Music In My Shoes

The day the world stopped to listen. July 13, 1985 stands as a pivotal moment when music transcended entertainment to become a global force for humanitarian change. Live Aid connected London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's JFK Stadium through groundbreaking satellite technology, reaching nearly 2 billion viewers.

What made Live Aid revolutionary wasn't just its scale but its immediacy. Unlike Woodstock ...

Rock music's evolution unfolds through fascinating personal stories and historic milestones in this nostalgic journey across seven decades of American music. From Bill Haley's groundbreaking "Rock Around the Clock" hitting #1 in 1955, we travel through time exploring the authentic connections between fans and artists before security barriers existed.

The conversation weaves through the 40th anniversary ...

What happens when lifelong fandom meets musical opportunity? Matt Hughes knows firsthand. Having grown up purchasing Black Sabbath albums, Matt eventually found himself trading guitar solos with Tony Iommi and jamming alongside Bill Ward through Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp experiences that transformed his relationship with music.

The most remarkable chapters of Matt's story revolve around Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, wh...

Jim and Jimmy reflect on some of the iconic music from the summer of 1980, exploring how these cultural touchstones shaped friendships and created lasting memories during a transformative time.

• The summer of 1980 wasn't just hot—it was transformative. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Blues Brothers film, we dive deep into why this musical comedy masterpiece continues to captivate audiences decades later. ...

We pay tribute to two musical legends who recently left us - Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Sly and the Family Stone's Sly Stone - while celebrating their revolutionary contributions to music history.

• Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind the Beach Boys, died at age 82 on June 11, 2025
• Wilson's incredible harmonies and arrangements made songs like "In My Room" and "Don't Worry Ba...

Mom's radio was always on—at dinner, while cleaning, everywhere—sparking a lifelong love for music that shaped this podcast and our musical journeys. Music becomes a bridge between generations, creating shared experiences that last a lifetime.

• Exploring Music Midtown 2005—a three-day festival featuring six stages
• Lou Reed's performance with amp troubles and orchestral direction of his band
• The White...

Travel back to June 1965 when John Lennon first received his black Rolls-Royce Phantom V limousine – a vehicle destined to become an icon of rock history. We trace the fascinating journey from luxury transport to psychedelic art piece with its famous yellow paint job and swirling patterns.

We celebrate the 40th anniversary of "The Goonies," exploring this beloved adventure film, unpacking memories of its cast inc...

We take a nostalgic journey through the Billboard Hot 100 chart from June 7, 1980, and explore musical milestones of that year including Frank Sinatra's comeback and Peter Gabriel's innovative album "Melt."

• Examination of Billboard Hot 100 hits from June 7, 1980
• Discussion of Frank Sinatra's "Theme from New York, New York" which became his signature song despite being recorded in ...

Jim and Jimmy explore iconic cultural moments from the 70s through 90s, connecting the dots between classic films, personal memories, and music history touchpoints.

• Smokey and the Bandit and its filming locations throughout Georgia
• Memorial Day memories spanning from 1977 to 1990
• Joy Division's tragic story and how Ian Curtis's suicide led to New Order's formation
• The existence of "C...

Music transports us through time as we explore musical milestones and memories that feel both distant and immediate, creating a fascinating perception of different decades.

• Reminiscing about Atlanta's Music Midtown Festival from 1995 and the unique urban setting that transformed into a cultural gathering space
• Why we struggle with 90s nostalgia being "30 years ago" while easily accepting the 80s as 4...

Music becomes a vessel for expressing feelings we can't put into words ourselves, as Jim recounts how he used a Beatles song to declare his teenage affection on a college radio station and how Billy Joel's lyrics helped him navigate heartbreak.

• Using Beatles song "I Should Have Known Better" to woo a girl via radio dedication at age 13
• Billy Joel's Glass Houses album as soundtrack to adoles...

We transport listeners into the futuristic world of the Sphere in Las Vegas as Jim shares his whirlwind 24-hour trip to see Dead & Company in this revolutionary venue. Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, we explore the cutting-edge technology that creates an unprecedented concert experience.

• Jim scores a last-minute ticket to Dead & Company at the Sphere
• The Sphere features 16K resolution LED...

Looking back exactly 50 years, we explore the Billboard Hot 100 charts from April 26, 1975 – a time capsule that reveals a diverse musical landscape. From America's "Sister Golden Hair" to Queen's "Killer Queen," each song carries its own fascinating backstory that connects to broader cultural moments of the era.

We share personal memories of these songs, including childhood misinterpretations...

Join us on a journey through musical touchstones and cultural milestones, weaving together fascinating stories that connect the dots between film, music, and innovation.

• The 1985 film "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" featured Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt
• "We Are the World" by USA for Africa reached #1 on April 13, 1985, featuring an unprecedented lineup of 21 solo vocalists including Michael...

We delve into meaningful musical coincidences and explore music history, from supernatural car incidents to the legacy of the "More Cowbell" SNL sketch.

• Strange collision of musical omens when "I'm a Loser" by the Beatles coincides with a New York car accident
• Reflections on April 1980 as a pivotal moment in my musical awakening through WPLJ radio specials and deep music exploration
• C...

Ever had a concert experience so powerful it stays with you for decades? Those magical nights when the music and memories fuse together to create something truly unforgettable? That's what we're exploring in this deeply nostalgic journey through legendary concert moments.

We kick things off with spontaneous concert adventures from the pre-internet era. Remember when buying tickets meant physically going to a reco...

The legendary sounds of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" come alive as we explore this revolutionary anthem that dominated airwaves and captivated a generation in 1980. This cultural phenomenon wasn't just a song – it was everywhere, playing in homes, game rooms, and wherever young people gathered to shout "We don't need no education!"

Delving into the innovative construc...

An unexpected music miracle unfolded in Athens, Georgia when all four original members of REM reunited on stage during a Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy performance celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Fables of the Reconstruction." This rare convergence became the highlight of a music-packed fortnight in Athens, GA that I'm thrilled to share with you in vivid detail.

The magic moment happened at the legen...

Step into an engaging episode of *Music in My Shoes*, where we dive into nostalgic memories and family connections cultivated around great music.

We then take a humorous turn examining an article that lists the ten healthiest and unhealthiest fast food sandwiches. We share opinions on our favored guilty pleasures and reflect on health versus taste. 

As the episode winds down, we tackle thought-provoking questions ...