Johnson's Improbable History of Pop
Saturdays 7:00-8:00 p.m. on SPR News
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.
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Spokane guitarist Lee Houk shares samples and the stories behind the songs from his lengthy recording career. We'll include the 1990's local Christian metal favorites Kidd Robin and his current band Bruiser.
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Vintage gospel from the Northwest circa 1965 through 1985. Including Spokane's Gary Williams and Don & Patti Parks, The Gospelaires (Everett), Doug Tutmarc (Seattle), Blaine Allen (Vancouver), and many more. Mostly country flavored but not all with saxophonist Venard Johnson recorded by Kearney Barton in Seattle a notable exception.
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Encore presentation from 2000 features original members Frank Trowbridge, Tom Williams, and the late David Lee sharing music and memories of their influential early 1970's Spokane band.
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Singer/songwriter and Northwest music historian Dustin Hays shares samples from small independent Wenatchee record label of 1960's and early 70's. We'll also hear some later material from Julian's deep roster of North Central Washington performers.
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Tribute to late Inchelium singer/songwriter and Colville tribal leader is an encore show from 1996. Jim discusses the early influences on his songs and his early years as a guitarist for numerous Native American bands.
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A terrific archive show from 1998 with guests David Lee and Trowbridge with samples and insights on their numerous local bands.
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Spokane steel guitarist shares sound samples and stories from his upcoming book on the History of Spokane Country Music
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Daughter Katie Sue Rucker and friend Dave Miller share memories and music from local country singer/songwriter Gene Rucker. We'll hear samples from his four albums, all recorded in Nashville with top flight session players.
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Encore presentation from 1999 features former Spokane radio music director Don Adair with a survey of Texas singer/songwriters. Alt country during it's early stages.
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Career highlights from a pair of major 1960's and 70's female country stars with an emphasis on their impressive skills with honky tonk material.