In this episodem we explore the remarkable journey of Bernie Leadon, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose artistry helped define The Eagles’ early sound.

Often called the unsung hero of The Eagles, Bernie’s contributions — from intricate guitar and banjo work to his soaring harmonies — helped shape a sound that has resonated for decades.

From his early exposure to bluegrass and folk music in Minneapolis to his groundbreaking work in the West Coast country-rock scene, Bernie Leadon has remained a quiet but powerful force in American music.

In this episode, we follow Bernie’s path before, during, and after The Eagles, all the way to his most recent solo album, where he revisits the roots that first inspired him.

Bernard Leadon III was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, into a family that encouraged both creativity and education. While his father worked as an aeronautical engineer and his mother was a teacher, it was the sounds of bluegrass, folk, and country that truly captured young Bernie’s imagination.

By his teenage years, Bernie had mastered guitar, banjo, mandolin, and dobro, instruments that would become central to his career. After moving to San Diego, he immersed himself in the local music scene, connecting with influential figures like Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons, who would later become pivotal in the country-rock movement.

Before joining The Eagles, Bernie Leadon played in several key bands that helped define the emerging country-rock genre.

He worked with Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark, and most famously, The Flying Burrito Brothers.

During this period, Bernie became known as a musician who could add texture and authenticity to any song. His instrumental versatility and collaborative spirit made him highly sought after, setting the stage for his next big move.

In 1971, Bernie Leadon joined Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Randy Meisner to form The Eagles.

His influence was immediate. On the band’s debut album, Eagles (1972), Bernie’s mastery of the banjo, guitar, and mandolin was showcased on hits like Take It Easy and Peaceful Easy Feeling. His harmonies and songwriting contributions, including Train Leaves Here This Morning and Bitter Creek, helped define the band’s distinctive country-rock sound.

Bernie continued to shape The Eagles’ music on Desperado (1973), On the Border (1974), and One of These Nights (1975). However, as the band gravitated toward a rock-oriented direction with the addition of Don Felder and later Joe Walsh, Bernie felt increasingly disconnected from the evolving sound.

In 1975, after years of touring and creative differences, Bernie famously left the band, marking the end of an era for both him and The Eagles.

Following his departure, Bernie Leadon remained highly active in the music industry. He became a respected session musician, contributing to recordings by Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Stephen Stills, Randy Newman, and many others. In 1977, he released his first solo album, Natural Progressions, blending his bluegrass roots with rock and folk influences.

Over the decades, Bernie continued to perform, collaborate, and record — he returned to The Eagles’ “History of the Eagles” tour in 2013.

Today, Bernie Leadon has returned with a reflective new solo album called "Too Late to be Cool" showcasing the depth and authenticity that have characterised his entire career.

In this episode, we talk about Bernie’s journey, his thoughts on music, and what it means to create art on his own terms. Bernie’s story is a testament to creativity, versatility, and staying true to one’s musical voice.

Whether you’re a lifelong Eagles fan, a lover of country-rock, or someone curious about the musicians behind the music, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and reflections. Bernie Leadon may not always have sought the spotlight, but his impact on American music is undeniable.

Few artists in Australian rock can rival the mystique and creative longevity of Steve Kilbey, the visionary frontman, bassist, and chief songwriter for The Church.

In this captivating and wide-ranging episode of A Breath of Fresh Air with Sandy Kaye, Steve joins Sandy for an honest, funny, and deeply revealing conversation about his extraordinary life in music — before, during, and long after The Church became global icons.

Born in Welwyn Garden City, England, and raised in Canberra, Australia, Steve’s story begins long before his name became synonymous with the band that gave us Under the Milky Way.

He talks about his early fascination with sound — from his parents’ record collection to the spark that led him to pick up a guitar. Before fame, there were years of small gigs, knock-backs, and sheer determination to make his art heard.

In 1980, that persistence paid off. Steve co-founded The Church, alongside guitarist Peter Koppes, drummer Nick Ward, and later Marty Willson-Piper. Their unique blend of shimmering guitars, surreal lyrics, and atmospheric soundscapes quickly set them apart.

