Jimi Hendrix’s Final Days, Wild Legends, and the Truth About “Purple Haze”
Today, we have one of those rare classic songs, Purple Haze, that has a multitude of stories and legends behind it. First of all, it’s the mother of all misheard lyrics… One that Jimi Hendrix himself started doing in his live shows as a joke. Then there was the first draft of this thing, which was an epic 1000 words that Jimi pared down for radio… then Hendrix risked being electrocuted to create it, and then there was the origin of the song… Some say Purple Haze came from a lucid dream. Others say it was from a waitress stalker who kidnapped a customer.We’re not sure because Jimi Hendrix passed away before we got the exact truth. And then to top it all off, there was the sensitive icon behind it. Jimi hated his own voice, especially on this song, but he was such a revelation that the Stones and the Beatles were at his first gig… Let’s get into a true classic next on Professor of Rock.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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How Walter Egan Turned a Crush on Stevie Nicks Into a 1978 Classic
Coming up, I had a blast with my guest today, Walter Egan… a man who many call a one-hit wonder, but that’s too easy... Sure, he created a huge hit in the late 70s, Magnet and Steel, that became a pop culture fixture with 2 legends who sang background vocals on this classic hit from a band that was rock’s big soap opera of the time. One of these backing vocalists, Lindsey Buckingham, is one of the great guitarists of his time and helped produce the song. And the other one, Stevie Nicks, was so enchanting that Walter Egan fell in love with her, and that was a good thing because it’s what inspired today’s classic song… That and a license plate he happened to see on his way home from the studio at 3 in the morning. A custom license plate inspired him to run into his house and finish Magnet and Steel in minutes… So the question is, did he get the girl? Find out next on the Professor of Rock. Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. 866-890-4844 or visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/prof.... NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Remembering Ozzy Osbourne – Ozzy’s Post–Sabbath Comeback Begins with “Crazy Train” and Randy Rhoads
As we continue our tribute to the late, great Ozzy Osbourne, we revisit one of the most electrifying chapters of his legendary career with the creation of “Crazy Train.”After being kicked out of from Black Sabbath, the very band he helped make iconic, many believed Ozzy’s time in the spotlight was over. Battling addiction, depression, and self-doubt, even Ozzy himself thought it might be the end. But then came a spark: a young, virtuosic guitarist named Randy Rhoads. Together, they would forge a sound that launched one of the greatest second acts in rock history.With the release of his 1980 solo debut Blizzard of Ozz, Ozzy came roaring back, led by the unstoppable riff and manic energy of “Crazy Train.” Though it missed the charts at the time, it has since become a rock anthem for the ages and a defining moment in both Ozzy’s and Randy’s legacies.This is the story of reinvention, risk, and the resurrection of a rock legend. “Crazy Train” wasn’t just a comeback—it was the battle cry of a man who refused to be counted out. And today, as we remember Ozzy Osbourne, we ride that train in his honor.All aboard… for one last journey with the Prince of Darkness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today, we honor the Prince of Darkness: Ozzy Osbourne, who has passed away, leaving behind one of the most legendary and unfiltered legacies in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. From his groundbreaking days with Black Sabbath to a solo career that defied all odds, Ozzy wasn’t just a rock star—he was a survivor, a showman, and above all, a voice for the outcasts. His life was chaos and brilliance in equal measure, and somehow, through every fall, he got back up louder than ever.In this special "From the Vault" episode, we revisit one of Ozzy’s most personal and redemptive moments—his 1991 hit “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” At a time when his life and career were spiraling, Ozzy nearly lost everything, including his family. After a violent outburst that landed him in jail and on the verge of ruin, he found a path back...not just to music, but to the woman who saved his life. This ballad, written for his wife Sharon, became an anthem of remorse and healing, and marked one of the most unlikely comebacks in rock history.This is the story of Ozzy’s fall... and rise. The pain, the redemption, and the song that said it all: Mama, I’m Coming Home.Mama, he’s coming home. For good this time. Farewell, Ozzy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Lost Rebel Anthem: How Rock’s Boldest Hit Disappeared from Culture
So this was probably the most difficult episode I’ve ever made. But it’s one that I hope will provoke a real discussion… So one of the main reasons rock ’n’ roll hit so hard when it exploded in the ’50s was because… it wasn’t just music—it was rebellion. It shook off the stiff, clean-cut norm of the time and brought in something wild, loud, and full of swagger. The artists who lit the spark weren’t just entertainers—they were symbols of freedom, independence, and boldness. And that was magnetic, especially to a younger generation hungry for something that inspired them. The biggest stars didn’t just push boundaries—they dared people to react. Elvis Presley, with his swiveling hips and sneer, wasn’t just performing—he was shaking up an entire culture. And later, bands like The Beatles stirred controversy at nearly every turn, whether it was their long hair, their thought-provoking lyrics, or just the idea that they were bigger than pop music itself. Make no mistake about it, rock ’n’ roll was never meant to play it safe. That’s exactly WHY it mattered: Rock artists have always walked a fine line between rebellion and chaos, brilliance and self-destruction. It’s not just their music that had an edge—it was the way they lived: loud, unapologetic, and often dangerously close to the line society draws. But some crossed that line completely….See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it's a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.
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