Music 101 in its third season, featuring Connie Francis Dies at 87.
The world has lost a defining voice of an era with the passing of Connie Francis at 87. More than just a pop star, Francis was a powerhouse who mastered the art of heartbreak, transforming classic standards into explosive hits for a new generation. Her 1958 smash, "Who's Sorry Now?," became an anthem of resilient vindication, launching her into stratospheric fame and cementing her status as one of the most successful female artists of the 1960s with subsequent classics like "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You." Though her incredible career was tragically halted by a brutal assault, her legacy as a pioneer who infused pop music with raw emotion, incredible versatility, and undeniable strength ensures that the voice of Pretty Little Baby will never be forgotten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
28:57
--------
28:57
Music 101 in its third season, featuring Tom Lehrer:The Satirical Maestro Who Made Music Laugh.
In the golden age of mid-20th-century comedy, Tom Lehrer emerged as a singular genius—a Harvard mathematician by trade and a musical satirist by destiny, whose wit cut through the anxieties of the Cold War era with the precision of a scalpel and the charm of a Broadway tune. With his jaunty piano melodies and lethally clever lyrics, Lehrer transformed taboo topics—from nuclear annihilation in "We Will All Go Together When We Go" to romantic dysfunction in "The Masochism Tango"—into irresistible, laugh-out-loud anthems. His deadpan delivery and academic persona belied a rebellious spirit that mocked hypocrisy, skewered ideology, and celebrated the absurdity of human nature, leaving a legacy that inspired generations of comedians, from *Monty Python* to "Weird Al" Yankovic. Lehrer didn’t just make music funny; he made it a weapon of intellectual rebellion, proving that sometimes the most profound truths are best delivered with a grin and a perfectly rhymed couplet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
37:12
--------
37:12
Music 101 in its third season, featuring Rick Derringer Dead at 77: 'Rock and Roll
Renowned guitarist and rock legend Rick Derringer, best known for his electrifying hit *"Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo"* and his iconic rendition of *"Hang on Sloopy"* with The McCoys, has passed away at the age of 77. Derringer, whose career spanned over five decades, left an indelible mark on rock music as a virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, and producer, collaborating with legends like Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, and Steely Dan. His fiery riffs and energetic performances made him a standout figure in the 1970s rock scene, while his later work showcased his versatility across genres. Fans and fellow musicians alike mourn the loss of a true rock innovator whose music continues to inspire generations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
34:17
--------
34:17
Music 101 in its third season, featuring Mick Ralphs Dies at 81:Remembering the Bad Company and Mott the Hoople Guitar Legend
Mick Ralphs, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81. Known for his bluesy riffs and rock-solid songwriting, Ralphs was a driving force behind some of the most iconic tracks in classic rock, including *"All the Young Dudes, *"Can’t Get Enough,"* and *"Feel Like Makin’ Love."* After rising to fame with Mott the Hoople in the early 1970s, he went on to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, and Boz Burrell, creating a string of hits that defined the era’s hard-rock sound. With his soulful playing and understated stage presence, Ralphs left an indelible mark on music, influencing generations of guitarists. Fans and fellow musicians alike mourn the loss of a true rock pioneer whose riffs will forever echo through rock history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
25:33
--------
25:33
Music 101 in its third season, featuring Ozzy Osbourne, the Godfather of Heavy Metal.
The life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, the Godfather of Heavy Metal, who passed away at 76 on July 22, 2025, just weeks after his triumphant final Black Sabbath performance at the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham. How did Ozzy’s raw, groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath—songs like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man”—and his solo hits like “Crazy Train” shape your connection to heavy metal or music in general? Can you share a personal story about a moment from his career, perhaps his wild bat-biting incident in 1982 or his reality TV days on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Music 101: Where every beat tells a story. Dive into the heart of music, exploring genres, artists, and the inspiration behind every note. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand