Beyond The Fame with Jason Fraley

Jason Fraley interviews Mike Love, who fronts The Beach Boys at the Virginia Arts Festival this Sunday, a week after his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. You'll hear their pair of conversations from the Kennedy Center in 2016 and "A Capitol Fourth" in 2018. This episode is labeled "Part 2" because "Part 1" featured the late great Brian Wilson, who died last week at age 82. Listen in our archives at BeyondTheFamePodcast.com. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Jimmy "Diamond" Williams, longtime drummer of The Ohio Players, as the funk-soul band rocks The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on June 21. They discuss the band's album covers and journey to record hits like "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley gets ready for National Theatre to stage “Ain't Too Proud: The Life & Times of The Temptations” tomorrow through June 22nd in Washington D.C. He spoke with Tony nominee Jeremy Pope when the show made its East Coast premiere at the Kennedy Center in 2018 before moving to Broadway where it earned 12 Tony nominations, including Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Pope. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews blues legend Buddy Guy, who performs live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on June 21st. He shares his journey from growing up in Louisiana to moving to Chicago to learn from Muddy Waters, wearing polka dots in honor of his mother, and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Eric Clapton and B.B. King. You can even catch him in Ryan Coogler's stylish new vampire movie “Sinners!” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews James Blunt, who performs at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on June 18th to mark the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album “Back to Bedlam.” They discuss his journey from serving in the British military to recording the global smash hit “You're Beautiful.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley wraps Tony Award season by chatting with prolific Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller about his new memoir “Theater Kid,” chronicling his journey to produce four Best Musical winners with “Rent,” “Avenue Q,” “In the Heights” and “Hamilton." Stick around until the end of the interview for a friendly game of Broadway vs. Hollywood savants, quizzing each other on what won Tonys and Oscars throughout history. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley gets ready for tonight's Tony Awards by interviewing playwright Kimberly Bellflower about her play “John Proctor is the Villain,” reimagining Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" to earn 7 Tony nominations, including Best Play. They spoke when the show made its pre-Broadway premiere at Studio Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2022. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews blues legend Taj Mahal, who performs with Keb Mo tomorrow at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. They discuss their "TajMo" collaborations, as well as Taj Mahal's career from recording tunes like "Statesboro Blues" to movie soundtracks like "Sounder." Did you know he's related to the late Cicely Tyson? (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews writer/director Kevin Smith for the 25th anniversary re-release of the cult-classic comedy "Dogma," which returns to movie theaters this weekend. They discuss the making of the movie, the casting of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as fallen angels, and the overall legacy of Jay & Silent Bob. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews The Archies' lead singer Ron Dante, who now fronts The Turtles for the "Happy Together" tour at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on June 8-10. He also reflects on his career, from recording the bubblegum pop hit "Sugar, Sugar" to producing iconic records for Barry Manilow, then becoming a Tony-winning Broadway producer and TV theme-song scribe. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Gary Puckett & The Union Gap as the “Happy Together” tour hits The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on June 8-10. Puckett previews the show and shares memories of recording hits like “Woman, Woman,” “Young Girl” and “Lady Willpower.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony as the “Happy Together” tour hits The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on June 8-10. He reflects on forming The Imperials for late ‘50s doo-wop hits like “Tears on My Pillow” before evolving into ‘60s soul and R&B for eventual induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 75th anniversary of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz taking their vaudeville act on the road in Chicago then New York City, inspiring CBS to give them their own sitcom with “I Love Lucy.” Jason interviewed their daughter Lucie Arnaz when she toured with “Pippin” at the National Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2014. Don't miss their other chat about the best “I Love Lucy” episodes in our archives at ⁠BeyondTheFamePodcast.com⁠. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Fastball lead singer Tony Scalzo as the alternative-rock band performs live at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland on June 8th. They discuss band's journey to record hits like “The Way,” “Fire Escape,” “Out of My Head” and “You're an Ocean.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews JET bass player Mark Wilson as the band rocks the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. on June 2. They discuss the band's formation in Australia and eventual journey to record smash hits like “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” “Look What You've Done” and “Cold Hard Bitch.”  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews 38 Special co-founder and lead singer Don Barnes as the classic-rock band performs at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on June 7th. He describes helping bandmate Donnie Van Zant work through the grief of his brother's fatal plane crash with Lynyrd Skynyrd to eventually record hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You” and “If I'd Been the One.