My Rock Moment

Some songs become classics because of a great melody. Others become classics because they capture a moment in time. The songs we're talking about in this episode managed to do both.

In this episode of My Rock Moment, I’m joined by LA historian and creator of Instagram's Lost Canyons LA, Emmeline Summerton, as we explore six of the most influential protest songs of the 1960s and '70s. Together, we uncover the fascinating stories behind:


Barry McGuire – "Eve of Destruction"


Joni Mitchell – "Big Yellow Taxi"


The Doors – "The Unknown Soldier"


The Byrds – "Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)"


Black Sabbath – "War Pigs"


Marvin Gaye – "What's Going On"

From the Vietnam War and environmentalism to civil rights and the plight of migrant workers, these songs became timeless expressions of protest, compassion, and hope that continue to resonate decades later.

Whether you've loved these songs for years or are hearing their stories for the first time, this episode dives deep into music that helped define a generation.

For more information on My Rock Moment, visit www.myrockmoment.com

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Legendary bassist Leland Sklar has played on more than 2,000 albums, performed with some of the biggest names in music, and helped create the soundtrack of the last five decades. But behind the credits is a fascinating story of talent, timing, friendship, and an unwavering love of music.

In this episode of My Rock Moment, Leland reflects on his remarkable journey…from growing up in Los Angeles, to the moment James Taylor walked into a rehearsal for Leland's band Wolfgang and reportedly told Peter Asher, "I just found the bass player of my dreams."

We dive into the magic of the Troubadour era, where Leland found himself surrounded by future legends including Carole King, Russ Kunkel, and Danny Kortchmar, and discuss the uniquely collaborative spirit of Laurel Canyon. 

Along the way, we talk about the tremendous impact Peter Asher had on his career, the importance of giving session musicians proper credit, and how a chance opportunity turned into decades of performing and recording with James Taylor, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, and countless others.

Leland also recounts surviving two frightening airplane incidents, including a near-disaster en route to a Kent State performance, his deep admiration for Phil Collins, why "In the Air Tonight" remains his favorite song to play live, and the origins of The Immediate Family and the acclaimed documentary that tells the story of the musicians behind some of rock's most iconic recordings.

And of course, we couldn't resist talking about his YouTube channel, his viral Everybody Loves Me photo project, and the humor that has endeared him to generations of fans.

The conversation is funny, insightful, and filled with incredible stories from one of music's most respected players.

Find out more about Leland Sklar:

Website: https://lelandsklarsbeard.com

YouTube

Songs from the episode:

Jackson Browne "Doctor My Eyes"

James Taylor "Country Road"

Phil Collins "Sussudio"

Immediate Family "Werewolves of London"

Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight"

For more information on My Rock Moment, visit www.myrockmoment.com

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Bobby Watman is the creator of the iconic ’70s-themed nightclub chain Polly Esther’s and the voice behind Polyester Fiesta and 70s on 7 on SiriusXM.

Long before stepping behind the microphone, Bobby helped turn '70s nostalgia into a national phenomenon, expanding Polly Esther’s into 35 locations across the country. In our conversation, he shares incredible stories from the worlds of nightlife, music, radio, and pop culture — including the unforgettable night KISS walked into Polly Esther’s, memories of David Cassidy, and his lifelong love affair with Los Angeles.

Bobby opens up about the music that shaped him, the artists he still loves today — from Elvis Presley to Doja Cat — and why the sound, soul, and spirit of the 1970s still resonate so deeply decades later.

Find out more about Bobby Watman:

Facebook: Bobby Watman

Instagram: @bobbywatman

Website: www.bobbywatman.com

Songs from the episode:

The Doors "LA Woman"

David Cassidy / The Partridge Family "I Think I Love You"

KISS "Rock and Roll All Nite"

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers "Don't Do Me Like That"

Elvis "Burning Love"

The Bee Gees "Night Fever"

For more information on My Rock Moment, visit www.myrockmoment.com

Follow us for photos and news of upcoming episodes at: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks

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In this episode of My Rock Moment, I’m joined by legendary album cover artist Larry Vigon, whose work has helped define the visual identity of some of the most iconic albums in rock history. With more than 200 album covers to his name, Larry has worked with Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Chicago and Counting Crows. He's also in the Album Cover Hall of Fame.

We dive deep into Larry’s connection to Fleetwood Mac and explore the making of the Rumours cover and the bold creative shift that came with Tusk. Larry also opens up about designing early work for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the distinct identity behind 'August and Everything After,' and how he approached creating visuals that could stand the test of time. 

Larry shares stories from attending both days of the T.A.M.I. Show in 1964 and near collaborations with Madonna and Tori Amos.

We also talk about his latest exhibition, Aquean, on view at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum through July 26th. This multimedia exhibition explores the ocean as a metaphor for time, change, and the balance between permanence and loss along the California coast.

This is a fascinating conversation about creativity, collaboration, and being behind the scenes of some of the most important moments in music history.

Find out more about Larry Vigon:

https://www.larryvigon.com

https://www.instagram.com/larryvigon

Find out more about Aquean: https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event/aquean/

Songs from the Episode:

Fleetwood Mac "I Don't Want to Know"

Fleetwood Mac "Tusk"

Counting Crows "American Girl"

Rolling Stones " It's All Over Now"

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers "American Girl"

For more information on My Rock Moment, visit www.myrockmoment.com

Follow us for photos and news of upcoming episodes at: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks

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Steve Binder is one of the most influential figures in music television, even if you don’t know his name. From The T.A.M.I. Show to Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special, his work created moments that changed music history.

In this episode, Steve shares how he went from the mailroom at KABC to directing icons like Frank Sinatra, The Allman Brothers, and The Rolling Stones, and what it was like to be thrown into some of the most pivotal TV moments of the 1960s and 70s.

We talk about the making of The T.A.M.I. Show and the night James Brown delivered a performance so explosive it shook The Rolling Stones. The raw, behind-the-scenes story of Elvis’ comeback, including the now-legendary sit-down sessions that redefined his career. And the cultural firestorm that followed when Petula Clark took Harry Belafonte’s arm on live television.

These were unforgettable music moments on TV, and Steve Binder was right in the middle of them.

More on Steve Binder:

Elvis '68 Comeback Book

Films By Steve Binder

Songs from the Episode:

Elvis "Jailhouse Rock"

Lesley Gore "You Don't Own Me"

James Brown "Please, Please, Please"

Elvis "All Shook Up"

The Allman Brothers Band "Midnight Rider"

The Rolling Stones - "Time Is On My Side"

For more information on My Rock Moment, visit www.myrockmoment.com

Follow us for photos and news of upcoming episodes at: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks

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