Episode 44 of Rock and Roll for Grownups delivers another powerful mix of timeless music and fascinating stories from the icons who made it. Denny Somach opens with Cinnamon Girl by Neil Young, Modern Love by David Bowie, and Evil Ways by Santana—three songs that define distinct eras of rock. From there, the show journeys through Ride My See-Saw by The Moody Blues, All Along the Watchtower by Dave Mason, and Easy Livin’ by Uriah Heep, blending history, emotion, and energy.
Listeners also get an exclusive segment featuring Freddie Mercury discussing the songwriting process behind Radio Ga Ga, followed by Video Killed the Radio Star—the very first video to ever air on MTV. Denny continues with tracks from Argent, Rush, Stealers Wheel, and Yes, and closes the show with Badfinger’s Day After Day and Joe Cocker’s Delta Lady. Every story and song connects to the heart of what keeps classic rock alive: passion, creativity, and timeless sound.
Rock’s Spirit and Soul
The episode begins with Neil Young’s Cinnamon Girl, a classic cut from Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969), followed by David Bowie’s Modern Love from Let’s Dance—a perfect mix of pop sophistication and driving rhythm. Santana’s Evil Ways, from his self-titled 1969 debut, showcases the band’s Latin-infused rock energy and Gregg Rolie’s standout organ solo.
The Moody Blues, Dave Mason, and Uriah Heep
Denny honors John Lodge of The Moody Blues with Ride My See-Saw, written by Lodge and featured on In Search of the Lost Chord. Then comes Dave Mason’s version of All Along the Watchtower, adding another layer to a Dylan classic Mason helped immortalize when he played on Jimi Hendrix’s version. Uriah Heep’s Easy Livin’, from Demons and Wizards (1972), closes this block with pure hard rock glory.
Freddie Mercury, Queen, and the Dawn of MTV
In a rare archival moment, Freddie Mercury discusses Queen’s collaborative songwriting process before the powerful Radio Ga Ga, which became one of the band’s signature anthems—especially during Live Aid. Denny then spins Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles, created by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes. The song became a worldwide hit and the first-ever music video broadcast on MTV, symbolizing rock’s transition into the visual era.
From Argent to Rush and Stealers Wheel
Rod Argent follows with Hold Your Head Up, a driving anthem that became a worldwide hit for his post-Zombies band. Rush brings philosophical brilliance with Closer to the Heart from A Farewell to Kings (1977). The segment wraps with Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel, featuring Gerry Rafferty on vocals—a catchy tune that bridged folk and pop and later found new life in Reservoir Dogs.
Progressive Perfection and Soulful Farewell
Yes takes the stage with Yours Is No Disgrace—a sprawling nine-minute epic from The Yes Album that established the band as prog-rock pioneers. Then Badfinger’s Day After Day, produced by George Harrison, showcases their Beatles-inspired craftsmanship. The show ends on a soulful note with Joe Cocker’s Delta Lady, written by Leon Russell for his then-girlfriend, singer Rita Coolidge—a perfect closer for another unforgettable hour of classic rock stories.
Playlist
Neil Young – Cinnamon Girl
David Bowie – Modern Love
Santana – Evil Ways
The Moody Blues – Ride My See-Saw
Dave Mason – All Along the Watchtower
Uriah Heep – Easy Livin’
Queen – Radio Ga Ga
The Buggles – Video Killed the Radio Star
Argent – Hold Your Head Up
Rush – Closer to the Heart
Stealers Wheel – Stuck in the Middle with You
Yes – Yours Is No Disgrace
Badfinger – Day After Day
Joe Cocker – Delta Lady
