Feel Free” to “Sunshine of Your Love” to “White Room.”  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates 1,000 episodes with his high school football coach Rick Conner, the reigning Maryland 3A State High School Football Coach of the Year after leading the Linganore Lancers to an undefeated season to capture his 8th state championship. Coach Conner reflects on his life and career, from his own playing days at Western Maryland College to his early coaching days at T.J. High School to his 50 straight wins as Defensive Coordinator at Urbana High School. Of course, they also discuss his four state titles as Head Coach at Linganore High School, where Jason served as his very first team captain in 2002. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of William Shatner's book “Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man" about his late “Star Trek” co-star Leonard Nimoy. They spoke in 2016 when Shatner performed at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the one-year anniversary of Ben Folds resigning as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra after Donald Trump's Kennedy Center takeover, sparking a chain reaction of artist cancellations. Folds joined the show in 2018 to discuss the launch of his Kennedy Center series "Declassified," pairing the NSO with popular musicians like Sara Bareilles and Jon Batiste. We're replaying it today as a reminder of all that was lost and could be again. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews actor Corey Feldman, who brings a special 40th anniversary screening of "Stand By Me" to Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on March 14. They pay tribute to late director Rob Reiner and discuss the state of child actors in Hollywood today. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Virginia fine artist Daniel Redfern, who has amassed over a million Instagram followers as a social media influencer in the art world, not to mention features in Beverly Hills Magazine and the Global Art Times. They discuss his latest oil painting “Eternal Majesty: The Rise of Gold and Shadows,” which recently appraised for $15 million at The Naturalist Gallery. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley previews Michael & Kevin Bacon performing tomorrow at Maryland Hall in Annapolis by delivering another flashback episode from their handful of chats over the years, this time from when The Bacon Brothers rocked The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia back in 2019. They also discuss Kevin's movie career. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews beloved actor Cary Elwes, who stars in the new hostage flick “Dead Man's Wire,” which opens in movie theaters nationwide this Friday. They discuss the movie, praise director Gus Van Sant, and reflect on Elwes' iconic acting career, including comedies like “The Princess Bride" and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," war dramas like "Glory" and even horror flicks like “Saw.” Note: This interview was recorded before the murder of Rob Reiner, so forgive the upbeat tone while giving Reiner his flowers. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews comedian Tom Arnold, who cracks up the D.C. Comedy Loft in Washington D.C. this Thursday through Saturday. They discuss his career in comedy from “Roseanne” to “The Stupids” to “Austin Powers,” as well as swapping personal stories about IVF. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley chats with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, who co-host “New Year's Eve Live” tonight on CNN for the ninth straight year at Times Square in New York City. They spoke when their comedy tour AC² hit Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. back in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Creed lead guitarist Mark Tremonti as the band brings its "Creedmas" tour to The HALL at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland on Dec. 29th. They preview the show and break down the band's biggest hits, including “Higher,” “With Arms Wide Open,” “My Sacrifice” and “One Last Breath.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews “Twilight” alum Kristen Stewart, who makes her directorial debut by adapting Lidia Yuknavitch's 2011 memoir “The Chronology of Water,” now in select theaters before opening nationwide Jan. 9, 2026. Stewart goes in depth about her writing and directing process — and you'll even hear actress Imogen Poots chime in at the beginning to banter about our podcast title: Is it "Beyond the Fame" or "Beyond the Frame?" (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 20th anniversary of the Billy Joel musical “Movin' Out," which closed on Broadway on Dec. 11, 2005. He spoke to the show's Tony-nominated star Michael Cavanaugh when he brought his Billy Joel tribute concert to Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia in 2024. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of Cicely Tyson being honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. on Dec. 6, 2015. They spoke on the red carpet, honoring her legendary career from her Oscar-nominated role in “Sounder” to her Emmy-winning role in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” to her Tony-winning role in “The Trip to Bountiful." They spoke again the following year when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama at the White House on Nov. 22, 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of Crosby, Stills & Nash performing “Silent Night” to light the National Christmas Tree on the White House Ellipse alongside President Barack Obama on Dec. 3rd, 2015. He spoke with David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash just before the ceremony, exploring Crosby's history with The Byrds, Stills with Buffalo Springfield, and Nash with The Hollies, before uniting to form the legendary folk supergroup. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews five-time Emmy winner Jane Lynch, who brings “A Swingin' Little Christmas” to the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland this Saturday, November 29th. She reflects on her favorite holiday tunes from childhood before launching a prolific career in comedy, including “Best in Show,” “Talladega Nights,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” "Role Models," “Glee,” "Hollywood Game Night," “The Weakest Link,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Only Murders in the Building.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley previews comedian Paula Poundstone at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Nov. 21-22 by flashing back to their interview when she previously played The Birchmere in November of 2020 — and let's just say that a lot has transpired in the five years since. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 30th anniversary of Joan Osborne's iconic song “What If God Was One of Us," which was released as a single 30 years ago this week on Nov. 13, 1995. She called in to discuss the Grammy-nominated song when she played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia back in 2016, as well as her love of Bob Dylan and passion for documentary filmmaking. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, as he plays Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on November 4th, followed by The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on November 6th. He recalls forming the group first as a fictional band on the hit TV show, then becoming a real band on actual radio with hits from “I'm a Believer” and “Daydream Believer.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews prolific guitarist John 5, who rocks the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on Nov. 5 on a double bill with Richie Kotzen. He called in to discuss his career, touring with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and most recently Motley Crue. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Cam, who performs live at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Oct. 28. They discuss her newest album “All Things Light" before doing a deep dive into her career journey from California to Nashville, recording gems like “Burning House,” “Village,” “Redwood Tree,” “Til There's Nothing Left,” “Changes” and “Diane," as well as writing/producing a handful of songs on Beyonce's “Cowboy Carter” album. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews lead singer Mike Eli and bass player Jon Jones of the Eli Young Band, which performs live at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on October 17th. They discuss their newest album “Strange Hours,” as well as their biggest country music hits like “When It Rains,” “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Drunk Last Night” and “Love Ain't.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton and bandmate J.D. Andrew as their band The Boxmasters rocks the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia this Friday, October 10th. They preview the show and discuss their newest album “Pepper Tree Hill” before ending with some rapid-fire questions on Billy Bob's most famous TV and movie roles. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Violent Femmes drummer John Sparrow as the prolific punk band rocks The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland this Sunday, Oct. 5. They discuss smash hits like “Blister in the Sun," as well as deeper cuts from every album in their discography. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews comedian Whitney Cummings, who cracks up The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland this Saturday, October 4th. She discusses growing up in the D.C. area before launching a hilarious career in comedy, from pranking celebrities on MTV's “Punk'd” to roasting future presidents on Comedy Central and even creating TV sitcoms like "2 Broke Girls" on CBS and "Whitney" on NBC. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")