Best Al Kooper Podcasts (2024)

1
Al Kooper Meets Jimmy Vivino 6:00

15h ago6:00

6:00

This is first of 19 episodes where these two music buddies invited us to listen in on their music biz talk. This one starts with how they met, but like all of these, goes off into all sorts of other stuff.By Al Kooper

1
380,000 Songs 8:38

2M ago8:38

8:38

We answer listener questions about am radio in the old days, Skynyrd after Al, did Al play keyboard with the Tubes, playing with Taj Mahal, Al’s collection of 380,00 songs, and a drunk Hubert Sumlin fan who Al was really nice to. After each question Nilly the Dog adds a canine comment. You can always submit questions for Al at alkooper.com on the K…

1
Music of Bulgaria 10:34

2M ago10:34

10:34

Al has mentioned the Nonesuch album Music of Bulgaria many times in the podcast so we thought we’d devote a whole podcast to it and play some very short bits of the music in order to give listeners a glimpse of the remarkable sound and hopefully prompt many to buy the album.By Al Kooper

1
AM vs FM Radio 7:45

2M ago7:45

7:45

We answer questions starting with one about Steven King, the shift from AM to FM for rock and its effect on song length, about the mystery of mastering songs, and about the Funky Faculty at Berklee. As always, Nilly the Dog ends each segment with her dogged thoughts.By Al Kooper

1
Song Writing Teams 7:58

3M ago7:58

7:58

We answer questions about the influence of the artist versus the producer in recording sessions, and about the whole process of writing songs as a words - music team, starting with This Diamond Ring. Nilly the Dog concludes each segment with some brief pooch dog thoughts.By Al Kooper

1
Paul Griffin the Piano Player 8:28

3M ago8:28

8:28

We answer a question about Paul Griffin from renowned rock writer Tony Scherman, about writing charts for other musicians, a mystery question about Al’s junior high 109, and the genesis of brass in rock with Blood Sweat and Tears and Chicago. After each segment Nilly the Dog adds some brief thoughts.…

1
Queens Redux 8:08

3M ago8:08

8:08

We cover questions including the old days in Queens with Simon, Garfunkel, and Harvey Brooks, to what if Like a Rolling Stone was a waltz. Of course, Nilly the Dog follows each segment with canine input of her own.By Al Kooper

1
First Diamond Ring 7:39

3M ago7:39

7:39

We cover an assortment of questions from the first time Al heard This Diamond Ring on the radio to quadraphonic sound. Of course, Nilly the Dog follows each segment with canine input of her own..By Al Kooper

1
Silvertones Redux 7:41

4M ago7:41

7:41

We cover a bunch of questions including Al’s favorite Gospel group, the Swan Silvertones, also about Felix Caviliere, and about modern music. Of course, Nilly the Dog follows each segment with canine input of her own..By Al Kooper

1
More Skynyrd and More 8:52

4M ago8:52

8:52

This is your host, Al’s chrome plated bumper, Jon Sachs. We answer a few more Lynyrd Skynyrd questions, along with some Fender- Gibson and guitar-vs-organ talk. Of course, Nilly the Dog follows each segment with canine input of her own.By Al Kooper

1
High Volume and Led Zep 9:03

4M ago9:03

9:03

We answers questions that raise the issue of the very loud volume of rock concerts, and what Al thinks about that. As always, Nilly the Dog ends each segment with her dogged thoughts.By Al Kooper

1
Another Look at 1650 Broadway 9:04

4M ago9:04

9:04

We talk about the good old not so great days at 1650 Broadway and we hear from L. Russell Brown who created a few million sellers with Al’s old songwriting pal. Nilly the Dog concludes each segment with some brief pooch dog thoughts.By Al Kooper

1
Nilly and the Duck 6:13

4M ago6:13

6:13

We take a few questions about Nilly the Dog, including a startling revelation about the naked truth of her commentaries. We cover other topics, concluding with another exquisite example of Al’s duck talk. After each segment Nilly the Dog adds some brief thoughts, or at least she claims they are her thoughts and her woof.…

1
Hot Sauce Episode #2 47:25

5M ago47:25

47:25

Hot Sauce Episode #2By Sarah Bodkin, Kenny Bodkin & Ian Marquez

1
Ep. 52 - Lou Gramm (formerly of FOREIGNER) 1:06:42

5M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

On this episode of The It's Only Rock And Roll Podcast, we feature a wide-ranging, cathartic interview with LOU GRAMM, the former lead singer and principal co-songwriter for 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees Foreigner. Topics covered include his early life growing up in Rochester, a parent-defying trek to a 1965 Rolling Stones concert, the lea…

