logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2021
45m 30s

Bonus Episode: Dana Gillespie Remembers ...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Our latest chapter followed young David Bowie as he struggled to find his place in the Mod music scene of swinging sixties London. It was an exciting yet frustrating time for him as he fronted a lengthy list of doomed R&B bands — so close, yet so far from headliners like the Beatles, the Who and the Rolling Stones. Jordan spoke to one of David’s closest friends during that crucial learning period — Dana Gillespie, the legendary British blues singer whose career spans more than 70 albums. Her new memoir, Weren’t Born A Man, is a fascinating look at her astonishing life at the center of the entertainment scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s. It’s filled with tales of wild times with Bob Dylan, Elton John, Jimmy Page, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, and so many more. But back in 1964, Dana was just another teenage music hopeful. Just like David. They shared songs, laughter, beds (on occasion), and unforgettable memories of a time when they were just starting out and the Fab Four ruled the land. 

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Apr 2021
'LABYRINTH' WEEK: Conceptual Designer Brian Froud on Creating the World of Goblin City — and Jareth's Notorious Pants
This week on 'Off the Record,' we're playing special tribute to Jim Henson's 1986 film 'Labyrinth,' the beloved cult classic that introduced David Bowie to generations of kids. We're kicking off the festivities with conceptual designer Brian Froud, the man who imagined world of ' ... Show More
57m 10s
Apr 2021
Bonus Episode: Thomas Dolby Recalls Backing David Bowie at Live Aid While a Billion People Watched
The climax of our last chapter is David Bowie’s set at Live Aid in the summer of 1985 . Our guest today was alongside him on the Live Aid stage – and in the helicopter on the nerve-wracking ride out to Wembley Stadium. His name is Thomas Dolby, and his time with Bowie is just one ... Show More
49m 6s
Apr 2021
Chapter Eleven: MTV Idol (1980-1985)
Today’s episode looks at David in the ‘80s, a time that saw him grow from a famous artist to a global superstar — a one-man brand bolstered by the fresh force of MTV. David embraced the exponential growth of mass media, and shamelessly courted mass popularity with the Nile Rodger ... Show More
1h 25m
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2021
'Off the Record: David Bowie' — Trailer
The series premiere of 'Off the Record' explores the life — or, rather, lives — of David Bowie by examining each of his iconic personas. Major Tom. Ziggy Stardust. Aladdin Sane. The Thin White Duke. Taken collectively, these faces form a portrait of a one-of-a-kind rock legend. F ... Show More
2m 26s
Jul 2020
Diamonds and Rust: Bob Dylan vs. Joan Baez
Joan Baez was the undisputed queen of folk in the early ‘60s when she began sharing the stage with her new boyfriend, a Woody Guthrie-worshipping up-and-comer from Duluth who went by Bob Dylan. Thanks in no small part to Baez’s early support, Dylan quickly ascended to the height ... Show More
1h 2m
Aug 2020
Wartimes: David Byrne vs. The Other Talking Heads
At a time when most punk and new wave bands cranked their guitars and jacked up their song tempos, Talking Heads came out of NYC with a completely original and utterly funky sound. By the early '80s, they were one of the most popular and infectious bands on the planet. But inside ... Show More
53m 46s
May 2017
My Favourite Things
"Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens". Guests from around the world share their special memories of The Sound of Music classic 'My Favourite Things'.Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1959, this deceptively simple song has travelled the globe to comfort and enthral chil ... Show More
27m 20s
Apr 2020
5-Time Grammy Winner Neil Giraldo Talks MTV, His Latest Passion--Whiskey--and the Future of Music
The great Neil Giraldo joins Fred for a chat about life, grappa, MTV, whiskey, vodka hate and more. Neil also gives advice to rising musicians and talks about his new venture--a spirits company--including a solid whiskey called Three Chord. NEIL GIRALDO Neil is a professional mus ... Show More
52m 28s
Jul 2017
Yes, Jon Anderson's Musical Adventure Isn't Over
Many words can be used to describe singer-songwriter Jon Anderson; cautious is not one of them. Born in England in 1944, he began singing on his brother’s daily route as a milkman before falling head first for rock n’ roll. After meeting bassist Chris Squire in the late 1960s, he ... Show More
53m 59s
Aug 2020
Klash of the Kinks: Ray Davies vs. Dave Davies
Before the Gallaghers were even born, the Davies brothers were the quintessential Brit-Pop sibling rivalry, brawling backstage, onstage, and in the studio. Their creative tensions formed the crux of the Kinks, making them one of the most unique bands of the ’60s. Ray’s gift for o ... Show More
56m 40s
Mar 2024
Eternal Sunshine of Ariana Grande's Mind
Sidestep the gossip and focus on the music in Ariana Grande’s latest album Eternal Sunshine. The music is an exercise in nostalgia: 70s Disco, 90s R&B, and 00s pop and dance music. As she moves through the musical past, her lyrics tear through past relationship. But it's the way ... Show More
44m 52s
Jan 2021
Legendary Music Journalist Lisa Robinson
Rick Rubin speaks with friend, pioneering rock journalist, Lisa Robinson about her over 40 year career that's seen her interview everyone from John Lennon to Lady Gaga, from Jay Z to Eminem, and even an 11 year old Michael Jackson. They also talk about her new book, Nobody Ever A ... Show More
50 m
Sep 2011
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Irving Berlin’s enduring classic, Let's Face the Music and Dance is celebrated by those for whom it has a special significance. It was written in 1932 as a dance number for the film ‘Follow the Fleet’ starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.Since then it has taken on a life of it ... Show More
27m 44s