Episode 42 | Rock and Roll for GrownUps
In Episode 42 of Rock and Roll for Grownups, Denny Somach delivers another expertly curated lineup of rock classics, revealing the stories, inspirations, and unexpected connections behind the music. The show opens with The Allman Brothers’ One Way Out, the legendary live recording from Eat a Peach that captures one of Duane Allman’s final performances. From there, Somach turns to David Bowie’s Golden Years, a song originally written with Elvis Presley in mind, before heading down the highway with The Doobie Brothers and Rockin’ Down the Highway, a track inspired by the streets of New Orleans.
Throughout the episode, Somach goes beyond simply playing the records. His transitions connect the music to the people, places, and circumstances that shaped it, turning familiar songs into stories worth hearing again. With a mix of rock history, inspiration, and insider perspective, Episode 42 demonstrates why the greatest records often have stories that are just as compelling as the music itself.
Opening Set: The Allmans, Bowie, and The Doobies
The show begins with One Way Out by The Allman Brothers Band, recorded live and later included on Eat a Peach (1972). The performance captures Duane Allman’s brilliance in one of his final appearances before his tragic passing. David Bowie’s Golden Years follows—Somach reveals that the track was reportedly written for Elvis Presley, who ultimately declined it. The first segment wraps with Rockin’ Down the Highway by The Doobie Brothers, from their second album Toulouse Street, a record steeped in southern groove and California harmony.
Gabriel, Browne, and The Who
Next up, Somach transitions to Peter Gabriel’s Solsbury Hill, a deeply personal song marking Gabriel’s departure from Genesis. Jackson Browne’s Running on Empty continues the theme of journey and reflection, its live energy capturing the restless optimism of the 1970s. Then comes The Who’s Pinball Wizard, the breakout hit from Tommy that redefined rock opera and helped cement the band’s legendary status.
The Eagles, The Romantics, and Tina Turner
Somach introduces a special moment featuring Don Felder of The Eagles, who reflects on the making of Victim of Love, from Hotel California. Felder’s guitar interplay with Joe Walsh shaped the song’s distinct edge. The episode continues with What I Like About You by The Romantics, one of the purest distillations of power pop energy, and What’s Love Got to Do with It by Tina Turner, a career-defining anthem that marked her triumphant solo comeback.
Traffic and Queen
Shifting back to the early 1970s, Somach spotlights The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys by Traffic, an 11-minute masterpiece showcasing Steve Winwood’s inventive style after reforming the group without Dave Mason. Somach describes it as one of those songs that “still sounds great today,” blending jazz, rock, and improvisation seamlessly. The mood lifts with Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen, a fan favorite from their 1978 album Jazz, combining humor, swagger, and stadium-ready energy.
Closing Reflections: The Scorpions and the Sound of Change
Denny closes Episode 42 with an emotional finale—the Scorpions’ Wind of Change. Somach explains how the 1990 hit became synonymous with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. Written by Klaus Meine, it became a global anthem for peace and unity. The Scorpions later performed it at the Brandenburg Gate during the Wall’s 10th anniversary, and in 2005, it was voted the “Song of the Century” by German audiences. It’s a fitting end to another timeless journey through the music—and meaning—of rock’s greatest era.
Episode 42 TrackList
The Allman Brothers Band – One Way Out – 5:08
David Bowie – Golden Years – 4:03
The Doobie Brothers – Rockin’ Down the Highway – 3:18
Peter Gabriel – Solsbury Hill – 4:21
Jackson Browne – Running on Empty – 5:10
The Who – Pinball Wizard – 3:00
Eagles – Victim of Love – 4:10
The Romantics – What I Like About You – 2:55
Tina Turner – What’s Love Got to Do with It – 3:48
Traffic – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – 11:42
Queen – Fat Bottomed Girls – 4:15
Scorpions – Wind of Change – 5:13
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