1
Ep. 51 - Jimmie Vaughan 48:55

6M ago48:55

48:55

On this episode of The It's Only Rock And Roll Podcast, legendary Texas blues guitarist and founding member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmie Vaughan talks about his life in music, starting in his early teens working with Dallas's best established bands, sharing stages with major acts like Jimi Hendrix. Jimmie discusses both his and his baby bro…

1
Hot Sauce Episode 53:04

6M ago53:04

53:04

Hot Sauce Episode: Kenny, Ian, Nathan & Dave do irreparable harm to their digestive systems with Hot Sauce.By Sarah Bodkin, Kenny Bodkin & Ian Marquez

1
Bloomfield Box Set - Part 2 7:10

7M ago7:10

7:10

We bounce around various topics that relate the the box set, including more on East West, Bloomfield making way for Bishop, and Al’s visit to Mill Valley.By Al Kooper

1
Bloomfield Box Set - Part 3 7:14

7M ago7:14

7:14

We conclude our talk about From His Head To His Heart To His Hands, the Mike Bloomfield Box set that Al Produced, and we also wander off into another Appaloosa story that shows again how deeply Al cared and cares about the music above everything.By Al Kooper

1
Bloomfield Box Set - Part 1 8:13

7M ago8:13

8:13

We talk about creating the box set of Bloomfield for Columbia, about John Hammond, Bloomfield being afraid of Butterfield, about the legendary album East West, and Al doing this project out of love.By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #9 Heartbreaker Ron Blair & Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young 16:54

7M ago16:54

16:54

Heartbreaker Ron Blair & Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil YoungBy Kenny Bodkin

1
A Hammond B3? 7:56

7M ago7:56

7:56

We answer questions under what conditions Al would accept the gift of a Hammond B3 Organ, about the Bloomfield box set, and back to playing the organ. Of course, Nilly the Dog follows each segment with canine input of her own..By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #8 Van Morrison, John Lennon Rock and Roll 18:47

7M ago18:47

18:47

Van Morrison, John Lennon Rock and RollBy Sarah Bodkin, Kenny Bodkin & Ian Marquez

1
Marching Band Al 6:36

7M ago6:36

6:36

In this episode a question reveals that Al was a proud member of his college marching band, and we talk about not getting royalties from albums you played on. Of course, Nilly the Dog follows each segment with canine input of her own.By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #7 Mick Ronson, Springsteen & McCartney 21:09

7M ago21:09

21:09

Mick Ronson, Springsteen & McCartneyBy Sarah Bodkin, Kenny Bodkin & Ian Marquez

1
Ep. 50 – Interview With DENNY LAINE (1944 - 2023) 51:40

7M ago51:40

51:40

On this episode of The It's Only Rock And Roll Podcast, we revisit my 2007 interview with singer/guitarist DENNY LAINE, who tragically passed away this week at the age of 79. Our conversation covered his entire career including his early influences, forming his first band Denny & The Diplomats (with future Move/ELO drummer Bev Bevan), and co-foundi…

1
A Czech Visit 7:28

7M ago7:28

7:28

We answer a question from our first Czechoslovakian listener, a question about maybe Mike Bloomfield’s old guitar, and a greeting from old friend Glober (global?) Gober. As always, Nilly the Dog ends each segment with her dogged thoughts.By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #6 Elton, John Lennon & The Foo Fighters 16:43

7M ago16:43

16:43

Elton, John Lennon & The Foo FightersBy Kenny Bodkin

1
Song Titles 7:09

7M ago7:09

7:09

We answer questions about how Al starts writing songs, about the Metropole Lounge, and about Al’s crazy shirts. Nilly the Dog concludes each segment with some brief pooch dog thoughts.By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #5 Al Kooper, Kris Kristofferson and David Crosby 17:52

8M ago17:52

17:52

Al Kooper, Kris Kristofferson and David CrosbyBy Kenny Bodkin

1
Blues Project Cow 8:02

8M ago8:02

8:02

We start with a rare bit of Donald Duck talk from Al and then about not visiting the Hall of Fame in Cleveland, being on the road vs staying in your home town, and the Cow Incident with the Blues Project. After each segment Nilly the Dog adds some brief thoughts of her own.By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #4 Tom Petty. ACDC and Jimmie Rodgers 17:11

8M ago17:11

17:11

Tom Petty. ACDC and Jimmie RodgersBy Sarah Bodkin, Kenny Bodkin & Ian Marquez

1
Ep. 49 - Tony Visconti (Producer/arranger Bowie, T.Rex, Wings) 58:00

8M ago58:00

58:00

On this episode of The It's Only Rock And Roll Podcast, record producer, arranger, musician, and music business veteran TONY VISCONTI discusses his life both in and out of the recording studio, working with future legends like David Bowie and Marc Bolan at the start of their careers, straight through to superstardom. Additionally, Tony recounts how…