Their debut single, The Unguarded Moment, catapulted them to prominence, and soon The Church became one of Australia’s most distinctive exports — a band equally loved for its mystery as for its music.

But it was 1988’s Starfish that turned The Church into international stars. The haunting single Under the Milky Way became a global anthem, securing their place in rock history. In this episode, Steve tells the story behind that song — the serendipity of its creation, his initial doubts, and how it continues to define the band’s legacy decades later.

Steve also shares candid insights into the creative tensions and triumphs within The Church — what it’s like to lead a band for more than forty years, to evolve through changing line-ups, and to stay inspired through it all.

He discusses how albums like Priest=Aura and Hologram of Baal marked turning points in their sound, and how the band’s most recent work, including The Hypnogogue, proves they’re still pushing boundaries today.

Beyond the band, Steve’s story is one of relentless creativity. He’s released more than 20 solo albums, collaborated with artists like Grant McLennan and Martin Kennedy, and built a reputation as a painter, poet, and author. His life is art in motion — a never-ending exploration of sound, colour, and language.

Throughout the conversation, Sandy and Steve explore everything from fame and spirituality to songwriting, success, and the wisdom that comes with time. He reflects on how his creative process has evolved, the lessons he’s learned from the highs and lows, and what keeps him making music with such passion after all these years.

As always, Steve’s dry humour, self-awareness, and poetic way of thinking shine through. This episode is more than an interview — it’s an invitation into the inner world of a true artist, still searching, still experimenting, and still mesmerising audiences worldwide.

If you’ve ever been moved by Under the Milky Way, fascinated by the evolution of Australian rock, or curious about what drives a lifelong creative soul, this is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now for a journey through sound, story, and the mind of Steve Kilbey — the heart and soul of The Church.

Do you have an artitst you'd like to hear from? Get in touch with me through the website here

Few names shine as brightly in the story of American rock and roll as Dion DiMucci.

Known to fans worldwide simply as Dion, this Bronx-born legend isn’t just another voice from the golden age of doo-wop—he’s one of the few artists who managed to bridge the gap between early rock, blues, folk, and contemporary roots music. With a career spanning more than six decades, Dion has gone from street-corner harmony to global acclaim, influencing generations along the way.

Born in 1939, in the Bronx, Dion grew up surrounded by rhythm, radio, and raw emotion. Those bustling city streets were alive with music—doo-wop groups harmonizing on stoops, gospel voices in local churches, and the pulse of rhythm and blues drifting from open windows. That mix became Dion’s musical DNA.

As a teenager, Dion formed Dion and the Belmonts, named after a Bronx street. Their blend of silky harmonies and streetwise swagger set them apart from other vocal groups of the era. Songs like “I Wonder Why,” “A Teenager in Love,” and “Where or When” became instant classics—defining the sound of late 1950s rock and roll and turning Dion into a household name.Breaking Out Solo with “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer”

When Dion went solo in 1960, he didn’t miss a beat. His breakout single “Runaround Sue” soared to number one, followed closely by “The Wanderer.” With its unforgettable swagger and sing-along chorus, “The Wanderer” captured Dion’s street-smart confidence and has since become one of the most covered songs in rock history.

These weren’t just catchy pop tunes—they were the soundtrack of youth in postwar America. Dion’s voice carried a blend of toughness and tenderness that spoke to millions. He was the rebel with heart, the Bronx kid who brought soul and honesty to early rock ’n’ roll.

Like many stars of his generation, Dion faced personal struggles as fame took its toll. The pressures of the road and the darker side of the music industry led to battles with addiction. But in classic Dion fashion, he turned those hardships into growth. After finding sobriety and rediscovering his faith in the late 1960s, Dion re-emerged with a deeper, more introspective sound.

His 1968 hit “Abraham, Martin and John” marked a turning point. A moving tribute to Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Kennedy brothers, the song revealed a new side of Dion—soulful, reflective, and socially aware. It became one of the defining tracks of its era, reminding fans that Dion wasn’t just a rock singer—he was a storyteller with something meaningful to say.

Rediscovering the Blues

Through the '70s and beyond, Dion continued to evolve, diving deep into his earliest musical love—the blues. Albums like “Bronx in Blue” (2006) and “Son of Skip James” (2007) showed a raw, authentic artist at work. His 2020 release “Blues with Friends” brought together an all-star lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Gibbons, Paul Simon, and Jeff Beck. The record earned rave reviews, proving that Dion’s voice and songwriting remain as powerful and relevant as ever.

Dion’s influence stretches across generations. From Bob Dylan and Lou Reed to Bruce Springsteen, countless artists have cited him as a major inspiration. His ability to blend doo-wop sweetness, rock grit, and blues soul has kept his music timeless—and his storytelling authentic.

In '89, Dion was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the genre’s founding fathers. But more than awards or accolades, Dion’s true legacy lies in his unwavering authenticity. He’s never chased trends; he’s chased truth.

In an age where musical fads come and go, Dion’s story reminds us what staying power really looks like. His career is a masterclass in reinvention. Whether he’s singing about heartbreak, hope, or redemption, Dion remains one of rock’s most honest voices.

Six decades on, the Bronx-born rock legend is still doing what he’s always done best—telling stories that sound like they were written just for you.

From Birmingham to the Rock Hall: the life, legacy, and love of Moody Blues bassist John Lodge.

John Lodge (July 20, 1943 – October 10, 2025) was far more than the bass player for The Moody Blues — he was the gentle soul and musical anchor behind one of rock’s most beloved bands. With his distinctive melodic bass, soaring harmonies, and thoughtful songwriting, Lodge helped turn The Moody Blues from a struggling R&B group into pioneers of symphonic and progressive rock.

Born in Birmingham, John grew up surrounded by the post-war explosion of British music. He joined The Moody Blues in 1966, along with guitarist Justin Hayward, just as the band was ready to reinvent itself. Together they reshaped the group’s direction, moving away from covers and pop singles toward the lush, conceptual sound that would define the late 1960s. Their first major success, Days of Future Passed (1967), blended rock with classical orchestration and produced the timeless hit “Nights in White Satin.” Lodge’s basslines and harmonies underpinned that transformation — a sound that felt cinematic, emotional, and deeply human.

Over the next five decades, John Lodge’s touch could be felt across The Moody Blues’ greatest works. He wrote and sang enduring tracks like “Ride My See-Saw,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” each one showcasing his knack for combining big ideas with irresistible hooks. While the band explored spirituality, time, and love through albums like In Search of the Lost Chord and A Question of Balance, Lodge kept their music grounded with rhythmic depth and melodic grace.

As The Moody Blues evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, Lodge remained the band’s creative backbone. His songwriting and stage presence were steady and sincere, and his partnership with Hayward became one of rock’s most enduring collaborations. The group’s music inspired generations, selling over 70 million albums and securing their place as one of the most influential acts in British rock history. In 2018, their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame marked the culmination of that extraordinary journey — a moment Lodge often described as “the completion of a dream we started as kids.”

Even after The Moody Blues stopped touring in 2018, John Lodge’s creative fire never dimmed. He continued recording and performing with his “10,000 Light Years Band,” revisiting classic Moody Blues songs while writing new ones that carried his message of faith and hope. His solo projects included B Yond (2019), The Royal Affair and After (2021), and Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn (2023), a heartfelt reinterpretation of the Moody Blues’ 1967 masterpiece. His final release, Love Conquers All (2025), and the moving single “Whispering Angels,” co-written with his son-in-law Jon Davison of Yes, captured Lodge’s optimism and belief in love’s enduring power.

Offstage, John Lodge lived a grounded life. Married to his wife Kirsten since 1968, he was a devoted husband and father to their children, Emily and Kristian. His song “Emily’s Song” remains one of his most tender creations, written as a gift for his daughter and cherished by fans for its emotional honesty. Lodge often credited his Christian faith with keeping him centered through the highs and lows of fame, and he spoke often about gratitude — for music, family, and the fans who shared the journey with him.

John Lodge passed away on October 10, 2025, at age 82, surrounded by family and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly — the artists who first inspired him. His passing marked the end of an era, but his spirit lives on in the music that continues to inspire listeners around the world.

From Birmingham stages to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, John Lodge’s story is one of faith, friendship, and timeless creativity. He reminded us that true artistry isn’t about chasing fame — it’s about touching hearts. And through every note he played, he did exactly that.

Get ready for an unforgettable conversation with Shelly Clark, the powerhouse singer, dancer, and actress who helped shape the sound of 1970s R&B as a founding member of the chart-topping girl group Honey Cone.

Born in Brooklyn and performing professionally by the age of six, Shelly Clark’s career began on Broadway before she went on to tour with legends like Cab Calloway and work as an Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. But her real breakthrough came in 1968, when she co-founded Honey Cone with Edna Wright and Carolyn Willis.

With Holland-Dozier-Holland behind them at the Hot Wax/Invictus label, Honey Cone shot to stardom. Their smash hit “Want Ads” hit No.1 on both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts in 1971 and sold over a million copies.

Follow-up hits like “Stick-Up,” “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show,” and “The Day I Found Myself” cemented their place in music history. Honey Cone weren’t just about catchy hooks — their lyrics spoke to female empowerment and independence, making them trailblazers in the girl-group era.

After the group disbanded, Shelly turned down an offer to join The Supremes and instead found a new path in television, solo work, and later in her personal life.

In 1980, she married Verdine White, legendary bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire. Their marriage has lasted more than four decades, built on music, love, and mutual respect. Today, Shelly continues to collaborate with Verdine, including producing his 2024 solo project “Superman.”

In recent years, Shelly has also revived Honey Cone with a new lineup, bringing timeless classics to fresh audiences. In 2024, the group released their first single in 50 years — a stunning cover of the Eurythmics’ “Here Comes the Rain Again.”

This episode dives deep into Shelly Clark’s incredible journey — from Broadway beginnings to No.1 hits, from Honey Cone fame to life with Verdine White, and her ongoing legacy as a singer, producer, and keeper of soul and R&B history.

If you love 70s soul, R&B girl groups, Earth, Wind & Fire, or music history, this is one story you won’t want to miss.

If you have any suggestions for guests for this show, or any commnents or feedback please reach out to me via the website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

#shellyclark #ikette #honeyCone #earthwindandfire

When you think of catchy pop anthems from the late ’60s and ’70s, chances are Andy Kim’s fingerprints are all over them.

The Canadian singer-songwriter carved out a space in music history with a string of hits that defined an era, yet his journey stretches far beyond his chart-toppers.

From his humble beginnings in Montreal to penning global hits, stepping away from fame, and eventually enjoying a triumphant comeback, Andy Kim’s story is as fascinating as his music.

Born Andrew Youakim, the son of Lebanese immigrants, Andy grew up in a large family surrounded by music . He was drawn to the excitement and energy of rock and roll, idolizing Elvis and Buddy Holly, while dreaming of making it big himself.

By his teens, he was already writing songs, learning the ropes of show business, and imagining a future far beyond the streets of Montreal.

At just 16, Kim headed to New York City with little more than ambition and determination. He knocked on doors in Manhattan’s famous Brill Building, the mecca of songwriting in the '60s, where legends like Carole King, Neil Diamond, and Jeff Barry were crafting timeless hits.

His persistence paid off—he eventually landed a meeting with producer Jeff Barry, who became his mentor and collaborator.

In '68, Andy Kim released his first single which cracked the Top 20 in the U.S. This early success was just the beginning. The following year, he co-wrote Sugar, Sugar for the fictional band The Archies. The bubblegum pop anthem became a worldwide smash, selling over six million copies.

Even though Andy wasn’t the face of the Archies, his contribution to one of the biggest hits of the decade cemented his reputation as a first-class songwriter.

Andy followed up with his own string of solo hits. His knack for crafting feel-good melodies kept him on the charts and in demand throughout the early ’70s.

