PLANET LUDWIG with STEVE LUDWIG

JUDY GARLAND'S proposed autobiography never saw the light of day, but she DID record her thoughts onto tape, in anticipation of writing the book. We'll hear her get completely infuriated at those who did her wrong. PLUS, we'll hear 25 mins. of a drunken, rowdy-crowd poetry reading by the late CHARLES BUKOWSKI. And finally, a FAB FOUR FREAK OUT ~ an 8-minute "cousin" of "Revolution 9" from the White Album. It all adds up to a SOUNDFEST!

EPISODE 128 ~ I had the extreme good fortune to interview Gary DeCarlo five times on Classic Pop Culture. Gary, of course, was in Steam, and he co-wrote and sang lead on the legendary song, "Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye). I have chosen excerpts from each of those five interviews to share, as we remember the brilliance of Mr. Gary DeCarlo.Anxious to keep making the music he so loved, Gary came on to talk about and play songs from his latest CDs.Of course he reminisced about his up and down life in the music business. But as you'll hear throughout the course of these interviews, Gary certainly felt the love and recognition from his fans during these final years of his life. In the last of his interviews with us, Gary talks about his health issues, and of his hope for the future.Thanks for the music and the friendship, Gary!

What a super couple of guests we have for this edition of STEVE LUDWIG'S CLASSIC POP CULTURE (Show # 127) ~ MUSICIAN/SONGWRITER JOOLZ JONES comes from a rich musical heritage. His grandfather is the legendary Rolling Stones founder, Brian Jones, and his step-granddad is the legendary Donovan. AUTHOR PHILIP SELVAGGIO has written a biography about one of the most fascinating men in our history - Frederick Gilbert Bourne. Bourne has connections to the Titanic, the World Trade Center, the Dakota building in NYC, and countless other aspects of our popular culture.PLUS, of course, our usual supply of retro commercials & other pop culture STUFF! Enjoy!

PRESTON GLASS has written, produced, arranged, played on songs from many of the greats in popular music, including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Kenny G, George Benson, Earth Wind & Fire, Little Anthony, Joe Mandica & Stephanie Angelini, Stacy Lattisaw & Johnny Gill, Jermaine Stewart, Michelle Gayle...just to name a few. PLUS, Mr. Glass has many successful albums as a performer in his own right ~ Preston Glass is a true renaissance man of the music business. ENJOY!

Multi-Award winning author GARY D. HENRY is one of the most prolific writers working today. The magnificent Mr. Henry has written TWENTY-SEVEN books in ONLY EIGHT YEARS! Oh, and by the way, Gary also works a full-time job ~ How does he do it? We'll find out in this episode. But we won't only learn about Gary's methods of writing, we'll ask some unlikely questions such as, How does his back hold up from all that sitting and writing? PLUS, some cool pop/rock songs about writing and books...Enjoy!

RIC SILVER, the man who created THE ELECTRIC SLIDE, joins us to talk about the amazing backstory of how he invented the dance that was the Number One dance for ten years in a row.Did you know that Ric also created Break Dancing, Pop 'N' Lock, and the Robot? He did, and he'll talk about those dances as well!

In an interview direct from Australia, the land down-under's premier tunesmith, JOE MANDICA returns to Classic Pop Culture along with Australia's magnificent singer, STEPHANIE ANGELINI, to discuss their upcoming album. Joe and Stephanie collaborated with legendary music producer/songwriter/singer, PRESTON GLASS on this project, and they share two tunes from the album.Great talk; great music!

Author DR. KIT O'TOOLE returns to CLASSIC POP CULTURE to discuss her internet blog/column, "DEEP SOUL." Kit chooses eight performers who fit under that broad umbrella of "soul" and talks about each one in depth. And, of course, the good doctor introduces one song for each performer!

STEVE BOONE, co-founder, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, and songwriter of so many of the LOVIN' SPOONFUL's songs, joins us for an all-encompassing interview, taking us through not only the stories behind the hits, but also Spoonful album tracks, as well as listening to songs from Steve's other band, FORQ. We'll be hearing many of Steve's adventures as detailed in his autobiography, HOTTER THAN A MATCH HEAD - LIFE ON THE RUN WITH THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL. After hearing our conversation, you'll definitely "Believe in Magic"!

