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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A selection of lesser known gems culled from across the decades by quite possibly the most influential pop performer. -
A second helping of vintage sounds from the Land of the Sun. Arizona state superstar Marty Robbins returns along with Waylon Jennings, Lee Hazlewood, Duane Eddy, and the Meat Puppets, plus a cast of new characters. -
Enjoy an unexpected diversity of sounds from the southwest including country (Marty Robbins), rock and roll (Duane Eddy), early funk (Dyke & Blazers), and the unclassifiable (Calexico). We'll hear from iconic songwriter/producer Lee Hazelwood who got the Phoenix on the national recording map in the 1950's. -
Samples include Jim Boyd & Alfonso Kolb, Country Girl Kay, Gary Bryant, Frank Starr, Steve Pierre, and many more. A wide-ranging selection from Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and Western Montana. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
A terrific archive show from 1998 with guests David Lee and Trowbridge with samples and insights on their numerous local bands.