1
Kuperschmidt and Zimmerman, accounting 7:24

8M ago7:24

7:24

We answer questions about the concept of a movie version of Backstage Passes, about the lost potential of the accounting firm Kuperschmidt and Zimmerman, and we get interrupted by Nilly the Dog, who usually only speaks up after each question.By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #3 Roy Orbison, U2 & Me 17:24

8M ago17:24

17:24

Roy Orbison, U2 & MeBy Kenny Bodkin

1
THE RETURN OF SARAH AND IAN!!!!!!!!!!!! 39:51

8M ago39:51

39:51

Sarah online from Indiana and Ian from the couch. A quick catch up... Enjoy.....By Sarah Bodkin, Kenny Bodkin & Ian Marquez

1
Piano Chops 9:19

8M ago9:19

9:19

We answer questions about piano chops and about Tom Wilson and his son. After each answer, Nilly the Dog adds a wise and succinct comment of her own.By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #2 Wings, The Who and Boston 19:24

8M ago19:24

19:24

Wings, The Who and Boston. Please enjoy this episode of Rock and Roll Fables With Kenny BodkinBy Sarah Bodkin, Kenny Bodkin & Ian Marquez

1
Hall of Fame 7:10

8M ago7:10

7:10

We answer questions about attending the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, about writing with Gerry Goffin, and about some old grade school friends. After each answer, Nilly Dog adds a summary comment of her own.By Al Kooper

1
Chapter #1 Carlos, Joe and Marvin 18:00

9M ago18:00

18:00

Carlos, Joe and MarvinBy Sarah Bodkin, Kenny Bodkin & Ian Marquez

1
Stills and Penn 9:05

9M ago9:05

9:05

We answer questions about Bert Sommer, whether Al was the actual Under Assistant West Coast Promo Man, choosing songs for the Steve Stills side of SuperSession, and about writing with Dan Penn. After each answer, Nilly the Dog adds a dogged comment of her own.By Al Kooper

1
Johnnie and Bobbie 8:21

9M ago8:21

8:21

We talk about the piano great Johnnie Johnson, Al as A&R man, then about playing with Dylan. After each answer, Nilly Dog adds a short but pithy comment of her own.By Al Kooper

1
Falsetto, Claude Jeter and the Swan Silvertones 7:11

10M ago7:11

7:11

We answer questions including about singing falsetto, which leads to Claude Jeter, and the Swan Silvertones. After each question Nilly the Dog adds a short but pithy comment of her own.By Al Kooper

1
Blending Horns 10:47

10M ago10:47

10:47

We answer questions including about blending the sound of horns when recording. After each question Nilly the Dog add a brief canine perspective.By Al Kooper

1
Graham Gouldman and Bus Stop 8:17

10M ago8:17

8:17

We talk about the song writer Graham Gouldman, who supplied the Hollies with some great hits, including Bus Stop – when he was only 15 years old.By Al Kooper

1
Al's Top 100, Year 2000 8:50

10M ago8:50

8:50

We answer listener questions including about Al’s top 100 recordings web page, which we thought was missing but is right there on the website, listed under Al’s Diary around the year 2000. But this question has made us ponder how best to bring Als’ list further into the new century which we are working on. After each question Nilly the Dog says hel…

1
Sweet Linda Devine + Appaloosa 8:38

10M ago8:38

8:38

We answer listener questions including about Appaloosa and Sweet Linda Devine, among the first albums Al produced for Columbia. You can also check our earlier episode – all about Appaloosa. After each question Nilly the Dog chimes in with a dog thought.By Al Kooper

1
Bye to Robertson 9:57

11M ago9:57

9:57

We talk about Robbie Robertson who just passed away. Al played with him on the road with Dylan after Newport 65, then roomed with him and played with him for the Blonde on Blonde sessions in Nashville. You can also go check our four earlier episodes just about Blonde on Blonde.By Al Kooper

1
Blind Willie Johnson 12:14

11M ago12:14

12:14

We answer questions about co-writing with Blind Willie Johnson (and we hear a bit of Blind Willie singing), about Al’s not-happening dinner party, looking for hits, and about being famous. After the episode we play the entire Blind Willie Johnson song "I Can’t Keep from Crying Sometimes", recorded in 1928 . Nilly the Dog concludes each segment with…

1
Desert Island Album 8:12

12M ago8:12

8:12

We answer listener questions including: a desert island record album, writing hits versus writing songs, and another take on the Allman Brothers vs Skynyrd. After each segment Nilly the Dog adds some brief thoughts of her own.By Al Kooper

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Al Kooper Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide