It's Not the Beat, It's the Groove

It's Not the Beat, It's the Groove

Go "under the wrapper" to uncover the hidden connections in the music we love: 70s-90s Pop and R & B. You'll know the songs, but you MIGHT not know the backstory: those who composed, arranged, produced, or played on the songs that are the soundtrack of our generation. Aimed at Boomers and Gen X'ers, if you grew up during the 70s and 80s, you'll know this music. Join Kelly and Dave to hear the stories and learn about those who crafted the hits.

Episodes

September 11, 2026 19 mins

Join Kelly and Dave as we review the remarkable career of Ray Parker, Jr. Beginning with his tenure with Stevie Wonder, then moving to Barry White, Ray became a first-call session guitarist. He wasn't satisfied with that and began writing hits for Rufus and others. By the time he started Raydio, he found his voice and crafted some memorable tunes. Join us as we review some of his best-loved songs.

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Join Kelly, Dave and Special Guest Singer/Songwriter Izze Stein to unpack the album that proved Steely Dan was in pursuit of sonic perfection. We will examine in detail several tracks and then pivot to chat with Izze about her latest album. Hear how she channels Joni Mitchell, Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu into her own unique sound as we listen to two of our newest favorites.

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July 17, 2026 5 mins

Join Kelly and Dave as we review Patrice Rushen's recent concert in Chicago. We break down the setlist, the standout moments, and the grooves that kept the audience moving. Expect sharp takes, behind the scenes color and the songs you love.

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Join Kelly and Dave as we put the It's The Groove spin on Madonna's True Blue album, celebrating its 40th anniversary! Go behind the scenes to uncover the talent she surrounded herself with, and how this album melds so many different styles and grooves.

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June 22, 2026 28 mins

Join Kelly and Dave as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of one of the 80's top albums, Back In The High Life by Steve Winwood. We uncover the magic behind the songs, including some unforgettable guest performances.

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Join Kelly and Dave as we look back over the last two years and relive some of the most fun and most surprising moments of It's The Groove. And of course, we give thanks to those of you who have listened, supported and participated in the show. Don't miss our 2nd anniversary party!

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June 5, 2026 19 mins

Join Kelly and Dave as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Wham!'s Music From the Edge of Heaven. This album was simultaneously the end of one of the 80's most unforgettable bands AND the beginning of an amazing solo career for George Michael. We unpack the magic of this album and dig deep into the swan song for the electrifying duo of Andrew and George.

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Join Kelly and Dave for a special edition of It's The Groove, where we talk with singer/songwriter Bill Champlin, who has penned songs like After The Love Has Gone, and Turn Your Love Around. A Grammy-winning artist, Bill has sang with Chicago on some of their highest charting songs, and has a long career of solo and ensemble work as well. Stay tuned for some terrific stories, as well as insight into some of the musicians he shared...

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It's The Groove Podcast is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Peter Gabriel's So album. We are celebrating 80s music history of one of the most influential albums of all time with special guest Faith Pennick. We explore the stories behind the songs, the groundbreaking music videos, and the cultural impact that still resonates today.

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April 24, 2026 17 mins

Join Kelly & Dave as we dive into Steely Dan's The Royal Scam album. Go behind the scenes and discover the stories behind the songs. We help uncover a few of the musicians who helped Donald Fagen and Walter Becker craft this album. And we discuss how the process of recording The Royal Scam built the bridge to Steely Dan's next albums.

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March 27, 2026 16 mins

Join Kelly and Dave as we unpack The Brothers Johnson hit "Strawberry Letter 23." Learn about the genesis of the song, as well as the musicians who played it. Join Kelly as she discovers something new about the song even after nearly 50 years. And learn about why she feels this song is special to her.

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March 13, 2026 23 mins

Join Kelly and Dave as we unpack Anita Baker's amazing album Rapture, celebrating its 40th anniversary this month. Go back and time and relive the songs, the stories and the memories of that era. And we discuss some of the musicians who helped Anita make this album timeless.

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February 27, 2026 29 mins

Join Kelly and Dave for Part II of our conversation with legendary drummer Tris Imboden. In this episode, Tris shares how he found his way behind the drum kit for Chicago—and why that seat became home for the next 28 years. He takes us inside life on the road, the energy of those unforgettable live performances, and the musicianship that kept the band’s engine running night after night.

Stick around through the end as Tr...

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February 13, 2026 57 mins

Join Kelly and Dave as we are visited by Rob Mounsey, the relatively unheralded genius behinds such hits as Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), Crazy for You, and You Can Call Me Al, as well as countless others. Hear the stories behind those iconic Steely Dan sessions, and learn how Rob made arrangements for some of the most famous songs of the 80s.

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January 30, 2026 23 mins

Join your co-hosts Kelly and Dave as they uncover the "secret" behind Janet Jackson's Control album: an album that simultaneously launched Janet into stardom and also changed the sound of Funk/R & B. The artists responsible? Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who would go on to produce so much great music in the decades to follow.

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January 16, 2026 50 mins

Join Kelly, Dave and Special Guest Roy to uncover the "hidden connection" between so many great songs! Keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, who worked with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and more to create the amazing songs we all love. Who else played on Songs in the Key of Life, Thriller, and Anita Baker's Rapture? And hear the amazing story of Roy's connection with Greg.

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January 2, 2026 31 mins

Join Kelly and Dave as we journey back to the days of MTV, Ferris Bueller, Top Gun, and Pretty in Pink. Hard to believe that 1986 was 40 years ago! The It's The Groove team is all over celebrating our top songs from that incredible year in popular music. Which songs made the cut? Join us as we uncover the songs that dominated our playlists back then, and are STILL on heavy rotation today!

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December 19, 2025 43 mins

Join Kelly and Dave and special guest Shari B Ellis to discuss Duran Duran's Big Thing album. Learn why this album is really a soundtrack album, as we go track by track to uncover the hidden wonders. And stay tuned to hear Duranies Kelly and Shari tell their stories about their Close Encounters of the Duran kind! You won't want to miss this episode.

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Join Kelly, Dave and Special Guest Phil Wood to uncover the magic behind the grooves of Jeff Porcaro. What made him such an incredible drummer? Why was he so universally loved? We look back at his catalog and cover 10 of our favorite songs on which he played. You will recognize every song, although you might not know Jeff was behind the kit. Jeff Porcaro, one of the most beloved and accomplished drummers, who laid down the groo...

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November 21, 2025 59 mins

Kelly and Dave have loved Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love" for a very long time. Imagine our delight at being able to chat with Bobby's wife Mary, and his stepdaughter Katie to hear the stories behind the songs! Listen as they tell us wonderful stories about his legacy, the music, and the artists that he worked with. This is a wonderful and touching tribute to one of the best-loved figures in popular music.

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