In Episode 41 of Rock and Roll for Grownups, Denny Somach once again takes listeners through a journey of classic rock stories and unforgettable tracks. The show begins with Rod Stewart’s soulful take on the Temptations classic (I Know) I’m Losing You and moves through the blues and southern rock of the Allman Brothers’ Statesboro Blues and the signature sound of Stevie Nicks’ Stand Back. From there, Somach digs deeper into iconic albums, unexpected covers, and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped rock’s golden era—from Steely Dan’s technical mastery to Bad Company’s first meeting with Led Zeppelin’s Peter Grant.
Motown Roots, Blues Legends, and Rock Queens
The opening set features Rod Stewart’s I Know I’m Losing You, from his breakthrough album Every Picture Tells a Story. Somach connects its Motown roots to the British rock explosion of the early ’70s. Next is Statesboro Blues by the Allman Brothers, originally written by Blind Willie McTell in 1928 and later immortalized on their first live album. Stand Back by Stevie Nicks follows, a standout from her 1983 album The Wild Heart, where she fuses rock, pop, and her trademark mysticism.
Steely Dan, Petty, and the Rolling Stones
The show shifts gears into Steely Dan’s Bodhisattva, the opening track from Countdown to Ecstasy, blending jazz virtuosity with biting satire. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers follow with Even the Losers from Damn the Torpedoes—a track that captures Petty’s spirit of resilience. Then comes Under My Thumb by the Rolling Stones, one of the band’s most iconic songs from the mid-’60s, never released as a single in America but embedded in rock history.
Bad Company, Beatles, and Cat Stevens
Somach introduces a memorable story from Bad Company’s drummer, Simon Kirke, about the band’s audition for Zeppelin manager Peter Grant. That story leads into Shooting Star, one of the group’s most enduring songs. Love Me Do, The Beatles’ debut single, follows—cleverly referenced in Shooting Star—and Oh Very Young by Cat Stevens closes the set, a contemplative piece from his 1974 album Buddha and the Chocolate Box.
REO Speedwagon, Van Halen, and The Pretenders
The energy rises again with Roll with the Changes by REO Speedwagon, a staple of late ’70s arena rock. Van Halen’s Jump comes next, a keyboard-driven anthem that redefined the band’s sound and became one of their biggest hits. The Pretenders’ Back on the Chain Gang, originally featured on The King of Comedy soundtrack, follows—a poignant tribute and one of Chrissie Hynde’s finest vocal performances.
The Kinks and Saga
To close the episode, Somach presents All Day and All of the Night by The Kinks, featuring Dave Davies’ distinctive guitar work, followed by a Canadian classic—On the Loose by Saga, from their album Worlds Apart. Both songs celebrate musicianship and longevity, fitting tributes for a show dedicated to the music that endures.
Playlist
Rod Stewart – (I Know) I’m Losing You – 5:23
Allman Brothers – Statesboro Blues – 4:20
Stevie Nicks – Stand Back – 4:48
Steely Dan – Bodhisattva – 5:18
Tom Petty – Even the Losers – 3:59
Rolling Stones – Under My Thumb – 3:41
Bad Company – Shooting Star – 6:16
The Beatles – Love Me Do – 2:22
Cat Stevens – Oh Very Young – 2:39
REO Speedwagon – Roll with the Changes – 5:36
Van Halen – Jump – 4:02
The Pretenders – Back on the Chain Gang – 3:51
The Kinks – All Day and All of the Night – 2:22
Saga – On the Loose – 4:41
