Episode 50 | Rock And Roll For GrownUps - NEWHD Radio

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () { var links = document.querySelectorAll('.trigger-popup-558075'); links.forEach(function(link) { link.addEventListener('click', function() { if (typeof elementorProFrontend !== 'undefined') { elementorProFrontend.modules.popup.showPopup({ id: 558075 }); } }); }); });

Episode 50 | Rock and Roll for GrownUps

A Milestone Celebration of Classic Rock, Great Music, and Great Stories

Episode 50 of Rock and Roll for GrownUps is a milestone celebration hosted by Denny Somach, bringing together legendary songs, iconic artists, and the stories that continue to define classic rock radio. This episode features music from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Rainbow, Grateful Dead, Savoy Brown, Freddie King, Bonnie Raitt, Walter Egan, Electric Light Orchestra, Queen, Joe Walsh, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and Heart.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Opens the Show with a Southern Rock Classic

The program opens with “Sweet Home Alabama,” the timeless Southern rock anthem from Lynyrd Skynyrd. Released on Second Helping in 1974, the song remains one of the most recognizable tracks in American rock history. Its unforgettable guitar riff, singalong chorus, and lasting cultural impact make it the perfect opening statement for a milestone episode.

Eric Clapton Steps Into the Spotlight

From there, Denny moves into Eric Clapton’s “Let It Rain,” a standout from Clapton’s debut solo album. The track captures Clapton at a key turning point, moving from his work with Cream and Blind Faith into a solo career that would make him one of rock’s most enduring figures.

Rainbow Brings Melodic Hard Rock to Episode 50

Rainbow’s “Street of Dreams” brings a different color to the episode, blending melodic hard rock with the dramatic sound associated with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Rainbow’s music helped bridge the world of classic hard rock and the more polished arena sound of the 1980s.

The Grateful Dead and the Spirit of the Jam

The journey continues with the Grateful Dead’s “Playing in the Band,” written by Bob Weir and long associated with the band’s improvisational live performances. The song represents the Dead’s unique ability to turn a composition into a living, breathing musical experience each time it was played.

Savoy Brown, Freddie King, and the Blues Roots of Rock

Episode 50 also pays tribute to the blues roots of rock and roll with Savoy Brown’s “Tell Mama” and Freddie King’s “Hideaway.” Freddie King’s influence on guitar players remains enormous, and “Hideaway” became one of the essential blues instrumentals that helped shape the sound of rock guitar for generations.

Bonnie Raitt, Walter Egan, and Electric Light Orchestra

The middle of the show brings a strong run of classic favorites, including Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About,” Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel,” and Electric Light Orchestra’s “Sweet Talkin’ Woman.” Each song reflects a different side of rock’s evolution, from soulful roots music to California pop rock and orchestral studio brilliance.

Queen Adds Theatrical Firepower

Queen’s “Killer Queen” adds theatrical flair, wit, and precision. It was one of the songs that helped introduce the world to Freddie Mercury’s remarkable songwriting and vocal style. The track remains a perfect example of Queen’s ability to combine sophistication, humor, and rock power into something completely original.

Joe Walsh and Deep Purple Bring the Power

Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” follows with its unmistakable groove and talk box guitar sound, while Deep Purple’s “Woman from Tokyo” delivers the kind of powerful hard rock energy that helped define the 1970s. Together, the songs capture two very different but equally important sides of classic rock’s golden era.

Led Zeppelin Takes Center Stage

One of the highlights of Episode 50 is the Led Zeppelin segment, featuring commentary from John Paul Jones about the band’s early American tour and their experience playing Boston. That story leads into “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” one of the most dynamic recordings from Led Zeppelin’s debut album. The song captures the band’s range, moving from acoustic beauty to full force rock power.

Heart Closes the Episode with “Crazy on You”

The episode closes with Heart’s “Crazy on You,” the explosive debut single from Dreamboat Annie. Powered by Ann Wilson’s extraordinary vocals and Nancy Wilson’s acoustic guitar work, the song remains one of the greatest opening statements by any band of the classic rock era.

Episode 50 Is More Than a Playlist

Episode 50 of Rock and Roll for GrownUps is more than a playlist. It is a celebration of the songs, artists, and stories that continue to connect generations of listeners. Denny Somach brings the music to life with the knowledge and passion of someone who understands that classic rock is not just about nostalgia. It is about musicianship, memory, and the power of great songs to stay with us for life.

Episode 50 Playlist

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama – 4:43
Eric Clapton – Let It Rain – 5:02
Rainbow – Street of Dreams – 4:28
Grateful Dead – Playing in the Band – 4:39
Savoy Brown – Tell Mama – 5:15
Freddie King – Hideaway – 2:40
Bonnie Raitt – Something to Talk About – 3:47
Walter Egan – Magnet and Steel – 3:25
Electric Light Orchestra – Sweet Talkin’ Woman – 3:47
Queen – Killer Queen – 3:00
Joe Walsh – Rocky Mountain Way – 5:17
Deep Purple – Woman from Tokyo – 5:48
Led Zeppelin – Babe I’m Gonna Leave You – 6:40
Heart – Crazy on You – 4:54

Sophia's Mission

Johnny Cash: Still Claimed by Ojai?

June 6, 2026

TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY-JUNE 14

June 14, 2026

EP.22 Rock and Roll for GrownUps

February 1, 2025

Eternal Jam: The Timeless Magic of The Grateful Dead

December 19, 2025

This Day in Rock History – February 24

February 24, 2025

Banner - PFM/PCS Residential and Commercial Waste Management Solutions

{{playListTitle}}

{{ index + 1 }} {{ track.track_title }} {{ track.album_title }} {{ track.lenght }}
{{getSVG(store.sr_icon_file)}}
{{button.podcast_button_name}}

{{list.tracks[currentTrack].track_title}}

{{list.tracks[currentTrack].album_title}}

{{classes.skipBackward}}

{{classes.skipForward}}

{{this.mediaPlayer.getPlaybackRate()}}X

{{ currentTime }}

{{ totalTime }}

{{getSVG(store.sr_icon_file)}}
{{store.song_store_name}} {{store.podcast_button_name}}

(function () { function startStreamWhenReady() { const audio = document.getElementById('sonaarAudio'); if (!audio) return false; // Wait until real stream URL is injected (not page URL) if (audio.src && audio.src.startsWith('http') && !audio.src.includes('ny-test')) { audio.play() .then(() => console.log("NEWHD STREAM STARTED")) .catch(err => console.log("PLAY BLOCKED:", err)); return true; } return false; } const watcher = setInterval(() => { if (startStreamWhenReady()) { clearInterval(watcher); } }, 300); })(); function newhd_reset_mobile_menu() { // Close Elementor mobile menu jQuery('.elementor-menu-toggle').removeClass('elementor-active'); jQuery('.elementor-nav-menu--dropdown') .attr('aria-hidden', 'true') .css('display', 'none'); // Remove stuck focus (THIS is critical for your ARIA error) if (document.activeElement) { document.activeElement.blur(); } } // Run once on load jQuery(document).ready(function () { newhd_reset_mobile_menu(); }); // Watch for Sonaar DOM swaps (this is the key) const observer = new MutationObserver(function () { newhd_reset_mobile_menu(); }); observer.observe(document.body, { childList: true, subtree: true });