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates 30 years of the family sitcom “Full House," which aired its series finale on ABC on May 23, 1995. He spoke to Uncle Jesse when John Stamos rocked the “A Capitol Fourth” concert in Washington D.C. in 2017. You'll also hear the origin of his signature catchphrase "Have Mercy!" (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley previews Blood Sweat & Tears at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, Maryland on May 30 by speaking with longtime Band Manager Larry Dorr. They discuss the brass-rock band's evolution from Al Kooper to David Clayton-Thomas, from Jerry Fisher to its rotating members today, leaving us with beloved tunes like “Spinning Wheel” and “You Make Me So Very Happy.”  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello, who stars in “Kimberly Akimbo” at National Theatre in Washington D.C. tomorrow through June 1st. She also reflects on her career on stage and screen, from Broadway's "Parade" to AMC's first original series "Remember WENN." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 30th anniversary of John O'Hurley's first appearance as J. Peterman in “Seinfeld" on May 18, 1995. They spoke when O'Hurley played hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn in the iconic musical “Chicago” at the National Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the "Mad Men" series finale, which aired on May 17, 2015. That spring, the cast and crew donated memorabilia to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. You'll hear from Creator Matthew Weiner and AMC Network President Charlie Collier as cast members Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and John Slattery posed next to their props and costumes. You'll also hear from “Mad Men” co-producer and advertising consultant Joshua Weltman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Andy McCluskey of the British synth-pop group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (O.M.D.), which performs live at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C. on May 22-23. They discuss the group's international electronic hits, including "Enola Gay," "Joan of Arc," "Tesla Girls" and of course “If You Leave” from the “Pretty in Pink” soundtrack. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews lead singer Colin Blunstone of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band The Zombies as the new documentary “Hung Up on a Dream” opens in movie theaters this week. They discuss the band's formation, unique name and biggest hits from “She's Not There” to “Time of the Season," as well as their breakup, long hiatus and eventual reunion. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 85th birthday of "Taxi" creator James L. Brooks by flashing back to this 2018 interview with actress Marilu Henner, who earned five Golden Globe nominations as Elaine Nardo on the iconic sitcom. She also discusses her Broadway show at the time called “Gettin' the Band Back Together.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews hilarious comedian Frank Caliendo, who cracks up the D.C. Improv in Washington D.C. on May 20 and 21. They discuss his career from “MADtv” to “Fox NFL Sunday,” as well as his impersonations of presidents like Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, sports figures like John Madden, Jon Gruden and Charles Barkley, and actors like Morgan Freeman and Robert Downey Jr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Timothy Scott Bogart about his new Shakespeare musical adaptation “Juliet & Romeo," which hits movie theaters this Friday, starring Jason Isaacs as Lord Montague and Rebel Wilson as Lady Capulet, while introducing Clara Rugaard and Jamie Ward as the titular star-crossed lovers. The songs are written by his Grammy-winning brother Evan Kidd Bogart, who discovered Eminem and penned Beyonce's “Halo," following in the footsteps of their father Neil Bogart, founder of Casablanca Records. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley salutes Little Big Town on the 20th anniversary of their hit country song "Boondocks," which was released on May 2, 2005. He covered the band when it was honored at the 2018 Grammys on the Hill event at The Hamilton in Washington D.C. You'll also hear red-carpet interviews with guests like Danny Gokey, Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes and "Despacito" co-writer Erika Ender. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Tony-nominated Broadway star Melissa Errico, who brings “The Story of a Rose: A Musical Reverie on The Great War” to the Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria, Virginia on May 7. She shares how her great aunt inspired the show and reflects on her own career from “My Fair Lady” to “Amour.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Grammy-winning country star Carly Pearce, who plays Stagecoach tomorrow before bringing her tour to The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland on May 1. She also discusses her biggest hits like “Every Little Thing,” “I Hope You're Happy Now,” “Next Girl,” “What He Didn't Do,” “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” and “We Don't Fight Anymore.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Oscar-nominated composer David Newman, who conducts “Matilda: In Concert” live with the NSO Pops at the Kennedy Center this Friday and Saturday, including a special Q&A with Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson. He reflects on his career from “The Mighty Ducks” to “The Sandlot,” from “Tommy Boy” to “The Nutty Professor,” from “Anastasia” to “Ice Age,” as well as his favorite film scores by his legendary father Alfred Newman, brother Thomas Newman and cousin Randy Newman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews actor Asher Grodman, who stars in a very special episode of the spooky sitcom “Ghosts” tomorrow night on CBS. He shared why he loves playing his character Trevor and raves about his hilarious co-stars. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews rap legend Rakim, who performs live at Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday, April 18. The groundbreaking emcee breaks down his internal rhyme schemes across a career of hip-hop hits, including “Paid in Full,” “I Ain't No Joke,” “I Know You Got Soul,” “Follow the Leader,” “Don't Sweat the Technique” and “Juice (Know the Ledge).” