Back after a 45 Year Vacation!
By Jimmy Latham Jlatham1956@gmail.com Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, my first experience with radio was when my high school assistant principal bought an Army surplus AM transmitter and let students pretend to be top 40 DJ’s during their study hall (free period). Our booming signal reached the lunch room, smoking court, and right to the edge of the parking lot! Later at Auburn University, I worked the midday shift at the campus station, WEGL-FM, plus weekends on some of the area’s commercial stations. After about 6 months, the current music director, graduated and the staff elected me Music Director for the station. Before that, my musical interest had been primarily southern rock, but that changed quickly as I had to program the music for all the shows. Because our station had such diverse programing, that included rock, blues, jazz, big band, and classical, I discovered a whole new world of music, way beyond the hits of the day. My fascination with all music has never stopped. My time at the campus station also included interviewing, on the air, the various rock groups that played at Auburn, and announcing those groups at the concerts. Radio and music have always been a fun diversion to my career in commercial design/build construction. After a lifelong career in the construction industry, Beth and I began to search for the right place to retire. Big Canoe checked all the boxes! We built a new home in the Bluffs and moved here in June 2022. Big Canoe is truly amazing and we are all lucky to live in such a beautiful place. My show, the Big Canoe Lounge has the theme of the listener taking a comfortable seat in the cool, dimly lit back corner of a jazz lounge, having their favorite beverage, and relaxing with the music. We explore the world of smooth jazz, with a little funk and soul mixed in for good measure. My weekly segments include; a “Twist of Motown”, a new reimagined jazzy version of a classic Motown tune, the “Roots of Jazz”, a look back at historical jazz tunes from many years ago, and “CoverPlay”, two very different versions of the same song. I am also fortunate to have many of the current smooth jazz artists on the show, with interviews and insight into their music. I am more than excited to be back on the air after a 45-year vacation! Our station founders, Craig Looney and Dinnis Keefe have brought back the original magic of radio. Inside the Gates Radio recreates the time when the listener had a direct connection to the station. All of our hosts create themed shows that make you think about and enjoy the music, not just a rotation of 40 songs over and over. Just text one of us and you will find us responsive to you, the listener. Big Canoe has tons of unique and special resources. Community Radio built by residents, and serving our residents, is one of our treasures. Check us out at: insidethegatesradio.com. Jimmy Latham Live Show: “The Big Canoe Lounge” Tuesday Nights at 6:00 P.M. (EST) Text during Live Show 205-799-3348 Jlatham1956@gmail.com
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*Kenny Loggins co-wrote the track we'll play released by a great California band in the 70's. The lyrics were written by one of the band members. The concept was a scenario where 2 people meet in a restaurant...the 2 having had a passionate relationship years ago. The man thought the affair the greatest thing in his life...the woman thinking it was fun, but definitely time to move on. The man doesn't get the message. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song...
*This band from North of the border was highly influenced by British musicians as they rode a meteoric rise to success. They really became popular in the U.S. in the 70's without even visiting this country. Name the band... *This song was first published in 1910 and was the signature tune of the great music hall star, Harry Champion. The title is a reference to royalty. The band that ultimately recorded and made this a hit in the mid-60's used the Harry Champion recording as their foundation for their version which rose to #1 on the U.S. charts, knocking off The Rolling Stones, I Can't Get No Satisfaction from that lofty position. Name the band and the song... *This 1993 album found this artist trying to regain his faith in himself and others after being betrayed by people he thought he could trust. His former Brother-in-law stole millions of dollars from him and his lawyers failed to protect him as well. The original title of the song we'll play was 'The Motorcycle Song' about middle-aged professionals getting themselves in biker gear and buying Harleys. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the track... BATTLE OF THE BANDS First We Take Manhattan by Joe Cocker vs Share the Land by Guess Who ANSWERS 1. The Doobie Brothers, What A Fool Believes 2. Guess Who 3. Herman’s Hermits, I’m Henery the Eighth, I am 4. Billy Joel, All About Soul Battle of the Bands : Guess Who won with 54% of votes * A 1965 debut album set the table for an album released 55 years later. In between such a lengthy interval, this artist released a combination of 20 mostly studio albums of all flavors. Throughout this artist's career there were album releases appealing to the tastes of the dynamic music listening audiences at each interval. Eventually though, success allows for pursuits of music that most pleases the artist honoring those early roots of influence. We'll dig for a track from that album 55 years later. Name the artist...