The defining moment of Andy Kim’s career came in '74 with Rock Me Gently. Written, produced, and recorded entirely on his own terms, Kim initially struggled to get labels interested.

Refusing to give up, he pressed the record himself, and the gamble paid off. The song soared to No. 1 and became an international hit.

At the height of his fame, Andy Kim was a household name. But the music industry can be fickle. After the success of Rock Me Gently, the hits became harder to come by.

By the late ’70s and ’80s, Andy chose to step back from the spotlight. He adopted the pseudonym Baron Longfellow and released music under that name, but the commercial magic of his earlier work proved elusive.

Still, he never stopped writing and recording. Though he wasn’t topping charts anymore, he was quietly influencing younger artists and remaining connected to the craft he loved.

In the '90s and 2000s, Andy's legacy started to be celebrated more widely. Younger musicians, especially in Canada, cited him as a pioneer.

In 2004, he made a triumphant return with I Forgot to Mention, written with Barenaked Ladies’ Ed Robertson. That collaboration rekindled his profile.

In 2015, he released the album It’s Decided, produced with Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene.

Andy Kim’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s been inducted into Canada’s Music Hall of Fame, received the Order of Canada, and continues to be recognized as a national treasure. His enduring influence lies not just in the timeless appeal of Rock Me Gently and Sugar, Sugar, but also in his perseverance, humility, and generosity.

Even today, Andy is active in the music world, performing, mentoring, and celebrating the power of song.

His story is a testament to resilience—a reminder that the peaks and valleys of fame can’t overshadow genuine talent and passion.

Andy joins us today to share his story. I really hope you enjoy it.

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Graeme Clark, founding bassist of Wet Wet Wet, and the band’s newest frontman, Kevin Simm.

Together, they take us on a journey through the band’s humble beginnings, meteoric rise to fame, their unforgettable hit Love Is All Around, and how they’ve kept the magic alive four decades later.

Wet Wet Wet formed back in 1982 in Glasgow, Scotland. For Graeme and his school friends, music wasn’t just a hobby—it was an escape from the bleak job prospects that faced so many young people at the time. With shipyards closed and unemployment sky-high, the boys turned their energy towards music.

None of them were formally trained. What they lacked in technical skills, they made up for in passion and persistence.

Graeme picked up the bass because of his love for reggae, Tommy was already playing drums, Neil joined in on keyboards, and Marty Pellow took the mic as lead vocalist. It wasn’t long before they realised they had something special.

In 87, Wet Wet Wet released their debut single. To their amazement, the track shot up the charts.

Following their early success, the band toured relentlessly, even opening for Elton John in America. Although they never quite cracked the U.S., their popularity soared across the UK, Europe, and Australia.

A major turning point came in 88 when their version of With a Little Help from My Friends went to number one in the UK.

The song that defined Wet Wet Wet’s career was their 94 cover of The Troggs’ classic Love Is All Around. Chosen for the soundtrack of Four Weddings and a Funeral, the band thought it might make a decent B-side.

But once it was released, it exploded worldwide. Spending 15 consecutive weeks at number one in the UK, the single became the country’s best-selling love ballad of the decade.

The success was so overwhelming that the band eventually pulled the record from sale—otherwise, it might have stayed at the top indefinitely!

Like many hugely successful bands, Wet Wet Wet eventually hit a wall. After years of constant touring and chart domination, tensions and different ambitions led to a split.

Graeme reflects on this period as both exhilarating and challenging. Eventually, the band regrouped in the 2000s, realising that their chemistry was too strong to leave behind.

In 2018, following Marty Pellow’s departure, Wet Wet Wet welcomed Kevin Simm as their new lead singer. Kevin had already won The Voice UK in 2016.

Kevin brought fresh energy to the band, not just as a performer but also as a songwriter. Together, he and Graeme started writing new material, determined to keep Wet Wet Wet moving forward.

Their 2021 album, The Journey, proved that the band could still create relevant, heartfelt music.

Nearly 40 years after their formation, Wet Wet Wet continue to perform and record, delighting audiences with classics like Sweet Little Mystery, Goodnight Girl, and of course, Love Is All Around. At the same time, they’re carving out a new chapter with Kevin at the helm.

