Best Choonspod Podcasts (2024)

1
Bonus Episode: People Getting Loose - The Music of Saturday Night Fever 25:03

1+ y ago25:03

25:03

Back in December 1977, a young actor named John Travolta (by then only known for his role as Vinnie Barbarino on the TV comedy "Welcome Back Kotter) strutted across the streets of New York to the funky beat of an English trio that reinvented themselves from Soft Rock gentlemen to the purveyors of the global Disco explosion. While The Bee Gees' musi…

1
O'Bryan Becomes An R&B Heartthrob With "The Gigolo" 38:56

1+ y ago38:56

38:56

Before he graced the covers of Right On! and Black Beat, O’Bryan was a church kid with a stunning tenor tone informed by years of listening to Stevie Wonder, Donny Hattaway, Phyllis Hyman, and the Delphonics, among others. His vocal abilities impressed a string of influential people that guided him through his musical journey, from Philly Soul lege…

1
So Much Love: A Tribute To Joyce Sims & "Come Into My Life" 26:48

2y ago26:48

26:48

Multiple tributes flooded social media channels and websites when Joyce Sims made her peaceful transition on October 13th, 2022, all noting the tangible influence she had on music and people's lives. This Rochester, NY native found her way from perfecting her craft to soaring the international charts with a heavenly mix of Hip-Hop, electronic beats…

1
Leee John Celebrates Four Decades Of Imagination's "Just An Illusion" 41:21

2y ago41:21

41:21

As the glamour of New Wave made its way through the UK music scene with acts like Visage, Duran Duran, and Spandau Ballet, a band made out of three black men was making the most, sashaying into TV studios with an extravagant image and hypnotic tunes to match. Vocalist Leee John, bassist Ashley Ingram, and drummer Errol Kennedy ruled both the charts…

1
How Snap's Penny Ford Reconciled With "The Power" 42:04

2y ago42:04

42:04

On January 3rd, 1990, days after a unified East and West Berlin welcomed the new decade with a memorable New Years celebration a few feet away from Brandenburg Gate, German producers Luca Anzilotti and Michael Münzing unleashed "The Power," a song that blended soul, dance, and rap sounds. Though they weren't the first to come up with this fusion, t…

1
Zimbabwe's Own Alton Edwards Wants To Spend Some Time With You 30:27

2y ago30:27

30:27

Back in 1980, Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia) had finally gained independence from the British, marking the end of racial segregation after a protracted war of liberation that claimed many lives. A year later, a young Alton Edwards became a prodigal son when his debut single climbed the UK top 20, one of the very first instances of a 12" sing…

1
Bonus Episode: Inside The Factory - Different Fur Studios 33:56

2y ago33:56

33:56

Different Fur has been a landmark of the music scene in the Bay Area and at the cutting edge of studio technology since it was founded in 1968 by synth wiz Patrick Gleeson, who went on to play on albums by Herbie Hancock, and in soundtrack albums for the films "Apocalypse Now" and "The Plague Dogs." Nestled between taquerias and cocktail bars, it h…

1
Junior Shares A Universal Message In "Mama Used To Say" 39:43

2y ago39:43

39:43

Born Norman Washington Giscombe on June 6, 1957, Junior had been making the rounds of the London music scene, just as the Britfunk movement was bridging the gap of a racially-divided England with its friendly and inviting sound, one inspired by American R&B, soul and funk. After dabbling in rock and even Disco, Junior found his groove with producer…

1
Swing Out Sister Talk "Blue Mood, Breakout and Beyond" 47:45

2y ago47:45

47:45

In the mid-1980s, a new batch of artists emerged on the UK music scene, blending pop sensibilities, refined arrangements, and an understated sense of fashion. Among the likes of Sade, Prefab Sprout, and Simply Red, there was the unique style of Swing Out Sister, originally comprised of jazz-tinged vocalist and songwriter Corinne Drewery, keyboardis…

1
Carrie McDowell Says "Uh Uh, No No Casual Sex" 40:55

2y ago40:55

40:55

In June of 1987, 24 year-old Carrie McDowell—the second white female artist signed to Motown Records—walked the stage of the legendary music show "Soul Train," and rocked the house with a performance of her first and only single, the controversial "Uh Uh No No Casual Sex." For McDowell, it was no daunting task, as she was already a seasoned enterta…

1
The Timelesness Of Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band's "Cherchez La Femme" 38:20

2y ago38:20

38:20

It was 1976, and Disco was hot. While Donna Summer, Barry White, Gloria Gaynor, and the Salsoul Orchestra churned out the genre's early standards, there were also your usual oddities in the shelves, from the overtly sexy to the downright novelty. Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band was neither, and in fact, they weren't even Disco. However, their …

1
From Portland to the World: The Story Of Nu Shooz's "I Can't Wait" 45:37

2y ago45:37

45:37

Portland, Oregon is a place known for its access to the great outdoors, fine wineries and breweries, and a delightfully weird culture. It also cultivated a thriving music scene, supported by multiple clubs where you could see people playing any conceivable style, from classical and chamber music to R&B, Riot Grrrl and Punk. Latin, Jazz, and Soul mu…

