https://simplecast.com Skip Martin, a Grammy Award winner, has dedicated his life to the rooms where music history unfolds. As former lead vocalist for Kool & the Gang and the Dazz Band, he has shared stages with the greatest artists of his generation — and built friendships that have lasted decades. Friends and Legends is the platform where these friendships are brought to life. This is not a standard interview show. Skip does not sit across from his guests — he sits beside them. These are real talks with people who were there, built something, and have stories to tell. From platinum records to personal breakthroughs. From the road to the recording studio, the journey was transformative. From the highs to the moments that tested everything. New episodes drop regularly. "Music is the sound of a soul singing." Don't play no games. en Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:11 +0000 https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/96b53e67-fd3a-4fc8-8813-b800a33897a8/95c26cd1-8f40-4f8e-a7e7-9e3f08044388/3000x3000/cover.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com episodic Skip Martin, a Grammy Award winner, has dedicated his life to the rooms where music history unfolds. As former lead vocalist for Kool & the Gang and the Dazz Band, he has shared stages with the greatest artists of his generation — and built friendships that have lasted decades. Friends and Legends is the platform where these friendships are brought to life. This is not a standard interview show. Skip does not sit across from his guests — he sits beside them. These are real talks with people who were there, built something, and have stories to tell. From platinum records to personal breakthroughs. From the road to the recording studio, the journey was transformative. From the highs to the moments that tested everything. New episodes drop regularly. "Music is the sound of a soul singing." Don't play no games. Skip Martin false https://feeds.simplecast.com/NY4_v4_F Skip Martin Booking@podgo.io b8e463d8-da48-459b-8138-e2f631915328 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-011-lessons-not-losses-with-steph-payne-YuNHX9ZV Episode 011 — Lessons Not Losses with Steph Payne Skip Martin 00:18:07 A conversation with Steph Payne — Emmy-winning singer, US Army intelligence analyst, fusion artist — on going from military intel to the main stage, why every loss is just a lesson in disguise, her father's advice that has never failed her, and the COVID project that won her an Emmy at the lowest moment. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Steph Payne grew up in Los Angeles, served as a US Army intelligence analyst during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and built her second home in Las Vegas over 13 years. She sings across R&B, jazz, rock, and gospel without picking a lane and calls herself a fusion artist. In this conversation with Skip Martin, Steph talks about the difference between losses and lessons, the simple advice from her father that gets her through every setback, what music means at the level of a universal frequency, and the People Get Ready project that won her an Emmy and lifted her spirits at the lowest point. Skip lays in two parables along the way — the goat in the well, and the tree that grows down before it grows up. Main Topics: Growing up in Los Angeles and making Las Vegas a second home over 13 years US Army intelligence analyst during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom Lessons not losses — the reframe that protects her drive Her father's advice: find something else and make it work Music as a universal frequency, an outlet, an escape, a memory keeper Steph's identity as a fusion artist who refuses to pick a lane The goat in the well — Skip's parable about shaking off every attack The tree that grows down before it grows up — the unseen cost of greatness The People Get Ready project — winning an Emmy during COVID The price the people closest to you pay for your success Intriguing Quotes: "I went from the military to the main stage." "I don't like to call them losses. I like to call them lessons." "Find something else and make it work." — Steph's father "Music helps us be emotionally intelligent when we're not being rational." "I shake it off and I end up like that goat on top of the heap." "Success will come when you make others a priority." — Skip Martin "Music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [01:43] Steph drops the line that names the episode — "I went from the military to the main stage" — after explaining her service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. [04:54] Steph reframes every setback. "I don't like to call them losses. I like to call them lessons." [05:38] Her father's advice — said once, stuck forever. Find something else and make it work. [06:17] Skip tells the goat in the well parable. A farmer tries to bury a goat. Every shovel of dirt the goat shakes off and stands on. Eventually it walks right out. [12:12] Skip's tree analogy. The roots grow down in the dark before the canopy reaches the sun. People only see the tree. They miss what it cost to get there. [14:38] Steph reflects on People Get Ready. COVID. Discouraged. Borderline downtrodden. Skip's invitation lifted her spirits at the time. The Emmy lifted her career down the road. [16:22] Skip closes — 168 tracks in a three-minute-eighteen song. Success comes when you make others a priority. The biggest lesson of his life. Notable Resources: People Get Ready — Legends Unite for Saint Jude (Skip Martin's Emmy-winning project) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — beneficiary of the People Get Ready project Connect with Steph Payne: Search Steph Payne on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A conversation with Steph Payne — Emmy-winning singer, US Army intelligence analyst, fusion artist — on going from military intel to the main stage, why every loss is just a lesson in disguise, her father's advice that has never failed her, and the COVID project that won her an Emmy at the lowest moment. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Steph Payne grew up in Los Angeles, served as a US Army intelligence analyst during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and built her second home in Las Vegas over 13 years. She sings across R&B, jazz, rock, and gospel without picking a lane and calls herself a fusion artist. In this conversation with Skip Martin, Steph talks about the difference between losses and lessons, the simple advice from her father that gets her through every setback, what music means at the level of a universal frequency, and the People Get Ready project that won her an Emmy and lifted her spirits at the lowest point. Skip lays in two parables along the way — the goat in the well, and the tree that grows down before it grows up. Main Topics: Growing up in Los Angeles and making Las Vegas a second home over 13 years US Army intelligence analyst during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom Lessons not losses — the reframe that protects her drive Her father's advice: find something else and make it work Music as a universal frequency, an outlet, an escape, a memory keeper Steph's identity as a fusion artist who refuses to pick a lane The goat in the well — Skip's parable about shaking off every attack The tree that grows down before it grows up — the unseen cost of greatness The People Get Ready project — winning an Emmy during COVID The price the people closest to you pay for your success Intriguing Quotes: "I went from the military to the main stage." "I don't like to call them losses. I like to call them lessons." "Find something else and make it work." — Steph's father "Music helps us be emotionally intelligent when we're not being rational." "I shake it off and I end up like that goat on top of the heap." "Success will come when you make others a priority." — Skip Martin "Music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [01:43] Steph drops the line that names the episode — "I went from the military to the main stage" — after explaining her service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. [04:54] Steph reframes every setback. "I don't like to call them losses. I like to call them lessons." [05:38] Her father's advice — said once, stuck forever. Find something else and make it work. [06:17] Skip tells the goat in the well parable. A farmer tries to bury a goat. Every shovel of dirt the goat shakes off and stands on. Eventually it walks right out. [12:12] Skip's tree analogy. The roots grow down in the dark before the canopy reaches the sun. People only see the tree. They miss what it cost to get there. [14:38] Steph reflects on People Get Ready. COVID. Discouraged. Borderline downtrodden. Skip's invitation lifted her spirits at the time. The Emmy lifted her career down the road. [16:22] Skip closes — 168 tracks in a three-minute-eighteen song. Success comes when you make others a priority. The biggest lesson of his life. Notable Resources: People Get Ready — Legends Unite for Saint Jude (Skip Martin's Emmy-winning project) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — beneficiary of the People Get Ready project Connect with Steph Payne: Search Steph Payne on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 12 c9eb848a-a247-435b-b8d6-91f3cafaed19 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-010-the-god-force-with-tom-schuman-of-spyro-gyra-_lhQNZ2r Episode 010 — The God Force with Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra Skip Martin 00:29:59 A conversation with Tom Schuman — Grammy-nominated keyboardist for Spyro Gyra for 49 years, now living in Barcelona — on the music that saved a stranger's life, what it means to let the God force flow through you, and why less became his closest friend. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Tom Schuman grew up in Buffalo — son of a jazz bassist, raised on Oscar Peterson and Sarah Vaughan — and spent 49 years as keyboardist for Spyro Gyra before leaving in February 2023 and moving to Barcelona with his wife. In this conversation with longtime collaborator Skip Martin, Tom talks about the moment he knew music was his purpose, the fan message that made everything worth it, being called a myth by a man in Algiers who thought Kool and the Gang might not really exist, and why collaboration with someone whose gifts complement your own is the only place real magic happens. Main Topics: Growing up in a jazz household in Buffalo — a bassist father, a singer mother, music by osmosis 49 years with Spyro Gyra — and the decision to leave and move to Barcelona The God force — the creative philosophy Tom and Skip built their partnership around Less is more — what Tom taught Skip, and what Skip gave back The People Get Ready project and why it still matters The song Innocent Soul and the stranger who decided not to end his life A fan in Algiers who thought Kool and the Gang were a myth When — the song Skip and Tom wrote in 10 minutes during COVID Tom's new solo album I Am Human on Nama Music Intriguing Quotes: "I prefer to think of it as the purest form of a universal language which can in great detail represent the heart, soul and intellect of a musician or composer." "Music is also a source of immortality. I feel like I'm going to be here a lot longer than my body because of this music." "He was crying because he thought you were a myth." — interpreter in Algiers "If I had done nothing else in my life, hearing about that made me feel like — okay, this is what I'm here to do." "We are all empowered when we collaborate with others that have gifts that you don't have." "My definition of music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [05:30] Skip tells Tom that Tom taught him how to play less — and that less became his closest friend. Tom says Skip taught him his place. Two legends, humbled by each other. [12:00] Skip shares his definition of music — the sound of a soul singing. Tom has been trying to find his phone notes to read his own. When he finally does, he says it's pretty close. [21:45] Tom receives a message from a fan who says that Innocent Soul, a song Tom wrote for Spyro Gyra, stopped him from taking his own life. Tom says if he had done nothing else, that was enough. [23:00] Skip tells the Algiers story. A man on a runway who spoke no English, arms full of albums, crying. The interpreter asks why. He thought Kool and the Gang might not really exist. The music had reached him thousands of miles from where it was made. [19:20] Skip and Tom write the song When — lyrics, concept, everything — in 10 minutes over a phone call during COVID. That's what 49 years of combined instinct sounds like. Notable Resources: Tom Schuman new album: I Am Human — coming soon on Nama Music People Get Ready — search on YouTube and streaming platforms Let's Stay at Home — Skip Martin and Tom Schuman, available on streaming platforms Connect with Tom Schuman: Search Tom Schuman and Spyro Gyra on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A conversation with Tom Schuman — Grammy-nominated keyboardist for Spyro Gyra for 49 years, now living in Barcelona — on the music that saved a stranger's life, what it means to let the God force flow through you, and why less became his closest friend. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Tom Schuman grew up in Buffalo — son of a jazz bassist, raised on Oscar Peterson and Sarah Vaughan — and spent 49 years as keyboardist for Spyro Gyra before leaving in February 2023 and moving to Barcelona with his wife. In this conversation with longtime collaborator Skip Martin, Tom talks about the moment he knew music was his purpose, the fan message that made everything worth it, being called a myth by a man in Algiers who thought Kool and the Gang might not really exist, and why collaboration with someone whose gifts complement your own is the only place real magic happens. Main Topics: Growing up in a jazz household in Buffalo — a bassist father, a singer mother, music by osmosis 49 years with Spyro Gyra — and the decision to leave and move to Barcelona The God force — the creative philosophy Tom and Skip built their partnership around Less is more — what Tom taught Skip, and what Skip gave back The People Get Ready project and why it still matters The song Innocent Soul and the stranger who decided not to end his life A fan in Algiers who thought Kool and the Gang were a myth When — the song Skip and Tom wrote in 10 minutes during COVID Tom's new solo album I Am Human on Nama Music Intriguing Quotes: "I prefer to think of it as the purest form of a universal language which can in great detail represent the heart, soul and intellect of a musician or composer." "Music is also a source of immortality. I feel like I'm going to be here a lot longer than my body because of this music." "He was crying because he thought you were a myth." — interpreter in Algiers "If I had done nothing else in my life, hearing about that made me feel like — okay, this is what I'm here to do." "We are all empowered when we collaborate with others that have gifts that you don't have." "My definition of music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [05:30] Skip tells Tom that Tom taught him how to play less — and that less became his closest friend. Tom says Skip taught him his place. Two legends, humbled by each other. [12:00] Skip shares his definition of music — the sound of a soul singing. Tom has been trying to find his phone notes to read his own. When he finally does, he says it's pretty close. [21:45] Tom receives a message from a fan who says that Innocent Soul, a song Tom wrote for Spyro Gyra, stopped him from taking his own life. Tom says if he had done nothing else, that was enough. [23:00] Skip tells the Algiers story. A man on a runway who spoke no English, arms full of albums, crying. The interpreter asks why. He thought Kool and the Gang might not really exist. The music had reached him thousands of miles from where it was made. [19:20] Skip and Tom write the song When — lyrics, concept, everything — in 10 minutes over a phone call during COVID. That's what 49 years of combined instinct sounds like. Notable Resources: Tom Schuman new album: I Am Human — coming soon on Nama Music People Get Ready — search on YouTube and streaming platforms Let's Stay at Home — Skip Martin and Tom Schuman, available on streaming platforms Connect with Tom Schuman: Search Tom Schuman and Spyro Gyra on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 11 0c117232-3105-4bfb-a13f-36acdf9aa705 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-009-acres-of-diamonds-with-greg-reid-NNqtj_J3 Episode 009 — Acres of Diamonds with Greg Reid Skip Martin 00:34:04 A conversation with Greg Reid — author of 157 books, dyslexic, 38 years sober, rejected by 268 publishers before his first book — on sitting on your fortune without knowing it, what Steve Wozniak said about one microchip, and why a dream written down with a date becomes a goal. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Greg Reid can't spell, can't read in the traditional sense, and was rejected 268 times before a publisher said yes. He has since written 157 books, produced a Netflix film called Wish Man, and built Secret Knock — the most exclusive event you cannot find without an invitation. In this conversation with Skip Martin, Greg shares the parable of Acres of Diamonds, what Steve Wozniak said about one microchip, and how the founder of Make-A-Wish signed over his life rights on a single condition. Skip meets him story for story — his audiographic memory, his mother's 24-hour clock, and the reason he has never held a secular job in his life. Main Topics: The parable of Acres of Diamonds — most people are sitting on their fortune right now Greg's dyslexia, 268 rejections, and the book that produced a quote shared 37 million times Steve Wozniak on embracing what you don't have — how one microchip changed personal computing Secret Knock — 20 years of sold-out events, zero advertising, guests including Edward Snowden and a NASA astronaut whose wife discovered signs of life on Mars Frank Shankwitz, founder of Make-A-Wish, and the Netflix film Wish Man Skip's audiographic memory and the movie he's developing called A Boy Named Skip Skip's mother's 24-hour clock — the tool that reveals your true passion Greg's 38 years of sobriety and what the S in Greg S. Reid stands for Intriguing Quotes: "A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken into steps becomes a plan. And a plan backed by action makes your dreams come true." "We weren't trying to be cool or innovative. We could only afford one chip." — Steve Wozniak via Greg Reid "Stop looking at something as your greatest challenge. It could be your greatest blessing in disguise." "Everyone can be a hero. You do not need to be a celebrity." "First there's a dream. Then there's a challenge. Then comes victory. Unfortunately most people quit in the challenging times." "The measure of an educated man is the places he's been." — Skip Martin's mother Key Moments: [02:00] Greg tells the Acres of Diamonds parable — the man who sold his farm for pennies, went looking for fortune, and never knew he was sitting on diamonds the whole time. [05:00] Greg pulls out his rejection letters. All 268 of them. He kept every one. The first book that made it became The Millionaire Mentor — and one quote from it was shared 37 million times last year. [07:00] Steve Wozniak explains Apple's origin — they could only afford one chip. By embracing that constraint they found the shortest, cleanest path. And changed the world. [15:00] Greg reveals Secret Knock — no ads, no speaker list, no location until the last moment. Their next guest is a NASA astronaut whose wife just discovered the building blocks of life on Mars. [21:00] Frank Shankwitz signs over his life rights. His only wish — that his grandkids know he did something. Six years later, Wish Man lands on Netflix. [29:30] Skip's mother gives him a 24-hour clock. Write down everything you did in the last 24 hours. Whatever you spent the most time on is your passion. Go do that. Notable Resources: Wish Man — available on Netflix Secret Knock — secretknock.co The Millionaire Mentor — Greg Reid, available on Amazon and major retailers Greg Reid on Instagram: @GregSReid Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A conversation with Greg Reid — author of 157 books, dyslexic, 38 years sober, rejected by 268 publishers before his first book — on sitting on your fortune without knowing it, what Steve Wozniak said about one microchip, and why a dream written down with a date becomes a goal. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Greg Reid can't spell, can't read in the traditional sense, and was rejected 268 times before a publisher said yes. He has since written 157 books, produced a Netflix film called Wish Man, and built Secret Knock — the most exclusive event you cannot find without an invitation. In this conversation with Skip Martin, Greg shares the parable of Acres of Diamonds, what Steve Wozniak said about one microchip, and how the founder of Make-A-Wish signed over his life rights on a single condition. Skip meets him story for story — his audiographic memory, his mother's 24-hour clock, and the reason he has never held a secular job in his life. Main Topics: The parable of Acres of Diamonds — most people are sitting on their fortune right now Greg's dyslexia, 268 rejections, and the book that produced a quote shared 37 million times Steve Wozniak on embracing what you don't have — how one microchip changed personal computing Secret Knock — 20 years of sold-out events, zero advertising, guests including Edward Snowden and a NASA astronaut whose wife discovered signs of life on Mars Frank Shankwitz, founder of Make-A-Wish, and the Netflix film Wish Man Skip's audiographic memory and the movie he's developing called A Boy Named Skip Skip's mother's 24-hour clock — the tool that reveals your true passion Greg's 38 years of sobriety and what the S in Greg S. Reid stands for Intriguing Quotes: "A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken into steps becomes a plan. And a plan backed by action makes your dreams come true." "We weren't trying to be cool or innovative. We could only afford one chip." — Steve Wozniak via Greg Reid "Stop looking at something as your greatest challenge. It could be your greatest blessing in disguise." "Everyone can be a hero. You do not need to be a celebrity." "First there's a dream. Then there's a challenge. Then comes victory. Unfortunately most people quit in the challenging times." "The measure of an educated man is the places he's been." — Skip Martin's mother Key Moments: [02:00] Greg tells the Acres of Diamonds parable — the man who sold his farm for pennies, went looking for fortune, and never knew he was sitting on diamonds the whole time. [05:00] Greg pulls out his rejection letters. All 268 of them. He kept every one. The first book that made it became The Millionaire Mentor — and one quote from it was shared 37 million times last year. [07:00] Steve Wozniak explains Apple's origin — they could only afford one chip. By embracing that constraint they found the shortest, cleanest path. And changed the world. [15:00] Greg reveals Secret Knock — no ads, no speaker list, no location until the last moment. Their next guest is a NASA astronaut whose wife just discovered the building blocks of life on Mars. [21:00] Frank Shankwitz signs over his life rights. His only wish — that his grandkids know he did something. Six years later, Wish Man lands on Netflix. [29:30] Skip's mother gives him a 24-hour clock. Write down everything you did in the last 24 hours. Whatever you spent the most time on is your passion. Go do that. Notable Resources: Wish Man — available on Netflix Secret Knock — secretknock.co The Millionaire Mentor — Greg Reid, available on Amazon and major retailers Greg Reid on Instagram: @GregSReid Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 10 bf384e82-d965-4e37-8736-12edd5828d4c Tue, 9 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-008-still-taking-breath-away-with-terri-nunn-of-berlin-x_MrVx_d Episode 008 — Still Taking Breath Away with Terri Nunn of Berlin Skip Martin 00:07:10 A backstage moment with Terri Nunn — iconic lead vocalist of Berlin, the voice behind Take My Breath Away — on new music, a new album, a new tour, and why she and Berlin are better than ever. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Terri Nunn has one of the most recognisable voices in music history. Take My Breath Away became a global phenomenon and it still stops a room decades later — as Skip Martin found out when they sang it together backstage. In this clip, Terri shares the news that Berlin is back with a brand new album called Transcendence, a fresh record deal, and a US headline tour running from August 2nd through September 24th alongside OMD and the B-52s. She and Skip have been performing together for years, and the chemistry between them is exactly what it sounds like — two people who love music and love each other's company. Main Topics: Berlin's new album Transcendence and how it came together over two years of writing The new record deal — and what it means to be back in the studio and on the road The US headline tour from August 2nd to September 24th with OMD and the B-52s Skip and Terri performing Take My Breath Away live backstage — together, unscripted What it feels like to still be doing it at this level and loving every minute Intriguing Quotes: "We ain't done yet. We're still doing everything." "You're better than ever." "If you want to get laid, buy this album." — Terri Nunn on Skip's music Key Moments: [00:18] Skip and Terri launch straight into Take My Breath Away — live, unannounced, just the two of them. No setup. No backing track mentioned. Just the song. [04:45] Terri reveals Berlin has been writing together for two years, landed a new record deal, and the album Transcendence is dropping August 2nd. [05:15] The full tour lineup lands — Berlin headlining across the US with OMD and the B-52s from August through late September. Two legends on one bill. Notable Resources: Berlin — album: Transcendence, available on streaming platforms Tour: Berlin headlining with OMD and the B-52s, August 2 — September 24 Connect with Terri Nunn and Berlin: Search Berlin Band and Terri Nunn on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A backstage moment with Terri Nunn — iconic lead vocalist of Berlin, the voice behind Take My Breath Away — on new music, a new album, a new tour, and why she and Berlin are better than ever. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Terri Nunn has one of the most recognisable voices in music history. Take My Breath Away became a global phenomenon and it still stops a room decades later — as Skip Martin found out when they sang it together backstage. In this clip, Terri shares the news that Berlin is back with a brand new album called Transcendence, a fresh record deal, and a US headline tour running from August 2nd through September 24th alongside OMD and the B-52s. She and Skip have been performing together for years, and the chemistry between them is exactly what it sounds like — two people who love music and love each other's company. Main Topics: Berlin's new album Transcendence and how it came together over two years of writing The new record deal — and what it means to be back in the studio and on the road The US headline tour from August 2nd to September 24th with OMD and the B-52s Skip and Terri performing Take My Breath Away live backstage — together, unscripted What it feels like to still be doing it at this level and loving every minute Intriguing Quotes: "We ain't done yet. We're still doing everything." "You're better than ever." "If you want to get laid, buy this album." — Terri Nunn on Skip's music Key Moments: [00:18] Skip and Terri launch straight into Take My Breath Away — live, unannounced, just the two of them. No setup. No backing track mentioned. Just the song. [04:45] Terri reveals Berlin has been writing together for two years, landed a new record deal, and the album Transcendence is dropping August 2nd. [05:15] The full tour lineup lands — Berlin headlining across the US with OMD and the B-52s from August through late September. Two legends on one bill. Notable Resources: Berlin — album: Transcendence, available on streaming platforms Tour: Berlin headlining with OMD and the B-52s, August 2 — September 24 Connect with Terri Nunn and Berlin: Search Berlin Band and Terri Nunn on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 9 1c7d50a8-0375-4cbe-8c26-e54eeec84972 Tue, 2 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-007-music-saved-my-life-with-arturo-sandoval-pJlXM43a Episode 007 — Music Saved My Life with Arturo Sandoval Skip Martin 00:19:51 A conversation with Arturo Sandoval — Cuban-born trumpet legend, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Kennedy Center honoree — on Dizzy Gillespie changing everything, what it means to teach with love, and why music is the only language the whole world speaks. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Arturo Sandoval was born in a small village in Cuba in 1949. He heard a Charlie Parker recording as a young man and his life was never the same. Dizzy Gillespie became his mentor and the man who walked with him to the American embassy to secure political asylum. He has since collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, and countless others, taught at Florida International University for 20 years, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and is preparing for a Kennedy Center Honor. In this phone conversation with his friend Skip Martin, Arturo talks about what music means, why he teaches, and what he owes to the art that saved his life. Main Topics: Growing up in Cuba and hearing Charlie Parker for the first time — the moment that changed everything Dizzy Gillespie as mentor, champion, and the man who helped Arturo get political asylum in the United States His definition of music — the only truly international language Twenty years teaching at Florida International University — and why he still gives private lessons at home The pedal tones session with Skip and the jam in Perth, Australia — two moments that made Skip cry in public Collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, and playing on Skip's Just Believe in Love The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the upcoming Kennedy Center Honor — alongside Bonnie Raitt, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater Skip's origin story — seven years old, Nat King Cole on the radio, and the promise he made to his grandmother Why Arturo says music saved his life Intriguing Quotes: "Music is probably the only international language that everybody can understand. Everywhere in the world." "When I see the student that really got a passion and love for music, I really try my best to help." "It's a blessing from God. I'm so grateful because I got those opportunities." "Music saved my life. I owe everything to the music." "I'm going to play music so that when I die, people will feel like I'm still in the car with them." — Skip Martin "My definition of music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [02:00] A teacher plays Arturo a compilation of Charlie Parker recordings from the 1940s. He cannot believe what he is hearing. That moment has never left him. [03:00] Dizzy Gillespie becomes Arturo's mentor — and when the time comes to seek political asylum in the United States, Dizzy is the one standing beside him at the American embassy. [05:30] Skip tells Arturo about the two times he made him cry in public — the pedal tones lesson that changed how Skip plays trumpet, and the night in Perth, Australia when Arturo handed him a custom practice tool and said, this is for you. [08:30] Arturo shares the news — a Kennedy Center Honor is coming. He will be honoured alongside Bonnie Raitt, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater. [15:00] Skip tells Arturo why he plays music. Seven years old. His grandparents' car. Nat King Cole on the radio after he had just passed. The promise he made to his grandmother in that moment. Notable Resources: Just Believe in Love — Skip Martin featuring Arturo Sandoval on trumpet Connect with Arturo Sandoval: Website: arturosandoval.com Search Arturo Sandoval on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A conversation with Arturo Sandoval — Cuban-born trumpet legend, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Kennedy Center honoree — on Dizzy Gillespie changing everything, what it means to teach with love, and why music is the only language the whole world speaks. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Arturo Sandoval was born in a small village in Cuba in 1949. He heard a Charlie Parker recording as a young man and his life was never the same. Dizzy Gillespie became his mentor and the man who walked with him to the American embassy to secure political asylum. He has since collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, and countless others, taught at Florida International University for 20 years, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and is preparing for a Kennedy Center Honor. In this phone conversation with his friend Skip Martin, Arturo talks about what music means, why he teaches, and what he owes to the art that saved his life. Main Topics: Growing up in Cuba and hearing Charlie Parker for the first time — the moment that changed everything Dizzy Gillespie as mentor, champion, and the man who helped Arturo get political asylum in the United States His definition of music — the only truly international language Twenty years teaching at Florida International University — and why he still gives private lessons at home The pedal tones session with Skip and the jam in Perth, Australia — two moments that made Skip cry in public Collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, and playing on Skip's Just Believe in Love The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the upcoming Kennedy Center Honor — alongside Bonnie Raitt, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater Skip's origin story — seven years old, Nat King Cole on the radio, and the promise he made to his grandmother Why Arturo says music saved his life Intriguing Quotes: "Music is probably the only international language that everybody can understand. Everywhere in the world." "When I see the student that really got a passion and love for music, I really try my best to help." "It's a blessing from God. I'm so grateful because I got those opportunities." "Music saved my life. I owe everything to the music." "I'm going to play music so that when I die, people will feel like I'm still in the car with them." — Skip Martin "My definition of music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [02:00] A teacher plays Arturo a compilation of Charlie Parker recordings from the 1940s. He cannot believe what he is hearing. That moment has never left him. [03:00] Dizzy Gillespie becomes Arturo's mentor — and when the time comes to seek political asylum in the United States, Dizzy is the one standing beside him at the American embassy. [05:30] Skip tells Arturo about the two times he made him cry in public — the pedal tones lesson that changed how Skip plays trumpet, and the night in Perth, Australia when Arturo handed him a custom practice tool and said, this is for you. [08:30] Arturo shares the news — a Kennedy Center Honor is coming. He will be honoured alongside Bonnie Raitt, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater. [15:00] Skip tells Arturo why he plays music. Seven years old. His grandparents' car. Nat King Cole on the radio after he had just passed. The promise he made to his grandmother in that moment. Notable Resources: Just Believe in Love — Skip Martin featuring Arturo Sandoval on trumpet Connect with Arturo Sandoval: Website: arturosandoval.com Search Arturo Sandoval on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 8 023bbccd-04ec-4d2f-85b2-546787f3dcc8 Tue, 26 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-006-carry-on-with-john-elefante-of-kansas-EVF3IRtb Episode 006 — Carry On with John Elefante of Kansas Skip Martin 00:06:35 A conversation with John Elefante — former lead vocalist of Kansas, Long Island kid raised on everything from Led Zeppelin to Earth Wind and Fire — on owning your music, freeing yourself from record labels, and what happens when your fans become your record company. Host: Skip Martin Summary: John Elefante sang Carry On Wayward Son. He fronted one of the most iconic rock bands in history. And when it came time to make his new album, he didn't call a label. He called his fans. In this backstage conversation with Skip Martin at Sea Island, Georgia, John talks about growing up on Long Island surrounded by every genre imaginable, what it really means to be independent as an artist, and how crowdfunding through Kickstarter raised close to $70,000 and gave him something he had never had before — he owns the record. Main Topics: Growing up on Long Island with records playing around the clock — Led Zeppelin, Earth Wind and Fire, the Jacksons, everything in between His new album On My Way to the Sun and how it came to be Why he didn't want to do crowdfunding at first — and what changed his mind How Kickstarter works for an artist at his level — autographed CDs, memorabilia, gold records for major donors Raising close to $70,000 from fans who felt like they were part of making the record What it means to own your music after decades of getting 25 cents an album on an $18 record The Greatest Hits Live show — John performing Kansas material on the road Intriguing Quotes: "For the first time in my life I'm not a slave to a record company." "It was made by my fans fanning it." "Back in the day we used to have to be a slave to Polygram, Warner Brothers, Sony, Motown, whoever it is, for a pittance of a dollar. We were selling albums for $18 and getting 25 cents an album." "Everybody feels like they're part of the making of the record." Key Moments: [03:30] John explains how crowdfunding through Kickstarter worked for On My Way to the Sun — the rewards tiers, the community buy-in, and why he almost didn't do it at all. [04:45] He breaks down the old label math. Eighteen dollar albums. Twenty-five cents per record to the artist. The industry that built careers on those terms is the same one he just walked away from. [05:00] The moment that defines it all — John says for the first time in his life he owns his record. He doesn't owe it to anyone. It belongs to him and the fans who made it happen. Notable Resources: Album: On My Way to the Sun — available on streaming platforms Kickstarter — kickstarter.com for artists looking to fund independently Connect with John Elefante: Search John Elefante on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A conversation with John Elefante — former lead vocalist of Kansas, Long Island kid raised on everything from Led Zeppelin to Earth Wind and Fire — on owning your music, freeing yourself from record labels, and what happens when your fans become your record company. Host: Skip Martin Summary: John Elefante sang Carry On Wayward Son. He fronted one of the most iconic rock bands in history. And when it came time to make his new album, he didn't call a label. He called his fans. In this backstage conversation with Skip Martin at Sea Island, Georgia, John talks about growing up on Long Island surrounded by every genre imaginable, what it really means to be independent as an artist, and how crowdfunding through Kickstarter raised close to $70,000 and gave him something he had never had before — he owns the record. Main Topics: Growing up on Long Island with records playing around the clock — Led Zeppelin, Earth Wind and Fire, the Jacksons, everything in between His new album On My Way to the Sun and how it came to be Why he didn't want to do crowdfunding at first — and what changed his mind How Kickstarter works for an artist at his level — autographed CDs, memorabilia, gold records for major donors Raising close to $70,000 from fans who felt like they were part of making the record What it means to own your music after decades of getting 25 cents an album on an $18 record The Greatest Hits Live show — John performing Kansas material on the road Intriguing Quotes: "For the first time in my life I'm not a slave to a record company." "It was made by my fans fanning it." "Back in the day we used to have to be a slave to Polygram, Warner Brothers, Sony, Motown, whoever it is, for a pittance of a dollar. We were selling albums for $18 and getting 25 cents an album." "Everybody feels like they're part of the making of the record." Key Moments: [03:30] John explains how crowdfunding through Kickstarter worked for On My Way to the Sun — the rewards tiers, the community buy-in, and why he almost didn't do it at all. [04:45] He breaks down the old label math. Eighteen dollar albums. Twenty-five cents per record to the artist. The industry that built careers on those terms is the same one he just walked away from. [05:00] The moment that defines it all — John says for the first time in his life he owns his record. He doesn't owe it to anyone. It belongs to him and the fans who made it happen. Notable Resources: Album: On My Way to the Sun — available on streaming platforms Kickstarter — kickstarter.com for artists looking to fund independently Connect with John Elefante: Search John Elefante on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 7 54a05e81-7b05-4837-95ad-86f85214af1c Fri, 22 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-005-who-you-gonna-call-the-ray-parker-jr-story-Eron378Y Episode 005 — Who You Gonna Call? The Ray Parker Jr. Story Skip Martin 00:30:55 A conversation with Ray Parker Jr. — from a six-year-old marching into the principal's office to avoid gym class, to touring with the Spinners at 13, to hanging up on Stevie Wonder three times, to writing the most recognisable theme song on the planet. And the secret? Never say the word. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Ray Parker Jr. has seven consecutive gold and platinum albums, a number one in 18 countries, and one of the most played songs in recorded history. In this conversation with his friend Skip Martin, Ray traces it all the way back to a Detroit classroom, a $40 acoustic guitar, and a broken leg that gave him nothing to do but practice. He talks about the Spinners at 13, Stevie Wonder at 17, Clive Davis over lunch, and the phone call from Columbia Pictures that turned into Ghostbusters. A conversation about simplicity, instinct, and why the man next door should always be able to sing along. Main Topics: How a six-year-old's visit to the principal's office started everything — and the teacher who changed Ray's life Trading an $850 saxophone for a $40 guitar — and why the guitar was the one Touring with the Spinners at 13, playing the 20 Grand in Detroit at 14, and joining Stevie Wonder's band at 17 Hanging up on Stevie Wonder three times — and what made Ray finally believe it was really him The conversation with his father before dropping out of college — and how Ray handled it Writing You Got the Love for Chaka Khan at 19 and hitting number one at 20 Lunch with Clive Davis, the Jack and Jill story, and the pact that built Radio A black poster on Sunset Boulevard, a phone call from Columbia Pictures, and a year's worth of rejected songs Why Ray never says the word Ghostbusters in the song — and why that's the whole secret Less is more — what Kool and the Gang taught Ray, and what Ray and Skip share about it Intriguing Quotes: "The guitar was just my natural instrument. Like a message from up above saying, this is what you're supposed to do." "I repeated everything back to him that he told me. And I said, great. I don't wanna do that." "I never say the words Ghostbusters. I just say, who you gonna call? And then the answer to that is Ghostbusters. That's what made the whole thing work." "I don't believe in solos. If you can't hum the solo, I don't want it in my song." "Music is what makes people happy and what makes them smile." "My happy place is creating it. And I can see that about you too." Key Moments: [01:00] Ray is six years old. He walks into the principal's office and tells her he doesn't want to do gym class anymore. She takes his hand, walks him down the hall, and opens a door that never closes. [04:30] Ray trades an $850 saxophone for his brother's $40 guitar. His parents think he's lost his mind. He hasn't. The guitar speaks to him in a way nothing else has. [08:30] Stevie Wonder calls. Ray hangs up. Stevie calls back. Ray hangs up again. By the third time, Stevie plays him the raw rhythm track for Superstition. Ray stops hanging up. [10:30] Ray sits across from his father and repeats back everything he said — the pension, the Ford job, the security — word for word. Then tells him he doesn't want any of it. [19:45] A black poster goes up on Sunset Boulevard. A red circle, no words. Ray's phone rings. Columbia Pictures. They've been trying to find a Ghostbusters theme for a year. He's their last call. [21:45] Ray realises he can never say the word Ghostbusters in the song. The moment he figures out how to get around that is the moment the whole thing works. Notable Resources: Ray Parker Jr. on Facebook and Instagram — search Ray Parker Jr. Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A conversation with Ray Parker Jr. — from a six-year-old marching into the principal's office to avoid gym class, to touring with the Spinners at 13, to hanging up on Stevie Wonder three times, to writing the most recognisable theme song on the planet. And the secret? Never say the word. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Ray Parker Jr. has seven consecutive gold and platinum albums, a number one in 18 countries, and one of the most played songs in recorded history. In this conversation with his friend Skip Martin, Ray traces it all the way back to a Detroit classroom, a $40 acoustic guitar, and a broken leg that gave him nothing to do but practice. He talks about the Spinners at 13, Stevie Wonder at 17, Clive Davis over lunch, and the phone call from Columbia Pictures that turned into Ghostbusters. A conversation about simplicity, instinct, and why the man next door should always be able to sing along. Main Topics: How a six-year-old's visit to the principal's office started everything — and the teacher who changed Ray's life Trading an $850 saxophone for a $40 guitar — and why the guitar was the one Touring with the Spinners at 13, playing the 20 Grand in Detroit at 14, and joining Stevie Wonder's band at 17 Hanging up on Stevie Wonder three times — and what made Ray finally believe it was really him The conversation with his father before dropping out of college — and how Ray handled it Writing You Got the Love for Chaka Khan at 19 and hitting number one at 20 Lunch with Clive Davis, the Jack and Jill story, and the pact that built Radio A black poster on Sunset Boulevard, a phone call from Columbia Pictures, and a year's worth of rejected songs Why Ray never says the word Ghostbusters in the song — and why that's the whole secret Less is more — what Kool and the Gang taught Ray, and what Ray and Skip share about it Intriguing Quotes: "The guitar was just my natural instrument. Like a message from up above saying, this is what you're supposed to do." "I repeated everything back to him that he told me. And I said, great. I don't wanna do that." "I never say the words Ghostbusters. I just say, who you gonna call? And then the answer to that is Ghostbusters. That's what made the whole thing work." "I don't believe in solos. If you can't hum the solo, I don't want it in my song." "Music is what makes people happy and what makes them smile." "My happy place is creating it. And I can see that about you too." Key Moments: [01:00] Ray is six years old. He walks into the principal's office and tells her he doesn't want to do gym class anymore. She takes his hand, walks him down the hall, and opens a door that never closes. [04:30] Ray trades an $850 saxophone for his brother's $40 guitar. His parents think he's lost his mind. He hasn't. The guitar speaks to him in a way nothing else has. [08:30] Stevie Wonder calls. Ray hangs up. Stevie calls back. Ray hangs up again. By the third time, Stevie plays him the raw rhythm track for Superstition. Ray stops hanging up. [10:30] Ray sits across from his father and repeats back everything he said — the pension, the Ford job, the security — word for word. Then tells him he doesn't want any of it. [19:45] A black poster goes up on Sunset Boulevard. A red circle, no words. Ray's phone rings. Columbia Pictures. They've been trying to find a Ghostbusters theme for a year. He's their last call. [21:45] Ray realises he can never say the word Ghostbusters in the song. The moment he figures out how to get around that is the moment the whole thing works. Notable Resources: Ray Parker Jr. on Facebook and Instagram — search Ray Parker Jr. Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 6 ba146dab-309d-415d-acb1-d99cc21d49c9 Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-004-soul-solar-and-the-stories-nobody-told-you-with-carolyn-griffey-part-2-I5tUjjGY Episode 004 — Soul, Solar, and the Stories Nobody Told You with Carolyn Griffey (Part 2) Skip Martin 00:43:15 The conversation continues — Carolyn Griffey on how she ended up in Shalamar, what it means to carry a father's legacy when he never saw you perform, why she fights for Solar Records even now, and the real reason Skip Martin plays music at all. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Part 2 picks up in the deep end. Carolyn shares how she came to join Shalamar — one show in England, a terrified perfectionist who knew every lyric, and a father who heard the fee and immediately called a meeting. From there the conversation opens into something bigger: identity, legacy, the beauty standard crisis, Ghana, Black Panthers in the living room, and what it means to spend your life standing on a foundation someone else built. And then Skip tells Carolyn why he plays music. What he said to his grandmother at seven years old is something you won't forget. Main Topics: ● How Carolyn joined Shalamar — one show in England, the lady parts, and the meeting Dick Griffey called when he heard the fee ● The Miss Black America pageant and a little girl on a cruise ship who didn't know she could enter ● Ghana, the Cube Girls, and the moment Skip's road crew realised they had been brainwashed about beauty ● Dick Griffey coining the term African-American during Jesse Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign ● Growing up light-skinned in the San Fernando Valley and fighting to prove your blackness ● Skip's C words for success — courage, collaboration, and adaptability ● The Whispers rehearsing in the garage, a steel drum full of mud pies, and Skip's first professional band ● Why Carolyn didn't take her music seriously until it was almost too late — and what changed ● Teddy Riley's warning: if we don't tell our own stories, they will ● Skip's reason for playing music — what he told his grandmother at seven years old Intriguing Quotes: "Howard's like, sing the lady parts. I was like — you mean do the female part." "God won't let me sleep until I make sure this legacy and the stories are told correctly." "If we don't preserve our music, if we don't tell our own stories, then they will." — Teddy Riley "I'm going to play music so when I die, people will feel like I'm still in the car with them." — Skip Martin "I've already got my roses. I don't give a shit about that. I just want to keep passing on the passion." "Greatness doesn't lie in the comfort zone. Greatness comes from persevering." Key Moments: ● [00:23] Carolyn tells the Shalamar story. One show in England. She knew every lyric because she was their biggest fan. She thought she was horrible. Howard and Jeffrey didn't agree. Dick Griffey heard the fee and called a meeting the next day. ● [05:00] A little girl on a cruise ship asks if she could be Miss Black America. Carolyn is still thinking about her face. ● [07:00] Skip takes it to Ghana — the Cube Girls, the road manager who thought it was going to be a rough two weeks, and what happened a fortnight later when everything looked different. ● [12:00] Dick Griffey coined the term African-American during Jesse Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign. Most people don't know that. ● [27:00] Skip tells Carolyn why he plays music. He was seven, riding with his grandparents, hearing a Nat King Cole tribute on the radio. What he said to his grandmother in that moment is where everything started. Notable Resources: ● Shalamar — Facebook and Instagram: search Shalamar Friends ● Miss Black America Pageant — search Miss Black America for current information ● Bill Underwood — search for his story and work Connect with Carolyn Griffey: ● Instagram: @iamcarolyngrifey ● Facebook: Carolyn Griffey Connect with Skip Martin: ● Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ ● Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ ● Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic The conversation continues — Carolyn Griffey on how she ended up in Shalamar, what it means to carry a father's legacy when he never saw you perform, why she fights for Solar Records even now, and the real reason Skip Martin plays music at all. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Part 2 picks up in the deep end. Carolyn shares how she came to join Shalamar — one show in England, a terrified perfectionist who knew every lyric, and a father who heard the fee and immediately called a meeting. From there the conversation opens into something bigger: identity, legacy, the beauty standard crisis, Ghana, Black Panthers in the living room, and what it means to spend your life standing on a foundation someone else built. And then Skip tells Carolyn why he plays music. What he said to his grandmother at seven years old is something you won't forget. Main Topics: ● How Carolyn joined Shalamar — one show in England, the lady parts, and the meeting Dick Griffey called when he heard the fee ● The Miss Black America pageant and a little girl on a cruise ship who didn't know she could enter ● Ghana, the Cube Girls, and the moment Skip's road crew realised they had been brainwashed about beauty ● Dick Griffey coining the term African-American during Jesse Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign ● Growing up light-skinned in the San Fernando Valley and fighting to prove your blackness ● Skip's C words for success — courage, collaboration, and adaptability ● The Whispers rehearsing in the garage, a steel drum full of mud pies, and Skip's first professional band ● Why Carolyn didn't take her music seriously until it was almost too late — and what changed ● Teddy Riley's warning: if we don't tell our own stories, they will ● Skip's reason for playing music — what he told his grandmother at seven years old Intriguing Quotes: "Howard's like, sing the lady parts. I was like — you mean do the female part." "God won't let me sleep until I make sure this legacy and the stories are told correctly." "If we don't preserve our music, if we don't tell our own stories, then they will." — Teddy Riley "I'm going to play music so when I die, people will feel like I'm still in the car with them." — Skip Martin "I've already got my roses. I don't give a shit about that. I just want to keep passing on the passion." "Greatness doesn't lie in the comfort zone. Greatness comes from persevering." Key Moments: ● [00:23] Carolyn tells the Shalamar story. One show in England. She knew every lyric because she was their biggest fan. She thought she was horrible. Howard and Jeffrey didn't agree. Dick Griffey heard the fee and called a meeting the next day. ● [05:00] A little girl on a cruise ship asks if she could be Miss Black America. Carolyn is still thinking about her face. ● [07:00] Skip takes it to Ghana — the Cube Girls, the road manager who thought it was going to be a rough two weeks, and what happened a fortnight later when everything looked different. ● [12:00] Dick Griffey coined the term African-American during Jesse Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign. Most people don't know that. ● [27:00] Skip tells Carolyn why he plays music. He was seven, riding with his grandparents, hearing a Nat King Cole tribute on the radio. What he said to his grandmother in that moment is where everything started. Notable Resources: ● Shalamar — Facebook and Instagram: search Shalamar Friends ● Miss Black America Pageant — search Miss Black America for current information ● Bill Underwood — search for his story and work Connect with Carolyn Griffey: ● Instagram: @iamcarolyngrifey ● Facebook: Carolyn Griffey Connect with Skip Martin: ● Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ ● Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ ● Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 5 fdc1d607-7ecb-4682-a092-cf7febeb7c3c Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-004-soul-solar-and-the-stories-nobody-told-you-with-carolyn-griffey-part-1-kVjcoRTt Episode 004 — Soul, Solar, and the Stories Nobody Told You with Carolyn Griffey (Part 1) Skip Martin 00:36:30 A conversation with Carolyn Griffey — daughter of Dick Griffey, the first Black concert promoter in Los Angeles and co-founder of Solar Records — on what it really took to build one of the most important Black-owned labels in history, the battles nobody talks about, and why you can't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Carolyn Griffey grew up at the centre of music industry history — and most people have no idea. Her father Dick Griffey started as a club owner, became Don Cornelius's booking agent for Soul Train, and then co-founded Solar Records — the Sound of Los Angeles Records — the label that gave the world the Whispers, Shalamar, and Carrie Lucas. Carolyn traces the lineage, the legal battles to protect it, the Grammy moment nobody tells right, the "yahoo" that became a global signature, Faith Evans holding vocal class in an LA living room, and a world most people have never heard of — Black cowboys, Bill Pickett rodeos, and Hollywood riders hiding in plain sight. Main Topics: ● How Dick Griffey went from Guys and Dolls to booking Soul Train to co-founding Soul Train Records with Don Cornelius ● What SOLAR stands for — and why it was called the Motown of the 70s and 80s ● The legal fight against Viacom to protect the Solar trademark — and the team that won it ● Dick Griffey's philosophy — the saying he lived by that cost him and defined him ● The Grammy tie with Earth Wind and Fire — and walking over the chairs to get to the stage ● How producer Reggie Andrews pulled "yahoo" out of thin air and made it a signature heard around the world ● Faith Evans in LA before anyone knew who she was ● The Black cowboy world and why representation at the National Finals Rodeo still isn't there Intriguing Quotes: "I'm not gonna let them sit me on my ass — I ain't nobody's nail on nobody's book." — Dick Griffey "He said, give me anything. I said anything? He said yeah. A little horns went up in my forehead. I'm gonna make a big fat funny joke with this. I said the most stupid thing. Yahoo. He said, that's it." "Less is more — and I learned that earlier than most." "You don't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from." "I'm not trying to get anybody's favour. I'm not trying to kiss anybody's ass. I just want to share the stories authentically." Key Moments: ● [00:45] Carolyn traces the full lineage — Guys and Dolls, Soul Train, Don Cornelius, Dick Griffey, and the birth of Solar Records. SOLAR stands for Sound of Los Angeles Records. Most people never knew that. ● [04:30] Don Cornelius steps back. Dick Griffey buys him out. Soul Train Records becomes Solar Records — and then comes the fight against Viacom to keep it. ● [10:00] The philosophy Dick Griffey lived by — and the one saying that captured everything. He would not submit to protocol. That independence cost the label. Carolyn is still proud of it. ● [16:00] The Grammy Awards. The Dazz Band mid-conversation in the audience when someone says — you guys won. They walk over the chairs to the stage. Then they hear it's a tie with Earth Wind and Fire. ● [19:30] Reggie Andrews tells Carolyn to give him anything on a blank spot. She decides to make a joke. Out comes "yahoo." He stops the session. That's the one. Notable Resources: ● Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — billpickettrodeo.com ● Country Soul Magazine — founded by Rodney Allen Rippey ● Solar Records — Solar UK label currently active Connect with Carolyn Griffey: ● Search Carolyn Griffey on social platforms for Solar Records and Black Cowboys project updates Connect with Skip Martin: ● Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ ● Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ ● Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A conversation with Carolyn Griffey — daughter of Dick Griffey, the first Black concert promoter in Los Angeles and co-founder of Solar Records — on what it really took to build one of the most important Black-owned labels in history, the battles nobody talks about, and why you can't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Carolyn Griffey grew up at the centre of music industry history — and most people have no idea. Her father Dick Griffey started as a club owner, became Don Cornelius's booking agent for Soul Train, and then co-founded Solar Records — the Sound of Los Angeles Records — the label that gave the world the Whispers, Shalamar, and Carrie Lucas. Carolyn traces the lineage, the legal battles to protect it, the Grammy moment nobody tells right, the "yahoo" that became a global signature, Faith Evans holding vocal class in an LA living room, and a world most people have never heard of — Black cowboys, Bill Pickett rodeos, and Hollywood riders hiding in plain sight. Main Topics: ● How Dick Griffey went from Guys and Dolls to booking Soul Train to co-founding Soul Train Records with Don Cornelius ● What SOLAR stands for — and why it was called the Motown of the 70s and 80s ● The legal fight against Viacom to protect the Solar trademark — and the team that won it ● Dick Griffey's philosophy — the saying he lived by that cost him and defined him ● The Grammy tie with Earth Wind and Fire — and walking over the chairs to get to the stage ● How producer Reggie Andrews pulled "yahoo" out of thin air and made it a signature heard around the world ● Faith Evans in LA before anyone knew who she was ● The Black cowboy world and why representation at the National Finals Rodeo still isn't there Intriguing Quotes: "I'm not gonna let them sit me on my ass — I ain't nobody's nail on nobody's book." — Dick Griffey "He said, give me anything. I said anything? He said yeah. A little horns went up in my forehead. I'm gonna make a big fat funny joke with this. I said the most stupid thing. Yahoo. He said, that's it." "Less is more — and I learned that earlier than most." "You don't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from." "I'm not trying to get anybody's favour. I'm not trying to kiss anybody's ass. I just want to share the stories authentically." Key Moments: ● [00:45] Carolyn traces the full lineage — Guys and Dolls, Soul Train, Don Cornelius, Dick Griffey, and the birth of Solar Records. SOLAR stands for Sound of Los Angeles Records. Most people never knew that. ● [04:30] Don Cornelius steps back. Dick Griffey buys him out. Soul Train Records becomes Solar Records — and then comes the fight against Viacom to keep it. ● [10:00] The philosophy Dick Griffey lived by — and the one saying that captured everything. He would not submit to protocol. That independence cost the label. Carolyn is still proud of it. ● [16:00] The Grammy Awards. The Dazz Band mid-conversation in the audience when someone says — you guys won. They walk over the chairs to the stage. Then they hear it's a tie with Earth Wind and Fire. ● [19:30] Reggie Andrews tells Carolyn to give him anything on a blank spot. She decides to make a joke. Out comes "yahoo." He stops the session. That's the one. Notable Resources: ● Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — billpickettrodeo.com ● Country Soul Magazine — founded by Rodney Allen Rippey ● Solar Records — Solar UK label currently active Connect with Carolyn Griffey: ● Search Carolyn Griffey on social platforms for Solar Records and Black Cowboys project updates Connect with Skip Martin: ● Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ ● Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ ● Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 4 9b4f973b-c7b0-46ed-b707-47ba33e0aa05 Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-003-born-by-the-river-built-for-the-stage-with-evelyn-champagne-king-ct4Vu0LY Episode 003 — Born by the River, Built for the Stage with Evelyn Champagne King Skip Martin 00:23:21 A conversation with Evelyn Champagne King — from singing Sam Cooke in a hallway at Sigma Sound Studios at 14 years old and getting discovered on the spot, to the losses that would have broken anyone else, to why she's still here, still bubbly, still entirely herself. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Evelyn Champagne King has one of the most powerful voices in the history of R&B — and one of the most powerful stories behind it. In this early morning conversation with her old friend Skip Martin, Evelyn traces it all back to a family amateur hour in a Bronx basement, a cleaning job she took for her sick sister, and a tall dark stranger who walked into a hallway while she was vacuuming and singing Sam Cooke. She also opens up about loss — a child, two brothers, her sister, her parents — and what it means to keep going anyway. A conversation about resilience, uniqueness, and what it really means to always be yourself. Main Topics: ● The King family amateur hour — how music started in a Bronx basement with drums, cungas, timbales, bass, and a family that performed for the neighbourhood ● How Evelyn got discovered at 14 at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia — vacuuming, singing Sam Cooke, not knowing anyone was listening ● What producer T-Life said to her in that hallway — and why she didn't believe him ● The losses she has carried — a child in 1989, brothers in 1974 and 1997, her sister Wanda in 2015, both parents ● Her definition of music — and the moment Skip shared his ● The secret duet with Skip on Someone Like You — and what's coming for the world ● Her legacy message: always be yourself, know where you come from, and stay bubbly Intriguing Quotes: "I was born by the river, you know, just singing. And a tall, dark and handsome man showed up." "I know one day I'm gonna make you a star. I'm like, yeah, right. And I just kept on vacuuming." "I go in my little corner and Freddie will tell you. He'll know something's going on right there." "They remember us as being strong and doing what we love — and knowing that they paved the way for me to keep going." "My definition of music is something that'll keep your soul in a good place." "I want them to know that I've always been lovable, caring. And I always gonna be me." Key Moments: ● [02:00] The King family amateur hour — Skip hears how it all started. A Bronx basement. Six brothers, a sister, drums, cungas, timbales, a trumpet, and a family that put on a show for the whole neighbourhood. That's where Evelyn Champagne King was born. ● [04:30] Evelyn is 14, filling in for her sick sister on a cleaning shift at Sigma Sound Studios. She can't help singing. A tall stranger walks in, hears her doing Sam Cooke, and tells her he's going to make her a star. She keeps vacuuming. ● [07:30] Evelyn talks about what she's lost — a brother in 1974, her parents and another brother in 1997, her daughter in 1989, her sister Wanda in 2015. And what keeps her going anyway. ● [11:00] Skip asks the question he asks every guest. Evelyn says no one has ever asked her that before. Her answer is worth the whole episode. ● [14:00] Skip reveals the secret duet — Someone Like You — and Evelyn performs a piece of it live. She says it sounded exactly like her from the moment she heard it. Notable Resources: ● Recorded: virtual conversation Connect with Evelyn Champagne King: ● Search Evelyn Champagne King on socials and streaming platforms Connect with Skip Martin: ● Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ ● Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ ● Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic A conversation with Evelyn Champagne King — from singing Sam Cooke in a hallway at Sigma Sound Studios at 14 years old and getting discovered on the spot, to the losses that would have broken anyone else, to why she's still here, still bubbly, still entirely herself. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Evelyn Champagne King has one of the most powerful voices in the history of R&B — and one of the most powerful stories behind it. In this early morning conversation with her old friend Skip Martin, Evelyn traces it all back to a family amateur hour in a Bronx basement, a cleaning job she took for her sick sister, and a tall dark stranger who walked into a hallway while she was vacuuming and singing Sam Cooke. She also opens up about loss — a child, two brothers, her sister, her parents — and what it means to keep going anyway. A conversation about resilience, uniqueness, and what it really means to always be yourself. Main Topics: ● The King family amateur hour — how music started in a Bronx basement with drums, cungas, timbales, bass, and a family that performed for the neighbourhood ● How Evelyn got discovered at 14 at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia — vacuuming, singing Sam Cooke, not knowing anyone was listening ● What producer T-Life said to her in that hallway — and why she didn't believe him ● The losses she has carried — a child in 1989, brothers in 1974 and 1997, her sister Wanda in 2015, both parents ● Her definition of music — and the moment Skip shared his ● The secret duet with Skip on Someone Like You — and what's coming for the world ● Her legacy message: always be yourself, know where you come from, and stay bubbly Intriguing Quotes: "I was born by the river, you know, just singing. And a tall, dark and handsome man showed up." "I know one day I'm gonna make you a star. I'm like, yeah, right. And I just kept on vacuuming." "I go in my little corner and Freddie will tell you. He'll know something's going on right there." "They remember us as being strong and doing what we love — and knowing that they paved the way for me to keep going." "My definition of music is something that'll keep your soul in a good place." "I want them to know that I've always been lovable, caring. And I always gonna be me." Key Moments: ● [02:00] The King family amateur hour — Skip hears how it all started. A Bronx basement. Six brothers, a sister, drums, cungas, timbales, a trumpet, and a family that put on a show for the whole neighbourhood. That's where Evelyn Champagne King was born. ● [04:30] Evelyn is 14, filling in for her sick sister on a cleaning shift at Sigma Sound Studios. She can't help singing. A tall stranger walks in, hears her doing Sam Cooke, and tells her he's going to make her a star. She keeps vacuuming. ● [07:30] Evelyn talks about what she's lost — a brother in 1974, her parents and another brother in 1997, her daughter in 1989, her sister Wanda in 2015. And what keeps her going anyway. ● [11:00] Skip asks the question he asks every guest. Evelyn says no one has ever asked her that before. Her answer is worth the whole episode. ● [14:00] Skip reveals the secret duet — Someone Like You — and Evelyn performs a piece of it live. She says it sounded exactly like her from the moment she heard it. Notable Resources: ● Recorded: virtual conversation Connect with Evelyn Champagne King: ● Search Evelyn Champagne King on socials and streaming platforms Connect with Skip Martin: ● Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ ● Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ ● Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 3 e39a1cc6-1203-4236-b418-e44dba03e395 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-002-fly-fame-and-finding-your-lane-with-mark-mcgrath-iaPb2YVS Episode 002 — Fly, Fame, and Finding Your Lane with Mark McGrath Skip Martin 00:14:49 Description: A conversation with Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray — from a producer telling him he couldn't sing right before recording the song that would go number one in 18 countries, to hosting Extra, to what keeps him showing up every night with genuine gratitude for a career built on serendipity and surrender. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Mark McGrath has sold 10 million records, hosted Extra, and fronted one of the most recognisable bands of the 90s. In this backstage conversation at the Chelsea Theater in the Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, he tells the unfiltered story of how Sugar Ray almost didn't happen, why a producer's backhanded compliment saved his career, and what Al Pacino said to him on a red carpet that made him question everything. A conversation about truth, tone, surrender, and why doing what you love is the only retirement plan worth having. Main Topics: How Sugar Ray got signed to Atlantic Records in 1994 and nearly didn't survive their first album The good news/bad news moment before recording Fly — and why Mark surrendered everything to his producer How Fly went number one in 18 countries and sold two million copies The accidental pivot to television — how a meeting turned into hosting Extra Al Pacino on the red carpet and the moment that made Mark recalibrate Why truth hurts — but always leads somewhere better What Skip's mom said about education that stopped everyone in their tracks Why they both agree: they get paid to travel. The shows are free. Intriguing Quotes: "The bad news is you can't sing. The good news is, if you stay in your lane, you have a tone that I think we can sell two million copies with." "At that point I got on my knees and said — tell me what to do." "You're better than that." — Al Pacino to Mark McGrath "I'll die playing Fly three times a night at Denny's in Barstow if I have to." "The measure of an educated man is the places he's been." — Skip Martin's mom Key Moments: [03:35] The studio moment that defined Sugar Ray's career — producer David Kahn tells Mark he can't sing, then tells him exactly how to use what he's got. Mark surrenders completely. Fly goes number one in 18 countries. [07:30] How Mark ended up hosting Extra — he thought he was going to a meeting. Two weeks later he was on air. He stayed from 2004 to 2008. [09:15] Al Pacino walks a red carpet, Mark asks him about Kevin and Brittany. Pacino says "you're better than that" and walks away. Mark never forgot it. [13:30] Skip's mom reframes education — 45-50 countries, more times around the world than he can count. "Some people know a lot about things in their books. You know more about things in the world." Notable Resources: Sugar Ray: www.sugarray.com Mark McGrath's 120 — SiriusXM 90s on 9 Recorded at: Chelsea Theater, The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas Connect with Mark McGrath: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarkmcgrath/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/mark_mcgrath TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealmarkmcgrath Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Description: A conversation with Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray — from a producer telling him he couldn't sing right before recording the song that would go number one in 18 countries, to hosting Extra, to what keeps him showing up every night with genuine gratitude for a career built on serendipity and surrender. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Mark McGrath has sold 10 million records, hosted Extra, and fronted one of the most recognisable bands of the 90s. In this backstage conversation at the Chelsea Theater in the Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, he tells the unfiltered story of how Sugar Ray almost didn't happen, why a producer's backhanded compliment saved his career, and what Al Pacino said to him on a red carpet that made him question everything. A conversation about truth, tone, surrender, and why doing what you love is the only retirement plan worth having. Main Topics: How Sugar Ray got signed to Atlantic Records in 1994 and nearly didn't survive their first album The good news/bad news moment before recording Fly — and why Mark surrendered everything to his producer How Fly went number one in 18 countries and sold two million copies The accidental pivot to television — how a meeting turned into hosting Extra Al Pacino on the red carpet and the moment that made Mark recalibrate Why truth hurts — but always leads somewhere better What Skip's mom said about education that stopped everyone in their tracks Why they both agree: they get paid to travel. The shows are free. Intriguing Quotes: "The bad news is you can't sing. The good news is, if you stay in your lane, you have a tone that I think we can sell two million copies with." "At that point I got on my knees and said — tell me what to do." "You're better than that." — Al Pacino to Mark McGrath "I'll die playing Fly three times a night at Denny's in Barstow if I have to." "The measure of an educated man is the places he's been." — Skip Martin's mom Key Moments: [03:35] The studio moment that defined Sugar Ray's career — producer David Kahn tells Mark he can't sing, then tells him exactly how to use what he's got. Mark surrenders completely. Fly goes number one in 18 countries. [07:30] How Mark ended up hosting Extra — he thought he was going to a meeting. Two weeks later he was on air. He stayed from 2004 to 2008. [09:15] Al Pacino walks a red carpet, Mark asks him about Kevin and Brittany. Pacino says "you're better than that" and walks away. Mark never forgot it. [13:30] Skip's mom reframes education — 45-50 countries, more times around the world than he can count. "Some people know a lot about things in their books. You know more about things in the world." Notable Resources: Sugar Ray: www.sugarray.com Mark McGrath's 120 — SiriusXM 90s on 9 Recorded at: Chelsea Theater, The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas Connect with Mark McGrath: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarkmcgrath/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/mark_mcgrath TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealmarkmcgrath Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic false full 2 e4a662d0-05e9-465c-bb16-d7b0a3bd1833 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Skip Martin ) https://friends-and-legends-with-skip-martin.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-001-janice-marie-johnson-Kj_ixIT7 Episode 001 — Janice Marie Johnson Skip Martin 00:19:00 She was told black people didn't want to hear Japanese music. She recorded it anyway. And it changed her life. ________________________________________ WHO YOU'RE ABOUT TO MEET Janice Marie Johnson is my sister. We go way back — two artists who came up doing the real work, playing real stages, in front of real people who showed up and gave everything back. Janice is a co-founder of Taste of Honey, the group that gave us Boogie Oogie Oogie — one of the most joyful, undeniable songs in the history of R&B — and a woman who plays bass, writes, sings, dances, and has been doing all of it at the highest level for decades. I wanted the world to know her story because the story behind the songs is just as powerful as the songs themselves. This one is personal. And that's exactly why you need to listen. ________________________________________ THE CONVERSATION This episode starts at a show — live, in the room, Janice still glowing from the stage — and that energy never leaves. We talk about a record company executive who told her she couldn't record a Japanese song, a broken heart that quietly became an entire album, and the night Boogie Oogie Oogie was born at an air base in California with a hand on her hip and a crowd that couldn't stop staring. Janice doesn't just tell you what happened. She sings it to you. And if you're listening, you'll feel every word. ________________________________________ MOMENTS YOU WON'T FORGET "I Forbid You to Record It" The head of Capitol Records told Janice that black people didn't want to hear Japanese music and that she was not allowed to record the song. What she said back — and what she did next — is exactly what courage looks like in this industry. The Secret Behind the Whole Album Sukiyaki was about a broken heart. But it wasn't just one song. Janice reveals that Sukiyaki, Rescue Me, I'm Talking About You, Don't You Leave Me, and Goodbye Baby — the whole Twice as Sweet LP — were all written about the same man. What Sukiyaki Actually Means The original Japanese title is Ue O Muite Aruko — not Sukiyaki. Sukiyaki is a food. Janice asked three people to translate the real title and all three said the same thing: I'm looking up to keep my tears from falling down. What each person said about WHY is where it gets beautiful. The Night Boogie Oogie Oogie Was Born Janice and Hazel were onstage at an air base and the crowd was just staring. She put her hand on her hip and started talking to them. That first verse — spoken, not sung — was recorded that same night on a reel-to-reel recorder. The whole thing came out in a moment, the way the best ones always do. ________________________________________ WHAT JANICE SAID ABOUT MUSIC Skip didn't ask the signature question in this episode — the conversation was too alive, too in-the-moment to stop for it. But Janice answered it anyway, without being asked. "Being sad really helps with the writing. Being happy is great too, but it's easy to write when you're brokenhearted. It comes right to your mouth." That's music, right there. Pain turned into something the whole world can sing. ________________________________________ WORDS WORTH KEEPING "You can not put it on the record if you want, but I'm going to record what I want to." — Janice Marie Johnson "It's easy to write when you're broken hearted. It comes right to your mouth." — Janice Marie Johnson "They're all about the same guy. Thank him — he made you, Janice." — Skip Martin "Great songs usually come up very fast and we record them quickly." — Janice Marie Johnson "I'm looking up to keep my tears from falling down." — The meaning behind Ue O Muite Aruko (Sukiyaki) ________________________________________ CONNECT WITH JANICE Facebook: Taste of Honey / Janice Marie Johnson 1 Website: tastinhoney.net ________________________________________ CONNECT WITH SKIP Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ ________________________________________ ABOUT FRIENDS AND LEGENDS Grammy Award winner and music industry icon Ski She was told black people didn't want to hear Japanese music. She recorded it anyway. And it changed her life. ________________________________________ WHO YOU'RE ABOUT TO MEET Janice Marie Johnson is my sister. We go way back — two artists who came up doing the real work, playing real stages, in front of real people who showed up and gave everything back. Janice is a co-founder of Taste of Honey, the group that gave us Boogie Oogie Oogie — one of the most joyful, undeniable songs in the history of R&B — and a woman who plays bass, writes, sings, dances, and has been doing all of it at the highest level for decades. I wanted the world to know her story because the story behind the songs is just as powerful as the songs themselves. This one is personal. And that's exactly why you need to listen. ________________________________________ THE CONVERSATION This episode starts at a show — live, in the room, Janice still glowing from the stage — and that energy never leaves. We talk about a record company executive who told her she couldn't record a Japanese song, a broken heart that quietly became an entire album, and the night Boogie Oogie Oogie was born at an air base in California with a hand on her hip and a crowd that couldn't stop staring. Janice doesn't just tell you what happened. She sings it to you. And if you're listening, you'll feel every word. ________________________________________ MOMENTS YOU WON'T FORGET "I Forbid You to Record It" The head of Capitol Records told Janice that black people didn't want to hear Japanese music and that she was not allowed to record the song. What she said back — and what she did next — is exactly what courage looks like in this industry. The Secret Behind the Whole Album Sukiyaki was about a broken heart. But it wasn't just one song. Janice reveals that Sukiyaki, Rescue Me, I'm Talking About You, Don't You Leave Me, and Goodbye Baby — the whole Twice as Sweet LP — were all written about the same man. What Sukiyaki Actually Means The original Japanese title is Ue O Muite Aruko — not Sukiyaki. Sukiyaki is a food. Janice asked three people to translate the real title and all three said the same thing: I'm looking up to keep my tears from falling down. What each person said about WHY is where it gets beautiful. The Night Boogie Oogie Oogie Was Born Janice and Hazel were onstage at an air base and the crowd was just staring. She put her hand on her hip and started talking to them. That first verse — spoken, not sung — was recorded that same night on a reel-to-reel recorder. The whole thing came out in a moment, the way the best ones always do. ________________________________________ WHAT JANICE SAID ABOUT MUSIC Skip didn't ask the signature question in this episode — the conversation was too alive, too in-the-moment to stop for it. But Janice answered it anyway, without being asked. "Being sad really helps with the writing. Being happy is great too, but it's easy to write when you're brokenhearted. It comes right to your mouth." That's music, right there. Pain turned into something the whole world can sing. ________________________________________ WORDS WORTH KEEPING "You can not put it on the record if you want, but I'm going to record what I want to." — Janice Marie Johnson "It's easy to write when you're broken hearted. It comes right to your mouth." — Janice Marie Johnson "They're all about the same guy. Thank him — he made you, Janice." — Skip Martin "Great songs usually come up very fast and we record them quickly." — Janice Marie Johnson "I'm looking up to keep my tears from falling down." — The meaning behind Ue O Muite Aruko (Sukiyaki) ________________________________________ CONNECT WITH JANICE Facebook: Taste of Honey / Janice Marie Johnson 1 Website: tastinhoney.net ________________________________________ CONNECT WITH SKIP Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ ________________________________________ ABOUT FRIENDS AND LEGENDS Grammy Award winner and music industry icon Ski false full 1