*This artist wrote a song with the intent of giving it to Elvis Presley, who refused it. The artist's ex-wife claims it was written for her. And the artist does appear to be addressing someone specific in the song, but does not support his ex-wife's opinion. The artist then made an appearance on a November show of Soul Train, where few performers like him had such an opportunity. It was quite successful. Name the artist...and extra credit for the name of the song.... *This artist released one of his most famous songs as a single in 1972. It was heralded as a new sound for him, albeit one that he quickly abandoned when he fired two band members and disavowed the album the song eventually appeared on. The track was recorded live on a radio show and has been available in numerous guises for many years. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the song... *This 1974 classic was written by the artist in the summer at a farm he had just bought in a mid-western state. The song was basically symbolic as the artist was more or less escaping from past circumstances. With his marriage falling apart, the move allowed him to do just that...put some things behind him. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the song... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Somebody to Love by Queen vs Golden Years by David Bowie ANSWERS 1. Boz Scaggs 2. David Bowie, Golden Years 3. Lou Reed, Sweet Jane 4. Bob Dylan, Tangled Up In Blue Battle of the Bands : Queen won with 53% of votes Shiraz Alikhan
sjalikhan@gmail.com This is the first in a series of profiles of the Inside the Gates Radio DJs. My love affair with radio really began with the transistor radio that my parents gave me as a Christmas present when I was 11. The first song that I remember hearing on that radio was “Please Please Me” by the Beatles and, although I didn’t realize it at the time, my musical path was set. Listening to the music of my formative years through that little device was like magic. I took it with me while I walked my paper route before sunrise where I sang along with my favorite performers and could hear the waves on the shore of my hometown of Pacifica. I followed certain DJs with my favorite being “Emperor” Gene Nelson on KYA, the morning man on that station. He, along with other notable DJs on KYA and the other Top 40 station in San Francisco, KFRC, created a radio community. Music was always present at our house. My dad had been in a radio band in Fiji and my mom would sing popular Indian songs around the house. Although they weren’t too keen about the music of my generation, my dad did appreciate the introduction of Indian instruments, first by George Harrison, and then in other rock recordings as well. As rock radio evolved with FM stations, like KMPX and KSAN in San Francisco, playing longer album tracks, broadcasting live performances, and providing a more “free form” format, I followed what those stations were doing. During this time, my high school home room teachers asked me to read the morning bulletin about what was going on at school and several of my classmates commented on my “radio” voice. It was a nice compliment, but I didn’t think too much about it as my musical interests led me to teaching myself guitar and pursuing music performances solo and with bands ever since. I also enjoyed great musical performances at the Fillmore West, Winterland, Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Civic Auditorium and other venues. The San Francisco Bay area was indeed a great place to grow up. When Craig Looney and Dinnis Keefe started Inside the Gates Radio here in Big Canoe, I contacted Craig about an opportunity to host a radio program. I am grateful that they gave me that opportunity and I started broadcasting in July of 2019 where I’ve been focusing on music from the San Francisco scene. I love bringing joy to our listeners which makes the effort of researching and developing playlists so worthwhile. I also enjoy learning more about the songs and performers myself in the process. What I’ve tried to do with my program, something that I believe the other DJs all try to do as well, is to bring that magic of radio back to our listeners and create a community where we share the music experience. As Craig has said, we’re sharing the music of our lifetime. * This song from the late 60's was written for Francis Ford Coppola's, You're A Big Boy Now, a coming-of-age film about an awkward young man looking for love in New York City. This band's frontman was responsible for the entire soundtrack, but was tasked to write this specific song for an important love scene. Unfortunately, the movie was largely ignored, but the song fared pretty well with a #15 entry on the Hot 100 chart. The song was also revived a couple of years later during an impromptu performance at Woodstock in 1969. Name the band and the frontman who recorded the song...and extra credit for the name of the song...