In its March 2107 issue, UNCUT magazine compiled its list of 1the 101 weirdest albums of all time ~ We've taken it upon our humble selves to choose fifteen songs from that list, and we hereby present them to you...Remember ~ WEIRD IS GOOD! Enjoy~

Rock & Roll said goodbye to its Architect, CHUCK BERRY, on March 18, 2017. On this episode (Show # 119), we pay tribute to THE MAN by listening to Chuck Berry covers by some of those who were inspired by him. PLUS, interviews with New York Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, TOMMY MAHER, and Australia's # 1 tunesmith, JOE MANDICA of the Initiative ~

JAMES ARENA returns for a third visit as he discusses his latest book, STARS OF 90's DANCE POP. James is the World's #1 Authority on Dance Music, and he shows us why he's earned that title with his insightful look on the dance pop genre~ Enjoy!

GORENOS is one of the finest indie horror films of the past few years. Actor LAMAR GEORGE joins us to talk all about the onscreen and behind-the-scenes goings on during filming. PLUS~ Wrestling historian EVAN GINZBURG remembers his close friend NICOLE BASS, as well as GEROGE "THE ANIMAL" STEELE, CHAVO GUERRERO, Sr., & IVAN KOLOFF, all of whom passed away within a week of each other.

On February 9, 1964, the Beatles made their debut on the ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Debbie Gendler was one of the lucky, screaming teenagers in person, in the audience at that show. Debbie is our guest!

JOEL GLAZIER, renowned authority on the PAUL IS DEAD Hoax joins us for Part Two of the Death Clues ~ This time, we examine the ALBUM COVER clues!

The PAUL IS DEAD Hoax is alive and well as we listen to the AUDIO CLUES that had many fans believing that Paul McC had actually died on Nov. 9, 1966 ~ What do you think?

TERI McMINN, best known for her role of "Pam, the meat hook girl," from the original TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSCARE, 1974 joins us for Episode 116 ~ OLIVER SEAN, MTV EMA Nominee, also visits us to share his new single, "First Move," with us. And rounding out the show, DEBBIE D tells us about the upcoming 25th Anniversary celebration of her very first horror movie! Plus, as always, our usual dose of pop culture coolness!

Michael Jackson's music and influence are celebrated as author KIT O'TOOLE returns to discuss her book, MICHAEL JACKSON FAQ - ALL THAT'S LEFT TO KNOW ABOUT THE KING OF POP. With plenty of Michael solo and Jackson Five songs, including demos & alternate takes ~ It's all MJ!

No commercially-released Beatles songs on this episode ~ Only those fabulous demos, alternate takes, isolated vocal tracks, isolated instrumental tracks, and live tunes never released commercially. Just when you think you've heard it all...

Author KIT O'TOOLE joins us to talk about her fab Beatles book, SONGS WE WERE SINGING ~ The book examines lesser-known Beatles songs explains that, despite not being "hits," these songs nonetheless encapsulate the greatness that is the Beatles ~ Plenty of Beatles tunes on the show, too!

Light the candles and turn out the lights... It's our HALLOWEEN SHINDIG with KEN SAGOES, "Kincaide" from NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Pts. 3 & 4 in our Legends Flashback segment ~ Plus, Horror Author ZAINAB ALI sopeaks with us about her 4 favorite classic horror movie actors & actresses ~ And a specially-made Planet Ludwig horror movie scene medley! And of course, ghoul rockin' Halloween music!

Two members of the coolest band in Sweden join us ~ LISA LYSTAM & FREDRIK KARLSSON of the LISA LYSTAM FAMILY BAND speak with Steve direct from Sweden about their latest cd, GIVE YOU EVERYTHING ~ And they'll also share a few songs from the album as well...PLUS, a brand new BILL'S ALBUM CUT ~ AND the next installment of our LEGENDS FLASHBACK ~ ALSO, we remember DON CICCONE, lead singer of The Critters, who recently passed, leaving us way too soon...