1
Princess & SAW Make Soul Magic With "Say I'm Your Number One" (Part 2) 33:48

2y ago33:48

33:48

Princess' appearance at a London fashion show caught the eye of a member of the team working for songwriting and production trio Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, who were eager to continue their streak of success in the charts following the release of songs like Hazell Dean's "Whatever I Do, Wherever I Go," Divine's "You Think You're A Ma…

1
Princess & SAW Make Soul Magic With "Say I'm Your Number One" (Part 1) 22:45

2y ago22:45

22:45

As Princess (born Desiree Heslop) gets ready for her return to the stage, treating longtime fans with a first-ever performance of her debut album for Supreme Records, she looks back on the making of that LP and a journey through her extraordinary career, one propelled by the support of her brother and manager, Don Heslop. Both Princess and Don talk…

1
CHOONS' Greatest Hits (So Far) 31:10

2+ y ago31:10

31:10

It's been six months since CHOONS was unleashed to the world, and nothing has prepared us for the overwhelming response we've gotten from listeners around the world who share our love for these songs, and most importantly, their place and meaning in our lives. This episode is dedicated to those of you who have shown your support for this show —thin…

1
Regina Richards Gets Playful On "Baby Love" 37:31

2+ y ago37:31

37:31

Regina Richards is a force to be reckoned with in the music biz. Inspired by the sounds of Motown, the Ronettes, and The Beatles, she began a prolific career as a composer at a tender age. Richards had enough songs in her portfolio that a band project (Regina Richards and Red Hot) was formed around her, becoming a fixture of the New Wave scene in N…

1
Alisha & Mark Berry Push Through With "All Night Passion" 31:31

3y ago31:31

31:31

Back in the early ‘80s, Brooklynite Alisha Ann Itkin was pretty much your average American teenager. Outgoing yet a bit timid onstage, she shined as a cheerleader, and scored roles in school plays and functions. Oh, and she was also an outstanding vocalist who began training at the age of 8 with the support of her parents, Lillian and Al. As fate w…

1
The Friends Of Distinction Go "Grazing In The Grass" 36:07

3y ago36:07

36:07

One of the most vocally cohesive groups of its time, The Friends of Distinction—Harry Elston, Barbara Love, Jessica Cleaves, and Floyd Butler—enjoyed considerable success and influence due to their blend of California harmonies and crossover arrangements, qualities that set them apart from their contemporaries. Aided by their manager, NFL legend Ji…

1
Four Decades On, Sharon Brown Still Specializes In Love 34:25

3y ago34:25

34:25

Born into a musical family, Brown found her calling as a little kid watching Sammy Davis Jr. and all the Motown greats at the world-famous Apollo Theater, in New York. With strong will and determination, she went on to become a prolific songwriter for CBS Records, penning lyrics for Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Ronnie Dyson. Brown also had a way of …

1
Bonus Episode: Inside The Factory - Pajama Studios 33:39

3y ago33:39

33:39

Pajama Studios opened its doors on April 1st 1993. A typical April Fools day, although these folks are no fools. It started with the vision of two-time Grammy nominated composer, arranger, producer and engineer James Gardiner, and his business partner, producer and director Paula Telander. Both greeted us on their world-class recording facility to …

1
Pretty Poison Looks Back On "Catch Me (I'm Falling)" 34:26

3y ago34:26

34:26

Pretty Poison was no flash in the pan. Although “Catch Me” is their biggest commercial success to date, they have a whole history as part of Philly’s underground rock scene back in the early 80s. When singer Jade Starling joined the band at age 17, she shared songwriting duties with Whey Cooler and began exploring musical terrains that were more ak…

1
Kym Sims Is Not "Too Blind To See It" Anymore 32:12

3y ago32:12

32:12

Ever heard the saying "be careful what you wish for"? Better ask House music vocalist Kym Sims. Destined to sing from a young age, Kym developed her talent as the voice behind jingles for major US brands before she ran into Hurley, a neighborhood friend who was impressed by her vocal talent at a local party. He promptly convinced her to collaborate…

1
Howard Johnson Channels His Inner 007 In "So Fine" 35:10

3y ago35:10

35:10

Exposed to a sea of different influences, from Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra, to The Jackson 5 and Earth Wind and Fire, Howard Johnson started his career with a series of bands that included Niteflyte, whose single “If You Want It” cracked the US top 40 in 1979. After Niteflyte split, his life took an unexpected turn when he got the exciting oppo…

1
The Legacy Of The Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt" 30:51

3y ago30:51

30:51

Raised in Detroit, Michigan and vocally trained by their mom, gospel singer Mary Frazier Jones, Shirley, Brenda, and Valorie Jones were a musical wonder from the very start. Their misty harmonies caught the ears of some of the greatest performers of all time—from Norman Connors to Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross— who hired them as their backing voca…