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Old Dominion lead guitarist Brad Tursi, who brings his solo tour to Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on April 16 and Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on April  17 before the band rocks Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on July 18. They discuss his solo album “Parallel Love,” as well as his journey with Old Dominion for hits like “Break Up With Him,” “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” “Make It Sweet” and “One Man Band.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser, who stars in the new movie “The Luckiest Man in America,” based on the true story of a game-show contestant who memorized the Whammy pattern on “Press Your Luck.” They also discuss his career highlights from “I, Tonya” to “Richard Jewell," “BlackKKlansman” to “Da 5 Bloods,” “Black Bird” to “The Afterparty.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews “American Idol” champ David Cook, who performs live at Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on April 9 and Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia on May 2 for the annual “Race for Hope” fundraiser to benefit The National Brain Tumor Society.  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews five-time Emmy nominee Amy Brenneman about her new comedy play "Fake It Until You Make It” at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. now through May 4. They also discuss her career highlights, including “NYPD Blue," "Casper," "Heat," "Judging Amy," “Private Practice” and “The Leftovers.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews acclaimed comedian Earthquake, who performs at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on April 12. He discusses growing up in D.C. before launching his standup comedy career, including the 2022 Netflix special “Chappelle's Home Team: Earthquake Legendary,” which was named Funniest Comedy Special of the Year by The New York Times. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley catches up with John Driskell Hopkins, Jimmy De Martini and Caroline Jones of the Zac Brown Band, which performs live at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland this Friday, April 4. They break down their Grammy-winning hits, favorite deep cuts and one member's inspiring fight against ALS.  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Ami Canaan Mann, director of the new film “Audrey's Children,” which opens in movie theaters nationwide today. They discuss her journey as a filmmaker, as well as the iconic work of father, Michael Mann. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Kevin Eastman, co-creator of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” ahead of Awesome Con in Washington D.C. on April 4-6. They discuss how his groundbreaking comic book evolved into an animated TV series, action figures, video games and live-action movie blockbusters. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews guitarist Bill Leverty of the rock band Firehouse, which performs live at The Tally Ho Theatre in Leesburg, Virginia on April 3. He reflects on growing up in Virginia before recording hits like “Don't Treat Me Bad,” “Love of a Lifetime,” and “When I Look Into Your Eyes.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews four-time Grammy nominee Boney James, who performs live at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on April 2. The jazz and R&B icon dishes on his new album “Slow Burn” and how he became one of the most acclaimed saxophone players in the world. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interview country music star Craig Morgan, who performs at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland this Thursday night. They discuss his new album "American Soundtrack,” as well as his biggest hits, including "Almost Home," "That's What I Love About Sunday," "Redneck Yacht Club," "Little Bit of Life" and "International Harvester." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Airrion Love, founding member of the classic soul group The Stylistics, which performs live at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Sunday. They reflect on the group's iconic tunes like “Stop, Look, Listen,” “Break Up to Make Up” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews The Guess Who's lead singer Burton Cummings, who rocks the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on March 19. They reflect on the band's unique name and its biggest hits from “These Eyes” to “American Woman.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the eighth anniversary of Robert Osborne's death by bringing back this interview with his Turner Classic Movies colleague Ben Mankiewicz. They spoke in 2017 to promote TCM's Big Screen Classics series in partnership with Fathom Events. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews the hilarious Hank Azaria, who brings his Bruce Springsteen tribute band to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Thursday, followed by Baltimore Soundstage in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday. He also recreates his most famous voices from “The Simpsons” and reflects on his best movies from “Quiz Show” to “The Birdcage.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley previews Sunday's Oscars with Los Angeles film critic Oliver Jones, son of legendary D.C. movie critic Davey Marlin-Jones. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Dropkick Murphys lead guitarist Tim Brennan as the band rocks The Anthem in Washington D.C. this Thursday during its annual Saint Patrick's Day tour. They also discuss the band's Celtic rock tunes, from the smash hit "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" to the new social commentary single "Sirens." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 45th anniversary of the "Miracle on Ice" where the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team upset the Soviet Union on Feb. 22, 1980. He spoke with Chicago filmmaker Gabe Polsky, the son of Ukrainian immigrants, about his acclaimed hockey documentary “Red Army” in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Martin Campbell about his new action thriller "Cleaner" starring Daisy Ridley and Clive Owen (in theaters nationwide tomorrow). They also discuss his career of 007 glory from launching Pierce Brosnan in "GoldenEye" to launching Daniel Crag in "Casino Royale." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")