Actor/Singer/Film Producer LJ UGARTE returns to the show and with him come two songs from his latest album, "Feeling the Music." In addition to being an accomplished singer, LJ is also a successful actor and film producer ~ he's concurrently working on THREE film projects! Also on the show ~ BILL'S ALBUM CUT, and we'll introduce a new segment: LEGENDS' FLASHBACK, where we listen to part of a previous interview that Steve did with a bonafide ICON! Enjoy~

International recording artist, OLIVER SEAN, returns to our show to celebrate his just-released single, "New York." Oliver is an MTV Europe Music Awards Nominee as well as a VH-1 Top Ten Artist. Oliver was a guest on our very first edition of STEVE LUDWIG'S CLASSIC POP CULTURE, and now he's back (110 shows later!) ~ ALSO on the show, a brand new BILL'S ALBUM CUT and a brand new MATTHEW'S VIEWS movie review. Get yer snacks ready ~ We're gonna have some pop culture coolness!!

Show # 36 ~ So you know when you're watching a movie or TV show, and it makes a reference to the Beatles? And you say, "Hey, cool!" Well, in Part One (The RED Part) of two (the next show is the BLUE Part), we'll play sound bytes from movies and TV shows that mention our Fabs, PLUS, of course, we'll play appropriate Fab Four tunes to go with the sound bytes. YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!

SHOW # 110 ~ What is it that makes the GRATEFUL DEAD & their loyal fans ~ the Deadheads ~ so unique? Deadhead BOB COURI, a veteran of over 200 Dead-related concerts, is our guest. Bob perfectly explains why fans who attend Dead Live shows achieve that "oneness" with the band. Plenty of music awaits you ~ Great Dead talk, too! With a POST-SHOW BONUS SEGMENT (exclusive to PlanetLudwig.com): A 2 hr. 35 min. live segment, chosen by our+ guest, BOB COURI! PLUS ON THE SHOW ~ A brand new BILL'S ALBUM CUT & a brand new MATTHEW'S VIEWS movie review.

SIR MONTI ROCK III joins Steve Ludwig for a far-ranging interview covering his incredible career. As his DISCO TEX (and HIS SEX-O-LETTES) persona, Sir Monti sold over SEVEN MILLION copies of "Get Dancin." He appeared as "Sir Monti" opposite John Travolta in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER ~ He guested on THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JOHNNY CARSON close to 80 times! ~ From when he was kicked out from his home at age 14 by his parents, for being gay, Sir Monti has personified the meaning of "survivor."

Rolling Stone magazine called REVOLVER the best of all the Beatles' albums. Join us as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of REVOLVER ~ We'll listen to every song on the album, hear questions from their 1966 press conferences, demos version of REVOLVER songs ~ 14 songs - 14 gems!

The influence of the Beatles is as evident as ever, even today ~ Join us as we listen to some of the coolest cover versions of Beatles songs, most of which we're sure you've never heard!

GARY DeCARLO, lead singer and co-writer of the legendary "Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)" returns to the show to share with us songs from his brand new cd, NOW AND THEN, which includes Gary's songs from the 60's, 70's, and NOW! Plus, a new BILL'S ALBUM CUT, and we introduce a new segment to the show, "MATTHEW'S VIEWS WITH MATTHEW JOHN ATTICUS," in which Matthew reviews movies for us! Get those snacks out and ENJOY!

The One and Only, the Legend himself ~ QUESTION MARK, from ? & the Mysterians, joins us to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the iconic song, "96 Tears." Question sets the record straight on all of the rumors about the song. PLUS, he takes us on a journey through the 50 years since ? & the Mysterians first hit Number One on the Billboard charts in 1966. Question pulls no punches; he speaks honestly and is often so hilarious in his answers, you'll be laughing out loud. There will never be another like him. He shows us how to rock, baby!ALSO on the show~ A brand new BILL'S ALBUM CUT...

If you were asked to make a list of your Top Twenty Beatles songs that DID NOT appear on any Beatles single (neither A-side nor B-side), what would that list look like?At PlanetLudwig.com, check out the list of 132 possibilities and see what you'd come up with. Match it with host Steve Ludwig's, as he plays his choices in a fab 65-minute segment!

BILLY HAYES, the real-life subject of the 1978 movie, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (Billy was portrayed by the late Brad Davis in the film) joins us to talk about his incredible journey of spending five years in a Turkish prison (and eventual escape) for attempting to smuggle four pounds of hashish out of Turkey into the United States. What a story! PLUS ~ A brand new BILL'S ALBUM CUT...

On Show # 105, we are joined by two "renaissance" guests ~ the great BILLY SAMPLE, former Major League Baseball player and baseball analyst. Mr. Sample is an actor, award-winning screenwriter (REUNION 108), and an author. He'll talk with us about his new book, A YEAR IN PINSTRIPES ~ AND THEN SOME. Also, TASHA TAYLOR, singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and actress, shares songs with Steve from her new cd, HONEY FOR THE BISCUIT. Plus, of course, our usual supply of Pop Culture Coolness! Enjoy!!

Hey, WAIT! WHAT GOES ON here? George sings Paul? Paul sings Ringo? Ringo sings John? And John sings Paul & George? As you'll here on this edition, each of our heroes will sing a song normally sung by another Beatle. PLUS, a Beatles cover song, a Beatles tribute song, a Beatles/Monkees mash-up, a Beatles commercial, an isolated vocal...and MORE! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

MIKE RABON, founder / lead singer, lead guitarist, and songwriter of the legendary 60's band, THE FIVE AMERICANS ("Western Union") talks with us about his incredible, inspiring story of life with and without the Five Americans. Speaking of inspiring, our second guest, DEREK SIMMONS, Jr. is just that. An actor ("Gorenos") and singer, DEREK is successful professionally~ but what till you hear what Derek has survived in his real life...PLUS ~ Our usual supply of Pop Culture Coolness~

In Show # 103, we welcome, direct from Australia, the indie band, TORQUE, with all six members (Natalie, Zachary, Matt, Alexander, Thomas, & Aaron) joining us for an interview about their new EP, IT IS TIME. Plus, we'll listen to each song from the EP! And hey, all you GODZILLA fans, CHRIS GAMBUTI, Godzilla collector & afficionado, also joins us for a conversation all about everyone's favorite fire-breather. ~ And of course, as always, our usual supply of pop culture coolness!

We celebrate our first 100 shows with a special segment ~ 90 guests in 40 minutes. Hear how 90 of our guests from our first 100 shows greeted Steve when they began their interviews. Guaranteed to raise a smile. PLUS ~ A brand new BILL'S ALBUM CUT and our usual supply of pop culture coolness!

Did you know that the Beatles and the What's My Line TV show have a few connections (some intentional, some not)? You'll learn what we mean in this, Show # 31. PLUS, of course, songs by the Fabs, both group & solo, Beatles songs covered by others, a Beatles mashup, Beatles commercials, and all things YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!

Two of the finest indie artists working today join us on Show # 102. Singer SHARA B. talks with Steve about her new single, "Walk Away" (and of course, we'll give it and two other songs by Shara a listen), as well as her other upcoming projects. Writer/Director/Producer CLARENCE WILLIAMS IV first visited us on Show # 92. At the time, he was working on his horror movie, GORENOS. Well, GORENOS has been completed, and Mr. Williams returns to tell us all about the journey to realize his dream. PLUS, a brand new BILL'S ALBUM CUT, as well as our usual supply of retro coolness! ENJOY

Direct from Australia, we are joined by BACKBEAT, the Beatles band who pays homage to the Beatles' performances from 1957 to 1964. Cavern Club songs, Hamburg songs, BBC recordings ~ BACKBEAT covers them all! In addition to a 40-minute interview with the band, we'll hear three of their songs. PLUS our usual supply of Beatleness. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! (Show # 30)

After the Fabs split, John, Paul, George, and Ringo wrote songs about each other; contentious songs early on followed by more accepting and loving tunes. We'll hear a 50-minute segment of some of those songs, plus other Beatley Fabnness in this 29th edition of THE BEATLES HOUR WITH STEVE LUDWIG...Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!