1
Bonus Episode: The Craft of Music With Trevor Lawrence 15:03

3y ago15:03

15:03

In an ever-changing music industry, where songs are produced and consumed at an insatiable pace, the creative role of musicians and songwriters often remains overlooked. According to Trevor Lawrence, a legendary producer and saxophonist who's worked with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and the Pointer Sisters, the art of creating a song might…

1
Gospel Meets Jazz, Funk and Electro In D-Train's "You're The One For Me" 31:02

3y ago31:02

31:02

All aboard the D-Train! Joining us on this trip are vocalist James "D-Train" Williams and producer/songwriter Hubert Eaves III, who will look back on their groundbreaking 1981 debut single "You're The One For Me." When Williams and Eaves III met, it was a match made in club heaven: a singer rooted in Gospel, gifted with the ability of conveying his…

1
A Band Divided: How Exposé Almost Got To The "Point Of No Return" 36:04

3y ago36:04

36:04

Walk the warm streets of Miami Beach with Lewis Martinee and Laurie Miller, as they discuss the making and legacy of "Point Of No Return," originally released by Exposé as a 12" single in 1985, and rereleased for the pop audience two years later. Though Martinee started work as a rock musician, his claim to fame was developing the Latin Freestyle s…

1
This Is CHOONS 2:09

3y ago2:09

2:09

Have you ever heard songs that spur memories in your mind or get you going real hard? If you have, here are some good news: 1) you’re probably not alone in this, 2) those songs that get you going are often known as ‘CHOONS’, and 3) there is a new podcast that explores why those tracks remain memorable to this very day and have become the soundtrack…

1
The Real Me Comes Alive: The Story Of Sheryl Lee Ralph's "In The Evening" 34:25

3y ago34:25

34:25

In 1984, Sheryl Lee Ralph went from playing a "Dreamgirl" on Broadway to singing about the hustle and grind of New York City, and a desire for liberation that resonated with many dance goers then and now. Ms. Ralph and legendary musician Trevor Lawrence talk in-depth about how the song took shape, its classic status with the LGBTQ+ community, and h…

1
Company B Plays With Tension And Release In "Fascinated" 28:43

3y ago28:43

28:43

Producer and musician Ismael "Ish" Ledesma, and Progressive House artist Noel Sanger talk about the making and legacy of "Fascinated," originally recorded by Latin Freestyle trio Company B in 1986. Born out of the ashes of "Disco Sucks" and a series of musical projects that included the bands Foxy and OXO, Ish created Company B as a vehicle for his…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Choonspod Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
CHOONS

NickFresh, Diego Martinez

1
Bonus Episode: People Getting Loose - The Music of Saturday Night Fever 25:03

1
O'Bryan Becomes An R&B Heartthrob With "The Gigolo" 38:56

1
So Much Love: A Tribute To Joyce Sims & "Come Into My Life" 26:48

1
Leee John Celebrates Four Decades Of Imagination's "Just An Illusion" 41:21

1
How Snap's Penny Ford Reconciled With "The Power" 42:04

1
Zimbabwe's Own Alton Edwards Wants To Spend Some Time With You 30:27

1
Bonus Episode: Inside The Factory - Different Fur Studios 33:56

1
Junior Shares A Universal Message In "Mama Used To Say" 39:43

1
Swing Out Sister Talk "Blue Mood, Breakout and Beyond" 47:45

1
Carrie McDowell Says "Uh Uh, No No Casual Sex" 40:55

1
The Timelesness Of Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band's "Cherchez La Femme" 38:20

1
From Portland to the World: The Story Of Nu Shooz's "I Can't Wait" 45:37

1
Princess & SAW Make Soul Magic With "Say I'm Your Number One" (Part 2) 33:48

1
Princess & SAW Make Soul Magic With "Say I'm Your Number One" (Part 1) 22:45

1
CHOONS' Greatest Hits (So Far) 31:10

1
Regina Richards Gets Playful On "Baby Love" 37:31

1
Alisha & Mark Berry Push Through With "All Night Passion" 31:31

1
The Friends Of Distinction Go "Grazing In The Grass" 36:07

1
Four Decades On, Sharon Brown Still Specializes In Love 34:25

1
Bonus Episode: Inside The Factory - Pajama Studios 33:39

1
Pretty Poison Looks Back On "Catch Me (I'm Falling)" 34:26

1
Kym Sims Is Not "Too Blind To See It" Anymore 32:12

1
Howard Johnson Channels His Inner 007 In "So Fine" 35:10

1
The Legacy Of The Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt" 30:51

1
Bonus Episode: The Craft of Music With Trevor Lawrence 15:03

1
Gospel Meets Jazz, Funk and Electro In D-Train's "You're The One For Me" 31:02

1
A Band Divided: How Exposé Almost Got To The "Point Of No Return" 36:04

1
This Is CHOONS 2:09

1
The Real Me Comes Alive: The Story Of Sheryl Lee Ralph's "In The Evening" 34:25

1
Company B Plays With Tension And Release In "Fascinated" 28:43

Quick Reference Guide