*This artist was a member of a somewhat successful band, who had a big hit in 1973...one that is inscribed in our collective memory banks. But he came out with a song as part of his solo efforts in 1978...the song being about a man who dreams of owning a house and living away from his neighborhood. Problem is, he drinks too much and can't achieve his goal...drinking to forget what he doesn't have and never realizes he's a rolling stone with no direction. Some great sax on this track. Name the artist and song.. *This band might be considered a 'One-hit' wonder, as it is probably difficult to name another song by the band, because this track was hugely popular. They were more than a 1-hit band though. The band's lead singer wrote the song which is about depression. It took a few years to complete it as at first it had different lyrics with a refrain of 'laughing in the rain', which the artist knew was too familiar to the Neil Sedaka song, 'Laughter In The Rain'. The artist himself went through some dark times and it was then that the metaphor hit him...providing the name of the song and finishing the lyrics in one, single setting. Name the artist, the band and extra credit for the name of the 1992 track... *After a most remarkable string of hits through 1969, this band released another brand new album, its fourth in less than 18 months. It made its way to #8 on the charts in 1970. The album consisted primarily of songs written by some of rock music's best, but at the time, unheralded, composers....Randy Newman, being one. The song we'll play, however, was written by Paul Williams. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Why Georgia by John Mayer vs Last But Not Least by Zac Brown Band ANSWERS 1. the Lovin’ Spoonful, John Sebastian, Darling Be Home Soon 2. Gerry Rafferty, Baker Street 3. Dave Pirner, Soul Asylum, Runaway Train 4. Three Dog Night, Out in the Country Battle of the Bands : Zac Brown Band won with 53% of votes *This artist had a huge backlog of unused compositions ready to record when the band he was in broke up. 1970 brought a truly historic release of songs and material that managed the rare feat of conveying spiritual mysticism without sacrificing his gifts for melody and grand, sweeping arrangements, many containing lush orchestral production and superb slide guitar. Name the artist...
*This piano-driven cut is the first track on the artist's 1971 classic album. It is also the most sexual song on the album...something the artist seldom used in her overall marketing of her music. The piano hook and very forthright lyrics earned her a great deal of respect with women who could relate to her songs and outlook. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the song... *When interviewed about this particular song, the artist said the first line was written on an acid trip one weekend. The 2nd line was written on the next acid trip the next weekend and everything else was filled in when he met his future wife. The song was largely (in the artist's mind) a put down of Hare Krishna, somewhat popular around the time in the late 1960's. Name the artist and the song. Extra credit for the name of the band the artist was part of when it was recorded... *One of the great albums of the eclectic post-Sgt. Pepper era of the late 60's, this collection of songs used classical and jazz elements (including strings and horn), all without losing the pop essence that makes such a hybrid work. This album contains some of the band's founder's finest work. The founder of the band had a short stint with the group, this being the only album containing his contributions. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the band. BATTLE OF THE BANDS I Feel the Earth Move by Carole King vs Carey by Joni Mitchell ANSWERS 1. George Harrison 2. Carole King, I Feel the Earth Move 3. John Lennon, The Beatles 4. Al Kooper, Blood, Sweat & Tears Battle of the Bands : Carole King won with 55% of votes *We'll play a song from 1980 that starts with a distinctive guitar riff that repeats under the track's relentless beat prior to the opening lines, 'Don't let them fool ya! Or even try to school ya!". The lyrics interpretation have been debated, some thinking it to be a ballad to the poverty and struggle the artist has witnessed, or perhaps that the artist was inspired to write it on a plane from Brazil in response to how much love was received during performances. A third take is, it represents a reaffirmation of the artist's faith in the face of personal struggles. Regardless, the song sets a mood! Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the track...
*One of the most stunning debut albums of 1980, this roots rock artist created a vibe not unlike Janis Joplin did in her time. A midwesterner, she was clearly influenced by classic rock artists such as Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp. This debut album delves into all types of relationship boundaries...affection, unrequited love and the fire of obsessive romance. Name the artist... *This band followed an unusual path to commercial success in the 1970's, fusing the stylistic ambition and instrumental dexterity of progressive rock with the wit and tuneful melodies of British pop, and the results made them one of the most popular British acts of the '70's and 80's, topping the charts and filling arenas around the world at a time when their style of music was supposed to have fallen out of fashion. One album, that we dip into, sold over 18,000,000 copies worldwide. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the album... *In one of this artist's songs, he sings about letting loose his fun-loving, country side in an effort to improve relations with his lady. This alter ego was based on a famous friend of a certain type. Elton John played piano on the track, but had to do so under an assumed name as he did not have a U.S. work permit at the time. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the track... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Spill The Wine by War vs Work To Do by Average White Band ANSWERS 1. Bob Marley, Could You Be Loved 2. Melissa Etheridge 3. Supertramp, Breakfast in America 4. Jackson Browne, Redneck Friend Battle of the Bands : Average White Band won with 52% of votes *One of the most excellent stars of the rock & roll era, this artist evaded easy categorization throughout an epic career, operating as one the artsiest within the mainstream and the most accessible musician on the fringe. Was 13 years old when he began performing and started by learning to play the saxophone. Name the artist...
*This band started a record company in 1967 with a plan that all the members had a chance to produce outside artists. The first group signed was Redwood, a group formed by friend (Danny Hutton) of one such band member. Hutton, who, up until that time, was best known for the 1965 hit, 'Roses And Rainbows'. Redwood would go on to change their name to Three Dog Night. 2 years later, the song was resurrected by the band who owned the studio and released with a new title. Name the band and extra credit for the new name of the song... *This quite successful American band's first single was released in 1973. Their manager had them share a house with full concentration efforts dictated to write songs for their first album.. One such song had been worked off and on for about 6 years as the band's leader chose to write it in bits and pieces. The rest of the band finally helped him put it together. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the track... *After spending the better part of the 1980's as a solo acoustic troubadour, this artist landed a contract for a solo album with Arista records at the turn of the 1990's. He enlisted some powerful artists to assist...Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, David Crosby and Chris Hillman. The album turned out to be a big success and sounds even a bit like a Tom Petty offering. Name the artist... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Slip Slidin’ Away by Paul Simon vs If I Ever Lose My Faith by Sting ANSWERS 1. David Bowie 2. Beach Boys, Darlin’ 3. Aerosmith, Dream On 4. Roger McGuinn Battle of the Bands : Paul Simon won with 51% of votes *We'll play a track from 1979 with lyrics all about how the innocence and wonder of childhood can quickly give way to worry and cynicism as children are taught to be responsible adults. It makes the point that logic can restrict creativity and passion. The keyboard player of the band that recorded the track thought it quite relevant back when he wrote it, but thinks it is even more so today. Being in boarding school for 10 years promoted such feelings. Name the British band and extra credit for the name of the track...
*Peter Frampton's first group was called The Herd, which coincidentally was the first name taken by this band back in the mid-60's. That name did not last very long as they chose a new one based on some equipment they observed doing local road repairs. Name the band... *This duo of artists were both from Texas. Both artists were at one time, members of the band, The Champs (remember the Tequila song?) in the late 50's/early 60's. When that band dissolved in 1965 they worked with several other artists, including Gene Vincent. In 1969, they released their first album as a duo. Name the group... *This 1972 album was the body of work by which most of their fans began discovering the group and the album has retained its freshness over the decades. The entire band was attuned to the slightly heavier and more Southern style they wanted to work toward on this collection of tracks. This was the band's second album and not only was it a huge financial success, as any platinum record would be, but it was considered artistically impeccable. It was pretty close in style and sound at various points to what the Eagles were doing during the same period. The band did however, throw a bit of jazz, R&B, country, folk and bluegrass elements in for good measure. Name the band...still very active today... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Sandman by America vs Summer Breeze by Seals & Croft ANSWERS 1. Supertramp, The Logical Song 2. Buffalo Springfield 3. Seals & Croft 4. Doobie Brothers Battle of the Bands : Seals & Croft won with 54% of votes *The song, I Found You, was recorded and released in 1962 by Yvonne Fair. She had a most popular artist at the time who produced the record with her. Her producer then took the song and put his signature spin on it with a new title when he recorded and released it 2 years later. It is a great example of a funk song with lyrics supporting the intended groove. Name the artist and extra credit for the title of the track...
*This artist was a huge part of a 60's band and then embarked on a solo career when that band broke up. Following a couple of early folk records and a 1972 solo album, he released this track and album a year later. He assembled a versatile backup band using piano, violin and horns to accompany his tenor voice in arrangements that recalled some of the early work of Van Morrison. No surprise there as this artist and Morrison utilized some of the same backup musicians. Name the artist... *Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues has a personal favorite of all Moody's songs he's written. He loves performing it and while it didn't chart as well as others, there was a reason. It was not a massive hit due to its length of 6 minutes and the fact that no one ever did a successful edit on it. He incorporated similar elements to the track that he employed on the great song, Your Wildest Dreams. Name the song... *The lead character on this song is an aspiring actress who is breaking into the business. It's told from the perspective of her ex-boyfriend, whom she ditched because he couldn't advance her career. Despite the song, released in 1977 on an album with only 7 tracks, the writer wants us to imagine that the song and its events take place at a seedy photo shoot in Los Angeles in the 1950's. The title of the track is the name of the character...with no other significance other than the fact that the name fit! Name the band and the song... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright) by Rod Stewart vs Mainstreet by Bob Seger ANSWERS: 1. James Brown, I Got You (I Feel Good) 2. Jesse Colin Young 3. I Know You’re Out there Somewhere 4. Steely Dan, Peg Battle of the Bands : Bob Seger won with 54% of votes |
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The Best Music From the '60s and beyond.
Our Vast Library Insures that Your Experience will Never be the Same.
Our Vast Library Insures that Your Experience will Never be the Same.
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