The Ken Calvert Show: Recent Episodes
Ken Calvert
Ken Calvert was born and raised in Detroit. A graduate of Brother Rice High School with college studies at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He took broadcast, voice and acting courses at OCC Farmington Hills, Michigan. Ken has spent the last forty-four years as a radio broadcaster and freelance voice-over announcer. He's also worked for Sony Music Corporation (Columbia Records) as both a local and regional promotion and marketing manager specializing in artist development, marketing, and retail. Ken currently enjoys doing a podcast and telling kids to get off his lawn!
During this most unusual time we need to think of smart new ways to stay germ free. I share my thoughts on what I predict will be our new world order (at least for me). I also catch up with Jason Bonham, son of the great Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.
Yes, yes and yes! Check out this nugget from the 80’s. We’ll talk about ‘Morning Radio’ then-and-now, Hallmark events in my life like this COVID-19. I hope you’ll enjoy, stay safe and know we're gonna get thru this! Peace & Love.
It’s hard to write a compelling tease for a podcast. So, simply put I’ve been away from the show and I’m back. I hate the time-change, winter and especially the plastic clamshell. I’ll also share a 1998 interview with the late Ray Manzarek of The Doors.
I caught up with Detroit native and Specs Howard grad, Derek Richards, to talk about the fast-paced, raucous ride across America with four Irish comedians starring in The Irish Comedy Tour. It's St. Patrick's Day every day!
On June 9th we celebrate the great Les Paul's birthday. Les Paul is one of the nicest people I've ever interviewed. On that same Mount Rushmore of Great Guys is Bob Seger. They don't get any nicer. This week there were two events, and I have two stories.
That's right, it happened back in 2011. She wrote a song about me called "Secret Love." It was the first single from the 2011 solo release called "In Your Dreams." Look, it's complicated, but I'm telling you it happened. Stevie shares the sad details.
Burton Cummings starts by saying "It's an attitude of gratitude." On this podcast we hear the story behind 'American Woman', Guess Who's only number one. Burton Cummings tell us that there wouldn't be a Guess Who without Rosalie Trombley and CKLW.
"Just get an electric guitar then take some time and learn how to play." So said the Byrds in 1966. I'll take a look at the state of the music industry. Most musicians aren't making any money. Are the record companies? And, my chat with Robert Cray.
"Hello, how are you?" I tried counting the number of songs written and recorded about the phone. Well, I can tell you that there’s an entire website devoted to telephone songs. I stopped at 100! A radio station couldn’t survive without a phone. Here’s why.
Saturday April 13, 2019 was 'Record Store Day.' I love my vinyl. I love and hug my collection of long playing 33 1/3 records every chance I get. Paul Rodgers sold a ton of records. He's an amazing artist and a great interview. Whew, I'm all right now!
Ozzy Osbourne recently fell at his home and re-injured his back. Mick Jagger and Lindsey Buckingham have just had major heart procedures. In 2017, Bob Seger had neck surgery. Frampton is walking away from music. Our rockers are starting to show their age!
In January, 2018 Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson confirmed that Rush is done, over, end of story. After the “R40” tour, Neil Peart announced his retirement, citing chronic tendonitis and other ailments. “After 41 years, we felt it was enough.”
Well, that's a great question. When I first got in to radio it was the wild, wild west. The FM dial was freewheeling and free forming as we went along. New music was flowing like water, and there was live music nightly. So, who took the fun out of radio?
I received my first radio at age 9 from my dad. It was called a Harpers Pocket Radio. No battery, no AC plug, just an earphone and an alligator clip. Today It would be called the 'MacGyver'. That radio would set me on a path that would become my passion.
I've worked at 6 Detroit area radio stations. W4, WABX, WRIF, WLLZ, WJR and WCSX. On today’s podcast, I discuss the evolution of the various formats that were born out of the late 60’s radio revolution. I also talk with Thomas Hayden Church.
According to USA Today Coca-Cola is "closely watching" the market for drinks infused with cannabidiol, or CBD, the chemical in marijuana. Will it come in a bottle resembling a bong? And, Happy Birthday Buffalo Springfield. So, drink up and have a listen!
A Twitter user infamously claimed to have spent her rent money on Elton John tickets. Concert ticket prices worldwide increase at a rate much faster than inflation. The average price of a ticket to see your favorite band has tripled in the last 20 years.
Thursday, February 21, 2019 we lost Peter Tork of The Monkees. Stephen Stills originally auditioned for the part. He didn’t get it. Stills then recommended Peter Tork. I checked my archives and found this classic interview with Davy Jones. RIP Peter Tork.
It’s still with a heavy heart that I share this with you. It’s with my old friend Glenn Frey. We lost Glenn Frey just over three years ago on January 18, 2016. It was one of those “I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news.” Damn, I miss Glenn Frey.
I met Tom Daldin & Jim Edelman at WRIF in the early 80's. We had a lot of fun. Now, they're living the dream with their hit PBS television program Under the Radar Michigan. The entire state of Michigan is 96,716 miles. They have a lot left to see. Let's go!
Up and coming Detroit comedian Nate Armbruster is my podcasting mentor. He’s the millennial son I never had. He helps me with all things social media. I asked Nate how to do a podcast on the road? We went to a great burger bar. Well let’s see how we do.
I’m blessed to have met a lot of cool people. But, Tino Gross, or should I say, Tino G exudes cool. He’s a beautiful soul with love in his heart for Detroit, his family and his music. Put on your shades my friends and have a listen. Live it up!
You will not meet a nicer human being than Chad Smith. Chad grew up in the Detroit suburbs and was an active member of the rock 'n roll scene. Chad is currently getting ready for the Red Hot Chili Peppers tour of Australia and New Zealand. Enjoy!
As you know, I have a lust for life! Today’s interview features my 2010 interview with Iggy Pop just days prior to the Stooges induction in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You’re going to want to listen to this one. Trust me!
Happy New Year! As you may know, the Queen with Adam Lambert Tour will be up and running in 2019 with a stop in Detroit at the LCA on July 27th. The tour follows the incredible success of the movie and music biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! On today’s podcast, I’ll share one of my all-time favorites. It’s a chat with Don Henley. He wasn’t very happy with me. I told him he needed to write more music. Well, we made up and he surprised me with a great gift!
On today’s Podcast, I’ll share my thoughts on Holiday/Christmas gift-giving. Why do celebrities feel inclined to get into the food and beverage business? I also ask you about proper tipping. My guest today is Billy Gibbons from 2013. Enjoy!
On today’s podcast, I go off on a new Oreo drink mix and shopping carts left in a parking space! Weed is now legal in Michigan and banned Christmas songs from the WKEN playlist. My guest today is from 2010, the Pitbull of Comedy Bobby Slayton. Enjoy!
I take you back to 2010 and a classic interview with Christopher Guest. You know him from SNL in the 80’s, This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind. The Princess Bride, For Your Consideration and Best In Show. I also tackle my OCD/ADD.
I caught up with the late Chris Squire back on August 2, 2012. They were playing DTE with Procol Harum. We only had a limited time, but I wanted to share it on my "Monday Memories".
I had the chance to interview Keith Jackson in 1997. He describes himself this way. “I was born on the kitchen table, we grew everything we ate. I rode a horse to school." A fan seeing Keith yells, “You are college football to me!”. Whoa Nelly, enjoy!
Think about it, Detroit has produced some pretty, pretty good talent. Mike Binder, Tim Allen, Dave Coulier, Thom Sharp and John Heffron. On this podcast, I just get out of the way and let John take the controls. Enjoy the ride!
On this podcast, I catch up with my old friend Craig Shoemaker. As Craig puts it, "I know, I know—it's confusing to nail down exactly who Craig Shoemaker is. Hell, I'm not so sure either." I'll tell you, He's funny!
I met Peter Leonard when I was in 3rd Grade. We got off to a rough start. You’ll hear about that in our Podcast. From grade school to being college roommates at Aquinas College. Pete remains one of my best friends. Meet the son of Elmore Leonard. Enjoy!
We lost B.B. King on May 14, 2015. From what I can gather, his last concert appears to have been October 11, 2014. B.B. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time.
In 1988 Vin Scully said, “In a year that has been so improbable the impossible has happened!” He was talking about Kirk Gibson. Meet the often misunderstood “Gibby” Kirk Gibson.
I have been working on archiving hundreds of interviews, and I’ve a reached the point where I feel they deserve to be out there. Starting today, I’ll share an interview I believe you’ll enjoy every Monday. As always, thanks!
Roy Orbison, dressed in a grey suit, black shirt and black shades, looks around at the Detroit orchestra behind him, making sure everyone is ready. Satisfied, he turns back to his mic, and starts playing his guitar. Wait, Roy Orbison died December 6, 1988. Tonight, at the FOX Theater ‘In Dreams: Roy Orbison In Concert - The Hologram Tour’ will allow a new generation to experience a musical genius.
Pay attention to the man behind this curtain! If you're in radio, you know Fred Jacobs. Fred is the President of Jacobs Media. I met Fred in 1980 at WRIF FM in Detroit. He was my program director. As much as I tried to push back, he pushed me forward. Meet the Wizard!
People throw around expressions like ‘Pioneer’ or ‘Iconic’. Well my friends, Mark Ridley is both iconic and a pioneer. Mark hasn’t changed a bit from the day I met him. Smiling, laughing and always has a kind word to say, and a fresh joke to tell.
I have a good one for you. Detroit has produced some of the greatest comics ever! Gilda Radnar, Lily Tomlin, Keegan-Michael Key, Thom Sharp, Tim Allen, Dave Coulier and Mike Binder. I spoke with Mike Binder. His bio would fill (pardon the pun) a ‘Binder’.
I met Dave Coulier in Detroit in 1977. Dave provided cartoon voices for me in our WABX production department. He followed that up with a meteoric rise in comedy, first in Detroit and then L.A. Then came a little show called 'Full House'. Buckle up!
It's official: Last Man Standing is back. A year after it was canceled by ABC. Fox was happy to bring back the multi-cam comedy starring Tim Allen. LMS premiers Friday, September 28th. I caught up with Tim yesterday and he tells me “It was like we never left!”
If you don’t know the songs ‘What I Like About You’ and ‘Talking In Your Sleep’, I’m afraid I can’t help you. Funny how things work. I got into radio in the 70’s and Wally started playing music in the 70’s. Turns out, we’re long-time neighbors, but have never gone one-on-one. Well, that just changed. Say hi to the ‘Ken and Wally Show’. Enjoy!
The movie ‘White Boy Rick’ will be released on Friday September 14th. It stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jonathan Majors and a strong cast. No one has put more time and energy into this story than WDIV investigative reporter Kevin Dietz.
On this date in 1966, Donovan went to #1 on the Billboard Chart with Sunshine Superman. I said, wait a minute, I have an incredible interview with Donovan from 1995. We spent thirty minutes chatting. He brought in his guitar. Have a listen!
In this interview Pete Townshend tells me "The music is kept young by the audience not the performers." I was prompted to dig this out after being reminded of Keith Moon's driving prowess at his birthday party in Flint, MI. (He dove the limo into the Holiday Inn pool) ~ Ken
Casey Kasem would have been 86 today. We lost Casey on June 15, 2014. He was the nicest man I've ever met. I found this interview from 1996. Remember, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."
Tim Allen will hit the stage at 8:30 PM tonight at the beautiful, historic Fox Theater. The show is SOLD OUT. The show benefits Forgotton Harvest. We're old friends and Tim stopped by after sound check
Forgotten Harvest is a non-profit food rescue organization that collects food that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it free of charge to organizations feeding the hungry in Metro Detroit.
Steve Miller and Peter Frampton will start their tour tonight in Kelowna, BC Canada. Steve Miller and Peter Frampton will be in our area on June 17th at DTE – Pine Knob. Steve Miller has sold over 60 million albums and Peter Frampton has arguably one of the most successful live releases ever. Both artists are incredibly friendly guys. I caught with both separately about 6 years ago.
I found this lost classic from Paul Stanley of KISS. It’s from 1996. The year KISS kicked of a 16-month reunion tour (Alive Worldwide) after a multi-year layoff. I was at News/Talk 760 WJR and I was always concerned that the Program Director wasn’t a big fan of my doing a rock and roll interview on a news talk radio station. This massive KISS world tour kicked-off in Detroit at Tiger stadium in front of over 50,000 fans. The concert sold out in 40 minutes! The tour banked 148 million dollars. Enjoy!
Buffalo Springfield, Poco and Loggins & Messina. Three of the bands that Jim Messina has had a large presence. Jim Messina does a masterful time travel for us in this new podcast.
Brian Holland of Holland, Dozier and Holland Fame turns 77 today. The trio wrote a treasure trove of Motown hits for The Four Tops, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, The Isley Brothers, Martha and The Vandellas and many, many more. I chatted with Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland 20 years ago this month. It’s one of my all-time favorites. Enjoy!