Beyond The Fame with Jason Fraley: Recent Episodes
WTOP | Hubbard Radio
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley picks the brains of the most influential filmmakers, musicians and artists of our time in the new podcast “Beyond the Fame with Jason Fraley!” Based in the nation's capital, Jason has interviewed just about every famous figure you can imagine: Aretha Franklin, Carol Burnett, Garth Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, the list is endless! You’ve heard the highlights on the radio, but this is your chance to hear in-depth conversations about what makes these creative geniuses tick. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Google, Podcast DC or Spotify.
Jason Fraley interviews horror filmmaker Eli Roth, who delivers his newest scary movie “Ice Cream Man" in theaters nationwide today. He called in to preview the film, discuss some of his inspirations, and explain why it’s even scarier now that he’s become a father. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 30th anniveary of Lewis Black hosted his very first “Back in Black” segment on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” on July 3, 1996. They spoke when Black brought his “Let Freedom Laugh” tour to Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2015 on a triple bill with the legendary Dick Gregory and Tom Smothers of The Smothers Brothers. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 20th anniversary of Jeffrey Epstein's first mugshot by revisiting this chat with “X-Files” star Gillian Anderson about her sex-trafficking film “Sold” when it made its D.C. premiere at the Angelika Pop Up at Union Market in 2016. Stay tuned after the interview to hear a true-crime timeline of the Epstein scandal. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
The classic soul, funk and R&B group Rose Royce rocks Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday. Founding members Kenny Copeland & Michael Nash join Jason to break down their biggest hits, including “Car Wash,” ”I Wanna Get Next to You,” “I’m Going Down,” “Wishing on a Star” and “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Gretchen Mol stars in the new heartwarming indie "Horsegirls," which opens in movie theaters today. She called in to preview the film and reflect to her career, from movies like "Rounders" and "Manchester By the Sea" to TV hits like "Boardwalk Empire" and "Tulsa King." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Netflix's “Making a Murderer” earning six Emmy nominations for chronicling the conviction of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey in the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. Jason examined the docuseries with longtime Washington Post crime reporter Tom Jackman in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley chats with America's most-produced living playwright as tickets go on sale tonight for a free virtual masterclass with Lauren Gunderson. She has topped the list by American Theatre Magazine four times, including the most recent 2025-2026 season. We spoke when she brought her original play “The Revolutionists” to Baltimore’s Everyman Theatre in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates today's release of Disney’s live-action “Moana” by flashing back to his chat with the original voice of the animated "Moana." Auli’i Cravalho called in to promote the National Memorial Day Concert in 2017, sharing behind-the-scenes gold about songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda and co-star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Alex Gibney’s acclaimed documentary “Zero Days,” which remains just as timely today in chronicling America’s development of the Stuxnet virus to secretly attack Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Gibney called in to preview the 2016 AFI Docs Film Festival and reflect on his prolific career, from his Oscar nomination for “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” to his Oscar win for “Taxi to the Dark Side." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Lou Diamond Phillips, star of the new crime drama “Gangland,” which opens in movie theaters and streaming today. He called in to preview the film and reflect on his career, from his breakthrough role in the Ritchie Valens biopic “La Bamba” to his Golden Globe nomination for the urban high-school drama “Stand & Deliver.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States of America, which was founded on July 4, 1776 with a Declaration of Independence from the British crown. He spoke with author David O. Stewart in 2021 about his biography “George Washington: The Political Rise of America's Founding Father." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum by flashing back to his 2015 chat with astronaut Christopher Ferguson when the museum screened his 3D/IMAX film “Journey to Space," narrated by Patrick Stewart. Ferguson famously commanded the final mission of NASA's iconic Space Shuttle program in 2011 before this year's exciting Artemis II launch. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley chats with Robert "Kool" Bell as Kool & The Gang rocks “A Capitol Fourth” this Friday, July 3rd to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. They break down the band’s biggest hits, including “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” “Ladies Night,” “Celebration,” “Get Down On It,” “Fresh” and “Cherish.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the musical “Bright Star” closing on Broadway in 2016. He sat down with acclaimed director Walter Bobbie and original actress Carmen Cusack backstage at the Kennedy Center when “Bright Star” made its pre-Broadway premiere in Washington D.C. in 2015. Bobbie also reflects on winning a Tony for directing the iconic revival of Bob Fosse's "Chicago." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Grammy and Oscar winner Melissa Etheridge, who rocks Wolf Trap tomorrow night, sharing a bill with Wynonna Judd & Maggie Rose. They spoke during her previous visit to Virginia when she played The Birchmere in Alexandria in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates Juneteeth by flashing back to his conversation with DeNeen Brown, narrator of Dawn Porter's powerful documentary “Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer,” which premiered on National Geographic in 2021 for the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks Flag Day by honoring a real American hero in NASA astronaut Eileen Collins, who made history as both the first woman to pilot a space shuttle and the first woman to command a space shuttle mission. They discuss her new documentary “Spacewoman,” now streaming on Apple, Amazon, YouTube, GooglePlay and Vimeo. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of "Hamilton" sweeping the Tony Awards by flashing back to a trio of chats with Director Thomas Kail. First, you'll hear their 2016 phone interview about growing up in Alexandria, Virginia. You'll then hear them at the 2016 Records of Achievement Awards at the National Archives. Finally, you'll hear them at the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors where Kail was joined by "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, arranger Alex Lacamoire and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley previews tonight's Tony Awards by chatting with Ken Davenport, one of the producers of Broadway's “Titanique,” which competes for the top prize of Best Musical. Ken knows a thing or two about the Tonys, having previously won for “Kinky Boots” and “Once On This Island.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the Kennedy Center's Spring Gala tribute to Marvin Gaye. Jason spoke with several of the performers backstage before the show, including Valerie Simpson, Babybace, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Leslie Odom Jr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews lead singer Mike Love as The Beach Boys play Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, followed by Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on Sunday. They spoke when The Beach Boys played the "A Capitol Fourth" concert in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Tenille Townes about her brand new album “The Acrobat." She also reflects on her career, from getting pulled up on stage as a kid by Shania Twain, to winning Female Artist of the Year five times in a row at the Canadian Country Music Association, while crossing over in Nashville with the hit song “Somebody’s Daughter.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 15th anniversary of Scotty McCreery winning Season 10 of “American Idol,” sparking a career of country music hits like “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It” and “Damn Strait.” They spoke when Scotty performed at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. in 2017, so it’s only fitting to re-air it today for Memorial Day. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Alisan Porter winning Season 10 of NBC’s “The Voice,” becoming the first to win with a female coach in Christina Aguilera. They spoke when she performed the National Anthem at “A Capitol Fourth” in Washington D.C. on July 4, 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Gary Sinise, who returns to co-host the National Memorial Day Concert with Joe Mantegna tomorrow on PBS. He called in the first time 10 years ago when he co-hosted the event in 2016, capping a busy weekend where his Lt. Dan Band rocked the G.I. Film Festival at Howard Theatre and performed for the wounded vets at Walter Reed. They also discuss the legacy of his Oscar-nominated role as Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump,” which won six Oscars, including Best Picture. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane, who performs live with the Duke Ellington School Orchestra at the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday. He also teases his upcoming final album “Curtain Call" and shares memories of how Biz Markie gifted him “Ain’t No Half Steppin',” how he recorded “Very Special” with a very pregnant DJ Spinderella, and who he’d put on Rap's Mount Rushmore. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews singer/songwriter Rachel Platten, who headlines the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s AcceptAbility Gala in Washington D.C. tomorrow night. She previews the event and reflects on her career of inspirational tunes like “Fight Song” and “I’ll Stand By You.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 50th anniversary of Henry Winkler competing for his first Primetime Emmy for his iconic role as The Fonz on the TV sitcom “Happy Days." They spoke in 2016 to promote his NBC reality show “Better Late Than Never,” traveling the globe with William Shatner, Jeff Dye, Terry Bradshaw, and the late George Foreman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels teams with Public Enemy alumni Brian Hardgroove and DJ Johnny Juice to form the new hip-hop supergroup FREEDOM, dropping their new single "I'm On Your Side" tomorrow. They also praise each other's greatest hits from Run-DMC's "It's Like That," "Rock Box," "King of Rock," "It's Tricky" and "Walk This Way" to Public Enemy's "Rebel Without a Pause," "Bring the Noise," "Don't Believe the Hype," "Fight the Power" and "Shut Em Down." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates “Top Gun” returning to movie theaters nationwide tomorrow for its 40th anniversary by flashing back to his interview with Berlin lead singer Terri Nunn, who sang the Oscar-winning hit “Take My Breath Away." They spoke when the band reunited for their 40th anniversary tour at The Anthem in Washington D.C. in 2019. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks tomorrow's 70th anniversary of Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s “Pather Panchali” winning Best Human Document at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, sparking a trio of landmark films known as “The Apu Trilogy." Jason spoke to Criterion Collection President Peter Becker and Criterion Technical Director Lee Kline about the trilogy’s exciting 4K restoration in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Broadway star Shereen Pimentel, who played Maria in the 2020 Broadway revival of “West Side Story” and returns to the role TONIGHT, TONIGHT in a special new production by the Washington National Opera at The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland on May 8-10, followed by the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on May 14-15. They discuss how the show's timeless themes of The Sharks vs. The Jets can heal our divisive political climate that caused the WNO to leave the Kennedy Center after 55 years. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates Tony nominations day with Kelsie Watts, the current star of Broadway's “Moulin Rouge: The Musical." This week also marks the 25th anniversary of Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge” making its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival with iconic performances by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Acclaimed author Walter Mosley headlines the Frederick Speaker Series at the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland this Thursday, April 30. They discuss his prolific literary career, including his 1990 detective novel “Devil in a Blue Dress,” which was memorably adapted into a 1995 film starring Denzel Washington. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Julie Pacino, daughter of Al Pacino, makes her feature-length directorial debut this week with the new horror flick “I Live Here Now," available on Video On Demand. She joined me to discuss the film’s psychological allegory and her own evolution as a filmmaker, following in the footsteps of her legendary father, star of classics like “The Godfather,” “Dog Day Afternoon” and “Scarface.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the indie film “Elvis & Nixon," chronicling the true story of the King of Rock & Roll meeting the President of the United States. Acclaimed director Liza Johnson called in to promote the film's release in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley wishes a happy 50th birthday to celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio, who competes tonight in the finale of the Food Network's "Tournament of Champions VII." They spoke when he competed on Bravo's "Top Chef: All-Stars L.A." in March 2020 right as the pandemic shook up the restaurant industry, including businesses in their shared hometown of Frederick, Maryland. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews comedian Paula Poundstone, who cracks up the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland this Friday night. They spoke when she played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia in November 2016, just days before the presidential election between Donald Trump & Hillary Clinton. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 165th anniversary of the Civil War by reviving his conversation with Rev. Gary Hall, former Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., from when he hosted a 2015 panel called “Civil War to Civil Rights: The Last Great Speeches of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley salutes Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd, former guitarist for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, who headlines the annual Rock & Roll for Children benefit this Saturday in Potomac, Maryland to raise money for The Children’s Inn at NIH. Here's a flashback to their convo when Byrd headlined the event back in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Trent Harmon winning Season 15 of “American Idol," making him the last winner of the show’s iconic 15-year run on Fox before being revived on ABC. They spoke in 2016 when he performed at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. You'll also hear from former “Idol” judges Kara DioGuardi, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Kylie Morgan, who performs live at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia this Friday, April 3. She discusses her new album “The Healed Cowgirl," including the singles "Like My Own" and "Love and Country Music," as well as the biggest hits of her career from “Two Night Stands” to “If He Wanted to He Would,” which just went platinum. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Oscar-nominated producers Tim & Trevor White, who screen “Carolina Caroline” this Saturday at the Annapolis Film Festival (March 26-29). The brothers also reflect on their prolific producing career, including Rob Reiner’s “LBJ,” Aubrey Plaza’s “Ingrid Goes West,” Taylor Sheridan’s “Wind River,” Steven Spielberg’s “The Post,” Will Smith’s “King Richard” and most recently “Eternity,” starring Miles Teller & Elizabeth Olsen. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Tony-nominated musical "Bright Star" premiering on Broadway on March 24, 2016. Jason spoke with co-creators Steve Martin and Edie Brickell when the show made its pre-Broadway premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clairon")
Jason Fraley interviews Jay Leno, who joins Arsenio Hall at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on March 28. They also discuss his journey to "The Tonight Show," his rivalries with David Letterman and Conan O'Brien, and the state of late-night comedy today, including the recent controversies of Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016, culminating today with "Spotlight" winning Best Picture. You'll first hear Jason's interview with writer/director Tom McCarthy and co-writer Josh Singer at the film’s Washington D.C. premiere at the National Portrait Gallery in November 2015, where Jason also interviewed "The Wire" creator David Simon, who hosted a Q&A with the real Boston Globe reporters. You'll then go backstage at the Oscars in 2016 to hear McCarthy and Singer react to winning Best Original Screenplay, followed by "Spotlight" producers Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust celebrating Best Picture. Finally, you'll hear Jason catch up with David Simon again in 2017 to react to "Spotlight" winning Best Picture and the troubling state of journalism in the 21st century. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")
Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016. Each day this week, you’ll hear the audio Jason recorded backstage as the winners left the stage and entered the press room holding their Oscars, continuing today with Alejandro González Iñárritu, who won Best Director for "The Revenant," as well as his Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")
Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016. Each day this week, you’ll hear the audio Jason recorded backstage as the winners left the stage and entered the press room holding their Oscars, continuing today with Mark Rylance, who won Best Supporting Actor for "Bridge of Spies," and Alicia Vikander, who won Best Supporting Actress for "The Danish Girl." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")
Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016. Each day this week, you’ll hear the audio Jason recorded backstage as the winners left the stage and entered the press room holding their Oscars, continuing today with Brie Larson, who won Best Actress for "Room." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")
Jason Fraley celebrates Oscar Week with a special 10th anniversary flashback to his first trip to cover the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood as a live contributor for CBS News Radio in 2016. Each day this week, you’ll hear the audio Jason recorded backstage as the winners left the stage and entered the press room holding their Oscars, starting today with Leonardo DiCaprio, who won Best Actor for “The Revenant." Leo is nominated again this year for "One Battle After Another." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion ")
Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Hunter Hayes, who releases his new album “Evergreen” this Friday to complete his trilogy of "Wild Blue" and "Red Sky." He also reflects on his life and career, from getting his first guitar from the late Robert Duvall to being nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Malcolm Bruce (son of Cream singer Jack Bruce), who teams with Kofi Baker (son of Cream drummer Ginger Baker) as their legacy band Sons of Cream rocks Rams Head in Annapolis, MD this Friday. They discuss their fathers' biggest hits from “I Feel Free” to “Sunshine of Your Love” to “White Room.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates 1,000 episodes with his high school football coach Rick Conner, the reigning Maryland 3A State High School Football Coach of the Year after leading the Linganore Lancers to an undefeated season to capture his 8th state championship. Coach Conner reflects on his life and career, from his own playing days at Western Maryland College to his early coaching days at T.J. High School to his 50 straight wins as Defensive Coordinator at Urbana High School. Of course, they also discuss his four state titles as Head Coach at Linganore High School, where Jason served as his very first team captain in 2002. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of William Shatner's book “Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man" about his late “Star Trek” co-star Leonard Nimoy. They spoke in 2016 when Shatner performed at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the one-year anniversary of Ben Folds resigning as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra after Donald Trump's Kennedy Center takeover, sparking a chain reaction of artist cancellations. Folds joined the show in 2018 to discuss the launch of his Kennedy Center series "Declassified," pairing the NSO with popular musicians like Sara Bareilles and Jon Batiste. We're replaying it today as a reminder of all that was lost and could be again. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews actor Corey Feldman, who brings a special 40th anniversary screening of "Stand By Me" to Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on March 14. They pay tribute to late director Rob Reiner and discuss the state of child actors in Hollywood today. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Virginia fine artist Daniel Redfern, who has amassed over a million Instagram followers as a social media influencer in the art world, not to mention features in Beverly Hills Magazine and the Global Art Times. They discuss his latest oil painting “Eternal Majesty: The Rise of Gold and Shadows,” which recently appraised for $15 million at The Naturalist Gallery. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley previews Michael & Kevin Bacon performing tomorrow at Maryland Hall in Annapolis by delivering another flashback episode from their handful of chats over the years, this time from when The Bacon Brothers rocked The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia back in 2019. They also discuss Kevin's movie career. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews beloved actor Cary Elwes, who stars in the new hostage flick “Dead Man’s Wire,” which opens in movie theaters nationwide this Friday. They discuss the movie, praise director Gus Van Sant, and reflect on Elwes' iconic acting career, including comedies like “The Princess Bride" and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," war dramas like "Glory" and even horror flicks like “Saw.” Note: This interview was recorded before the murder of Rob Reiner, so forgive the upbeat tone while giving Reiner his flowers. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews comedian Tom Arnold, who cracks up the D.C. Comedy Loft in Washington D.C. this Thursday through Saturday. They discuss his career in comedy from “Roseanne” to “The Stupids” to “Austin Powers,” as well as swapping personal stories about IVF. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley chats with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, who co-host “New Year’s Eve Live” tonight on CNN for the ninth straight year at Times Square in New York City. They spoke when their comedy tour AC² hit Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. back in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Creed lead guitarist Mark Tremonti as the band brings its "Creedmas" tour to The HALL at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland on Dec. 29th. They preview the show and break down the band’s biggest hits, including “Higher,” “With Arms Wide Open,” “My Sacrifice” and “One Last Breath.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews “Twilight” alum Kristen Stewart, who makes her directorial debut by adapting Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir “The Chronology of Water,” now in select theaters before opening nationwide Jan. 9, 2026. Stewart goes in depth about her writing and directing process — and you’ll even hear actress Imogen Poots chime in at the beginning to banter about our podcast title: Is it "Beyond the Fame" or "Beyond the Frame?" (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 20th anniversary of the Billy Joel musical “Movin’ Out," which closed on Broadway on Dec. 11, 2005. He spoke to the show's Tony-nominated star Michael Cavanaugh when he brought his Billy Joel tribute concert to Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia in 2024. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of Cicely Tyson being honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. on Dec. 6, 2015. They spoke on the red carpet, honoring her legendary career from her Oscar-nominated role in “Sounder” to her Emmy-winning role in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” to her Tony-winning role in “The Trip to Bountiful." They spoke again the following year when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama at the White House on Nov. 22, 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of Crosby, Stills & Nash performing “Silent Night” to light the National Christmas Tree on the White House Ellipse alongside President Barack Obama on Dec. 3rd, 2015. He spoke with David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash just before the ceremony, exploring Crosby’s history with The Byrds, Stills with Buffalo Springfield, and Nash with The Hollies, before uniting to form the legendary folk supergroup. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews five-time Emmy winner Jane Lynch, who brings “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” to the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland this Saturday, November 29th. She reflects on her favorite holiday tunes from childhood before launching a prolific career in comedy, including “Best in Show,” “Talladega Nights,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” "Role Models," “Glee,” "Hollywood Game Night," “The Weakest Link,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Only Murders in the Building.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley previews comedian Paula Poundstone at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Nov. 21-22 by flashing back to their interview when she previously played The Birchmere in November of 2020 — and let’s just say that a lot has transpired in the five years since. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 30th anniversary of Joan Osborne's iconic song “What If God Was One of Us," which was released as a single 30 years ago this week on Nov. 13, 1995. She called in to discuss the Grammy-nominated song when she played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia back in 2016, as well as her love of Bob Dylan and passion for documentary filmmaking. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, as he plays Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on November 4th, followed by The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on November 6th. He recalls forming the group first as a fictional band on the hit TV show, then becoming a real band on actual radio with hits from “I’m a Believer” and “Daydream Believer.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews prolific guitarist John 5, who rocks the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on Nov. 5 on a double bill with Richie Kotzen. He called in to discuss his career, touring with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and most recently Motley Crue. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Cam, who performs live at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Oct. 28. They discuss her newest album “All Things Light" before doing a deep dive into her career journey from California to Nashville, recording gems like “Burning House,” “Village,” “Redwood Tree,” “Til There’s Nothing Left,” “Changes” and “Diane," as well as writing/producing a handful of songs on Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” album. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews lead singer Mike Eli and bass player Jon Jones of the Eli Young Band, which performs live at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on October 17th. They discuss their newest album “Strange Hours,” as well as their biggest this like “When It Rains,” “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Drunk Last Night” and “Love Ain’t.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton and bandmate J.D. Andrew as their band The Boxmasters rocks the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia this Friday, October 10th. They preview the show and discuss their newest album “Pepper Tree Hill” before ending with some rapid-fire questions on Billy Bob’s most famous TV and movie roles. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Violent Femmes drummer John Sparrow as the prolific punk band rocks The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland this Sunday, Oct. 5. They discuss smash hits like “Blister in the Sun," as well as deeper cuts from every album in their discography. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews comedian Whitney Cummings, who cracks up The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland this Saturday, October 4th. She discusses growing up in the D.C. area before launching a hilarious career in comedy, from pranking celebrities on MTV’s “Punk’d” to roasting future presidents on Comedy Central and even creating TV sitcoms like "2 Broke Girls" on CBS and "Whitney" on NBC. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Buckcherry lead singer Josh Todd as the band rocks the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on October 7th. Todd previews the show and reflects on the band’s biggest hits from “Sorry” to “Crazy B*tch.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Finger Eleven lead singer Scott Anderson as the band rocks the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on October 3rd. They discuss the band’s upcoming album “Last Night on Earth,” as well as the biggest hits of their career, including “One Thing,” “Paralyzer” and “Slow Chemical,” better known as the WWE theme song for Kane. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 60th anniversary of Yad Vashem recognizing Jan & Antonina Żabiński as Righteous Among the Nations on September 21, 1965. He spoke with actress Jessica Chastain about playing Mrs. Żabiński in the Holocaust drama “The Zookeeper’s Wife" in 2017, just a few years before winning her Oscar. Check out their previous conversation about her 2016 political thriller "Miss Sloane" in the archives at BeyondTheFamePodcast.com. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 15th anniversary of CBS rebooting the action police drama “Hawaii Five-O” for a new generation on September 20, 2010 by flashing back to his interview with TV legend Carol Burnett when she called in to promote her recurring role on the reboot in 2016. Hear their other IN-DEPTH conversation in the archives at BeyondTheFamePodcast.com. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley bids farewell to "Jimmy Kimmel Live" after ABC canceled the host for remarks following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Jason spoke with Kimmel twice at the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize, first when Kimmel paid tribute to Bill Murray in 2016, then when Kimmel saluted David Letterman in 2017. You'll also hear memories from Kimmel's ex-girlfriend Sarah Silverman and two of his "Fox NFL Sunday" successors Frank Caliendo and Rob Riggle. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews actor Richard Thomas, who stars in "Mark Twain Tonight" at the National Theatre in Washington D.C. this Saturday and Sunday, inheriting the role of Mark Twain from the late Hal Holbrook. They also discuss his Emmy-winning TV career in “The Waltons,” “The Americans” and “Ozark,” as well as his Tony-nominated Broadway career in “The Little Foxes” and touring as Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews acclaimed actress, filmmaker and author Issa Rae, who brings her “I Should Be Smarter By Now" book tour to DAR Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. tomorrow night. She also dishes on her prolific career, including “Awkward Black Girl,” “Insecure,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “The Lovebirds,” “Barbie” and “American Fiction.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Emmy-nominated music composer Antonio Sanchez, who’s nominated for scoring the Apple TV+ comedy series “The Studio” at the 77th annual Emmy Awards this Sunday on CBS. He also breaks down his five Grammy wins for his prolific jazz career, as well as creating the drum-based score for the Oscar-winning film “Birdman" by Alejandro González Iñárritu. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Iron Maiden’s iconic frontman Bruce Dickinson, who brings his solo tour to The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland this Sunday night. They discuss his latest solo albums “The Mandrake Project” and “More Balls to Picasso,” as well as his favorite comic books, getting his pilot’s license, launching his own beer called The Trooper, and singing the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he admits he’s more of a Kansas City Chiefs fan, coining a phrase for Travis Kelce’s engagement to Taylor Swift. #GridironMaiden (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews 10,000 Maniacs founding bass player Steven Gustafson as the band rocks Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland in a pair of sold-out shows this Saturday and Sunday for the Annapolis Songwriters Festival. They discuss the band’s journey from recording hits like “These Are Days” and their MTV Unplugged cover of “Because the Night,” before replacing lead singer Natalie Merchant with Mary Ramsey for three more decades of music with a new album on the way. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Grammy winner Sheena Easton, who performs live at Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on September 9th. They reflect on her biggest hits, including “Modern Girl,” “9 to 5 (Morning Train)” and the James Bond theme “For Your Eyes Only.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews comedian Sam Jay, who cracks up the D.C. Improv in Washington D.C. this Friday and Saturday nights. They preview the standup show and reflect on her comedy career, from “Saturday Night Live” to “The Roast of Tom Brady.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Sister Hazel's longtime drummer Mark Trojanowski as the band rocks the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on September 19th. They discuss the band’s journey to create beloved songs like “All For You,” “Change Your Mind,” “Your Winter” and “Champagne High.