For Graeme, success today isn’t about topping charts or selling millions of records—it’s about contentment, creativity, and connection.

What makes Wet Wet Wet so timeless?

Maybe it’s their working-class roots, which make their story relatable. Maybe it’s their knack for writing songs that speak to life’s ups and downs. Or maybe it’s the fact that their music has been woven into the soundtrack of so many of our lives.

From Glasgow’s back rooms to global arenas, from B-sides to record-breaking hits, Wet Wet Wet have weathered every storm and come out stronger. With Kevin Simm breathing new life into the group, their journey is far from over.

#wetwetwet #80sbritishbands #90spopmusic

Sixto Rodriguez, known simply as Rodriguez, lived one of the most extraordinary and unlikely journeys in modern music history.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, he grew up the son of Mexican immigrants in a city teeming with both industrial promise and economic struggle.

His upbringing in Detroit’s working-class neighbourhoods profoundly shaped his worldview and his music. Rodriguez’s songs spoke of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of everyday people—lyrics that would later resonate deeply with audiences halfway across the world.

From an early age, Rodriguez gravitated toward music. He learned guitar on his own and began writing songs that mixed folk, rock, and blues with a poet’s touch.

His lyrics were sharp, socially conscious, and often laced with a haunting melancholy. Though Rodriguez possessed immense talent, Detroit in the late 1960s was already overflowing with Motown stars, garage rock bands, and rising folk voices.

Breaking through wasn’t easy.

In '67, Rodriguez recorded a single that didn’t gain much traction. A few years later his big break seemed to arrive with his debut album, Cold Fact, in 1970. Critics admired the record, but commercially it fell flat in the US.

Undeterred, Rodriguez recorded a second album, Coming from Reality, in '71. But like its predecessor, the album struggled to find an audience.

Disillusioned, Rodriguez quietly stepped away from the music industry. Heworked a series of manual labor jobs—construction, demolition, even factory work. For years, he lived modestly, raising his daughters while music became more of a private outlet than a public pursuit.

Unbeknownst to him, his music was taking on a life of its own thousands of miles away. In South Africa, during the height of apartheid, Rodriguez’s albums had found their way to audiences. To South Africans, Rodriguez was as revered as Bob Dylan or John Lennon.

Yet in Detroit, he had no idea of his fame overseas.

For decades, South African fans knew every lyric, while the man himself remained in the dark about his global impact.

The truth began to unravel in the late '90s, when two South African fans set out to discover where he was. They found him in Detroit and brought hin to South Africa fin 1998.

Concert halls overflowed with fans . For Rodriguez, it was a surreal moment of validation, arriving nearly three decades after he’d walked away from music.

The story of Rodriguez’s rediscovery was later captured in the 2012 Academy Award-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man.

With its mix of mystery, tragedy, and triumph, the documentary transformed Rodriguez into an international icon almost overnight. His albums were reissued, he toured internationally, and he finally enjoyed the recognition that had eluded him in his youth.

Rodriguez's daughter, Sandra tells us that despite his newfound fame, her dad remained grounded. He continued living in his modest home. Known for his humility and gentle nature, he preferred to let his music speak for itself. He carried no bitterness at al.

Rodriguez’s story is often described as one of the most remarkable in rock history—a tale of how music can transcend time, borders, and politics.

His songs, rooted in the struggles of Detroit in the '70s, found their greatest meaning in a country he’d never visited until decades later. In the process, Rodriguez became a symbol of resilience, artistry, and the unpredictable power of music.

Sixto Rodriguez passed away in 2023 at the age of 81. His death marked the end of a truly singular life, but his music continues to live on.

For those who grew up singing his words in South Africa and in Australia, and for the many around the world who discovered him through Searching for Sugar Man, Rodriguez will always be remembered not just as a musician, but as a poet of the people, a voice of quiet defiance, and the ultimate comeback story.

I know you'll enjoy hearing Sandra Rodriguez tell her Dad's story.