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Johnson's Improbable History of Pop
KPBX: Saturday 8pm-9pm
Hosted by John Johnson

John Johnson conducts a tour of the obscure world of early rock and pop music. The 95% of records that never got commercial airtime have a home, Johnson’s Improbable History of Pop features those artists who fell through the commercial cracks.

  • Kevin Brown
    Front Porch Bluegrass host Kevin Brown shares highlights from his five solo releases since 2010.
  • Ron Lloyd
    Veteran band leader Ron Lloyd shares memories of his 65-year career.
  • Don Lanphere
    Inland Northwest Gospel, Part 2
    Samples of small label releases including country gospel (Blankenship Brothers; Marv York), jazz chorale (Bethesda Singers with Don Lanphere), Jesus rock (Last Day), and contemporary Christian (Donna Baughman).
  • JIHOP Presents A Regional Blend, Pt. 1
    Eclectic mix of vintage indie releases from Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Including the Four Playboys (teen rock), Cruger Sisters (country gospel), Bob Kolve (progressive pop-rock), and Lightshine (classical/folk).
  • The Bards of Moses Lake
    Bass player Chuck Warren of regional favorites The Bards shares highlightsfrom his band's long lost sessions in Los Angeles issued as by Moses Lake (their hometown)
  • Sir Cliff
    SPR's Michael Sutcliffe traces the remarkable career of Cliff Richard
  • Northern Soul is More Than Motown
    Vintage dance floor fillers from Detroit from small indie labels and musicians including Edwin Starr, Little Ann, and George Clinton's Parliaments
  • Lion (from Spokane)
    Band members Gary Hanson, Kevin Wakefield, and Rick Wakefield share the story of their regionally popular early 1980's progressive hard rock group.
  • Boarding House Reach
    Group members Bob Holliday, Randy Baugh, and Bill Powers share memories of their locally recorded and thoroughly splendid 1979 album by Post Falls gospel rock band.
  • Spokane Mix
    An eclectic blend of vintage local material including the Sylte Sisters, Shorty Barnhill, and the Don Larson/Ben Staley Band.