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Grammy winner Marcus Miller, who performs this Saturday at the D.C. Jazz Festival, which runs Wednesday through Sunday at The Wharf in Washington D.C. They discuss his prolific career working with Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Beyonce, as well as TV shows like “Saturday Night Live” and movies like Spike Lee’s “School Daze” where he co-wrote “Da Butt.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Johnny Van Zant, current lead singer of the Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, which rocks The Hall at Live! Casino & Hotel in Arundel Mills, Maryland on Aug. 31. He shares memories of his late brother Ronnie Van Zant and why he enjoys performing iconic hits like “Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Simple Man.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews former ELO violinist Mik Kaminski and ELO Part II members Eric Troyer and Parthenon Huxley as their band The Orchestra rocks Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sept. 11. They discuss ELO's various lineups over the years for a body of work that includes the “10538 Overture,” “Evil Woman,” “Do Ya,” “Telephone Line,” “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “Four Little Diamonds.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Oscar winner Melissa Leo about her new dramatic thriller “The Knife,” starring NFL Pro Bowler Nnamdi Asomugha in his directorial debut. Leo discusses her role as the detective, as well as her previous roles in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Prisoners” and her Oscar-winning role in “The Fighter.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews five-time Grammy winner Mary Chapin Carpenter, who performs at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia this Saturday. They discuss her earliest open-mic nights in Washington D.C., how The Birchmere helped her get signed by Nashville and how a Bethesda dance club inspired her song “Down at the Twist & Shout,” kicking off a string of country hits like “I Feel Lucky,” “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews four-time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett, who performs live tonight at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. He called in to preview the show and reflect on the best songs of his career from “Cowboy Man” to “If I Had a Boat," as well as working with filmmakers like Robert Redford, Robert Altman and Terry Gilliam. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act being signed into law on August 6, 1965. It’s the perfect day to bring back his 2018 conversation with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Micah Fink when he was crowd-funding for his civil rights documentary “The Power of Protest” where actor Danny Glover chimed in as an official adviser to the film. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews actor and comedian Ben Schwartz, who brings his improv tour “Ben Schwartz & Friends” to MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on September 6th. They preview the show and reflect on his hilarious career from “Parks & Rec” to “The Afterparty" to “Sonic the Hedgehog.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Charlotte Flair about the new Netflix docuseries “WWE Unreal,” showing behind-the-scenes footage of her returning from injury to win the “Royal Rumble." They also discuss John Cena turning heel at “Elimination Chamber,” allowing him to defeat Cody Rhodes at “WrestleMania” to break her father Ric Flair’s record of 16 world titles. They offer some alternate storylines and reflect on the recent death of Hulk Hogan. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Wayans Brothers’ hilarious spoof “Scary Movie,” which opened in July 2000, while this October will mark the 25th anniversary of the chilling drama "Requiem for a Dream." He discussed both movies with Marlon Wayans back in 2017 when he called in to promote his Netflix original comedy “Naked” and his NBC sitcom “Marlon.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at National Theatre in Washington D.C. now through Sept. 7th. He spoke with actor John Skelley, who understudied the part of Harry Potter on Broadway before taking over the role on the national tour. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Bill Farmer, the longtime voice of Goofy, ahead of the "Disney ‘80s & ’90s Celebration” at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia this Saturday. Farmer reflects on classic Disney cartoons by his predecessors, as well as his own work in “Goof Troop," "A Goofy Movie," “House of Mouse” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” which returns for an all new version this week on Disney+. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley welcomes The Bacon Brothers to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Friday and Saturday by reviving this flashback interview with Michael and Kevin Bacon from their previous show at The Birchmere back in 2016. Stay tuned until the end where they discuss Kevin's most famous movie roles. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley catches up with Three Dog Night co-founder Danny Hutton as the classic-rock band returns to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on July 29. He shares his incredible life story in Hollywood, including lifelong friendships with Brian Wilson and Elton John. He also shares how the band came to record hits like “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Never Been to Spain,” “Black and White” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates "Stranger Things" as Netflix drops the first teaser trailer for the fifth and final season today. Here's a flashback convo with actress Cara Buono, who plays Karen Wheeler, back when she appeared at a minor league baseball game in Maryland to promote Season 3 in 2019. She also remembers her roles on "Mad Men" and "The Sopranos." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of "Hamilton," which premiered on Broadway for its first preview at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on July 13, 2015. You'll hear a pair of convos with creator Lin-Manuel Miranda from the 2016 National Archives’ Records of Achievement Award and 2018 Kennedy Center Honors. You'll also hear from Director Thomas Kail and co-star Leslie Odom Jr., who played Hamilton’s nemesis Aaron Burr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Christian Swegal about his new action crime thriller “Sovereign," which opens in movie theaters nationwide today, starring Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay and Dennis Quaid. They discuss his approach to writing the script and making his directorial debut, as well his favorite filmmakers from Sidney Lumet to Michael Mann. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews two-time Emmy winner Eric Stonestreet, who hilariously played Cam on “Modern Family" and now stars in the new crime-drama sequel series “Dexter Resurrection,” which premieres this Friday on Paramount+ with Showtime. He also shares how he and his mother Jamie have become spokespeople for treating Type 2 diabetes. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Otis Williams, last surviving original member of The Temptations, which performs live at “A Capitol Fourth” in Washington D.C. tomorrow at 8 p.m. on PBS. They discuss classic Motown hits like “My Girl,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Get Ready” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” as well as evolving into a new era with “Cloud Nine,” “Ball of Confusion,” “Just My Imagination” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Heart's founding bass player Steve Fossen, who reunites with Heart drummer Michael DeRosier as the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers play the Dundalk Heritage Fair in Dundalk, Maryland this Saturday, July 5th. He calls in to discuss the band’s journey to create iconic hits like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and “Barracuda.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews bass player Tim Foreman of the band Switchfoot, which rocks the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on July 5th. They discuss the band’s journey to record hits like “Dare You to Move” and “Meant to Live.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews jazz icon Dianne Reeves, who performs live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia this Friday June 27th. She discusses her journey to win five Grammys, including for the soundtrack of George Clooney’s 2005 film “Good Night and Good Luck.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Lance Hoppen, longtime bass player of the classic pop-rock band Orleans, which performs live at Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland this Saturday, June 28th. They discuss the band’s journey to record timeless hits like “Dance with Me," "Still the One" and "Love Takes Time." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Mike Love, who fronts The Beach Boys at the Virginia Arts Festival this Sunday, a week after his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. You'll hear their pair of conversations from the Kennedy Center in 2016 and "A Capitol Fourth" in 2018. This episode is labeled "Part 2" because "Part 1" featured the late great Brian Wilson, who died last week at age 82. Listen in our archives at BeyondTheFamePodcast.com. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Jimmy "Diamond" Williams, longtime drummer of The Ohio Players, as the funk-soul band rocks The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on June 21. They discuss the band's album covers and journey to record hits like "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley gets ready for National Theatre to stage “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life & Times of The Temptations” tomorrow through June 22nd in Washington D.C. He spoke with Tony nominee Jeremy Pope when the show made its East Coast premiere at the Kennedy Center in 2018 before moving to Broadway where it earned 12 Tony nominations, including Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Pope. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews blues legend Buddy Guy, who performs live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on June 21st. He shares his journey from growing up in Louisiana to moving to Chicago to learn from Muddy Waters, wearing polka dots in honor of his mother, and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Eric Clapton and B.B. King. You can even catch him in Ryan Coogler’s stylish new vampire movie “Sinners!” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews James Blunt, who performs at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on June 18th to mark the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album “Back to Bedlam.” They discuss his journey from serving in the British military to recording the global smash hit “You’re Beautiful.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley wraps Tony Award season by chatting with prolific Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller about his new memoir “Theater Kid,” chronicling his journey to produce four Best Musical winners with “Rent,” “Avenue Q,” “In the Heights” and “Hamilton." Stick around until the end of the interview for a friendly game of Broadway vs. Hollywood savants, quizzing each other on what won Tonys and Oscars throughout history. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley gets ready for tonight's Tony Awards by interviewing playwright Kimberly Bellflower about her play “John Proctor is the Villain,” reimagining Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" to earn 7 Tony nominations, including Best Play. They spoke when the show made its pre-Broadway premiere at Studio Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2022. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews blues legend Taj Mahal, who performs with Keb Mo tomorrow at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. They discuss their "TajMo" collaborations, as well as Taj Mahal's career from recording tunes like "Statesboro Blues" to movie soundtracks like "Sounder." Did you know he's related to the late Cicely Tyson? (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews writer/director Kevin Smith for the 25th anniversary re-release of the cult-classic comedy "Dogma," which returns to movie theaters this weekend. They discuss the making of the movie, the casting of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as fallen angels, and the overall legacy of Jay & Silent Bob. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews The Archies' lead singer Ron Dante, who now fronts The Turtles for the "Happy Together" tour at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on June 8-10. He also reflects on his career, from recording the bubblegum pop hit "Sugar, Sugar" to producing iconic records for Barry Manilow, then becoming a Tony-winning Broadway producer and TV theme-song scribe. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Gary Puckett & The Union Gap as the “Happy Together” tour hits The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on June 8-10. Puckett previews the show and shares memories of recording hits like “Woman, Woman,” “Young Girl” and “Lady Willpower.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony as the “Happy Together” tour hits The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on June 8-10. He reflects on forming The Imperials for late ‘50s doo-wop hits like “Tears on My Pillow” before evolving into ‘60s soul and R&B for eventual induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 75th anniversary of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz taking their vaudeville act on the road in Chicago then New York City, inspiring CBS to give them their own sitcom with “I Love Lucy.” Jason interviewed their daughter Lucie Arnaz when she toured with “Pippin” at the National Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2014. Don’t miss their other chat about the best “I Love Lucy” episodes in our archives at BeyondTheFamePodcast.com. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Fastball lead singer Tony Scalzo as the alternative-rock band performs live at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland on June 8th. They discuss band’s journey to record hits like “The Way,” “Fire Escape,” “Out of My Head” and “You’re an Ocean.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews JET bass player Mark Wilson as the band rocks the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. on June 2. They discuss the band’s formation in Australia and eventual journey to record smash hits like “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” “Look What You’ve Done” and “Cold Hard Bitch.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews 38 Special co-founder and lead singer Don Barnes as the classic-rock band performs at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on June 7th. He describes helping bandmate Donnie Van Zant work through the grief of his brother’s fatal plane crash with Lynyrd Skynyrd to eventually record hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You” and “If I’d Been the One.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates 30 years of the family sitcom “Full House," which aired its series finale on ABC on May 23, 1995. He spoke to Uncle Jesse when John Stamos rocked the “A Capitol Fourth” concert in Washington D.C. in 2017. You'll also hear the origin of his signature catchphrase "Have Mercy!" (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley previews Blood Sweat & Tears at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, Maryland on May 30 by speaking with longtime Band Manager Larry Dorr. They discuss the brass-rock band's evolution from Al Kooper to David Clayton-Thomas, from Jerry Fisher to its rotating members today, leaving us with beloved tunes like “Spinning Wheel” and “You Make Me So Very Happy.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello, who stars in “Kimberly Akimbo” at National Theatre in Washington D.C. tomorrow through June 1st. She also reflects on her career on stage and screen, from Broadway's "Parade" to AMC's first original series "Remember WENN." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 30th anniversary of John O’Hurley's first appearance as J. Peterman in “Seinfeld" on May 18, 1995. They spoke when O'Hurley played hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn in the iconic musical “Chicago” at the National Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the "Mad Men" series finale, which aired on May 17, 2015. That spring, the cast and crew donated memorabilia to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. You'll hear from Creator Matthew Weiner and AMC Network President Charlie Collier as cast members Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and John Slattery posed next to their props and costumes. You'll also hear from “Mad Men” co-producer and advertising consultant Joshua Weltman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Andy McCluskey of the British synth-pop group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (O.M.D.), which performs live at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C. on May 22-23. They discuss the group’s international electronic hits, including "Enola Gay," "Joan of Arc," "Tesla Girls" and of course “If You Leave” from the “Pretty in Pink” soundtrack. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews lead singer Colin Blunstone of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band The Zombies as the new documentary “Hung Up on a Dream” opens in movie theaters this week. They discuss the band’s formation, unique name and biggest hits from “She’s Not There” to “Time of the Season," as well as their breakup, long hiatus and eventual reunion. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley celebrates the 85th birthday of "Taxi" creator James L. Brooks by flashing back to this 2018 interview with actress Marilu Henner, who earned five Golden Globe nominations as Elaine Nardo on the iconic sitcom. She also discusses her Broadway show at the time called “Gettin' the Band Back Together.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews hilarious comedian Frank Caliendo, who cracks up the D.C. Improv in Washington D.C. on May 20 and 21. They discuss his career from “MADtv” to “Fox NFL Sunday,” as well as his impersonations of presidents like Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, sports figures like John Madden, Jon Gruden and Charles Barkley, and actors like Morgan Freeman and Robert Downey Jr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Timothy Scott Bogart about his new Shakespeare musical adaptation “Juliet & Romeo," which hits movie theaters this Friday, starring Jason Isaacs as Lord Montague and Rebel Wilson as Lady Capulet, while introducing Clara Rugaard and Jamie Ward as the titular star-crossed lovers. The songs are written by his Grammy-winning brother Evan Kidd Bogart, who discovered Eminem and penned Beyonce’s “Halo," following in the footsteps of their father Neil Bogart, founder of Casablanca Records. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley salutes Little Big Town on the 20th anniversary of their hit country song "Boondocks," which was released on May 2, 2005. He covered the band when it was honored at the 2018 Grammys on the Hill event at The Hamilton in Washington D.C. You'll also hear red-carpet interviews with guests like Danny Gokey, Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes and "Despacito" co-writer Erika Ender. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Tony-nominated Broadway star Melissa Errico, who brings “The Story of a Rose: A Musical Reverie on The Great War” to the Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria, Virginia on May 7. She shares how her great aunt inspired the show and reflects on her own career from “My Fair Lady” to “Amour.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Grammy-winning country star Carly Pearce, who plays Stagecoach tomorrow before bringing her tour to The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland on May 1. She also discusses her biggest hits like “Every Little Thing,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” “Next Girl,” “What He Didn’t Do,” “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” and “We Don’t Fight Anymore.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Oscar-nominated composer David Newman, who conducts “Matilda: In Concert” live with the NSO Pops at the Kennedy Center this Friday and Saturday, including a special Q&A with Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson. He reflects on his career from “The Mighty Ducks” to “The Sandlot,” from “Tommy Boy” to “The Nutty Professor,” from “Anastasia” to “Ice Age,” as well as his favorite film scores by his legendary father Alfred Newman, brother Thomas Newman and cousin Randy Newman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews actor Asher Grodman, who stars in a very special episode of the spooky sitcom “Ghosts” tomorrow night on CBS. He shared why he loves playing his character Trevor and raves about his hilarious co-stars. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews rap legend Rakim, who performs live at Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday, April 18. The groundbreaking emcee breaks down his internal rhyme schemes across a career of hip-hop hits, including “Paid in Full,” “I Ain’t No Joke,” “I Know You Got Soul,” “Follow the Leader,” “Don’t Sweat the Technique” and “Juice (Know the Ledge).” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Old Dominion lead guitarist Brad Tursi, who brings his solo tour to Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on April 16 and Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on April 17 before the band rocks Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on July 18. They discuss his solo album “Parallel Love,” as well as his journey with Old Dominion for hits like “Break Up With Him,” “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” “Make It Sweet” and “One Man Band.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser, who stars in the new movie “The Luckiest Man in America,” based on the true story of a game-show contestant who memorized the Whammy pattern on “Press Your Luck.” They also discuss his career highlights from “I, Tonya” to “Richard Jewell," “BlackKKlansman” to “Da 5 Bloods,” “Black Bird” to “The Afterparty.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews “American Idol” champ David Cook, who performs live at Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on April 9 and Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia on May 2 for the annual “Race for Hope” fundraiser to benefit The National Brain Tumor Society. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews five-time Emmy nominee Amy Brenneman about her new comedy play "Fake It Until You Make It” at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. now through May 4. They also discuss her career highlights, including “NYPD Blue," "Casper," "Heat," "Judging Amy," “Private Practice” and “The Leftovers.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews acclaimed comedian Earthquake, who performs at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on April 12. He discusses growing up in D.C. before launching his standup comedy career, including the 2022 Netflix special “Chappelle’s Home Team: Earthquake Legendary,” which was named Funniest Comedy Special of the Year by The New York Times. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley catches up with John Driskell Hopkins, Jimmy De Martini and Caroline Jones of the Zac Brown Band, which performs live at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland this Friday, April 4. They break down their Grammy-winning hits, favorite deep cuts and one member’s inspiring fight against ALS. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Ami Canaan Mann, director of the new film “Audrey’s Children,” which opens in movie theaters nationwide today. They discuss her journey as a filmmaker, as well as the iconic work of father, Michael Mann. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Kevin Eastman, co-creator of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” ahead of Awesome Con in Washington D.C. on April 4-6. They discuss how his groundbreaking comic book evolved into an animated TV series, action figures, video games and live-action movie blockbusters. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews guitarist Bill Leverty of the rock band Firehouse, which performs live at The Tally Ho Theatre in Leesburg, Virginia on April 3. He reflects on growing up in Virginia before recording hits like “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” “Love of a Lifetime,” and “When I Look Into Your Eyes.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews four-time Grammy nominee Boney James, who performs live at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on April 2. The jazz and R&B icon dishes on his new album “Slow Burn” and how he became one of the most acclaimed saxophone players in the world. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interview country music star Craig Morgan, who performs at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland this Thursday night. They discuss his new album "American Soundtrack,” as well as his biggest hits, including "Almost Home," "That's What I Love About Sunday," "Redneck Yacht Club," "Little Bit of Life" and "International Harvester." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Airrion Love, founding member of the classic soul group The Stylistics, which performs live at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Sunday. They reflect on the group’s iconic tunes like “Stop, Look, Listen,” “Break Up to Make Up” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews The Guess Who's lead singer Burton Cummings, who rocks the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on March 19. They reflect on the band’s unique name and its biggest hits from “These Eyes” to “American Woman.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the eighth anniversary of Robert Osborne's death by bringing back this interview with his Turner Classic Movies colleague Ben Mankiewicz. They spoke in 2017 to promote TCM's Big Screen Classics series in partnership with Fathom Events. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews the hilarious Hank Azaria, who brings his Bruce Springsteen tribute band to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Thursday, followed by Baltimore Soundstage in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday. He also recreates his most famous voices from “The Simpsons” and reflects on his best movies from “Quiz Show” to “The Birdcage.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley previews Sunday's Oscars with Los Angeles film critic Oliver Jones, son of legendary D.C. movie critic Davey Marlin-Jones. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Dropkick Murphys lead guitarist Tim Brennan as the band rocks The Anthem in Washington D.C. this Thursday during its annual Saint Patrick's Day tour. They also discuss the band's Celtic rock tunes, from the smash hit "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" to the new social commentary single "Sirens." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley marks the 45th anniversary of the "Miracle on Ice" where the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team upset the Soviet Union on Feb. 22, 1980. He spoke with Chicago filmmaker Gabe Polsky, the son of Ukrainian immigrants, about his acclaimed hockey documentary “Red Army” in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Martin Campbell about his new action thriller "Cleaner" starring Daisy Ridley and Clive Owen (in theaters nationwide tomorrow). They also discuss his career of 007 glory from launching Pierce Brosnan in "GoldenEye" to launching Daniel Crag in "Casino Royale." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews R&B star Lalah Hathaway, who performs live at the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on Saturday, Feb. 22. She called in to preview the show and reflect on her life’s journey, from growing up the daughter of Donny Hathaway to winning five Grammys in her own right. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews trailblazing director Charles Burnett about his long-lost film “The Annihilation of Fish" starring James Earl Jones and Lynn Redgrave as the romance returns to select theaters tomorrow for Valentine’s Day. He also reflects on his groundbreaking 1977 film “Killer of Sheep,” named one of the Top 100 Films of All Time on the latest critics poll by Sight & Sound Magazine. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Emily Brundige, creator of the new animated series "Goldie," which premieres on Apple TV+ this Friday. She discusses her career journey from YouTube's “Pubertina” to Netflix’s “Hilda” to Nickelodeon's "Big Nate." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews renowned screenwriter David Koepp about his new haunted-house flick “Presence," directed by Steven Soderbergh. He also reflects on his prolific career of writing the iconic scripts for classics like Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park,” Brian De Palma’s “Mission Impossible” and Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews former Megadeth lead guitarist Marty Friedman, who rocks the Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Feb. 7 and the Tally Ho Theatre in Leesburg, Virginia on Feb. 11. He reflects on his journey from growing up in Laurel, Maryland to gaining thrash-metal fame with Megadeth and becoming a pop-culture sensation in Japan, all chronicled in his autobiography “Dreaming Japanese.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley sends well wishes to Washington Capitals arena announcer Wes Johnson, who is recovering after being found unresponsive in his hotel room in Atlanta where he planned to host a benefit for the National Alzheimer’s Association. You'll hear an update on his GoFundMe campaign, as well as a replay of their 2022 interview about the Alzheimer's fundraiser "Voiceapalooza." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews legendary movie critic Arch Campbell, who visits Politics & Prose in Washington D.C. this Sunday to promote his new memoir “The Accidental Critic.” Arch shares his favorite stories from the book, from growing up in Texas to moving to D.C. where he formed a dream team at Channel 4 in the Golden Age of local TV news. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Dr. Robert Ballard, the man who found the wreckage of the Titanic, ahead of his event at The Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland on Thursday, Feb. 6. He calls in to discuss his greatest underwater discoveries, from iconic shipwrecks to natural phenomenons that changed our very understanding of life on Earth — and whether Earth is itself a living creature. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Neil Burger about his new spy thriller "Inheritance" starring Phoebe Dynevor of “Bridgerton” and Rhys Ifans of “House of the Dragon.” He describes shooting the movie entirely on an iPhone after his career of Oscar-nominated films like “The Illusionist” and blockbusters like “Divergent.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews five-time Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding, who performs live this Sunday at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. She called in to discuss her acclaimed jazz career, from winning Best New Artist in 2011 to being nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at next week’s Grammy Awards. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews "The Color Purple" author Alice Walker and Busboys & Poets Founder Andy Shallal about the Peace Ball, which will be held in Washington D.C. this Saturday night ahead of Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Walker also shares her memories of the 1985 movie version with Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones and Steven Spielberg. After that, you'll hear Jason's previous conversation with Shallal about the last Peace Ball in 2017, reflecting on the two-term legacy of Barack Obama before Donald Trump took office the first time. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Howie Mandel about the virtual auditions for Season 20 of NBC's "America's Got Talent," which will still be held Jan. 24 despite in-person auditions being postponed yesterday in Pasadena due to the Los Angeles wildfires. They also discuss Mandel's career journey from "Bobby's World" to "Deal or No Deal." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews keyboardist Joel Cummins as Umphrey's McGee rocks the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Jan. 18. He discusses forming the band at the University of Notre Dame where their band manager appeared in the movie “Rudy” before getting their band name from a tipsy Rodney Dangerfield and even recording music for ESPN’s “Around the Horn." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Broadway star Ari’el Stachel, who kicks off his one-man show “Out of Character” today in Washington D.C. as a co-production of Theater J and Mosaic Theater. He describes writing and performing the autobiographical piece, as well as memories of his Tony-winning role in “The Band’s Visit.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley catches up with Jesse Eisenberg, who writes, directs and stars in "A Real Pain," nominated for four Golden Globes this weekend, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay. They discuss the acclaimed film and reflect on his career from “Zombieland” to “The Social Network.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley catches up with Mario Lopez, who hosts the Big Night DC: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza tomorrow night at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He called in from his car — and even braved a flat tire -- to preview what’s being billed as the “largest and most exciting New Year's Eve Gala in America!" (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley catches up with drummer Jeff Plate as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra rocks Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. on Dec. 23. They discuss holiday hits from “Christmas Eve/Sarajveo” to “Christmas Canon,” which are still played on Christmas radio stations every December to this day. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley catches up with filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer about his new apocalyptic musical “The End" starring Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon. He describes his first foray into feature-length narrative filmmaking after his Oscar-nominated documentaries “The Act of Killing” and “The Look of Silence.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews comedian Mark Curry, who brings his standup comedy tour to the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Sunday. He previews the show and reflects on his career journey, from “Showtime at The Apollo” to the sitcom “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” — and why there should be a reboot. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews 12-time Grammy winner John Legend, who brings his Christmas show to Christmas show to the Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland on Saturday, Dec. 12. Legend previews the holiday tour and shares his favorite Christmas memories. We also reflect on his hit songs like “Ordinary People,” “All of Me” and “Love Me Now,” his Oscar experiences with “Selma” and “La La Land,” and what it’s meant to coach the next generation of artists on NBC’s “The Voice.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner Jennifer Hudson, who just released her first ever Christmas album "The Gift of Love" along with a holiday concert tour in select tours. They discuss her favorite holiday tracks and memories of turning “American Idol” defeat into Oscar-winning gold in “Dreamgirls” on her way to becoming a rare EGOT. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews actor Jim O’Heir, who played Jerry Gergich on NBC’s “Park and Recreation" and is now the author of the new book “Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles and Parks and Recreation.” He called in to share some insightful tidbits from the book and ended with a fun rapid-fire salute to his hilarious co-stars. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley gets ready for “Sesame Street Live” at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia this Saturday -- the perfect event if you have family in town for Thanksgiving weekend. He spoke to the cast of "Sesame Street" on the red carpet at the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. You'll also hear his 2021 conversation with the filmmakers of the insightful documentary "Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Disney Channel alum Karan Brar, who makes his theater debut in the lead role of the new play “Data" at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. now through Dec. 15. He called in to discuss the show, what he’s learned from acting on stage for the first time, and memories of his screen roles from TV shows like “Jessie” and “Bunk’d” to movies like “Pacific Rim Uprising” and “Hubie Halloween.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Clarke Peters about his new historical thriller “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin” in movie theaters today, produced Angel Studios ("Sound of Freedom"). He recounts the true story of a plot to assassinate Hitler, as well as his own career highlights from dissecting Baltimore in HBO’s “The Wire” to witnessing angelic light behind the late Chadwick Boseman in Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Kip Winger, lead singer of the band Winger, which rocks the Tally Ho Theatre in Leesburg, Virginia on Friday. They discuss the band’s biggest hits from "Headed for a Heartbreak" to "Miles Away," as well as how the band bounced back after the grunge movement temporarily put them out of business. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews Alan Parsons of The Alan Parsons Project ahead of tomorrow night's concert at The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland. He describes his early days as an engineer on iconic Beatles and Pink Floyd albums before launching his own band with hits like “Eye in the Sky” and “Sirius,” which became the entrance theme for Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. He even describes meeting his wife at Merriweather Post Pavilion. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews comedian Paula Poundstone, who cracks up The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23. She calls in to preview her standup show and reacts to the political aftermath of last week’s U.S. presidential election heading into a second Trump Administration. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's Clarion")
Jason Fraley interviews comedian Michelle Wolf, who cracks up the D.C. Improv in Washington D.C. for five straight nights today through Sunday. She reflects on her career highlights, from “Late Night with Seth Meyers” to “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” to her controversial roast at the 2018 White House Correspondents Dinner — and the state of comedy today heading into a second Trump Administration. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Grammy nominee Aloe Blacc, who performs live at the “Songs for Hope” concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Monday, September 18th. They discuss his beloved hip-hop and R&B hits from “I Need a Dollar” to “The Man” to his Avicii collaboration “Wake Me Up.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Michelle Branch, who performs live at Maryland Hall for the Annapolis Songwriters Festival this Thursday night. They discuss the craft of songwriting on hits like “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted” and “Are You Happy Now?," as well as songs like “Leave the Pieces” by her acclaimed but short-lived country duo The Wreckers. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Everclear frontman Art Alexakis as the band rocks The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland on Wednesday night. They discuss the band’s biggest hits, including “Santa Monica,” “I Will Buy You a New Life,” “Father of Mine” and “Wonderful.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews David Duchovny & Gillian Anderson (a.k.a. Mulder & Scully) as today marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic science-fiction TV series "The X-Files," which premiered on Sept. 10, 1993. First, you'll hear from Gillian Anderson, who joined WTOP in 2016 to discuss her human-trafficking film “Sold." You'll then hear from David Duchovny, who joined WTOP in 2016 when he played a detective hunting Charles Manson in the NBC series “Aquarius." They both also discuss the latest reboot of "The X-Files" on Fox. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Juliette Binoche to mark the 30th anniversary of Krzysztof Kieślowski’s acclaimed “Three Colors Trilogy,” which began with “Three Colors: Blue” on Sept. 8, 1993. They spoke in 2015 when Binoche starred in “Antigone” at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., ending the convo with rapid-fire memories of her Oscar-winning career from “The English Patient” to “Chocolat” to “Cache.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews country music legend Jo Dee Messina, who brings her “Heads Carolina, Tails California” Tour to the Great Frederick Fair in Frederick, Maryland on Sept. 22. They discuss her career of country hits, including “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “Bring on the Rain,” “Burn,” “That’s the Way,” “Lesson in Leavin’,” “Bye Bye,” “Stand Beside Me,” “My Give a Damn’s Busted” and so many more. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews "Abbott Elementary" star Lisa Ann Walter, who returns home to perform standup comedy at the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland on Sept. 17. They discuss growing up in the D.C. area, her real-life friendships with her "Abbott Elementary" co-stars and the importance of the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates National Day Day with Tony-winning Broadway trainer Bill Berloni. They spoke when he visited the Washington Animal Rescue League in D.C. in 2016 about training the dog Sandy in National Theatre's “Annie,” the dog Toto in National Theatre's “The Wizard of Oz” and the dog Nana in NBC’s “Peter Pan Live.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae, who performs live at Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C. on Sept. 6. They discuss her journey from her breakthrough hit “Put Your Records On” to her upcoming new album “Black Rainbows,” which drops on Sept. 15. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Whose Line is it Anyway?" star Colin Mochrie, who joins co-star Brad Sherwood to bring their “Scared Scriptless” improv show to Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland this Saturday. They discuss his favorite memories from the show, as well as hilariously roasting his TV co-stars Ryan Stiles and Wayne Brady. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Tommy Davidson, who cracks up the Bethesda Theater this Thursday night in Bethesda, Maryland. He shares memories of growing up in Maryland, launching his standup comedy career in D.C. and moving to Hollywood for iconic TV shows like "In Living Color" and hilarious movies like Spike Lee's "Bamboozled." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews WWE's Bianca Belair as tickets go on sale today for "WrestleMania 40" in Philadelphia on April 6-7, 2024. The three-time women’s champ previews the big event, as well as her crazy turn of events winning then losing the title earlier this month at “SummerSlam” and how she hopes to get revenge at “WWE Payback" on Peacock on Sept. 2. She also reflects on her historic moments in 2021 becoming the first Black woman to both win the "Royal Rumble" and main event “Wrestlemania.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival singer-songwriter John Fogerty, who rocks Wolf Trap in Virginia on Saturday night. They discuss his most iconic CCR hits, including “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Green River,” “Down on the Corner,” “Fortunate Son,” “Up Around the Bend,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and so many more. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Theresa Caputo, former star of TLC’s “Long Island Medium,” who brings her self-proclaimed psychic abilities to MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland this Friday night. She called in to describe seeing spooky things growing up on Long Island, hosting the TLC reality series for 14 seasons, and how her own personal experience compares to movies like “Ghost” and “The Sixth Sense.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Sophia Lillis, who stars in the new indie comedy-drama flick “The Adults,” in movie theaters this weekend. She discusses working with co-stars Michael Cera and Hannah Gross, as well as memories of Stephen King’s “It” and Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Tony Award winner Daisy Eagan as today marks the 30th anniversary of the 1993 film version of "The Secret Garden." Eagan's performance in Broadway's "The Secret Garden" at age 11 made her the youngest Tony winner ever on Broadway in 1991. They spoke in 2016 when she passed the torch to 11-year-old Anya Rothman at Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull as the band rocks Wolf Trap in Virginia on Aug. 24. They discuss his idea to bring the flute into rock music for a career of hits from “Aqualung” to “Locomotive Breath” to “Bungle in the Jungle." He even shares his thoughts on Will Ferrell's "Aqualung" spoof in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews comedian Russell Peters, who cracks up MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland tomorrow night. They discuss his journey from becoming the first comedian with a Netflix original comedy special to being named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Comics of All Time. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP's Jason Fraley interviews Goo Doll Dolls bass player Robby Takac as the band rocks Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on Friday night. They discuss the band’s biggest hits, including “Name,” “Iris,” “Slide,” “Black Balloon” and “Broadway.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Regina Spektor, who performs live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia this Thursday night. They discuss her childhood journey from the Soviet Union to the United States where a generous couple on the New York subway gifted her a music education, sparking an indie-pop career that’s evolved into hit TV themes in Hollywood. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Donny Osmond, who performs live at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, this Wednesday night. They discuss his six-decade career, from his early family songs like “One Bad Apple" to the advice he got from Michael Jackson about pivoting to solo hits like “Soldier of Love." They also discuss how co-hosting “Donny & Marie” TV shows helped launch “Star Wars,” Britney Spears and Beyonce, not to mention winning “Dancing with the Stars” and almost winning “The Masked Singer.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Tim Matheson as today marks the 45th anniversary of "Animal House," which opened in movie theaters on July 28, 1978. They spoke in 2016 when Matheson came to Washington D.C. to promote his role as Ronald Reagan in the National Geographic movie "Killing Reagan." They also discuss his Emmy-nominated role as the vice president in "The West Wing" and of course his memories of playing the hilarious Otter in "Animal House." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews four-time Grammy nominee Elle King, who rocks Solomons, Maryland tonight and Charles Town, West Virginia tomorrow night. They discuss her journey to create rock anthems like “Ex’s & Oh’s” and country hits like her Dierks Bentley duet “Different for Girls” and her Miranda Lambert duet “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Matchbox Twenty lead guitarist Kyle Cook as the band rocks Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia tomorrow night. They discuss the band's new album "Where the Light Goes," as well as the band's biggest hits, including “Push,” “3 AM,” “Real World,” “Bent,” “If You’re Gone,” “Bright Lights,” “Unwell” and “How Far We’ve Come.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews the legendary Carlos Santana, who rocks MGM National Harbor tomorrow night in Oxon Hill, Maryland, near Washington D.C. They discuss his journey from Mexico to Woodstock, including classic hits like “Evil Ways,” “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va” before his record-breaking 1999 album “Supernatural," featuring star-studded collaborations like Rob Thomas on “Smooth” and Wyclef Jean on “Maria Maria.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats again with Tony Award winner Myles Frost, who comes home to the D.C. area to perform "RENT: In Concert" with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. They also discuss his journey from growing up in Maryland to winning the Tony on Broadway last year for "MJ: The Musical," as well as his upcoming film with Ava DuVernay. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Broadway star Laura Osnes, who performs live at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, Maryland on Saturday, July 29. They discuss her big break, winning the TV reality show “Grease: You’re the One That I Want," as well as her biggest Broadway roles, including a pair of Tony nominations for “Bonnie & Clyde” and “Cinderella.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with former NFL great Vernon Davis, who just dropped his first rap album called "Showtime" with the song "Bounce Like Dis" filmed at FedEx Field. They discuss him growing up in Washington D.C. from Dunbar High School to the University of Maryland in College Park, then dominating the NFL on the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos before ultimately ending his career back in Washington. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Netflix's "House of Cards" becoming the first streaming series ever nominated for an Emmy on July 18, 2013. You'll hear a brief chat with Robin Wright from the show's red carpet premiere at the Newseum in 2013, followed by an important conversation with renowned Washington D.C. actor Ed Gero, who starred in Season 2 of "House of Cards," about why his union SAG-AFTRA is currently on strike. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Neil Fallon of Clutch as the band rocks Washington D.C. twice this week, first at The Atlantis on Thursday, then at The Anthem on Friday. They discuss him growing up in Montgomery County, Maryland and forming the band with his high school buddies to record hits like “Electric Worry.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Luke Spiller of The Struts as the band rocks the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. on Sunday, followed by the brand new venue The Atlantis on July 23. They discuss the band’s journey from hit songs like “Could Have Been Me" to helping open D.C.’s The Anthem with Foo Fighters in 2017. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews "American Idol" Season 5 champion Taylor Hicks, who releases his first new music in 14 years with his brand new single “Teach Me to Dance.” They discuss his upcoming album “Porch Swing,” as well as his memories of winning “American Idol” and his thoughts on Ryan Seacrest becoming the new host of “Wheel of Fortune.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews "Swagger" stars Quvenzhané Wallis and Isaiah Hill, as well as creator Reggie Rock Bythewood as the basketball drama series drops Episode 3 of Season 2 today on Apple TV+. They also discuss the 10th anniversary of Wallis becoming the youngest ever Best Actress nominee at the 2013 Oscars. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Jack Blades, bassist and vocalist of Night Ranger, which brings its 40th anniversary tour to Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia tomorrow night. They discuss Night Ranger hits like “Sister Christian” and Damn Yankees hits like “High Enough.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP's Jason Fraley interviews Karen Allen as “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” opens in movie theaters nationwide today for Harrison Ford’s fifth and final installment. They spoke in 2017 when she called to promote her indie film “Year by the Sea," as well as memories of growing up in Maryland and her breakthrough roles in "Animal House" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Lea Thompson as “Back to the Future” becomes a Broadway musical tomorrow at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. They spoke for a special 30th anniversary screening at Wolf Trap in Virginia back in 2015. (Them Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Alfonso Ribeiro, who hosts PBS' "A Capitol Fourth" concert and fireworks in Washington D.C. next Tuesday for the Fourth of July. They also discuss his memories of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "Dancing with the Stars." After that, you'll hear a bonus throwback interview with Ribeiro's predecessor Tom Bergeron, who hosted "A Capitol Fourth" in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley catches up again with Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik, who performs live at The Anthem in D.C. on July 5. They discuss his biggest hits from "Superman (It's Not Easy)" to "100 Years," as well as his diehard passion for hockey and whether Alex Ovechkin can break Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jason Mraz about his new album, “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride,” which drops today on his birthday. They also discuss his upcoming show at Wolf Trap in Virginia, where he grew up before recording hits like "The Remedy," "You and I Both," "Lucky," "I'm Yours" and "I Won't Give Up." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Oscar-nominated actress Kathleen Turner as today marks the 35th anniversary of the classic live-action/animated hybrid “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,” which premiered on June 22, 1988. They spoke in 2019 when she visited Washington D.C. for the annual Arena Stage Gala, breaking down her most famous roles from "Body Heat" to "Romancing the Stone." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Grammy winner Deniece Williams, who performs live at Bethesda Blues & Jazz in Bethesda, Maryland on Saturday night. They discuss her career from singing background vocals for Stevie Wonder to recording duets with Johnny Mathis to recording her own hits like "Let's Hear it for the Boy" on the "Footloose" soundtrack. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Harrison of the band Talking Heads, who performs live with Adrian Belew of King Crimson this Thursday night at Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C. They discuss the biggest hits of Talking Heads, including “Psycho Killer,” “Life During Wartime,” “Take Me to the River,” “Once in a Lifetime” and “Burning Down the House.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews tenor Tyler Trepp of Straight No Chaser, which brings its "Yacht Rock" tour to Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia this Wednesday. They also discuss the group's new album "Yacht on the Rocks." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with 8-year-old Thomas Parobek of Fairfax, Virginia, who stars in Tom Holland's new psychological thriller series "The Crowded Room" on Apple TV+. They discuss his role as Amanda Seyfried's son in "The Crowded Room," as well as his role as Young Johnny in Netflix's "Cobra Kai." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley wishes a happy 80th birthday to iconic singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, who was born on June 17, 1943. Manilow is currently performing a residency in Las Vegas where you’ll hear hits like “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs” and “Copacabana.” He briefly spoke to Jason in 2015 for what was then thought to be his farewell tour at the Verizon Center, now called Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Shila Ommi of Pixar's "Elemental," which opens in movie theaters nationwide today. They discuss the immigrant social commentary of Element City where Fire, Water, Land and Air attempt to coexist. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Sasha Calle, the first Latino to play the role of Supergirl in "The Flash," which opens in movie theaters nationwide today. They discuss how the film’s time-travel plot allows audiences to reconnect with classic characters like Michael Keaton’s Batman and Michael Shannon’s General Zod. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Ziggy Marley, who performs live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia this Saturday and Sunday. They discuss his journey from growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, to learning music from his father, Bob Marley, then forming The Melody Makers with his siblings and eventually charting his own Grammy-winning solo career. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Michael & Kevin Bacon again as the Bacon Brothers perform four shows over two nights at the Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland this Friday and Saturday. We also invite you to check out their three previous conversations by searching in the "Beyond the Fame" archives. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews comedian Bert Kreischer, who brings his "Fully Loaded" comedy tour to CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland this Thursday, featuring titans like Dave Attell and Tiffany Haddish. They discuss his incredible journey from a Florida State party animal who inspired “Van Wilder” to his shirtless standup specials and new action comedy flick “The Machine.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, who performs live this Friday for “Broadway in the Park” at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. They discuss her groundbreaking career, including winning a Tony in “Miss Saigon” on Broadway — the first Asian actress to do so — as well providing the iconic Disney singing voices of Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin” and Mulan in “Mulan.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with filmmaker Whit Stillman as tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of “The Last Days of Disco,” which opened on June 12, 1998. They spoke in 2016 about the release of his period-piece comedy “Love & Friendship.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer Phillip Phillips, who releases his new album "Drift Back" today. They discuss his journey from growing up in Georgia to winning Season 11 of "American Idol," including his instant hit "Home" that became the top-selling coronation song in "Idol" history." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Melissa Rivers as today would have been the 90th birthday of legendary comedian Joan Rivers, who was born June 8, 1933. They spoke in 2016 when she hosted a tribute to her late mother at the Kennedy Center. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with reggae star Shaggy, who plays Jiffy Lube Live this Friday in Bristow, Virginia. They spoke back in 2019 when Shaggy joined UB40 at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. They discuss his roots singing in the U.S. Marines before recording massive hits, including "Boombastic," "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews singer Vanessa Williams as today marks the 35th anniversary of her debut album “The Right Stuff” on June 6, 1988. We spoke in 2019 when she performed at the “A Capitol Fourth” concert in Washington D.C., breaking down her biggest hits from “Colors of the Wind” to “Save the Best for Last.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tony winner Debra Monk, who won for Broadway's "Redwood Curtain" 30 years ago tomorrow on June 6, 1993. They spoke in 2017 when she starred in “Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing” at Signature Theatre in Shirlington, Virginia. They also discuss her Emmy win for "NYPD Blue" and her film roles from "The Devil's Advocate" to "The Bridges of Madison County." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley interviews Collective Soul rhythm guitarist Dean Roland as the band rocks the Let's Go! Music Festival in Annapolis, Maryland this Friday night. They discuss the band's biggest hits from "Shine" to "The World I Know" to "December." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy -winning R&B star Anthony Hamilton, who performs a special Christmas concert at Capital One Hall this Sunday in Tysons, Virginia. The show is presented by Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, whose pastor Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley joined the interview to share his favorite Hamilton songs. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/actress Leighton Meester as this weekend marks the 10th anniversary of the "Gossip Girl" finale on Dec. 17, 2012. They spoke when Meester performed a live concert at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia back in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with two-time Oscar nominee John Travolta to mark the 45th anniversary of "Saturday Night Fever," which opened on Dec. 14, 1977. They spoke when he visited D.C. during the release of his 2019 film "The Fanatic." They also discussed the 25th anniversary of "Pulp Fiction" and his memories of "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy nominee Molly Tuttle, who is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Bluegrass Album at the next ceremony in February. They discuss her journey from losing her hair with alopecia areata to recording the acclaimed new album "Crooked Tree," which she hopes will inspire others to be different. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Drew Lachey of 98 Degrees, Erik-Michael Estrada of O-Town and Ryan Cabrera, who combine with All-4-One to bring "A Boy Band Christmas" to the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Friday night. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedy legend Bob Newhart as today marks 20 years since the Christmas comedy classic "Elf" went into production on Dec. 9, 2002. They discuss his memories of playing Papa Elf, his iconic TV sitcoms from "The Bob Newhart Show" to "Newhart," and voicing Bernard in Disney's "The Rescuers." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the hilarious Eddie Murphy, who made his film debut 40 years ago today in the buddy cop action-flick "48 Hrs" on Dec. 8, 1982. They spoke briefly on the red carpet when Murphy received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in 2015. You'll also hear from other celebrities on the red carpet, including Trevor Noah, Kathy Griffin, Jay Pharoah, Kevin Nealon and Joe Piscopo. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Michael Genet, who performs in the musical "Wicked" at the Kennedy Center starting tomorrow through Jan. 22. They discuss the social commentary between Elphaba and Glinda, as well his own journey from growing up in Washington D.C. to writing the screenplay for Spike Lee's "She Hate Me." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country music star Pam Tillis, who brings her “Belles & Bows: Country Hits & Christmas Favorites Tour” to Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Sunday. They discuss her journey from growing up the daughter of Nashville legend Mel Tillis to recording her own hits like “Maybe it was Memphis.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Kenny G, who brings his "Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour" to the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Friday. They discuss his playing the same exact saxophone for nearly 50 years since high school en route to becoming the top-selling instrumentalist of all time. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley gets ready for this Sunday's Kennedy Center Honors with a fun flashback to the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors featuring Reba McEntire, Cher, Philip Glass, Wayne Shorter and the creators of "Hamilton." You'll also hear Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter preview this year's honorees: George Clooney, Gladys Knight, Amy Grant, Tania León and U2. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the 75th anniversary of the Broadway debut of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" on Dec. 3, 1947 starring a breakthrough Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski. Jason spoke with filmmaker Steven Riley about his 2015 documentary "Listen to Me Marlon" to discuss Brando's career on stage and screen. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with legendary cult filmmaker John Waters, who brings "A John Waters Christmas" to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Dec. 21. He shares memories of growing up in Baltimore, protesting in D.C. and directing cult classics like "Pink Flamingos" and "Hairspray," which of course became a smash Broadway musical. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter Karla Bonoff, who brings her "Home for the Holidays" tour to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Dec. 11. They discuss recording hits like “Somebody’s Eyes” on the “Footloose” soundtrack, as well as writing hits for other artists like Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Aaron Neville and Wynonna Judd. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rascals founder Felix Cavaliere to mark the 55th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band's last single as The Young Rascals before changing its name to The Rascals. They spoke when Cavaliere and co-founder Gene Cornish played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia in 2018, breaking down hits like "Good Lovin'," "Groovin'" and "A Beautiful Morning." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with director Steven Spielberg as "The Fabelmans" opens today in movie theaters nationwide. They spoke in 2013 at the National Archives' Records of Achievement Awards presented by Ken Burns. You'll also hear an in-depth breakdown of Spielberg's entire filmography in chronological order by legendary D.C. movie critic Arch Campbell and the hilariously eloquent Oliver Jones, son of the late D.C. critic Davey Marlin-Jones. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with John Cleese to mark the 60th anniversary of his TV debut writing for the BBC's "That Was the Week That Was" on Nov. 24, 1962, which of course led to "Monty Python" and "Fawlty Towers." They spoke in 2017 when Cleese visited Washington D.C. for a special Q&A and screening of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" at the historic Warner Theatre. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Jeff Dunham, who returns to Comedy Central this Friday with a new standup special called “Me the People,” which was filmed recently at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. They discuss his journey as a ventriloquist comedian and how he and his famous puppets are navigating the changing comedy landscape. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Frank Caliendo as this weekend marks the 15th anniversary of "Frank TV" premiering on Nov. 20, 2007. They spoke when Caliendo performed at the D.C. Improv in 2018, sharing his hilarious impersonations of Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Charles Barkley, Jon Gruden and the late John Madden. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Leslie Iwerks, granddaughter of Mickey Mouse co-creator Ub Iwerks, about her new book "The Imagineering Story." They discuss the creative and technological innovations since Disneyland opened in 1955 and Disney World opened in 1971. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Ford's Theatre's Senior Artistic Advisor Sheldon Epps, who just penned the new book "My Own Directions: A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre.” They discuss his journey from Broadway to Pasadena Playhouse in California, as well as his TV directing carer from “Frasier,” to “Friends” to “Girlfriends." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Blue Öyster Cult co-founder Eric Bloom as the band rocks Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Saturday night. They spoke about the band’s biggest hits from “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” to “Godzilla” to “Burnin’ For You," and of course the hilarious “Saturday Night Live” sketch featuring Will Ferrell’s cowbell. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Mario Lopez, who emcees "Home for the Holidays" at Westfield Montgomery in Bethesda, Maryland on Sunday. They discuss his new Lifetime movie "Steppin' into the Holiday," as well as his TV career from "Saved by the Bell" to "Access Hollywood." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Veterans Day by chatting with "Band of Brothers" actor James Madio, who joins a star-studded TV tribute to the troops tonight called "American Valor." They discuss his memories from "Band of Brothers" and his favorite episodes. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tony Harris, host of "The Proof Is Out There" on the History Channel on Fridays. They discuss his journey from Baltimore radio and TV stations to hosting national programs on CNN and "Entertainment Tonight." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Charles Kelley, founding guitarist and vocalist of the country music group Lady A, which is nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at the CMA Awards tonight on ABC and streaming on Hulu. They spoke in 2017 when the group rocked Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. (Theme Music: "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Paula Poundstone, who brings post-election humor to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday and Saturday. They discuss the state of American politics during the first midterm elections since the Jan. 6 insurrection. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with neo-soul and R&B star Maxwell, who performs live at MGM National Harbor near Washington D.C. on Saturday and Sunday. They discuss his career from "Ascension" to "Pretty Wings" to "Lake By the Ocean," which sparked viral videos of his dance moves on stage. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with The Revivalists guitarist Zack Feinberg as the band rocks The Anthem in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. They spoke when the band previously played The Anthem in 2020, discussing how the New Orleans band formed during the city's revival from Hurricane Katrina to record hit songs like “Wish I Knew You.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Nancy Springer, author of the "Enola Holmes" book series as the new movie "Enola Holmes 2" hits Netflix today starring Millie Bobby Brown. They spoke in 2020 when the original film premiered on Netflix for a deep dive into how Springer created the teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy winner Richard Marx, who performs live at the Capital Turnaround in Washington D.C. tomorrow night. They discuss his biggest hits from "Don’t Mean Nothing” to “Right Here Waiting,” as well as songs he wrote for other artists like “This I Promise You” for NSYNC, "To Where You Are" for Josh Groban, “Dance with My Father” with Luther Vandross and “Better Life” for Keith Urban. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Sophia Anne Caruso, who is currently starring in the Netflix original movie "The School for Good and Evil." They spoke in 2018 alongside Tony-nominated co-star Alex Brightman when they brought the pre-Broadway world premiere of "Beetlejuice: The Musical" to National Theatre in Washington D.C. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with best-selling author David Baldacci about his new novel "Long Shadows," the seventh installment of his "Memory Man" series about Amos Decker. They also discuss his Virginia roots and his quest for improved literacy in America. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Halloween by chatting with "A Nightmare on Elm Street" composer Charles Bernstein, who wrote the music for Freddy Krueger. They spoke in 2020 about his memories of working with Wes Craven to craft the creepy ditty "1, 2, Freddy's coming for you." He even recreates the music live on his piano during the interview. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Howie Mandel, who made his television debut in "St. Elsewhere" 40 years ago this week in October of 1982. They spoke in 2017 when he called in to promote the “Howie Mandel All-Star Comedy Gala” on The CW, as well as memories of creating “Bobby’s World," hosting “Deal or No Deal” and judging “America’s Got Talent.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with 14-year-old Jalyn Hall, who plays Emmett Till in the new movie "Till," which opens nationwide today. They discuss his chemistry with co-stars Danielle Deadwyler, Whoopi Goldberg and Frankie Faison, his admiration for director Chinonye Chukwu, and the film's relevancy to racism in America today. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the 25th anniversary of Destiny’s Child releasing its first single “No, No, No” on Oct. 27, 1997. He spoke to Michelle Williams in 2017 during National Women’s Health Week organized by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Charl Brown, who earned a Tony Award nomination playing Smokey Robinson in "Motown: The Musical" on Broadway in 2013. They spoke about his upcoming cabaret show "Smokey & Me," which hits the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland on Sunday. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Magic Week by chatting with magician Jon Dorenbos, who was also a former two-time NFL Pro Bowl long snapper for Philadelphia Eagles. They spoke last year when Dorenbos perform a magic show at MGM National Harbor near Washington D.C. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with enigmatic magician David Blaine to kick off Magic Week, which is always the last week of October. They discussed his death-defying stunts when Blaine mystified MGM National Harbor near Washington D.C. back in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with successful horror children's author R.L. Stine, who visits the Library of Congress tomorrow to celebrate 30 years of "Goosebumps." They discuss his personal favorite books and his most popular characters in the series. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with legendary singer/songwriter Jim Messina, who performs live at Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Sunday. They discuss his time in Buffalo Springfield, Poco and the duo Loggins & Messina, which recorded hits like "Danny's Song" and "Your Mama Don't Dance." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rachel Bloom, who stars in the new Hulu comedy series “Reboot” alongside Keegan-Michael Key and Johnny Knoxville. They spoke in 2016 just days after winning Best Actress at the Golden Globes for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” on The CW. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Hootie & The Blowfish lead guitarist Mark Bryan, who performs live at the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland on Saturday night with the Screaming Trojans, a mix of his high-school buddies from Seneca Valley and Gaithersburg High Schools. They also discuss him meeting Darius Rucker at the University of South Carolina to record hits like "Hold My Hand," "Let Her Cry," "Time" and "Only Wanna Be With You." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Matthew Heineman, who wrapped the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival last night in Washington D.C. with his new documentary "Retrograde" about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Heineman joined WTOP in 2015 to discuss his Oscar-nominated documentary "Cartel Land." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with musician Kris Allen, who beat Adam Lambert in Season 8 of "American Idol" and performs tonight at The Hamilton in Washington D.C. They spoke in 2017 when Allen brought his Christmas tour to the Miracle Theatre on Barracks Row in D.C. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb as tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of her hit single "I Do" on Oct. 14, 1997. They spoke in 2017 when Loeb performed at the AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Middleburg Film Festival, which kicks off tomorrow in Middleburg, Virginia. Here's one of his favorite conversations from 2018 when the festival screened Alfonso Cuaron's masterpiece "Roma." Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio joined Jason via interpreter to discuss starring in her very first movie. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the launch of the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival this week in Washington D.C. by reviving this convo from the festival's inaugural year in 2015 with "Spotlight" director Tom McCarthy and screenwriter Josh Singer, who went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars. You'll also hear a conversation with "The Wire" creator David Simon, who hosted the Q&A after the "Spotlight" screening. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Adam Ferrara, who performs live at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse in Virginia this Friday and Saturday. They spoke in 2017 when he played the D.C. Improv in Washington D.C., breaking down his standup career and memories of his TV roles in "Rescue Me" and "Nurse Jackie." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with stage and screen legend Betty Buckley to mark the 40th anniversary of "Cats," which premiered on Broadway on Oct. 7, 1982 and won Buckley a Tony Award as Broadway's original Grizabella. They spoke in 2019 when she played the title role in "Hello, Dolly!" at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. They also discuss her film and TV roles in "Carrie," "Eight is Enough," "Tender Mercies," "Frantic" and "Split." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Everclear frontman Art Alexakis as tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the band's smash 1997 album "So Much For the Afterglow," which featured hits like "I Will Buy You a New Life" and "Father of Mine." They spoke over the phone in 2020 when Alexakis played a solo show at City Winery in Washington D.C. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor and comedian Will Forte to mark the 20th anniversary of his "Saturday Night Live" debut on Oct. 5, 2002. They spoke in 2015 about his Fox comedy series "The Last Man on Earth," while also reflecting on "MacGruber" and "Nebraska." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tim Meadows to mark the 25th anniversary of his hilarious character The Ladies Man, which debuted on "Saturday Night Live" on Oct. 4, 1997. They spoke in 2015 when Meadows starred in the Fox comedy series "Son of Zorn." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who brings his fellow NFL alumni to City Winery in Washington D.C. on Thursday night for their "I Am Athlete" tour. They discuss the hot topics you might hear at the live show, including the best players he played with and against during his career. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with KC & The Sunshine Band, which gets down tonight at The Anthem in Washington D.C. for a sold-out concert with The B-52s. Jason spoke to KC himself when the iconic disco band played "A Capitol Fourth" in D.C. on July 4, 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Miles Teller, who hosts "Saturday Night Live" tomorrow night on NBC thanks to the blockbuster success of "Top Gun: Maverick," as well as "The Offer." Jason spoke to the rising “Whiplash” star in 2017 about his military PTSD film "Thank You For Your Service." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with bass player Tad Kinchla of Blues Traveler, which rocks Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Friday, Oct. 7. They discuss how the band formed as high-school buddies in Princeton, New Jersey for hits like "Run-Around" and "Hook." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Jordan Black, who brings his improv comedy show "The Black Version" to the Kennedy Center tomorrow through Saturday. They discuss his hilarious idea of staging Black versions of predominantly white movies, as well his own journey from "Saturday Night Live" to "Community" to "The Wonder Years." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Poison frontman Bret Michaels, who rocks Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Saturday night. They discuss growing up in Pennsylvania before recording Poison hits like "Talk Dirty to Me," "Nothin' But a Good Time" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," as well as his recent success on Reality TV. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Squeeze co-founder Glenn Tilbrook, who performs live at City Winery in Washington D.C. on Thursday night. They discuss his songwriting collaborations with Chris Difford to pen hits like "Tempted" and "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Kelly Osbourne, daughter of legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, ahead of National Daughters Day this Sunday. They spoke in 2017 ahead of her memoir “There is No Fcking Secret: Letters from a Badss B*tch." She also shared how her family's reality show "The Osbournes" changed pop culture. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with former New Radicals frontman Gregg Alexander as this year marks 25 years since the founding of the band. They spoke in 2015 about his Oscar-nominated song “Lost Stars” from the John Carney movie “Begin Again," as well as sharing memories of New Radicals hits like "You Get What You Give." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Kal Penn as this week marks 15 years since "House" Season 4, which introduced Penn as Dr. Lawrence Kutner. They spoke in 2015 when Penn reunited with “House” creator David Shore for the CBS crime drama “Battle Creek,” as well as memories of “Harold & Kumar.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Ron Perlman ("Hellboy," "Sons of Anarchy") as this week marks the 35th anniversary of Perlman's Emmy-nominated breakout role in TV’s “Beauty and the Beast,” which premiered on CBS on September 25th, 1987. They spoke in 2015 about the launch of his Amazon original series “Hand of God." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with The Yardbirds' drummer Jim McCarty as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band plays Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Saturday. They discuss the pioneering band, which launched guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the 35th anniversary of "Fatal Attraction" and 30th anniversary of "Patriot Games" by bringing back this 2017 conversation with Anne Archer and husband Terry Jastrow, who penned the political fiction novel “The Trial of Prisoner 043.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with legendary actor Alan Alda to mark the 50th anniversary of "MASH" premiering on Sept. 17, 1972. They spoke in 2018 about his podcast “Clear + Vidid,” as well as his memories of playing Hawkeye on "MASH," the finale of which still remains the most-watched event in TV history (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Jay Pharoah, who cracks up 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. tomorrow night. They discuss his roots in Chesapeake, Virginia and his hilarious impersonations of Barack Obama, Denzel Washington, Bernie Mac, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart and more. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Canned Heat drummer Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra as the blues-rock band hits Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Monday, September 19. They discussed his journey from Mexico City to Woodstock for a string of timeless hits, including "On the Road Again," "Going Up the Country" and "Let's Work Together." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with D.C. native Samira Wiley as "The Handmaid's Tale" returns for Season 5 tonight on Hulu. They spoke in 2018 right before the release of Season 2 when the series was the reigning Emmy champ for Outstanding TV Drama. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford as the band kicks off its fall residency tomorrow at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They spoke in 2019 as Aerosmith rocked MGM National Harbor near Washington D.C., discussing the origins of iconic hits like "Dream On," "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rusted Root frontman Michael Glabicki as the band marks 30 years since its 1992 debut album "Cruel Sun," which featured a rough version of their smash hit "Send Me On My Way." They spoke in 2016 when the band played the AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Edward Buckles Jr., director of the new Hurricane Katrina documentary "Katrina Babies" on HBO Max. He shares his personal story of being 13 years old when his family evacuated New Orleans, as well as his deep conversations with neighbors, friends and family about the generation of kids living with trauma from the storm. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Hal Sparks, who brings the "Sexy Liberal Save Democracy Tour" to Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C. tomorrow. They discuss the challenge of doing political comedy, as well as his career from "Talk Soup" to "Queer as Folk" to "Dude, Where's My Car?" (Theme Music; Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Rob Riggle as tomorrow marks the 10th anniversary of him joining "Fox NFL Sunday." He reflected on taking over for Jimmy Kimmel and Frank Caliendo during an April 2020 phone interview for his Discovery Channel reality show "Rob Riggle: Global Investigator." He also shared memories of "The Hangover." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with John Cafferty, who brings his Beaver Brown Band to Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Friday and The Hamilton in Washington D.C. on Saturday. They discuss his rise from Rhode Island to record '80s hits, including the movie soundtracks for "Eddie and the Cruisers" and "Rocky IV." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Nickelodeon alum Kel Mitchell, who publishes his new book "Prank Day" today. It's his latest effort after the daily devotional book "Blessed Mode," which complements his "Bedtime Bible Stories" for Pray.com. They discuss his role as youth pastor at Spirit Food Christian Center in California, as well as his hilarious memories of “All That,” “Keenan & Kel” and “Good Burger." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman, who is rumored to be making his return tonight on "Monday Night Raw." Strowman called in last year ahead of his “WrestleMania 37” cage match against Shane McMahon in Tampa, Florida, as well as memories of his first "WrestleMania" match with The Wyatt Family against John Cena and The Rock in Dallas, Texas. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley salutes the Broadway smash "A Strange Loop," which recently won Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical for Michael R. Jackson. Enjoy this conversation with Woolly Mammoth Theatre's Artistic Director Maria Manuela Goyanes about a Broadway smash nearly two decades in the making. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer as this week marks the 10th anniversary of his masterful documentary "The Act of Killing" (2012). They spoke in 2014 about the film's gutsy interviews with actual perpetrators of Indonesian genocide. They spoke again in 2016 about his companion piece "The Look of Silence," which allowed an optometrist to grill death-squad leaders about his brother's murder. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Barney Douglas, director of the new John McEnroe documentary "McEnroe," which premieres today on Showtime. They discuss McEnroe's iconic temper and arguably underrated talent that resulted in a record 155 combined tennis titles. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Cynthia Addai-Robinson, star of the new "Lord of the Rings" prequel series "The Rings of Power," which premieres today on Amazon Prime Video. They discuss her journey from Silver Spring, Maryland all the way to Middle Earth. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Cypress Hill percussionist Eric Bobo as the iconic hip-hop group rocks Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia this Friday night. They discuss his early days with The Beastie Boys before joining Cypress Hill, which was fresh off hits like "Insane in the Brain" before becoming a crossover sensation from "Rap Superstar" to "Rock Superstar." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country-music star Chris Janson, who plays Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Sept. 9. They discuss his biggest country hits from "Buy Me a Boat" to "Fix a Drink" to "Good Vibes." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Boy George as Culture Club performs live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on Thursday night. They spoke about what to expect from the show, as well as the band's career from "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" to "Karma Chameleon." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Reality TV star Kenya Moore, who visited Washington D.C. over the weekend for the 8th annual Ubiquitous Women's Expo at the Washington Convention Center. They discussed her hair-care products, her experience on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and life as a single mom raising her so-called "miracle baby." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Academy Award-nominated actor Edward Norton as today marks the 60th birthday of "Fight Club" director David Fincher. This summer also marks 55 years since Norton's grandfather James Rouse created the city of Columbia, Maryland. Norton weaves similar themes of city-planning corruption into his neo-noir film "Motherless Brooklyn," which he promoted on WTOP in Washington D.C. in 2019. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Cheap Trick's founding bass player Tom Petersson as the band opens for Rod Stewart tonight at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. They spoke in 2015 when the band played The Fillmore in Silver Spring, breaking down their biggest hits from "Surrender" to "I Want You To Want Me," as well as Petersson's recent charitable work in music therapy. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rockville-based band O.A.R., which rocks Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland tonight. Jason spoke to O.A.R. lead singer Marc Roberge ahead of Arts Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in 2015, immediately followed by a conversation with O.A.R guitarist Richard On. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Americana artist Mary Chapin Carpenter, who performs this Saturday at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. They spoke in 2020 at the start of the pandemic about her livestream recording at Wolf Trap. You'll hear them break down country hits like "I Feel Lucky," "Passionate Kisses" and "Down at the Twist and Shout," which was inspired by cutting her teeth on the D.C. music scene. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Trying" stars Rafe Spall and Esther Smith as Season 3 currently streams on Apple TV+. They discuss why the show is so hilariously heartwarming, lending a comedic tone to serious issues like infertility and adoption, while sharing some of their personal favorite funny moments. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Bill Kroyer, director of "FernGully: The Last Rainforest," which releases its 30th anniversary Blu Ray today. They discuss the lost art of hand-drawn animation, the film's environment themes and star-studded cast, making it one of the most underrated animated flicks in the history of the genre. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/actress Brandy, who joins a special 25th anniversary reunion of "Cinderella" tomorrow night on ABC. They spoke in 2017 when Brandy visited the Kennedy Center to play Roxie Hart in "Chicago," the iconic musical by Bob Fosse that would later become an Oscar-winning movie directed by Rob Marshall, who choreographed Brandy in the TV movie "Cinderella."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Bill Medley to mark the 35th anniversary of "Dirty Dancing" on Aug. 21, 1987, featuring the Oscar-winning song "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. Jason spoke to Medley when his Righteous Brothers played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia in 2017, reflecting on hits like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "Unchained Melody," which a new generation discovered in "Top Gun" and "Ghost." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Sound of Metal" alum Olivia Cooke, who stars in the new "Game of Thrones” prequel “House of the Dragon” tomorrow night on HBO. Cooke stopped by D.C. alongside co-star Thomas Mann during the release of their 2015 Sundance champ “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Steve Martin and Martin Short, who perform together Saturday and Sunday at Wolf Trap in Virginia, Virginia. You'll first hear from Martin Short, who joined Jason in 2016 to discuss his NBC variety show “Maya & Marty” co-starring Maya Rudolph. You'll then hear from Steve Martin and musician Edie Brickell, who joined Jason in 2015 when they premiered their musical “Bright Star” at the Kennedy Center. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Sandy Deanne of Jay & The Americans, who play Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Aug. 25. They discuss the band's classic hits like "Come a Little Bit Closer," which was introduced to a new generation the movie soundtrack of "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2." You'll also hear how the band dated The Ronettes and helped launch Neil Diamond and Steely Dan.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon, who co-created the Frederick Douglass musical "American Prophet," which makes its world premiere at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. now through Aug. 28. They spoke about his Nashville success writing "Cowboy Take Me Away" for The Chicks and "Bless the Broken Road" for Rascal Flatts. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Chilli of TLC, which rocks Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on August 27. They break down the group’s biggest hits from “Waterfalls” to “No Scrubs" to "Unpretty." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with former Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters, who performs live tomorrow night at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. They spoke in 2015 when his Music Corps Band played the Music Heals benefit concert at D.A.R. Constitution Hall. Waters describes writing classic rock hits like "Wish You Were Here," "Comfortably Numb" and "Another Brick in the Wall." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Breaking Bad" creator Vince Gilligan as the spinoff "Better Call Saul" airs its series finale tomorrow night on AMC. They spoke in 2015 when "Breaking Bad" donated props and costumes to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. You'll also hear from Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman; Jonathan Banks, who played Mike; and Bryan Cranston, who showed up to pay tribute to his iconic anti-hero Walter White. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Molly Ringwald to mark the 40th anniversary of her film debut on August 13, 1982. They spoke in 2016 when she performed at AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, breaking down her music career and classic John Hughes movies like “Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with REO Speedwagon bass player Bruce Hall as the beloved band rocks Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia tonight. They spoke in 2015 when the band played Warner Theatre in D.C., breaking down the band’s biggest hits like “Roll with the Changes,” “Keep on Loving You,” “Take it on the Run” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with cousin Jake Fraley, who plays outfield tonight for the Cincinnati Reds against the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball's second annual "Field of Dreams" Game in Dyersville, Iowa. You'll also hear from Jake's proud parents, Marv and Traci Fraley, whose favorite movie is naturally "Fields of Dreams." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Tony Gilroy to mark three Hollywood anniversaries. Today marks the 10th anniversary of Gilroy directing "The Bourne Legacy" starring Jeremy Renner; this summer marks the 20th anniversary of Gilroy writing the original "Bourne" trilogy starring Matt Damon; and this month marks the 15th anniversary of writing and directing "Michael Clayton" starring George Clooney. Jason spoke to Gilroy in 2018 when he wrote and produced the thriller “Beirut” directed by Brad Anderson and starring Jon Hamm. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Fantasia, who performs live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virgina on August 19. They discuss her rise from North Carolina to winning Season 3 of “American Idol,” launching a career of hit records and Broadway shows like “The Color Purple.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor and comedian Jon Lovitz, who performs live at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Friday night. They discuss his comedy career from “Saturday Night Live” to “The Critic” to “A League of Their Own," while introducing their dogs to each other on Zoom. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with hilarious actor/comedian Jane Lynch, who just this week got renewed for a third season as host of the hit NBC game show "The Weakest Link." They spoke in 2015 when Lynch played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, just days before the series finale of "Glee." She also discusses her most successful film roles from "The Fugitive" to "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Florence LaRue, founding member of The 5th Dimension, which rocks Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Sunday night. They discuss the band's Grammy-winning hits from "Up, Up and Away" to "Wedding Bell Blues" to the iconic medley of "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country music legend Marty Stuart, who performs live tomorrow at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. They spoke when Stuart previously played The Birchmere in October of 2020, discussing touring during the pandemic and sharing memories of hits like “Burn Me Down” and his participation in Ken Burns’ PBS documentary series “Country Music.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with WCW legend Eric Bischoff, whose new autobiography “Grateful" is now available for pre-order before its November release. They discuss his prolific career at WCW, signing Hulk Hogan, birthing the NWO, creating the Cruiserweight Division, navigating the Montreal Screwjob and withstanding a DX tank invasion to beat the WWF (now WWE) in the Monday Night Ratings War for “83 Weeks," which is now the name of his podcast.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with crossover country music superstar Maren Morris, who rocks Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on Thursday night. They discuss her biggest hits from "My Church" to "Rich" to "The Middle," as well as her newest album "Humble Quest."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank to mark the 30th anniversary of her big-screen debut on July 31, 1992. They spoke during the release of her 2018 Alzheimer's film "What They Had." Swank also reflected on her Oscar-winning performances in “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Million Dollar Baby." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of author Gore Vidal's death on July 31, 2012 by chatting with Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville and co-director Robert Gordon, who visited AFI Docs in 2015 to screen their documentary “Best of Enemies” about the 1968 political debates between the liberal Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley Jr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country music superstar Keith Urban, who rocks Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia tomorrow night. They spoke in 2017 when Urban was honored by the Recording Academy at the Grammys on the Hill event at The Hamilton in Washington D.C. You'll even hear clips from Urban's live, intimate performances that night. (Them Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Robert Schenkkan to mark the 10th anniversary of his LBJ play "All the Way" premiering on July 28, 2012 before making its way to Broadway to win a Tony for Bryan Cranston. They spoke in 2018 when Schenkkan brought his LBJ sequel “The Great Society” to Arena Stage in Washington D.C. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley wishes a happy 100th birthday to legendary TV producer Norman Lear, who hits the century mark today! They spoke back in 2015 when Lear released his memoir “Even This I Get to Experience,” breaking down his iconic sitcoms like “All in the Family,” "Sanford and Son,” "Maude," “Good Times” and “The Jeffersons.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with eight-time Grammy-winning musician/producer and Bob Marley's son Stephen Marley, who joins brother Ziggy Marley for a special tribute to their father tomorrow night at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. They discuss Bob Marley's biggest reggae hits, including "One Love," "Get Up, Stand Up," "Buffalo Soldier," "I Shot the Sheriff," "Jamming," "Three Little Birds," "No Woman No Cry" and "Redemption Song."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Ben Bailey, who cracks up the D.C. Comedy Loft this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Washington D.C. They spoke in 2019 about his standup comedy career and his three Daytime Emmys hosting the taxi game show “Cash Cab.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Third Eye Blind, which rocks Merriweather Post Pavilion tonight in Columbia, Maryland. In 2019, Jason and his former WTOP colleague Chris Cichon spoke briefly with frontman Stephan Jenkins about the band's biggest hits from “Semi-Charmed Life” to “How’s It Gonna Be." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Bradley Jackson, director of the new Nolan Ryan documentary "Facing Nolan," which hit streaming this week. They discuss Ryan's prolific career pitching for the Mets, Angels, Astros and Rangers, compiling 7 no-hitters, 5,714 strikeouts and a fastball estimated at 108.1 mph.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-winning editor Lee Smith to mark the 5th anniversary of Christopher Nolan's World War II flick "Dunkirk," which hit U.S. theaters nationwide on July 21, 2017. They spoke in 2020 about his many Nolan collaborations n "The Dark Knight," "Inception," "Interstellar" and "Durkirk," as well as working with Sam Mendes on the World War I flick "1917." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with R&B Hall of Famer Freda Payne, who performs live at Georgetown's historic Blues Alley in Washington D.C. for four shows Friday and Saturday. They discuss her journey from Detroit to New York City and back again, including hits like "Band of Gold" and "Bring the Boys Home." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with folk-rock legend Gordon Lightfoot, who performs tomorrow at the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland, followed by Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia on Monday. They discuss his biggest hits from "Early Morning Rain" to "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with folk-pop singer/songwriter Mason Jennings, who performs live Sunday at City Winery in Washington D.C. They discuss his 25-year music career from "Lemon Grove Avenue" to "Be Here Now." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Richard Linklater to mark 20 years since he began filming "Boyhood" in 2002, filming scenes every year for 12 years for a literal coming-of-age story that's become a masterpiece of American cinema. They spoke during the film's release in 2014 en route to six Academy Award nominations and a pair of Golden Globe wins for Best Picture and Best Director. (Royalty-Free Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Lonnie Jordan of the classic funk-rock band War, who plays the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival in Mitchellville, Maryland tonight, followed by The Tally-Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on July 29. They spoke when the band played The Birchmere back in 2016, breaking down the band's catchiest hits like "Spill the Wine," "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?" (Royalty-Free Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley wishes a happy 70th birthday to Marky Ramone, drummer for the pioneering punk-rock band The Ramones. Jason tag-teamed this interview with WTOP colleague Neal Augenstein in 2015 when Marky Ramone released his memoir "Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life as a Ramone." (Royalty-Free Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy winner Ashanti, who is publishing a new children's book "My Story is a Name" to encourage kids with unique names. They also discuss the 20th anniversary of her music career, including radio hits like "Foolish," "Always on Time," "Mesmerize" and "What's Luv?"
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor/singer Michael C. Hall, drummer Peter Yanowitz and keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen of the "gothadelic" band Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum, which rocks Baltimore Soundstage on July 22. They discuss meeting on the set of Broadway's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Hall also shares memories of playing iconic TV roles in HBO's "Dexter" and "Six Feet Under."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley wishes Malala Yousafzai a happy 25th birthday today. Today's podcast features this 2015 conversation with filmmaker Davis Guggenheim about his documentary "He Named Me Malala," chronicling her journey from surviving a Taliban attack to becoming a global ambassador for girls' education and the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Living Colour frontman Corey Glover, who performs live tomorrow with Soul Asylum at City Winery in Washington D.C. They spoke in 2017 when Glover performed a Bill Withers tribute at the now-defunct Gypsy Sally's in Georgetown, breaking down Glover's film roles like "Platoon" and his timeless funk-metal hits like "Cult of Personality."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with rock legend Peter Frampton to mark the 50th anniversary of releasing his first album in the U.S. on July 10, 1972. They spoke in 2016 when he performed at the Kennedy Center, sharing memories of growing up with David Bowie, developing his signature talk-box style and recording hits like “Do You Feel Like I Do,” “Show Me the Way” and “Baby I Love Your Way.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country star LeAnn Rimes, who performs live tonight at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia. They spoke in 2017 when Rimes performed with the NSO Pops at the Kennedy Center, discussing hits like "Blue," "How Do I Live" and "I Need You."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country music superstar Dierks Bentley, who performs live tomorrow night at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. They discuss his countless hits, including "What Was I Thinking?," "Settle for a Slowdown," "Lot of Leavin' Left to Do," "Drunk on a Plane" and "Burning Man."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Buffalo Springfield co-founder Richie Furay, who releases a new album of country duets tomorrow called "In The Country," featuring collaborations with Vince Gill and Timothy B. Schmit. He also shares memories of meeting Stephen Stills and Neil Young to form Buffalo Springfield for a string of iconic '60s songs like "For What It's Worth."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with celebrity chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio about their journey from Frederick, Maryland to competing against each other on TV's "Top Chef" to creating restaurants like Voltaggio Brothers Steak House at MGM National Harbor. You'll also hear a bonus conversation with Bryan Voltaggio from March 2020 as a fascinating time capsule of the restaurant business during the pandemic.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Asia Featuring John Payne before the band rocks Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on July 12. They discuss the 40th anniversary of the band's debut album with the hit song "Heat of the Moment," as well as the 30th anniversary of "Aqua," Payne's first album with the band.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "I Will Survive" disco queen Gloria Gaynor, who performs live in Washington D.C. this weekend at "A Capitol Fourth" on July 4. They spoke in 2017 when Gaynor headlined the Library of Congress' special disco series "Bibliodiscotheque" where she discussed her fan-fueled book “We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration and the Power of Song.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-nominated country music star Mickey Guyton, who hosts "A Capitol Fourth" on PBS this weekend for the Fourth of July. They discuss the all-star lineup, as well as her own rise to stardom with hits like "Black Like Me," "Remember Her Name" and "What Are You Gonna Tell Her?" She even discusses her recent song "All American," perfect for Independence Day.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Béla Fleck, who performs live at Wolf Trap in Virginia on Saturday. They discuss his illustrious career from New Grass Revival to The Flecktones, racking up over a dozen Grammys along the way.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-winning gospel great Yolanda Adams, who performs live at "A Capitol Fourth" this weekend for the Fourth of July. They discuss this year's lineup, including her admiration for host Mickey Guyton.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with NBA legend and Hall of Famer Grant Hill about his new memoir "Game: An Autobiography." They discuss his life story, growing up in Virginia, throwing that iconic buzzer-beater pass to Christian Laettner at Duke University, and his stellar NBA career with the Detroit Pistons and beyond. He even names the toughest opponent that he ever had to guard.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson, who performs tomorrow at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club in Bethesda, Maryland. They discuss his career from solo hits to iconic duets, joining Celine Dion for Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" and Regina Belle for "A Whole New World" in Disney's "Aladdin."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the supergroup Voices of Classic Soul, which visits Washington D.C. this weekend to perform at the Mayflower Hotel on Friday and the Carlyle Room on Saturday. The group includes Joe Coleman (The Platters), Joe Blunt (The Drifters) and Theo Peoples (The Temptations and The Four Tops).
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Def Leppard's longtime lead guitarist Phil Collen as the band rocks Nationals Park tonight in Washington D.C. They spoke in 2018 when the band played Jiffy Lube Live in Virginia, breaking down hits like "Photograph," "Foolin,'" "Rock of Ages," "Hysteria" and "Pour Some Sugar On Me."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Mary Badham, who played the original Scout Finch in Hollywood classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962). Starting today, she's starring in a stage version at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. They discuss the new play and her memories of working with Gregory Peck on screen.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Myles Frost about becoming the youngest to ever win the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical thanks to his role as Michael Jackson in "MJ: The Musical." This is their second conversation in recent weeks, so be sure to scroll down and check out their first conversation in our archives to hear all about his journey from Maryland to Broadway. Today's podcast is all about Tony night and the aftermath of his historic win.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with three-time Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito, who performs at 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. He shares how his Virginia ancestry inspired his newest album "White Jesus Black Problems" and how a car accident and coma changed his perspective on life.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Father's Day by chatting with John Carter Cash, the only son of Johnny Cash and June Carter. They spoke in 2016 about publishing his father’s poetry in the book “Forever Words: The Unknown Poems.” You'll also hear a second interview with Johnny Cash’s daughter, Roseanne Cash, who performed country hits like "Seven Year Ache" at Strathmore in 2019.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Broadway legend Donna McKechnie to mark the 25th anniversary of "A Chorus Line" ending its streak as the longest-running Broadway production at 6,137 performances. They spoke in 2017 when McKechnie starred in "The Pajama Game" at Arena Stage in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the release of Pixar's "Lightyear" by chatting with the real inspiration for Buzz Lightyear: the legendary NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who was the second man on the moon after Neil Armstrong. They spoke during the release of his 2016 memoir “No Dream is Too High: Life Lessons from a Man Who Walked on the Moon.” You’ll even hear him quote the famous "Toy Story" movie line, “To infinity and beyond!"
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the legendary Paul Anka, who performs live at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on Tuesday, June 21. They discuss his golden oldies from "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" to "Puppy Love," as well as songs he's written for other artists, namely "My Way" for Frank Sinatra. You'll even hear his reaction to Doja Cat sampling his music in the 2020 hit single "Freak."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley salutes the genius of Frank Zappa as The Zappa Band plays The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Sunday and Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland next Tuesday. First, you'll hear a brand new conversation with Zappa Band member Mike Keneally, who takes a deep dive into Zappa's records, followed by a throwback conversation with Frank's son Dweezil Zappa from 2016.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tony winner Kelli O'Hara, who joins her fellow Tony winner Adrienne Warren for "Broadway in the Park" at Wolf Trap next Friday, June 24. They discuss O'Hara's prolific career of seven Tony nominations, including "The Light in the Piazza," "South Pacific" and "The King and I," which finally won her the prize.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with D.C. native Ethan Slater, who earned a Tony nomination as the original star of Broadway's "SpongeBob SquarePants" musical in 2018. A regional production just opened at Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland, so it's the perfect time to revisit this Tony-themed conversation with SpongeBob conducted in a pineapple under the sea.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates today’s 55th anniversary of the "Loving v. Virginia" Supreme Court decision, which legalized interracial marriage on June 12, 1967. He spoke to director Jeff Nichols ("Mud") and actor Joel Edgerton ("Zero Dark Thirty") when they visited Washington D.C. to discuss "Loving" in 2016.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Steven Van Zandt to mark last night's 15th anniversary of "The Sopranos" finale, which cut to black on June 10, 2007. They spoke in 2017 when Van Zandt played the annual Rock and Roll for Children benefit concert, which returns tonight to The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar winner Mark Rylance about his new golf comedy "The Phantom of the Open," which opens in Washington D.C. movie theaters today. They discuss the incredible true story of Maurice Flitcroft, who in 1976 shot the worst round of golf ever at the British Open. They also discuss Rylance's career from "Bridge of Spies" to "Dunkirk" to "The Trial of the Chicago 7."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley salutes Julie Andrews, who receives the AFI Life Achievement Award tonight in Los Angeles. They spoke briefly on the red carpet at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors. You'll also hear a 2015 conversation with Elisabeth Von Trapp, the granddaughter of the real-life Maria and Baron Von Trapp, to preview a live concert in Virginia for the 50th anniversary of "The Sound of Music."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with monster-truck driver Adam Anderson, who competes at Monster Jam at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland this Saturday. They discuss the 40th anniversary of the iconic monster truck Grave Digger, which was built by his father, Dennis Anderson, in Chesapeake, Virginia back in 1982.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Billy Joel's longtime drummer Liberty DeVitto, who performs at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland this Saturday for the annual Rock & Roll for Children concert to benefit The Children's Inn at NIH.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats again with DJ Jazzy Jeff for the "Célébrez en Rosé" wine and music festival at National Harbor this Saturday. They discuss his Grammy-winning hip-hop duo with Will Smith, his time on TV's "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and his reaction to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country music star Scotty McCreery, who plays Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Saturday, June 11. They discuss his career from winning Season 10 of "American Idol" to recording country hits like "Five More Minutes," "This Is It" and "Damn Strait."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the 20th anniversary of "The Wire," which premiered on HBO on June 2, 2002. You'll hear two conversations with "The Wire" creator David Simon, first at the premiere of "Spotlight" in Washington D.C. in 2015, then at the grand reopening of the Parkway Theatre in Baltimore in 2017, followed by memories of "The Wire" from co-producer George Pelecanos in 2020.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Kenny Loggins, who brings "Still Alright: An Intimate Evening of Stories & Songs" to Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, June 7. They discuss his career from Loggins & Messina to movie soundtracks like "Caddyshack," "Footloose" and "Top Gun," as his song "Danger Zone" returns for the new blockbuster sequel "Top Gun: Maverick."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Slamdance Film Festival founder Dan Mirvish about his new film "18 1/2," which makes its Washington D.C. premiere tomorrow night at the Landmark E Street Cinema. The film imagines what happened to the 18 1/2-minute gap in Richard Nixon's infamous Watergate tapes.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture to mark the 25th anniversary of his first UFC match on May 30, 1997. They spoke in 2015 when Couture visited the studio with fitness expert Fairfax Hackley.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Gary Sinise, who co-hosts the National Memorial Day Concert this Sunday on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. They discuss this year's lineup and the legacy of his character Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump." You'll also hear their 2016 chat when his Lt. Dan Band played the G.I. Film Festival at Howard Theatre in D.C. and performed privately at Walter Reed.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Matilda" star Mara Wilson as "Matilda: The Musical" hits the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Virginia this weekend. They spoke in 2016 about her memoir "Where Am I Now?" for child-star memories of "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Matilda."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with All Elite Wrestling President & C.E.O. Tony Khan about the big "Double or Nothing" pay-per-view event Sunday night in Las Vegas. They discuss the main event of Hangman Adam Page vs. CM Punk for the world title, as well as The Hardyz vs. Young Bucks for the tag titles, Chris Jericho's team vs. Bryan Danielson's team, and the finals of the Owen Hart Cup Tournament.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley mourns the death of longtime Yes drummer Alan White by reviving this 2020 conversation with Yes frontman Jon Anderson. They break down the Hall of Fame band's biggest hits from "Roundabout" to "Owner of a Lonely Heart," the latter of which featured White's signature drums.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who executive produces the new two-part documentary "Theodore Roosevelt" on The History Channel on Monday and Tuesday. They discuss Teddy Roosevelt's legacy from labor policies to conservation efforts.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Jay Leno to mark the 30th anniversary of Leno taking over for Johnny Carson as host of "The Tonight Show" on May 25, 1992. They spoke in 2017 when Leno performed a live standup gig at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., discussing his favorite guests, his interview approach and his thoughts on David Letterman, Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Fallon.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates National Tap Dance Day with a conversation with Savion Glover, whom The New York Times called "the greatest tap dance who has ever lived." They spoke in 2018 when he brought his production of “All FuNK'd Up” to the historic National Theatre in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with bluegrass legend Del McCoury, who brings the 14th annual Delfest music festival back to Cumberland, Maryland this Thursday through Sunday. We discussed his journey from hearing Earl Scruggs' banjo as a teenager to joining Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, then forming The Del McCoury Band and being invited to join the Grand Ole Opry.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with five-time Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway, who leads an NSO Pops tribute to Joni Mitchell at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday and Thursday. We discussed her journey from growing up the daughter of soul legend Donny Hathaway to her acclaimed collaborations with Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tina Fabrique, who stars in "Marys Seacole" at Mosaic Theatre in Washington D.C. now through May 29. They also discuss her career highlights like singing the theme song for TV's "Reading Rainbow."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with filmmaker Alex Garland, whose new movie sci-fi/horror flick "Men" opens in movie theaters this weekend. They spoke in 2015 during the release of his sci-fi thriller "Ex Machina," as well as writing "The Beach," "28 Days Later" and even a preview of "Annihilation."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Hal Linden to mark the 40th anniversary of TV's "Barney Miller" airing its series finale on May 20, 1982. They spoke in 2017 when Linden starred in Arthur Miller's play "The Price" at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. to reflect on his iconic career on stage and screen.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Robert "Kool" Bell, founder of Kool & The Gang, who perform live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on Friday, June 3. They discuss the group's biggest hits, including "Jungle Boogie," "Ladies' Night," "Get Down On It," "Celebration," "Fresh" and "Cherish."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with John Turturro on the 30th anniversary of his directorial debut "Mac" winning the Golden Camera at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 1992. They spoke in 2014 about Turturro directing himself in "Fading Gigolo," his admiration for "Midnight Cowboy," and his prolific acting career from "Do the Right Thing" to "Quiz Show."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with screen legend Alfre Woodard, who hosts the inaugural gala for the John & Lilian Miles Lewis Foundation tonight at The Hamilton Hotel in Washington D.C. They also discuss her prolific career with four Emmys, including"Hill Street Blues" and "L.A. Law," and films like "12 Years a Slave."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Ana Gasteyer as tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of her final episode of "Saturday Night Live." They spoke in 2016 when she came home to Washington D.C. for a special concert at Arena Stage.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tony Award winner Santino Fontana, who joins Bernadette Peters in paying tribute to Carol Burnett tonight at Signature Theatre's Sondheim Award Gala at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. They discuss his creative journey from Disney's "Frozen" to Broadway's "Tootsie."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin, who presents the world premiere of "To Shiver the Sky" tomorrow at The Anthem in Washington D.C. He'll also perform "Baba Yetu," which made him the first composer to win a Grammy Award for scoring a video game in "Civilization IV."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Latin music icon Gloria Estefan on three different red carpets in Washington D.C. as GALA Hispanic Theatre stages "On Your Feet" now through June 5. First, you'll hear her at the 2017 Gershwin Prize. Second, you'll hear her at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors. Third, you'll hear her at the 2019 Gershwin Prize, as well as bonus tributes by Jose Feliciano and Andy Garcia.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Myles Frost, who just earned a Tony Award nomination this week for his role as Michael Jackson Broadway's "MJ: The Musical." They discussed his D.C. and Maryland roots from Wootton High School to Bowie State University to playing the King of Pop on Broadway's biggest stage.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Wynonna Judd, who just canceled Saturday's show at Hollywood Casino in West Virginia after her mother's death the day before The Judds' induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Wynonna called into WTOP three days before the tragedy to discuss her tour, which will continue after the four canceled shows.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, who performs live at City Winery in Washington D.C. tonight and tomorrow. We discussed his successful rap career from his solo work on "Liquid Swords" to his iconic rap group The Wu-Tang Clan, as well as his love for kung-fu movies, science and screen appearances from "Coffee & Cigarettes" to "Chappelle's Show."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Jesse Eisenberg, who made his feature film debut exactly 20 years ago today in "Roger Dodger," sparking a career of memorable roles, from “The Squid & The Whale” to “Zombieland,” from “The Social Network” to “Batman vs. Superman.” They spoke in 2013 when Eisenberg came to Washington D.C. to promote his hit magician flick “Now You See Me."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks Mother's Day by chatting with Jo Frost, star of Lifetime's "Supernanny." They spoke in May 2020 about parenting at the start of the pandemic, as well as universal tips for all of you moms (and dads).
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Jeff Goldblum, who performs a jazz concert tonight at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland. They discuss his career from "Nashville" to "The Fly," from "Jurassic Park" to "Independence Day."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Hamilton" alum Christopher Jackson, who brings "Freestyle Love Supreme" to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on May 10-15. You'll also hear a second chat with Jackson and Thomas Kail during the release of their 2020 Hulu documentary "We Are Freestyle Love Supreme."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Kevin Nealon, who performs live at the D.C. Comedy Loft on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They spoke in 2017 when he played the Kennedy Center, breaking down his hilarious career from "Hans & Franz" on "Saturday Night Live" to the "Bull Dance" in "Happy Gilmore."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tony nominee Susan Egan, who performs "Disney Princess: The Concert" at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Friday and Saturday. She discusses originating the role of Broadway's Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" and voicing the big-screen role of Meg in Disney's "Hercules."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Star Wars Day on May the 4th by revisiting his red carpet chat with George Lucas at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors. You'll also hear an in-depth breakdown of the iconic "Star Wars" music by renowned conductor Emil de Cou, who conducted the National Symphony Orchestra tributes to composer John Williams in 2015 and 2021.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Lewis Black, who performs at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. this Friday and Saturday. You'll also hear two additional conversations from 2015 and 2018, discussing his comedy career from the "Back in Black" segments on "The Daily Show" to Pixar's "Inside Out."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the 25th anniversary of "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," which opened nationwide on May 2, 1997. They spoke in 2015 to promote his Dalton Trumbo biopic “Trumbo," while sharing comedy memories of “Austin Powers” and “Meet the Parents.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with magician Michael Carbonaro, who performs live at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Saturday, May 7. They discuss his rise from watching "Candid Camera" as a kid to creating his own television show "The Carbonaro Effect" on truTV.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates International Jazz Day with four-time Grammy winner Snarky Puppy. Frontman Michael League called into the radio station when the group played an epic concert with the National Symphony Orchestra Pops at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in 2017.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Jordan Klepper, who hosted the Free Expression Awards last night at The Anthem in Washington D.C. The hilarious “Daily Show” correspondent called into the radio station in 2019 when his TV show “Klepper” premiered on Comedy Central.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates National Superhero Day by discussing the most shocking moment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — the iconic Thanos snap. He spoke with "Avengers: Infinity War" directors Joe and Anthony Russo a week after the film's release in 2018 to discuss their gutsy decision to have the villain actually win, as well as to reflect on the overall legacy of the franchise.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with songwriting and producing duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who will be honored tonight at the Grammys on the Hill event at The Hamilton in Washington D.C. They discuss their prolific career producing iconic albums like "Rhythm Nation 1814" and hit songs like "On Bended Knee."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Jackass" star Steve-O, who performs live at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in Charles Town, West Virginia on May 1. They discuss his rise from circus clown to goldfish swallower on MTV's "Jackass," which eventually turned into a blockbuster movie franchise. This interview contains explicit language.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Michael Rapaport, who performs live at the D.C. Improv this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They discussed his favorite roles from "True Romance" to "Friends" to "Boston Public."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin, who performs live tonight at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. They spoke in 2017 when she performed at the Kennedy Center Spring Gala tribute to John Lennon, taking a deep dive into her Grammy-winning hit song "Sunny Came Home."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Regina Belle, who performs live at City Winery in Washington D.C. n Saturday. They discussed her award-winning career, including her duet with Peabo Bryson on "A Whole New World" in Disney's "Aladdin," which won the Oscar for Best Original Song and Grammy for Song of the Year.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Star Trek" legend William Shatner, who performs with the National Symphony Orchestra as part of Ben Folds’ "Declassified" series at the Kennedy Center on April 29. You'll also hear two previous conversations when Shatner came to Awesome Con in 2015 and Warner Theatre in 2016, sharing memories of the late Leonard Nimoy, his thoughts on J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" reboot and Shatner's recent real-life space flight on Blue Origin.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with 12-time Grammy winner Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, who performs live at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland this Saturday and Sunday. They discuss his prolific career writing hits for Boyz II Men, TLC, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston and Usher, as well as recording his own solo hits like “Every Time I Close My Eyes.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter Tommy Prine, the son of the late songwriting legend John Prine, as he unveils his first album tomorrow night at City Winery in Washington D.C. They discuss his father's enteral Americana legacy and how it inspired his own career as a musician.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Ron White, who brings his farewell tour to The Anthem in Washington D.C. tonight. They spoke in 2015 when he performed at Warner Theatre, breaking down his rise to Blue Collar Comedy success alongside Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks Easter weekend by reviving this chat with Ewan McGregor, who played Jesus Christ in the indie film "The Last Days in the Desert." They spoke in 2016 to discuss the role, as well as his most iconic roles from "Trainspotting" to "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" to "Moulin Rouge!"
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with rap legend MC Lyte, who hosts "I Am Woman: A Celebration of Women in Hip Hop" this Friday night at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. They discuss her trailblazing career, growing up in Brooklyn to become the first solo female rapper to release a full album on a major record label.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley remembers comedian Gilbert Gottfried, who died today at age 67. They spoke in November when Gottfried played the State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia, discussing his hilarious career, including voicing Iago in Disney's "Aladdin." Most hilarious, they kept rolling when a fire alarm went off repeatedly in Gottfried's hotel during the interview.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley wishes David Letterman a happy 80th birthday with this flashback to his 2017 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center. You'll also hear from Letterman's longtime announcer Alan Kalter and comedy colleagues like Jimmy Kimmel, John Mulaney, Martin Short and Jimmie Walker.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the Baltimore Orioles' home opener at Camden Yards by reviving this 2021 conversation with Clinton Yates of ESPN's "Around the Horn," breaking down the greatest baseball movies of all time.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-winning country music legend Tanya Tucker to mark today's 50th anniversary of her iconic song "Delta Down," which was released on April 10, 1972. They spoke in 2016 when Tucker played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Finally" dance musician CeCe Peniston, who performs live tonight at City Winery in Washington D.C. They spoke in 2016 when she performed at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Omar Epps, who stars in the new thriller "The Devil You Know" in theaters now. They also discuss his beloved roles in "The Program," "Major League 2," "Higher Learning" and "Love & Basketball."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Jim Norton, who cracks up the D.C. Improv on April 14-16. They discuss his prolific career from the "Opie & Anthony" radio show to "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn" to "UFC Unfiltered." You'll also hear their previous conversation when he played the D.C. Improv in 2016.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon, who bring their husband-and-wife country duo Rod + Rose to City Winery in Washington D.C. on April 21. They discuss Atkins' biggest hits, including "If You're Going Through Hell," "Watching You," "Cleaning This Gun" and "These Are My People."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Super Bowl winning quarterback Joe Theismann, who hosts the seventh annual Virginia Vine benefit for cancer research with the V Foundation. They also discuss his memories of playing for legendary Washington football coach Joe Gibbs alongside John Riggins and The Hogs as D.C. fans shook the stands of RFK Stadium to chants of "We want Dallas!"
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Little Feat founding keyboardist Bill Payne as the band rocks DAR Constitution Hall on April 16, marking the 45th anniversary of recording their landmark live album “Waiting for Columbus” in Washington D.C. Payne discusses the band’s catchiest tunes, from “Dixie Chicken” to “Oh Atlanta," and why he thinks they deserve to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Lonestar founding keyboardist Dean Sams as the country band plays Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on April 15. They discussed the group's incredible run of ten No. 1 hits, including "Amazed," "I'm Already There," "What About Now" and "Mr. Mom."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Michael and Kevin Bacon as their band The Bacon Brothers play Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on April 6-8 and The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on April 11-12. They discuss growing up in Philadelphia and do a rapid-fire Q&A through Kevin's most famous movie roles.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the 80th birthday of four-time Oscar nominee Marsha Mason, best known for her role across Richard Dreyfuss in “The Goodbye Girl” in 1977. They spoke in 2015 when Mason performed in Lillian Hellman's play “Watch on the Rhine” at Arena Stage in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who faces WWE Champion Brock Lesnar for the undisputed title at "WrestleMania" this Sunday on Peacock. They spoke in 2015 when Reigns headlined his very first "WrestleMania," which also happened to be against Brock Lesnar.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Johnny Holliday, longtime voice of the Maryland Terrapins, about the 20th anniversary of the men's basketball team winning the NCAA national championship on April 1, 2002. They also discussed Holliday's side passion of acting in local theater, including his Helen Hayes Award nomination.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Encanto" writer/director Jared Bush, who just won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards on Sunday. They discuss him growing up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, before moving to Hollywood to create "Zootopia," "Moana" and "Encanto." Let's talk about Bruno!
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Hackett, former lead guitarist of Genesis, who plays Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on April 13. They discuss his '70s work with Genesis, from Peter Gabriel inviting him to join the band, to Phil Collins taking over as lead singer, to eventually going solo.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Judas Priest founding bass player Ian Hill as the heavy metal band rocks MGM National Harbor on Thursday night near Washington D.C. They discussed the band's rise to success with hits like "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight" and "You've Got Another Thing Coming."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Joan Osborne, who performs live at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday night. They discuss her journey from an early interest in documentary filmmaker to becoming a Grammy nominated singer asking the famous question: "What if God was one of us?"
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Matthew Ogens, director of Netflix's "Audible," which is nominated for Best Documentary Short tonight at the Oscars. They're also joined by Jennifer Yost Ortiz of the Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, Maryland as the documentary chronicles the school's football team.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter Paula Cole as this weekend marks the 25th anniversary of her breakthrough hit "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone." They spoke when Cole played the AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland in 2017, breaking down her biggest hits, including the "Dawson's Creek" theme "I Don't Want to Wait."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with two-time Oscar winner Russell Williams, who won Best Sound on “Glory” and “Dances with Wolves" to become the first Black two-time Oscar winner. They discussed his historic career in 2016 when he donated his Oscars to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. They also reunited this year to discuss the Academy's decision to scrap eight categories, including Best Sound, from the live telecast on Sunday.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Billy Bob Thornton as today marks the 25th anniversary of him winning the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay with "Sling Blade." Thornton called in with his bandmate J.D. Andrew when their band The Boxmasters played Rams Head in Annapolis and The Hamilton in D.C. in 2017.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Speech from the hip-hop group Arrested Development as tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of their Grammy-winning album "3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of..." on March 24, 1992. They spoke in 2019 when the group played City Winery in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with standup comedian Pablo Francisco, who performs live at the D.C. Comedy Loft this Thursday through Saturday. They discuss his comedy career from "MADtv" to spoofing the movie trailer voice.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix as the band rocks MGM National Harbor near Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. They discussed the band's biggest hits, including "Last Resort," "Broken Home," "Between Angels & Insects," "She Loves Me Not," "Scars" and "Lifeline."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy winner Macy Gray, who competes in NBC's "American Song Contest" on Monday night. They spoke in 2018 when Gray performed at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club in Bethesda, Maryland, discussing her career from recording "I Try" to acting in "Training Day."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with John Waters to mark the 50th anniversary of "Pink Flamingos" premiering at the University of Baltimore on March 17, 1972. They spoke at the grand reopening of Baltimore's Parkway Theatre in 2017. You'll also hear from "The Wire" creator David Simon, Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels, MICA President Samuel Choi, former Maryland Film Festival programmer Eric Hatch and founding Maryland Film Festival Director Jed Dietz.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-nominated director Rory Kennedy, daughter of RFK, about her new documentary "Downfall: The Case Against Boeing," which screens tonight at the Capitol Visitor Center on Capitol Hill at 5 p.m. They're also joined by Michael Stumo, whose daughter Samya was killed in the second of two Boeing plane crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country star Jimmie Allen, who performs at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Saturday. They discuss his journey from Delaware to Nashville, recording hits like "Best Shot" and "Make Me Want To," before winning Best New Artist at the CMA Awards.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter chats with Mark Slaughter, frontman of the rock band Slaughter, which rocks the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Friday night. They discussed the band's biggest hits, from "Up All Night" to "Fly to the Angels," as well as discovering Michael Bay to direct their music videos.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Crash Test Dummies co-vocalist Ellen Reid as the band rocks City Winery in Washington D.C. on Tuesday night. We discussed the band's unique sound, from "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" to "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead," featured on the "Dumb & Dumber" soundtrack.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with America co-founder Dewey Bunnell as the classic rock band brings its delayed 50th anniversary tour to The Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland on Saturday night. They discussed the band's biggest '70s hits from "Horse with No Name" to "Sister Golden Hair."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden about Lionel Richie receiving the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song tonight at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. You'll also hear a brief snippet of Lionel Richie from the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter KT Tunstall, who performs live at State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia on Sunday. They discussed her biggest hits, from "Suddenly I See" to "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," as well as overcoming hearing loss to record a trilogy of albums about mind, body and soul.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with standup comedian Maz Jobrani, who brings his “Things Are Looking Bright” tour to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on March 19. They spoke in 2017 during a previous visit to the Kennedy Center to film his first original Netflix special.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics about why the new movie "The Batman" is his favorite Batman flick ever. You’ll also hear a 2015 conversation with actor Paul Dano, who plays The Riddler in movie theaters today.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Emmy winner Kiefer Sutherland, who performs live at City Winery in Washington D.C. on March 14. They also discuss his favorite roles, from "Stand By Me" to "A Few Good Men," and of course his iconic role as Jack Bauer in TV's "24." He also explains why "Don't Look Now" is his favorite movie that his father, Donald Sutherland, ever made.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Beverly Hills, 90210" alum Brian Austin Green, whose new movie "Bootyology" makes its world premiere tomorrow night at the D.C. Independent Film Forum. They also discuss the legacy of "90210" and the explosion of teen-based television series.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates "The Batman" week by chatting with "Joker" executive producer Richard Baratta, who also executive produced Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman." That's right, Baratta is the perfect cross-section of the Scorsese vs. Superhero debate raging on social media. They spoke in 2019 when Baratta's jazz band performed live at Blues Alley in Georgetown in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-winning film composer Michael Giacchino, who's gaining praise on social media for his score for "The Batman," which hits movie theaters Friday. We spoke in 2018 about his "Jurassic World" performance at the Kennedy Center, as well as his experiences working with "Batman" director Matt Reeves on the "Planet of the Apes" prequels, as well as his Pixar career from "Up" to "Inside Out" to "Coco."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "La La Land" director Damien Chazelle, who won the Oscar for Best Director five years ago today. They spoke in 2016 to discuss the film's magical and tragic directing elements, as well as his Sundance breakthrough "Whiplash." Also, check out our archives for our previous episode with "Moonlight" director Barry Jenkins about the infamous Oscar envelope gaffe.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Foxcatcher" director Bennett Miller to mark the 25th anniversary of John Du Pont's conviction in the murder of Olympic wrestling gold medalist Dave Schultz at his Foxcatcher Farm in Pennsylvania. They spoke during the 2014 release of the film, starring Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with sensational vocalist Michael Bolton as tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of his Grammy win for "When a Man Loves a Woman." Bolton called from the airport en route to Washington D.C. to perform at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra in 2019.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Brady Bunch" alum Barry Williams, who comes to the Capital Remodel + Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia on Saturday afternoon. Williams dialed in to discuss his favorite TV memories from playing Greg Brady in the iconic family sitcom.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy winner Rick Springfield, who performs live at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Friday night. They discuss his career, from his breakthrough hit "Jessie's Girl" to his role on TV's "General Hospital" to his new Rum label with Sammy Hagar.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the hilarious standup comedian Tony Woods, who performs at the D.C. Improv this Thursday night in Washington D.C. See why Dave Chappelle calls Woods the O.G. of D.C. comics.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Doug Gray, lead singer of Marshall Tucker Band, which brings its 50th anniversary tour to Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia on Sunday night. They discuss how the band got its name, as well as its biggest Southern Rock hits from "Can't You See" to "Heard it in a Love Song."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Aries Spears, who comes to the DC Improv tonight through Sunday. They discussed his successful standup career, his hilarious run on "MADtv," his memorable supporting role in "Jerry Maguire" and his favorite celebrity impersonations.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the 20th anniversary of the start of what would become the D.C. Sniper attacks of 2002. The first killing actually occurred in Tacoma, Washington on Feb. 16, 2002 in a killing spree that lasted until Sept. 23. Jason spoke with shooting victim Paul LaRuffa of Clinton, Maryland, as well as Producer Mary-Jane Mitchell and Creative Director John Smithson of the docuseries “I, Sniper” when it premiered last year on VICE TV.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with two-time Emmy winner Alex Borstein, who stars in Season 4 of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" this Friday. They spoke back in 2016 when she was promoting the animated series "Bordertown," while shifting voices from Ms. Swan of "MADtv" to Lois Griffin of "Family Guy."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with late Hollywood comedy icon Ivan Reitman, who died over the weekend at age 75. They spoke about his career from "Ghostbusters" to "Stripes" during the 2016 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor for Bill Murray at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. You'll also hear from his son Jason Reitman ("Up in the Air," "Juno") when he brought "The Front Runner" to the Middleburg Film Festival in Middleburg, Virginia in 2018.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with New York Times Music Journalist Marcus J. Moore, author of the Kendrick Lamar biography "The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America." They spoke in 2020 when the book was released. Listen as you prepare for Kendrick at the Super Bowl.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rob Havenstein of the Los Angeles Rams, who battle the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at the Super Bowl. They discuss his roots at Linganore High School in Frederick County, Maryland, including a surprise appearance by Rob's (and Jason's) high school football coach Rick Conner.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with R&B star Ginuwine, who brings a special "Valentine's Day Serenade" to MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on Monday night. They discussed growing up in the nation's capital and recording hits like "Pony," "In Those Jeans" and "I Need a Girl (Part 2)."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with late country star Hal Ketchum, who released his hit song "Past the Point of Rescue" 30 years ago this weekend. They spoke five years before his death when he played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia in 2015, discussing his biggest hits like "Small Town Saturday Night," as well as movie appearances in "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Maverick."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Erin Jackson, who comes home to the D.C. Improv on Friday and Saturday in Washington D.C. They discussed her rise from Howard University to Netflix stardom, appearing in Tiffany Haddish's "They Ready" and writing for "The Upshaws." You'll also hear their chat from last April when she reopened the D.C. Improv after a year of COVID-19 restrictions.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Hadestown" creator Anaïs Mitchell, who brings her folk band the Bonny Light Horseman to Strathmore this Friday in North Bethesda, Maryland. She discussed her folks roots growing up in Vermont and how she came up with the idea for the Tony-winning Broadway smash "Hadestown."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Hollywood visual effects legend Douglas Trumbull, who died today at age 79. They spoke in 2018 when the Smithsonian celebrated the 50th anniversary of "2001: A Space Odyssey." He also shared memories of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "Blade Runner."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain as Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson plays tonight at Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. McBrain called in back in 2019 when the band brought its "Legacy of the Beast" tour to Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Schmigadoon!" creator Cinco Paul and "This Is Us" writer Bekah Brunstetter about their new Biblical musical "A.D. 16" at Olney Theatre in Olney, Maryland about teenage Mary Magdalene crushing on Jesus. Paul also shares his Minions memories from writing "Despicable Me."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the start of the Winter Olympics by bringing back this conversation with gold medalist figure-skater Scott Hamilton, who came to "A Capital Fourth" in Washington D.C. in 2016.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the hilarious J.B. Smoove, one of the comedians featured in the new docuseries "Phat Tuesdays," which premieres tomorrow on Amazon Prime. He called in to promote his standup gig at Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. back in 2019.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Groundhog Day with the one and only Bill Murray! They spoke on the Kennedy Center red carpet when Murray received the 2016 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. You'll also hear from Jimmy Kimmel, Bill Heder, Bruce Vilanch and "Ghostbusters" director Ivan Reitman.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with seven-time Grammy winner Christian McBride, who kicks off Black History Month by presenting "The Movement Revisited" this Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The piece is a tribute to Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Susan Tedeschi as Tedeschi Trucks rocks Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You'll also hear Jason's 2020 chat with her husband Derek Trucks to close the podcast.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tim Commerford, bass player for Rage Against the Machine, as the Tally Ho Theatre hosts a tribute tomorrow night in Leesburg, Virginia. They spoke in 2016 when Commerford's supergroup Prophets of Rage played EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, breaking down the band's biggest anthems from the political rage of "Killing in the Name" to the John Coltrane roots of "Bulls on Parade." He even mentions his time with other supergroup Audioslave.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Marc Cohn, who performs live at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Feb. 2. They discussed Cohn's breakthrough hit "Walking in Memphis," as well as his other underrated albums that paint his full life story, from losing his parents at a young age to being shot in the head during a carjacking incident in 2005.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Attica" documentary filmmaker Stanley Nelson Jr. and two survivors of the 1971 Attica prison massacre. The film is one of 15 documentaries shortlisted for Oscar contention and is now available on Showtime, as well as for free on YouTube through the end of Black History Month.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Colin Quinn, who performs Feb. 4 at the Miracle Theatre in D.C. They discussed his hilarious career, from "Saturday Night Live" to "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn" to "Trainwreck," as well as his biggest regret: turning down the role of Scott Evil in "Austin Powers."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "The Villain of Broadway" Patrick Page, who stars tonight in the new HBO series “The Gilded Age.” They spoke last year when he visited Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C. to perform his original one-man show "All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with John Carroll Lynch, who starred as Norm in "Fargo," which won Best Picture by the Broadcast Film Critics Association exactly 25 years ago this week. Lynch stopped by the studio to discuss his directorial debut "Lucky," featuring the final performance by the late Harry Dean Stanton. He also shared memories of acting in the Coen Brothers' "Fargo" and David Fincher's "Zodiac."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley celebrate National DJ Day with hip-hop legend Grandmaster Flash, who pioneered the genre with his 1982 hit "The Message" and later became the first hip-hop artist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They spoke in 2020 when he played the now-defunct U Street Music Hall in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Dennis Miller as tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of "The Dennis Miller Show." They spoke in 2018 about his prolific career as a comedian and political commentator, hosting "Weekend Update" on "Saturday Night Live," briefly broadcasting "Monday Night Football" and starring across David Spade in "Joe Dirt."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with jazz master Branford Marsalis, who plays Strathmore on Thursday, then Wolf Trap on Jan. 26-27. They discussed his Louisiana roots with brother Wynton Marsalis, touring with Sting, working with Spike Lee, fronting the "Tonight Show" band and even playing the National Anthem for the Baltimore Orioles when Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig's streak at Camden Yards.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day by revisiting this chat with David Oyelowo, who played MLK in the 2014 film "Selma." They discussed Oyelowo's 2015 crime thriller "Captive," as well as his memories of working with directors like Ava DuVernay, Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with original "Scream" queen Drew Barrymore as the new "Scream" sequel opens in movie theaters this weekend. They spoke during the release of her 2015 memoir "Wildflower," sharing memories of filming Wes Craven's 1996 horror masterpiece, as well as her child role in Steven Spielberg's "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," which celebrates its 40th anniversary.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "slop-n-soul" artist Curtis Harding, whose concert at The Black Cat just got moved from Jan. 19 to May 2. No worries, you can pass the time by listening to our chat from 2018 when Harding played the now-defunct U Street Music Hall in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Malcolm McDowell as Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange” made its UK premiere 50 years ago last night. They spoke in 2016 about his Amazon streaming series “Mozart in the Jungle,” which continued his passion for classical music just like his role as Alex DeLarge.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with hip-hop icons The Sugarhill Gang, who perform at City Winery in Washington D.C. on Sunday. Co-founder Master Gee explains how "Rapper's Delight" invented the hip-hop genre in 1979, while Hen Dogg shares how "Apache" has been rediscovered by a whole new generation.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with R&B star Brian McKnight, who performs live at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on Friday night. Jason spoke to the 16-time Grammy nominee for a look inside his biggest hits from "One Last Cry" to "Anytime" to "Back at One."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the hilarious Marlon Wayans, who performs standup at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Jan. 22. They discuss "White Chicks," "The 6th Man" and "Requiem for a Dream." You'll also hear their 2017 discussion about NBC's "Marlon," Netflix's "Naked" and memories of "In Living Color," "The Wayans Brothers" and "Scary Movie."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley remembers "Full House" actor and comedian Bob Saget, who was found dead today at age 65. They spoke in 2016 when Saget visited the Kennedy Center for a tribute to Joan Rivers and a roast of James Carville. You'll also hear from Saget's "Full House" co-star John Stamos, who called in when he hosted "A Capitol Fourth” in Washington D.C. in 2017.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with The Cars' late singer/songwriter Ric Ocasek as the Tally Ho Theater hosts a Cars tribute tonight in Leesburg, Virginia. They spoke in 2018 a year before his death when Ocasek brought his art exhibit to Bethesda, Maryland and Tysons, Virginia.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country music star Trace Adkins, who performs at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Saturday. They spoke in 2017 when Adkins performed in Washington D.C. for "A Capitol Fourth."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country music legend Ricky Skaggs, who performs at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia for two nights this weekend. They spoke in 2015 when he performed at The Birchmere with Ry Cooder and wife Sharon White, discussing his humble beginnings with Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs to eventually becoming CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1985.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with “Shark Tank” judge Daymond John, who celebrates 30 years since founding the hip-hop apparel company FUBU. They spoke in 2020 about his entrepreneurial book "Power Shift” and the success of TV’s “Shark Tank.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Chris Sullivan, who played the beloved character Toby, as "This Is Us" returns for its sixth and final season tonight on NBC. They spoke in 2017 during the mid-season cliffhanger of Season 1. Sullivan also describes voicing the hilarious Hump Day Camel in a series of GEICO commercials.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Impractical Jokers" stars James 'Murr' Murray and Joe Gatto, who announced over the weekend that he is leaving the hit prank-comedy show for personal reasons after nine seasons. They spoke in 2020 during the release of "Impractical Jokers: The Movie."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with arguably the greatest Broadway actress of all time, Chita Rivera, who hosts the New Year's Eve special "United in Song" tonight on PBS. They discussed her prolific career, originating such iconic roles as Anita in "West Side Story," Rose in "Bye Bye Birdie" and Velma Kelly in "Chicago."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, who co-host the annual “New Year’s Eve Live” special tomorrow night as the Times Square ball drops on CNN. The duo called in twice in 2015 and 2018 to discuss their comedy tour AC2 at Warner Theatre in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Blue's Clues & You" host Joshua Dela Cruz about the show's 25th anniversary on Nickelodeon. He also describes meeting original host Steve Burns, who made headlines this year with a viral video to fans.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley revives this chat with Richard Gere to make up for the COVID cancellation of “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” which was slated to open today at National Theatre in Washington D.C. Gere and director Oren Moverman joined WTOP in 2015 to discuss their gritty indie film "Time Out of Mind" about the life of a homeless man. They also discussed his most iconic roles, including "Days of Heaven," "An Officer and a Gentleman" and of course “Pretty Woman."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the "Smackdown" tag-team champions, The Usos, who perform tomorrow night at the WWE Holiday Tour at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. The twins stopped by in 2015 en route to “Smackdown" the same month their father, Rikishi, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Festivus with Jerry Seinfeld! They spoke twice at the Kennedy Center, first in 2017 for "A Night of Laughter & Song," then in 2018 at the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. You'll also hear from "Seinfeld" co-stars Steve Hytner and John O'Hurley discussing their respective roles as Kenny Bania and J. Peterman.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with director Liesl Tommy, who hopes her "Respect" star Jennifer Hudson will compete for Best Actress against Frances McDormand of "The Tragedy of Macbeth." Tommy stopped by the studio to promote her production of "Macbeth" at Shakespeare Theatre in D.C. in 2017.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Ron Howard's Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer to mark the 20th anniversary of "A Beautiful Mind," which opened on Dec. 21, 2001. They spoke in 2015 during the release of his book “A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life," as well as his memories of "Splash" and "Apollo 13."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Comedy Central creator Art Bell as the cable network celebrates its 30th anniversary this year since its founding in 1991. They spoke in 2020 about his memoir "Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Keith David to mark today's 35th anniversary of Oliver Stone's "Platoon." They spoke in 2019 to promote TV’s “Greenleaf," his latest role in a prolific career from “Armageddon” to “There’s Something about Mary," not to mention narrating a series of acclaimed documentaries.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Tom Berenger to mark tomorrow’s 35th anniversary of Oliver Stone's "Platoon,” as well as memories of playing catcher Jake Taylor in the baseball comedy "Major League." They spoke in 2017 when Berenger came to D.C. for the G.I. Film Festival.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Andrew Garfield, who just won Best Actor at the Washington Area Film Critics Association for his role in "Tick, Tick...Boom." They discussed the legacy of Jonathan Larson, the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda and even a little Spider-Man as "No Way Home" opens nationwide today.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with movie critic Leonard Maltin about his new book “Starstruck: My Unlikely Road to Hollywood.” They discuss Maltin’s rise from growing up in New Jersey to becoming one of the most famous film critics in America, a household name to rival Siskel & Ebert.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with drummer Jeff Plate of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which rocks Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. on Dec. 23. They discussed the band’s biggest holiday hits, from the guitar-shredding “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” to the melodic “Christmas Canon," staples of the season.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with drummer Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad, which plays at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia this Friday night. They discuss the band's biggest hits, including "We're an American Band," "The Loco-Motion" and "Some Kind of Wonderful."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with rap legend Kurtis Blow, who brings "The Hip-Hop Nutcracker" to Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on Dec. 20-22. He also discusses pioneering the hip-hop genre with "Christmas Rappin'" and "The Breaks," as well as being sampled by Next and Nas.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Michael Urie, who stars in the new Netflix holiday film "Single All the Way." They spoke in 2018 when Urie starred in "Hamlet" at Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with keyboardist Jeff Kazee of Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, which performs tonight at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. They spoke in 2015 for the Rock & Roll for Children benefit concert in Bethesda, Maryland. He also describes playing for Bon Jovi's band.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-winning film composer Justin Hurwitz to mark the 5th anniversary of "La La Land." Hurwitz even sits behind his piano during the interview and plays snippets from his Oscar-winning score.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Blondie, which released its self-titles debut album 45 years ago today. Lead singer Debbie Harry called in to discuss her 2019 memoir "Face It" ahead of her book signing at Sixth & I in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the release of the new film "Being the Ricardos" by chatting with Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. They spoke in 2019 when Fathom Events screened five classic, colorized episodes of "I Love Lucy" in movie theaters nationwide.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Chris Jericho, who 20 years ago became the first undisputed champion of WWF and WCW by beating both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night. Jason spoke to Y2J in 2015 as Jericho prepared to host WWE's reality competition "Tough Enough."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Ronnie Platt of Kansas, which rocks Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia on Dec. 19. They discussed the band's unlikely rise from out of nowhere in Topeka, Kansas to land smash hits like "Carry On Wayward Son," "Point of Know Return" and "Dust in the Wind."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Motown founder Berry Gordy, who is being honored this weekend at the 44th annual Kennedy Center Honors. They spoke in 2015 alongside director Charles Randolph-Wright when “Motown the Musical” hit National Theatre in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with David Freiberg of Jefferson Starship, which plays The Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, Maryland on Dec. 7. They spoke about the band's evolution from Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" to Jefferson Starship's "Miracles" to Starship's "We Built This City."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the hilarious Carol Burnett, who earned a Golden Globe nod in the 1982 film "Annie," which is revived tonight on NBC. They spoke about her iconic role in 2016, then discussed her career more in-depth in 2019 when she brought "An Evening of Laughter & Reflection" to Strathmore.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers, who perform Friday and Saturday at Bethesda Blues & Jazz. They spoke in 2017 during a Wolf Trap tribute to what would have been the 75th birthday of Jimi Hendrix. You'll also hear from Hendrix's cousin, Nona Hendryx.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Mannheim Steamroller drummer Tom Sharpe as the band plays Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland on Saturday night. They discuss the group's revolutionary synthesizer Christmas music to reimagine hits like "Deck the Halls" and "Carol of the Bells."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with best-selling author Mitch Albom, who visits Theater J in Washington D.C. tomorrow to discuss his new book "The Stranger in the Lifeboat." He also discusses his roots as a sportswriter before penning "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with music legend Tony Bennett, who joins Lady Gaga for a special "One Last Time" concert tonight on CBS. They spoke in 2017 when Bennett received the Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at DAR Constitution Hall. You'll also hear red-carpet tributes from Gloria Estefan, Chris Botti, Josh Groban and even Bruce Willis.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Richard Thomas ("The Waltons") and Pamela Reed ("Parks & Recreation") about the Thanksgiving play "The Humans," which won Tonys on Broadway in 2016 and came to the Kennedy Center in 2018. It's now being adapted into an Oscar contender in movie theaters today.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of legendary underwater filmmaker Jacques Cousteau, who is chronicled this week in the new Disney+ documentary "Becoming Cousteau." They spoke in 2016 when Jean-Michel's National Geographic documentary "Secret Ocean" played at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with five-time Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal, whose latest score is featured in Oliver Stone's documentary "JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass" tonight on Showtime. They spoke in 2016 when Beal came to the Kennedy Center to perform his “House of Cards” score with the National Symphony Orchestra.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Sisqo and Tao of the R&B group Dru Hill, which released its debut album 25 years ago this weekend. They spoke when the group played D.C.’s Howard Theatre in 2016, discussing their humble beginnings singing while making fudge in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Joel McHale, who celebrates his 50th birthday today! They spoke in 2017 about McHale's memoir, as well as memories of hosting "The Soup" on E! and starring in "Community" on NBC.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with legendary late-night talk show host Dick Cavett, who celebrates his 85th birthday today! They spoke in 2015 about Cavett's must-read book "Brief Encounters," featuring priceless anecdotes from his decades of interviewing celebrities on television.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Tony Kornheiser Show" personality Marc Sterne (a.k.a. Nigel) about the 10th anniversary of the time he fooled Hollywood with his Christopher Walken impersonation on the D.C. radio airwaves.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedian Paula Poundstone, who performs at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this weekend. You'll also hear two throwback conversations from the 2020 and 2016 elections, providing fascinating time capsules of our political and pandemic life.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Motown legend Smokey Robinson, who performs live at MGM National Harbor near Washington D.C. on Saturday night. Smokey discusses growing up in Detroit and forming The Miracles to become Motown's first successful act with hits like "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," "Tracks of My Tears" and "The Tears of a Clown."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the Brothers Osborne, who just won at the CMAs before rocking The Anthem this Friday in Washington D.C. They discuss growing up in Deale, Maryland, moving to Nashville for a string of hits, and what it was like for T.J. becoming the first openly gay country singer on a major label.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "King Richard" director Reinaldo Marcus Green and actor Jon Bernthal about why this movie provides Will Smith a chance to finally win an Oscar as the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley and colleague Chris Cichon chat with "The Hangover" alum Ken Jeong, who will be inducted today into the Asian Hall of Fame. They spoke in 2017 during the release of his ABC sitcom "Dr. Ken," alongside co-star Suzy Nakamura.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Veterans Day weekend by sharing this 2019 conversation with "1917" director Sam Mendes ("American Beauty") and screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns about constructing a war flick that unfolds with the illusion of one long single-take. You'll also hear from actors George MacKay ("Captain Fantastic") and Dean-Charles Chapman ("Game of Thrones").
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks Veterans Day by sharing this 2015 conversation with Bradley Cooper at the Washington D.C. premiere of Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper." Cooper discusses playing the late U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who was hailed as the deadliest sniper in U.S. history. You'll also hear a 2018 exchange with Cooper discussing his directorial debut, "A Star is Born."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates tomorrow's release of the "Rocky IV" director's cut by chatting with Dolph Lundgren, who played Rocky Balboa's Soviet nemesis Ivan Drago. They spoke in 2015 during the release of "Creed" and Lundgren's WWII film "War Pigs." You'll also hear a 2018 chat with "Creed II" director Steven Caple Jr. and Florian Munteanu, who played Drago's son.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with musician Ben Folds, who performs live at the Kennedy Center next Monday, Nov. 15. They discuss his radio hit "Brick," his animated film work in "Over the Hedge," about his rewarding role as the National Symphony Orchestra's first-ever Artistic Advisor.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with UB40 singer Astro, who died today after a short illness at age 64. They spoke when the band played Strathmore in 2016, breaking down the band's biggest reggae-pop hits from "Red Red Wine" to "Can't Help Falling in Love."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country hitmaker Brandy Clark, who performs at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday. They spoke last December about her virtual holiday show "Christmas From Here, There and Everywhere," as well as her Grammy-nominated album "Your Life is a Record" and all of the hits she wrote for other artists, from "Follow Your Arrow" to "Mama's Broken Heart."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with bass player Tom Drummond of the band Better than Ezra, which rocks The Anthem in Washington D.C. tomorrow night alongside Tonic and Collective Soul. They spoke when the band played Wolf Trap back in 2015 to break down their biggest hits from “Good” to “At the Stars.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the 80th birthday of Art Garfunkel of the legendary folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. They spoke ahead of his 2017 concert at the Kennedy Center, breaking down his biggest hits, from “The Sound of Silence” to “The Boxer” to “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins, who performs live at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia tomorrow night. They spoke about her biggest hits from "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" to "As I Lay Me Down."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits, who perform live at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia tomorrow night. They discuss the band’s pioneering role in the British Invasion, including hits like “I’m Into Something Good” and “I’m Henry VIII, I Am.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with musician John Waite, who performs at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia tomorrow night. They discuss his long music career, from his British rock band The Babys, to his solo hit “Missing You” to his supergroup Bad English, most famous for the song “When I See You Smile.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with five-time Grammy winner Terence Blanchard, who headlines the Frederick Jazz Festival at the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland on Saturday night. They spoke about his prolific film collaboration with Spike Lee, from “Do the Right Thing” to “Malcom X” to his Oscar nominations for “BlackKklansman” and “Da 5 Bloods.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Halloween with an hour-long conversation with Oscar-winning filmmaker William Friedkin, who directed arguably the scariest movie of all time in "The Exorcist." They spoke in 2015 when Friedkin came to Washington D.C. to dedicate the Exorcist Steps as an official historical landmark in Georgetown. They also discussed his journey from directing TV episodes of "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" to Best Picture winners like "The French Connection."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Dennis Quaid, who comes to New Spire Arts Center in Frederick, Maryland tonight! Quaid called in from the airport en route to the show to discuss his music career, as well as his most beloved movies from "Breaking Away" to "The Right Stuff" to "The Rookie." They even swapped their favorite quotes from brother Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with filmmaker Edgar Wright, who releases his new horror/thriller "Last Night in Soho" today, just in time for Halloween. They spoke in 2017 about his cool action flick "Baby Driver," as well as his legacy from "Hot Fuzz" to "Shaun of the Dead."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer Edwin McCain, who performs tonight at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia. They spoke in 2019 when McCain played City Winery in Washington D.C. to break down his biggest hits from "I'll Be" to "I Could Not Ask for More."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with The Temptations as the iconic Motown group performs at MGM National Harbor this Friday night. You'll first hear from the late lead singer Dennis Edwards in 2016, followed by a pair of conversations with founding member Otis Williams from 2018 and 2020.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-winning R&B star Ledisi, who performs tonight at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland. They spoke in 2017 when Ledisi joined the National Symphony Orchestra for an epic concert at the Kennedy Center. At the time, she was a nine-time Grammy nominee, but she has since earned 13, including her win this year for Best Traditional R&B Performance with "Anything For You."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Henry Winkler and co-author Lin Oliver about their new children's book "Hollywood vs. The Galaxy," which they'll virtually present at the 23rd annual Fall for the Book festival in Northern Virginia this Friday. Winkler also shares memories of playing The Fonz on “Happy Days," as well as his Emmy-winning role in HBO’s “Barry" and Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter Don McLean, who released his album “American Pie” exactly 50 years ago today on October 24, 1971. They spoke about the 50th anniversary of a song that not only became an iconic singalong but also served as a genius breakdown of American pop culture history.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Eduardo Sanchez, co-director of "The Blair Witch Project" just in time for Halloween. They spoke in 2018 when the Library of Congress celebrated the film's 20th anniversary, examining how this low-budget horror flick pioneered the “found footage” subgenre to become one of the most profitable indie films ever made.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Emmylou Harris, who performs at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia on Oct. 28th for “The Lantern Tour” to benefit the Women’s Refugee Commission. I spoke with her about the humanitarian cause, as well as her iconic career, evolving from folk music to country standards like "Two More Bottles of Wine."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Foreigner bass player Jeff Pilsen ahead of the band's concert this Saturday at MECU Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland. They discuss the band's biggest hits, including "Feels Like the First Time," "Hot Blooded," “Double Vision,” "Cold As Ice," "Jukebox Hero,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You” and “I Want to Know What Love Is."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle on the 44th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that killed his bandmates, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. They discuss the band's biggest hits from "Free Bird" to "Sweet Home Alabama" to "Simple Man," as well as the new movie "Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country star Clay Walker, who performs at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Friday night. They discuss his biggest hits from "If I Could Make a Living" to "A Few Questions," as well as detailing his brave battle with multiple sclerosis since his diagnosis in 1996.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with gospel legend BeBe Winans on the eve of the 52nd annual Dove Gospel Music Awards tomorrow night in Nashville, Tennessee. Winans joined us in 2016 when his life story was adapted into a musical at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. You'll also hear from his niece, actress Deborah Joy Winans, who portrayed her aunt CeCe Winans in the musical.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Judy Collins, who performs tonight at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. They spoke earlier this year when Collins hit Wolf Trap to recreate her first solo concert at New York City’s Town Hall in 1964. They also discussed her biggest hits from "Both Sides Now" to "Send in the Clowns."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the return of the Middleburg Film Festival this weekend in Middleburg, Virginia by bringing back one of his favorite Middleburg interviews. In 2017, he spoke with Greta Gerwig upon the release of "Lady Bird," which made Gerwig the first woman to earn an Oscar nomination for her directorial debut.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actors Ann Dowd and Jason Isaacs of the new Oscar-contender drama "Mass," which hits movie theaters in Washington D.C. today. You'll also hear from writer/director Fran Kranz about why he made this harrowing film.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with New Kids on the Block founder Jonathan Knight as tickets go on sale for the group's 2022 Mixtape Tour, which wraps at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. next July. They discuss the group’s formation in the 1980s, breakup in 1994 and reunion in 2008, inspiring countless boy bands along the way.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Dopesick" creator Danny Strong and star Peter Sarsgaard as the miniseries premieres today on Hulu. Strong also reflects on writing HBO's "Recount," creating TV's "Empire" and growing up in California where he frequented Quentin Tarantino's video store, while Sarsgaard remembers his prolific acting career, namely "Shattered Glass."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor André De Shields, who won a Tony for Broadway's "Hadestown," which opens at the Kennedy Center tomorrow. De Shields stopped by in 2015 alongside director Timothy Douglas to discuss August Wilson's "King Hedley II" at Arena Stage, as well as De Shields' memories of originating the title role of "The Wiz." You'll also hear from Tony winner Levi Kreis ("Million Dollar Quartet"), who takes over the role of Hermes from De Shields on the "Hadestown" national tour at the Kennedy Center.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with musician Todd Rundgren, who performs at Capital Turnaround in Washington D.C. on Oct. 17-18 just days before being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Oct. 30. They spoke about his biggest hits from "I Saw the Light" to "Hello, It's Me" to "Bang the Drum All Day."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Bond aficionado Dave Preston as "No Time to Die" hits movie theaters today. This two-hour podcast extravaganza ranks the Best Bond Actors, Best Bond Villains, Best Bond Songs, Best Bond Gadgets and Best Bond Flicks, including where “No Time to Die” ranks among the franchise.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with country star Phil Vassar, who performs this Sunday at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. They spoke in 2016 about writing hit songs for Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney and Alan Jackson before becoming a star himself with songs like "Just Another Day in Paradise."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Chicago guitarist Keith Howland, who performs with the band this Friday at MGM National Harbor outside of Washington D.C. They discuss the band's biggest hits, including "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" and "You're the Inspiration."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks today's return of "To Kill a Mockingbird" on Broadway by chatting with Boo Radley, played by the great Robert Duvall in his film debut in 1962. They spoke in 2016 about his legendary career from "The Godfather" to "Apocalypse Now" to "Lonesome Dove."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor David Strathairn, who stars in the one-man play "Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski" at Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C. from Oct. 6-17. They also discussed his prolific filmography, from his Oscar nomination as Edward R. Murrow in "Good Night and Good Luck" to his role across Frances McDormand in the reigning Best Picture winner "Nomadland."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with writer/director Ben Lewin and producer Judi Levine of the Oscar-nominated film "The Sessions" about their new romantic comedy "Falling for Figaro," now in movie theaters and on demand. The film stars Danielle Macdonald ("Patti Cake$," "Dumplin'") about an aspiring opera singer.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with the one and only Sting, who celebrates his 70th birthday today! They spoke in 2019 when Sting brought his original musical "The Last Ship" to National Theatre in Washington D.C. Stay tuned until the end because Sting surprisingly took out his guitar and started singing.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, who published his beloved romance novel "The Notebook" exactly 25 years ago today. They spoke in 2016 during the release of his book "See Me" and movie adaptation "The Choice" to see how he keeps making sparks fly.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "The Sopranos" creator David Chase about the prequel "The Many Saints of Newark" in movie theaters tomorrow. They discuss the show's legacy, his favorite episodes and the controversial finale. You'll also hear a 2020 conversation with Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, during the launch of his episode-by-episode podcast "Talking Sopranos."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Cappy McGarr, creator of the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. He releases a new book today called "The Man Who Made Mark Twain Famous," featuring behind-the-scenes stories about the award's funniest recipients from Will Ferrell shattering the ceramic bust to Bill Murray putting in the Oval Office to Eddie Murphy turning heads in the Situation Room. He also explains why Mel Brooks remains his white whale.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Counting Crows guitarist David Immerglück as the band rocks MGM National Harbor this Friday near Washington D.C. They spoke about the band's biggest hits from "Mr. Jones" to "Round Here," from "Hanginaround" to "Accidentally in Love," which earned an Oscar nomination.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Leslie Odom Jr., who hosts a unique Tony Awards tonight honoring the best of Broadway after a long pandemic hiatus. They spoke when he performed at the Kennedy Center Spring Gala tribute to Marvin Gaye in 2016, the exact week before he won his Tony as Aaron Burr in “Hamilton."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Idina Menzel, who performs in the TV special "Broadway's Back!" after the Tony Awards on Sunday night. They spoke in 2017 when she came to MGM National Harbor, discussing her originating the role of Maureen in “Rent,” originating the role of Elphaba in “Wicked,” and singing “Let it Go” as the voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen.”
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Stephen Chbosky, director of "Dear Evan Hansen," which hits movie theaters today after premiering in Washington D.C. in 2015 before winning the Tony for Best Musical on Broadway in 2017. They discuss the joys and challenges of bringing a hit musical from stage to screen, as well as "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "Wonder."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rufus Wainwright, who performs this coming Tuesday at The Anthem in Washington D.C. They discuss his versatile career from pop to opera, including being named Rolling Stone magazine's Best New Artist, recording "Hallelujah" for the "Shrek" soundtrack, and even donating sperm to Leonard Cohen's daughter to raise a child with his husband.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley and colleague Dave Preston chat with Moody Blues frontman Justin Hayward, who performs tonight at Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland. Hayward phoned in for a pair of conversations, first in 2016, then in 2018 after the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting, who plays The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Sunday night. They spoke about him creating hits like "Superman" and "100 Years," as well as his hockey fandom. He even predicted that Alex Ovechkin would eventually get his Stanley Cup.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter chats with Nathaniel Rateliff, who plays Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on Friday for the Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson and Sturgill Simpson. They spoke in 2016 about Rateliff forming The Night Sweats for the hit song "S.O.B."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the “Queen of Funk" Chaka Khan, who performs tonight at MGM National Harbor. They spoke back in 2015 before her New Year's Eve bash at the Kennedy Center, discussing everything from her Rufus hits like "Tell Me Something Good" to her solo hits like "I'm Every Woman."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley marks the 40th anniversary of "Das Boot" by talking submarine flicks with Gerard Butler, who says the genre accounts for three of his Top 10 favorite movies. They spoke during the release of Butler's 2015 submarine flick "Hunter Killer." Don't miss his spoof of "The Phantom of the Opera."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with gospel-pop star Amy Grant about her concert at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this coming Monday. They also discuss the new gospel music documentary "The Jesus Music" in theaters Oct. 1.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Shenandoah lead singer Marty Raybon ahead of Saturday’s concert at the Great Frederick Fair in Frederick, Maryland. They spoke about the band's biggest hits, including "The Church on Cumberland," "Two Dozen Roses," "Next to You, Next to Me" and "I Wanna Be Loved Like That."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with author Paula Hawkins about her new murder mystery novel "A Slow Fire Burning." She also reflects on her best-seller "The Girl on the Train" and watching it be adapted by Hollywood.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Louis Prima Jr., who performs at City Winery in Northeast D.C. on Thursday night. They spoke about his famous father's jazz, swing and big-band career, as well as him voicing King Louie in Disney's animated "The Jungle Book" to sing the iconic tune "I Wanna Be Like You."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with jazz great Dave Koz, who performs Thursday night at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. They spoke about his Grammy-nominated jazz career, as well as his approach to interviewing other musicians on his popular syndicated radio show that he's hosted since 1994.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Daily Show" legend Jon Stewart, who hosts a 9/11 tribute tonight at Madison Square Garden called “NYC Still Rising After 20 Years: A Comedy Celebration.” He visited D.C. in 2014 to discuss his directorial debut film “Rosewater” about Iran’s imprisonment of Western journalist Maziar Bahari, who you'll also hear in the interview. Just months later, Stewart announced his retirement from "The Daily Show."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with legendary crooner Johnny Mathis, who performs live at Strathmore tomorrow night in North Bethesda, Maryland. They spoke in 2018 to break down his biggest hits, including "Chances Are," "It's Not For Me to Say" and "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with jazz and hip-hop dynamo Robert Glasper, who kicks off his Kennedy Center residency today through Sept. 19. They spoke in 2020 about his stellar career, from his Grammy-winning collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on "These Walls" to his Emmy-winning duet with Common on "Letter to the Free" from the soundtrack of Ava DuVernay's documentary "13th."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with "Whose Line is it Anyway?" alum Colin Mochrie, who joins Brad Sherwood for "Scared Scriptless" on Thursday night at Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. Mochrie reflects on the hilarious TV improv show, including bits with Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady and host Drew Carey.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James, who plays Merriweather Post Pavilion tomorrow night in Columbia, Maryland. They spoke in 2019 when James performed his album "The Order of Nature: A Song Cycle" at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the one and only Darius Rucker, who performs live at Wolf Trap tomorrow night in Virginia. They spoke in 2016 about Rucker's rise from Hootie & The Blowfish to a rebirth in country music.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles, who stars in the hit Broadway musical "Waitress" today as the New York City theater scene reopens after the pandemic shutdown. They spoke in 2018 about the show's songbook, from "Opening Up" to "She Used to Be Mine," as well as the story behind her breakthrough pop hit "Love Song."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, who joins Renee Elise Goldsberry for "Broadway in the Park" at Wolf Trap on Friday in a co-production with Signature Theatre. They discuss his prolific Broadway career, from "Ragtime" to "Kiss Me Kate," as well as singing out of his New York City window to spread hope during the pandemic.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Joe Walsh as The Eagles bring their "Hotel California" tour to Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. tonight. We spoke in 2015 about Walsh joining The Eagles in 1975, teaching country poets Don Henley and Glenn Frey how to rock. You'll also hear from Bob Seger and Darius Rucker, who both praised The Eagles on the red carpet at the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with DJ Jazzy Jeff, who headlines a wine and music festival this Labor Day weekend at National Harbor. I spoke with the hip-hop legend about his music and TV journey alongside "The Fresh Prince" Will Smith.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with acclaimed folk artist Willie Nile, who performs at The Hamilton in Washington D.C. tomorrow night. They spoke in 2017 about Nile's career alongside Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Bono and Ringo Starr. He also shares exclusive details on the night that John Lennon was murdered.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Three Dog Night founder and lead singer Danny Hutton, who brings his classic rock band to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday night. Hutton discusses moving from Boston to Hollywood before creating the band's biggest hits, from “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” to "Joy to the World."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Charley Pride as Country Music Television airs a special tribute to the late country legend tonight on "CMT Giants." Pride died in 2020, two years after joining WTOP to discuss his journey as the Jackie Robinson of country music with huge hits like "Kiss an Angel Good Morning."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rob Reiner as the National Symphony Orchestra performs "The Princess Bride" live in concert at Wolf Trap this week. They spoke in 2017 when Reiner came to Washington D.C. to promote his movie "LBJ." Stick around to the end for a rapid-fire run through his prolific filmography from "This is Spinal Tap!" to "Stand By Me," from "When Harry Met Sally" to "A Few Good Men."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-winning visual effects wizard Phil Tippett, who just directed the new animated feature "Mad God." Tippett discusses growing up watching stop-motion classics like "King Kong" before creating his own groundbreaking effects for "Star Wars," "Robocop" and "Jurassic Park."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with actor Sean Astin, who attends Awesome Con this weekend at the Washington Convention Center in D.C. They discuss his blockbuster career of "The Goonies," "Rudy" and "The Lord of the Rings."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with WWE's Paul Heyman, who manages Roman Reigns against John Cena tonight at SummerSlam. Jason spoke with Heyman ahead of SummerSlam 2015 when he was managing Brock Lesnar's rematch vs. The Undertaker after snapping the Deadman's famous WrestleMania undefeated streak.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with music superstar Harry Connick Jr., who croons into Wolf Trap tonight in Virginia. They discuss his New Orleans roots, singing "It Had to Be You" in "When Harry Met Sally," transitioning to acting in "Independence Day" and "Will & Grace," and judging on "American Idol."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with five-time Emmy winner Kelsey Grammer about his new movie "Charming the Hearts of Men." Grammer also shares his memories of "Cheers," "Frasier" and voicing Sideshow Bob in "The Simpsons."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-winning country star Kathy Mattea, who plays The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday night. They discussed her biggest hits from "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses" to "Where've You Been," written by her husband as a true story about his grandmother's last words.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Pure Prairie League member Michael Reilly ahead of the band's show tomorrow night at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. They discuss creating the band name, recording hit songs like "Amie" and discovering future country star Vince Gill.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Zac Brown Band members Coy Bowles and Clay Cook ahead of their show Thursday at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. You'll also hear from Zac Brown himself at the 2016 Grammys on the Hill event in Washington D.C.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Men at Work founder Colin Hay, who performs Tuesday and Wednesday nights at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. Hay discusses growing up in Scotland, moving to Australia and penning massive '80s hits like "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the 80th birthday of David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash! Jason spoke with the iconic folk-rock trio at the 2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting. You'll hear Crosby discuss The Byrds, Stephen Stills discuss Buffalo Springfield, and Graham Nash discuss The Hollies, before they united to form a legendary supergroup.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with the late Aretha Franklin, who is played by Jennifer Hudson in the new biopic "Respect" in movie theaters today. The Queen of Soul discusses the creation of the iconic song "Respect" and describes how she would like to be remembered. You'll even hear from legendary music producer Clive Davis and NBA legend Isaiah Thomas, who accompanied her on the Kennedy Center Honors red carpet.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates Major League Baseball's inaugural "Field of Dreams" game tonight by discussing the iconic movie with Kevin Costner, who brought his band Modern West to The Birchmere in 2016. They discuss the importance of dreaming like Ray Kinsella, as well as memories of “Bull Durham" and "Dances with Wolves."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with R&B group En Vogue, which plays The Birchmere tonight in Alexandria, Virginia. Co-founders Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron discuss the group's rise to success, from "Free Your Mind" to "Don't Let Go," while newest member Rhona Bennett shares how they welcomed her with open arms.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Vertical Horizon frontman Matt Scannell ahead of the band's Aug. 19 show at Wolf Trap in Virginia. They discuss forming the band in college at Georgetown University and their rise to stardom with hits like "Everything You Want" and "You're a God."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with three-time Grammy-nominated R&B star Raheem DeVaughn, who performs a special tribute to Marvin Gaye this Saturday at Wolf Trap. He discusses growing up in Prince George's County and working with the late producer Chucky Thompson.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Ann Wilson of Heart, who rocks The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday night. They discuss Heart's biggest hits, from "Crazy On You" to "Barracuda," as well as the band's amazing tribute to Led Zeppelin at the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates National Book Lovers Day by hitting the archives for this chat with the late Mary Higgins Clark, who discussed her novel "Every Breath You Take," as well as her approach to penning mysteries as the "Queen of Suspense."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley gears up for National Book Lovers Day tomorrow by reviving this 2018 chat with best-selling author David Baldacci about his novel "End Game," the fifth installment of his Will Robie series.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Stephan James, who played Jesse Owens in the 2016 biopic "Race," a nice companion piece to this week's PBS docuseries on Owens' heroics at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Jason tag teams this interview with D.C. sports reporter Noah Frank.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Frankie Valli of The Four Seasons, who perform tomorrow night at The Anthem in Washington D.C. They discuss the group’s biggest hits, from "Big Girls Don't Cry" to "Walk Like a Man," as well as his signature solo songs, including "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Jim Croce's son, A.J. Croce, who honors his father with "Croce Plays Croce" this Sunday at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland. He discusses his father's biggest hits, including "Time in a Bottle," which was written for A.J. when he was still in the womb.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold, who brings the band's 20th anniversary tour to Baltimore's MECU Pavilion on Aug. 20. They discuss the band's biggest hits from "Kryptonite" to "Here Without You."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Air Supply co-founder Graham Russell as the band plays The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Friday. They discuss the Australian duo's biggest hits from "All Out of Love" to "Making Love Out of Nothing At All."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with blues-rocker George Thorogood, who brings his Delaware Destroyers to Wolf Trap on Aug. 12.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with legendary crooner Paul Anka, who celebrates his 80th birthday today! They talk about his biggest hits from "Puppy Love" to "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," as well as writing "My Way" for Frank Sinatra and being a father-in-law to Jason Bateman.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with comedy icon Dave Chappelle, who reopens The Anthem tomorrow with a surprise show in his hometown of Washington D.C. Jason spoke with Dave on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center's 2019 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, along with special guests Kenan Thompson ("SNL") and Chris Tucker ("Rush Hour").
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with stage and screen star Norm Lewis, who performs a pair of shows at Wolf Trap this weekend. They discuss him becoming Broadway's first Black star of "Phantom of the Opera" and transitioning to Hollywood on films like Spike Lee's "Da 5 Bloods."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with legendary dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones, who is featured in the new documentary "Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters.” Jason spoke to him in 2017 about receiving the Portrait of a Nation prize by the National Portrait Gallery.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love, who celebrates her 80th birthday today! It's Christmas in July as they discuss her timeless holiday hit "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," as well as her role in the "Lethal Weapon" movies and her overdue spotlight in the Oscar-winning documentary "20 Feet from Stardom."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the start of the Olympics with WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle, who won a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia. WTOP Sports Anchor Chris Cichon tag teams the interview to discuss Angle's favorite matches and moments.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Parliament Funkadelic founder George Clinton, who celebrates his 80th birthday today! They spoke about his influential funk career from "Flashlight" to "Atomic Dog," as well as collaborating with the next generation from Snoop Dogg to Dr. Dre, 2Pac to Kendrick Lamar.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Grammy-winning bluegrass artist Chris Thile, who performs at Wolf Trap this Saturday and Sunday. They discuss his bands Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, as well as his solo work and hosting his own version of "A Prairie Home Companion."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with four-time Grammy nominated musician Stanley Jordan, who recently saluted Jimi Hendrix at Strathmore. Did you know Jordan also recorded the start-up sound for Apple computers in the 1990s?
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with late rapper Biz Markie, who died over the weekend at age 57. Markie joined us in 2015 to discuss living in Bowie, Maryland, his friendship with Doug E. Fresh and his collaborations with DJ Kool. He even beat-boxed the WTOP call letters.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley celebrates the 80th birthday of Martha Reeves of the legendary Motown group Martha & The Vandellas! Reeves joined WTOP in 2015 for a trip down memory lane, sharing stories about the creation of "Nowhere to Run" and "Dancing in the Street."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter chats with Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath, who performs today at the Let's Go! Music Festival at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. They discuss the band's biggest hits from "Fly" to "Every Morning" to "Someday."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Paul Schrader, screenwriter of Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver," which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival 45 years ago. Schrader also describes writing for Robert DeNiro in "Raging Bull" and directing Ethan Hawke in "First Reformed."
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with DreamWorks founder Jeffrey Katzenberg as the Library of Congress screens "Shrek" outdoors tonight as part of its National Film Registry. Katzenberg joined us in 2020 to launch the now-defunct streaming platform Quibi, which just earned eight Emmy nominations this week despite no longer existing. He also reflects on running Walt Disney Studios at the height of the Disney Renaissance.
WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with filmmaker Carlos Lopez Estrada, whose new film "Summertime" opens nationwide this weekend. They also discuss his breakthrough film "Blindspotting" and his transition to animation in Disney's "Raya and the Last Dragon."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with ESPN's Kevin Blackistone and former NFL MVP Mark Moseley about the Washington Football Team's name change, which happened on this date exactly one year ago. These interviews were conducted in the week leading up to the decision, serving as a time capsule of a social breaking point in sports history.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with "Big Tony" Fisher of Trouble Funk, which makes history this Sunday as the first go-go band ever to play Wolf Trap's Filene Center.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with rocker Chris Daughtry, who signed his first record deal 15 years ago today -- despite finishing fourth on "American Idol." Daughtry describes staying busy during the pandemic and how he turned a TV singing competition into Grammy-nominated success.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Michael Fitzpatrick of the alt-rock band Fitz & The Tantrums, who perform a special livestream concert today. Fitzpatrick shares how he came up with the band's beloved whistles and hand claps.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg, who brings his interactive "jukebox" concert to Wolf Trap this Saturday and Sunday. They discuss his prolific drumming career, from Bruce Springsteen to Conan O'Brien.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with D.C. sports columnist and radio personality Thom Loverro, who's hosting a King Soul concert this Sunday at Caddies in Bethesda, Maryland to benefit D.C. Grays Baseball. They discuss Loverro's memories of working at ESPN 980, as well as his favorite athletes, TV shows and movies, including a pair of brand new sports scripts that he wrote during the pandemic.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with country music and southern rock legend Charlie Daniels, who died on this date exactly one year ago. The late Daniels shares how he first learned the fiddle and how he came up with the lyrics of the legendary song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with legendary filmmaker Spike Lee, who becomes the first Black jury president at the Cannes Film Festival tomorrow in Paris, France. Jason spoke with Spike and actress Teyonah Parris during their 2015 film "Chi-Raq."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with music icon Jimmy Buffett, who headlines Sunday's "A Capitol Fourth" concert on PBS.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Brian "Damage" Forsythe of the homegrown rock band Kix, which headlines the M3 Rock Festival tonight at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Derek Trucks of Tedeschi Trucks, which brings blues rock to the Frederick Fairgrounds July 1-3.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with "Moana" star Auli'i Cravalho, who will perform this Sunday on PBS' "A Capitol Fourth."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with the late Alex Trebek and Larry King, who both just posthumously won Daytime Emmy Awards for their iconic broadcasting careers.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Carole Baskin, who is featured in the new animal rights documentary "The Conservation Game." They also discuss her reaction to "Tiger King" and the jailing of Joe Exotic.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Jeff Foxworthy about his hilarious comedy career, from "You Might Be a Redneck" to the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, which filmed its final show at D.C.'s Warner Theatre 15 years ago this weekend.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Thom Filicia, one of the original "Fab Five" of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." The original cast reunites for E! Entertainment's "Reunion Road Trip" now on Peacock.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Lee Grant, last year's honoree at the AFI Docs Film Festival, which continues this week in D.C. Jason spoke with the Oscar and Emmy winner about her prolific career from "Peyton Place" to "In the Heat of the Night."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog during the 2016 AFI Docs Film Festival, which returns today. They discuss his greatest films, from feature films ("Fitzcarraldo") to documentaries ("Grizzly Man"), as well as a warning against technology.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with prolific documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple ("Desert One," "Harlan County, USA") as we kick off a tribute to the AFI Docs Film Festival, which returns tomorrow.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with actor Jeff Daniels about playing in his son's band in a special episode just in time for Father's Day. They also discuss his funniest comedy roles, from "The Purple Rose of Cairo" to "Dumb and Dumber," as well as his iconic monologue in "The Newsroom."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Catherine Wyler, daughter of Hollywood legend William Wyler, just in time for Father's Day. Joining them is director Erik Nelson to discuss Wyler's historic World War II documentary "The Memphis Belle," which inspired the 2018 documentary "In Cold Blue."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley tees up Father's Day by chatting with George Stevens Jr. about his father George Stevens' greatest Hollywood films from "Giant" to "A Place in the Sun" to "Shane." They also discuss his founding of the American Film Institute and the future of the film industry.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with legendary actress Rita Moreno, who joked about the Sharks vs. Jets at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, and Mariem Pérez Riera, director of the new documentary "Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with The Beach Boys, first with lead singer Mike Love, then with genius songwriter Brian Wilson, and finally with actor Paul Dano, who portrayed Wilson in the film "Love & Mercy."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with comedian Louie Anderson, who performs a virtual comedy special tonight in Las Vegas.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with country legend Clint Black, who will perform at the brand new Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia on Feb. 5. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with “In the Heights” and "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as “Hamilton” director Thomas Kail, “Hamilton” co-star Leslie Odom Jr., and “In the Heights” cast members Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace and Melissa Barrera.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Tom Hiddleston, who releases "Loki" today on Disney+. Jason spoke with Hiddleston in 2015 about his Hank Williams biopic and how Loki would attack Batman and Superman.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Ricky Byrd of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts about the Rock & Roll for Children online auction to benefit The Children's Inn at NIH.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with late country star Joe Diffie, who was one of the first celebrities to die of COVID-19 complications.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Jewel, who released her breakthrough single "Who Will Save Your Soul?" exactly 25 years ago today.
WTOP Entertainment Editor chats with Hall of Fame boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas about the new four-part docuseries "The Kings," which premieres this Sunday on Showtime.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Amy Schumer, who celebrates her 40th birthday today. Jason spoke to Schumer and co-star Rory Scovel during the release of their rom-com "I Feel Pretty."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, who will co-host tonight's National Memorial Day Concert on PBS. Sinise also shares memories of Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump," while Mantegna shares memories of "The Godfather: Part III."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with B.J. Thomas, who died today at age 78. Jason spoke with Thomas in September 2020 about the 50th anniversary of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with WWE legend Mick Foley, whose life is chronicled tomorrow in a brand new A&E "Biography."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with opera star Denyce Graves, who will perform at the National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Moby, whose techno career is chronicled in the new documentary "Moby Doc" this weekend.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Duke Fakir of The Four Tops, who perform their classic Motown hits this weekend at the National Memorial Day Concert.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with actor Steve Buscemi, who will host a special 20th anniversary tribute to 9/11 at the National Memorial Day Concert this Sunday. They also discuss the 25th anniversary of "Fargo" and 20th anniversary of his "Pine Barrens" episode of "The Sopranos."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Weird Al Yankovic, who marks the 25th anniversary of his "Bad Hair Tour" today.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with country legend Garth Brooks, who is being honored this weekend at the Kennedy Center Honors.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Broadway star Adam Pascal about originating the role of Roger in "Rent," as well as his roles in "Aida," "Chicago," "Cabaret" and "Something Rotten."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with gutsy rocker Melissa Etheridge for a journey through her Grammy and Oscar-winning career.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with renowned violinist Chelsey Green about her journey from child prodigy to national television.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with legendary sportscaster Dan Patrick, who celebrates his 65th birthday today. Patrick shares his take on sports in the pandemic era, as well as memories of NBC's "Football Night in America" and ESPN's "SportsCenter." Welcome to the big show!
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Carole King, who was just selected for a second induction by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Jason spoke briefly with King at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, along with special guests Aretha Franklin, Clive Davis and the cast of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with LL Cool J, who just earned the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Musical Excellence Award. Jason spoke with the hip-hop icon at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors, along with special guests Run-DMC and Busta Rhymes.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go's, the newest inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This interview was conducted during the band's 2016 farewell tour, so you'll hear them both arguing for the band's Hall of Fame induction even back then.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins, who delivers his new TV series "The Underground Railroad" this Friday. Jason spoke with Jenkins between his two masterpieces, "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Newt Minow and his daughter Nell Minow about the 60th anniversary of his speech calling television a "vast wasteland" and how the collapse of the Fairness Doctrine birthed our era of divisive "fake news."
WTOP Entertainment Editor chats with three-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter, who rocks the Frederick Fairgrounds this Sunday for Mother's Day.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Elliot Page ("Juno," "Inception"), who made headlines this week with a transgender transition. Jason spoke with Page in 2015 about the LGBTQ film "Freeheld" just months after the landmark Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with bestselling author John Grisham about his new basketball novel "Sooley," his love of ACC college hoops, and the 30th anniversary of "The Firm."
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley celebrates International Jazz Day by chatting with Herbie Hancock about his Miles Davis roots and why Snoop Dogg says he invented hip-hop.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with actor Dean Norris about the legacy of "Breaking Bad" and his new CBS sitcom "The United States of Al."
WTOP's Jason Fraley chats with Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men, the top-selling R&B group of all time who released their debut hit "Motownphilly" 30 years ago this week.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Judy Heumann, pioneer of the Disability Rights Movement, about bringing the Netflix documentary "Crip Camp" to the Oscars and her decades-long fight for equality.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with friend, mentor and longtime Washington D.C. movie critic Arch Campbell, who celebrates his 75th birthday on Oscar Sunday. How fitting.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley honors the late Chadwick Boseman, who is the favorite to win a posthumous Best Actor Oscar this Sunday for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." Jason spoke with Boseman about his roles as Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall just before the release of "Black Panther." Rest in peace, King of Wakanda.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about his grandfather, who is the subject of the Netflix film "Mank," which leads the way with 10 Oscar nominations this Sunday.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with country music legend Wynonna Judd, who rocks The Birchmere on Wednesday for the first time since the pandemic. How did she and other musicians keep a creative spark during this past year of quarantine?
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss about playing Bernie Madoff, who died in prison this week after orchestrating the biggest Ponzi scheme in history. How does an actor get inside the mind of a notorious criminal? The process is fascinating.
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley chats with prolific documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, who just dropped the new three-part documentary series Hemingway on PBS. What does Ken consider his magnum opus? Civil War or Baseball?
WTOP Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley picks the brains of the most influential filmmakers, musicians and artists of our time in the new podcast “Beyond the Fame with Jason Fraley!” Based in the nation's capital, Jason has interviewed just about every famous figure you can imagine: Dave Chappelle, Carol Burnett, Garth Brooks, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Seinfeld, the list is endless! You’ve heard the highlights on the radio, but this is your chance to hear in-depth conversations about what makes these creative geniuses tick. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Google, Podcast DC, or Spotify.