Rock & Roll High School With Pete Ganbarg

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

Season 5 Out Now! Rock & Roll High School is an interview series that tells the story of contemporary music one artist at a time - in their own words. Hosted by Pete Ganbarg -------------------------------------- About Pete: Pete Ganbarg has been...

Location:

United States

Genres:

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

Description:

Season 5 Out Now! Rock & Roll High School is an interview series that tells the story of contemporary music one artist at a time - in their own words. Hosted by Pete Ganbarg -------------------------------------- About Pete: Pete Ganbarg has been doing major label A&R for over 35 years. He's a 2X Grammy award winning record producer as well as a member of the board of directors of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Pete has held senior A&R positions at Atlantic, Arista, Epic and SBK/EMI and is currently the president of Pure Tone Music. As a music publisher, Pete operates Songs With A Pure Tone and Margetts Road Music, joint ventures currently in partnership with Warner Chappell Music. Songs published by Pure Tone include 2024's Grammy winning Record of the Year, "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus, the global #1 "Ordinary" by Alex Warren, as well as hits by Benson Boone, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, OneRepublic, Charli XCX, Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, Andy Grammer, Lizzo, Beyoncé, and more. Pete is the recipient of two Grammy Awards for his role as producer on the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen and the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Jagged Little Pill. At Atlantic, among the artists and projects that Pete has overseen are twenty one pilots, Halestorm, Jason Mraz, Christina Perri, Melanie Martinez, Skillet, GAYLE, Brett Eldredge, Matchbox Twenty & Rob Thomas, Theory Of A Deadman, and Icona Pop; as well as the Original Broadway Cast Recordings of Hamilton, Mean Girls, Jagged Little Pill, Dear Evan Hansen, and the multi-platinum Billboard No. 1 soundtrack album The Greatest Showman. Pete began his A&R career in 1989 at SBK Records. In 1997, he joined Clive Davis at Arista Records, where, as Senior Director of A&R, he conceived and A&R’d Santana’s 30x platinum worldwide, nine-time GRAMMY-winning album, Supernatural. Additionally, Pete was named International Music Person Of The Year in 2023 by the music industry organization MUSEXPO.

Twitter:

@rockschoolpod

Language:

English

Contact:

8153422226

Website:

http://www.rockschoolpodcast.com/

Email:

rockschoolpodcast@gmail.com

Episodes

Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon)

3/12/2026

As the voice, songwriter, and driving force behind REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin helped shape the sound of American arena rock in the late ’70s and ’80s. His soaring vocals and emotionally direct songwriting powered a string of radio staples including Keep On Loving You, Take It on the Run, Can’t Fight This Feeling, Roll with the Changes, and Time for Me to Fly. REO Speedwagon’s 1980 breakthrough album Hi Infidelity became one of the defining rock records of its era, spending 15 weeks at No. 1 and turning the band into a staple of rock radio and MTV. In this all-new candid conversation, Kevin reflects on the stories behind REO’s biggest songs, the long road to success, the making of Hi Infidelity, and how he’s kept the music alive through decades of touring and performing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:58:24

Suzi Quatro

3/5/2026

To a generation of Americans, Suzi Quatro is best known as Leather Tuscadero on the 1970s sitcom Happy Days and for her 1979 smash duet with Chris Norman, “Stumblin’ In.” But long before she stepped onto a Hollywood soundstage or crossed over to American pop radio, Suzi Quatro had already detonated the rulebook. Emerging from Detroit in the early 1970s and breaking first in the UK and Europe, Quatro became one of the first women in rock history to front a hard-driving band while playing her own instrument — slinging a Fender bass low, clad head-to-toe in black leather, and commanding arenas with unapologetic authority. With chart-topping hits like “Can the Can,” “48 Crash,” and “Devil Gate Drive,” she didn’t just make hit records — she became the reference point for artists including Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde, and Debbie Harry, who all followed her lead into unapologetic frontwoman territory. Working with hitmaker Mike Chapman during the height of glam’s glitter and grind, Suzi fused Detroit muscle with razor-sharp British pop instincts, building a transatlantic career that has now spanned more than five decades and over 50 million records sold worldwide. Today, she continues to headline major venues across Europe and Australia — proof that her following never faded and her fire never dimmed. Beyond the stage, Quatro is also a prolific author, with multiple books to her name — from candid memoir to fiction — extending her voice beyond the amplifier and onto the page. In this conversation, Suzi reflects on what it meant to walk into a male-dominated industry and refuse to ask permission, the discipline that sustains longevity, her Detroit roots, and the mindset required not just to open doors — but to kick them off the hinges. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:11:00

Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary)

2/26/2026

Noel Paul Stookey is a founding member of one of the most iconic trios of all time, the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. From helping ignite the 1960s folk revival to introducing the songs of Bob Dylan to a mass audience with their era-defining recording of “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and carrying anthems like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Puff, the Magic Dragon” into the cultural bloodstream, Noel’s voice became a soundtrack to a generation navigating protest, hope, and change. The trio’s performance at the 1963 March on Washington — where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech — placed their harmonies at the very heart of the Civil Rights Movement, underscoring music’s power to both reflect and shape history. Beyond the trio’s monumental success, Noel has sustained a solo career grounded in faith, social conscience, and musical craftsmanship — highlighted by his enduring wedding anthem “There Is Love (The Wedding Song).” His commitment to service continues through Music to Life, the nonprofit he founded to mentor artists using music as a force for positive social change. In this conversation, Noel reflects on the power of harmony, the responsibility of artists in turbulent times, and what it means to keep singing with purpose more than six decades into a remarkable career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:56:04

Legends of the Recording Studio (Elliot Scheiner & Frank Filipetti)

2/19/2026

Elliot Scheiner and Frank Filipetti are two of the most legendary recording studio figures of all time. As producers, engineers and mixers, they've worked on thousands of successful award-winning projects over the past 50+ years. Together with fellow studio legends George Massenburg, Chuck Ainlay, Jimmy Douglass, Niko Bolas and Sylvia Massey, Elliot and Frank run the Music Engineering and Technology (or MET) Alliance, an organization that looks to preserve the quality and secure the future of audio recording. These seven studio geniuses are responsible for producing or engineering over 7000 recordings - racking up hundreds of Gold and Platinum records, nearly 75 Grammy Awards and a ton of priceless stories about how they recorded iconic artists - from The Eagles to Neil Young to Pavarotti to George Michael; from Steely Dan to Dire Straits to Bjork to Prince. They're now taking these stories on the road for an Off Broadway show called Studio Confidential which is currently running in New York City with future dates planned for other cities around the US. In this episode with Elliot and Frank, we discuss their careers, their approach in the studio, how to deal with temperamental artists as well as the new show Studio Confidential. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:54:49

Richard Thompson (Fairport Convention/Richard & Linda Thompson)

2/12/2026

As a pioneering architect of British folk-rock and one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation, Richard Thompson has spent more than five decades redefining musical storytelling. As a founding member of Fairport Convention, he helped shape a new sound that fused traditional British folk with rock instrumentation — effectively launching an entire genre — while his intricate guitar work and emotionally precise songwriting quickly marked him as a singular voice. From landmark recordings like Liege & Lief to later classics such as I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight and Shoot Out the Lights, his catalog has become foundational listening for generations of musicians. After leaving Fairport Convention, Thompson built a far-reaching career that included his celebrated recordings with singer Linda Thompson — his former wife and creative partner — as well as decades of acclaimed solo work, including defining albums like Rumor and Sigh. Widely honored for both songwriting and guitar mastery, his compositions have been recorded by artists ranging from Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash, and Linda Ronstadt — underscoring an influence that stretches across genres and eras. Equally compelling in intimate acoustic settings and electrifying full-band performances, he remains a defining presence in folk, rock, and Americana. Still recording and touring deep into his sixth decade as a performer, Thompson continues to explore new creative ground while extending a legacy defined by craft, curiosity, and emotional depth. In this conversation, he reflects on songwriting, guitar expression, and the balance between tradition and innovation — offering a window into the perspective of one of music’s most respected and enduring artists. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:10:57

Suzi Quatro

2/5/2026

Duration:01:11:00

Lou Gramm (Foreigner)

2/5/2026

As the iconic voice behind one of arena rock’s most enduring bands, Lou Gramm helped define the sound of late-’70s and ’80s rock radio. As the frontman of Foreigner, his powerful, unmistakable vocals drove a run of classic albums and singles including Cold as Ice, Hot Blooded, Juke Box Hero, Waiting for a Girl Like You, and I Want to Know What Love Is — songs that blended hard rock muscle with melodic sophistication and emotional directness. With a career spanning more than four decades, Gramm’s influence reaches far beyond his chart success, shaping generations of rock singers and cementing his place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the great voices of his era. His work set a standard for how arena rock could be both tough and tender, commercial and deeply personal. Now, Lou Gramm enters a new chapter with the release of his forthcoming album Released, arriving March 27 — his first full-length collection of original music since 2009. The album features previously unreleased tracks originally written for solo albums in the 1980s and for his band Shadow King in 1991, but never fully completed until now. These songs offer a rare window into Gramm’s creative evolution, reconnecting his classic-era songwriting with a renewed sense of purpose and reflection. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:06:50

Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule/Allman Brothers Band/The Dead)

1/29/2026

As one of the most respected guitarists and songwriters in American roots rock, Warren Haynes has helped carry the traditions of blues, soul, and Southern rock into the modern era. Best known for his work with The Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and The Dead, Haynes has built a career defined by emotional depth, virtuosic playing, and a fearless commitment to live performance. Blending extended improvisation with deeply personal songwriting, Warren's voice and guitar work have become touchstones for a generation of musicians seeking authenticity in an ever-changing musical landscape. With a career spanning more than three decades, Warren Haynes’ influence reaches far beyond the jam band world — connecting the legacy of the Allman Brothers to contemporary blues and rock while earning him recognition as one of the most enduring and soulful storytellers in American music. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:05:56

Darlene Love

1/22/2026

As one of the most powerful and influential voices in American popular music, Darlene Love helped define the sound of early rock and soul while shaping the language of modern pop singing. Rising to prominence in the early 1960s, her unmistakable voice powered a string of era-defining recordings including He’s a Rebel, The Boy I’m Gonna Marry, Da Doo Ron Ron, and the holiday classic Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). Working closely with producer Phil Spector during the height of the Wall of Sound era, Darlene became the emotional engine behind some of the most enduring records in music history — even when her contributions went uncredited. Her voice bridged gospel, R&B, and pop, influencing generations of artists who followed, from soul singers to rock frontmen. After stepping away from the spotlight, Darlene Love’s career experienced a remarkable second act, championed by artists like Bruce Springsteen and celebrated through film, television, and Broadway. Her story — one of resilience, artistry, and long-overdue recognition — culminated in her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the great American singers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:46:27

Alice Cooper

1/15/2026

As the godfather of shock rock and one of the most enduring figures in American music, Alice Cooper helped redefine what a rock frontman could be. Blending hard rock, theatrical spectacle, and unforgettable hooks, he's delivered a run of iconic albums and singles including School’s Out, I’m Eighteen, No More Mr. Nice Guy, and Billion Dollar Babies. With a career spanning more than five decades, Cooper’s influence extends far beyond the stage — shaping generations of artists while earning induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and maintaining his status as one of rock’s most compelling storytellers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:39:19

Season 5 Trailer

1/8/2026

All new episodes every week - starting Thursday, January 15th! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:04:07

Steve Cropper - 2025 Edit

12/4/2025

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of our former podcast guest Steve Cropper. Steve was one of the great guitarists and songwriters of all time and his key role in the Stax house band, Booker T & The MG's, helped create some of the most legendary music of the last 60+ years. In this newly re-edited episode, originally recorded in 2021 (shortly before Steve's 80th birthday), Steve tells the story of his life and career. RIP Steve Cropper. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:19:35

David Coverdale (Whitesnake/Deep Purple/Coverdale Page) - 2025 Edit

11/18/2025

As we get set to release a brand new season of Rock & Roll High School, we're releasing a newly re-edited version of our Season 2 interview with David Coverdale. David recently announced his retirement and we wish him well. In David's words: “After 50 plus years of an incredible journey with you with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and Jimmy Page, the last few years have been very evident to me that it's time really for me to hang up my rock and roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans. I thank everyone who's assisted and supported me on this incredible journey. All the musicians, the crew, the fans, the family. It's amazing. But it really is time for me to just enjoy my retirement, and I hope you can appreciate that. I love you with all my heart. Fare thee well.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:24:18

Justin Hayward (Moody Blues) - 2025 Edit

10/14/2025

In a newly re-edited version of this episode, originally from Season 3, we revisit our conversation with Justin Hayward. Known principally as the vocalist, lead guitarist and composer for the innovating and trail blazing band Moody Blues, Justin Hayward is an enduring talent that has helped to define the times in which he worked. Over the last forty-five years the band has sold over seventy million albums and in 2018 they were inducted into the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sadly, John Lodge, Justin's bandmate and co-lead vocalist from The Moody Blues passed away on October 10th, 2025. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:03:44

Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) - 2025 Edit

8/14/2025

In a newly re-edited version of our Season 2 finale, we're joined by award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer, innovator and Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart. Newly inducted into both the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, Dave talks about how he learned to play guitar while recovering from a soccer injury as a child, living and working with Annie Lennox at the start of their career, and the accidental creation of the opening for their hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).” Dave also shares the stories about creating and recording the iconic “Sisters Are Doin It For Themselves” with Aretha Franklin, co-writing and co-producing Tom Petty’s “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” his long-time friendships with Mick Jagger and Jimmy Iovine and more. A great episode for anyone who missed its original airing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:20:01

Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles)

7/24/2025

As a key architect of the Eagles’ classic sound and the band's lead guitarist from 1974 - 2001, Don Felder co-wrote and performed on some of rock’s most enduring anthems, including “Hotel California,” “Victim of Love,” and “Those Shoes.” His signature guitar work helped propel the band to worldwide superstardom and earned multiple Grammy Awards. His latest album, The Vault 1975-2025 Fifty Years Of Music, is out now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:22:38

Carole Bayer Sager

7/17/2025

Legendary songwriter Carole Bayer Sager joins us to reflect on a remarkable career that includes co-writing timeless hits like “Nobody Does It Better,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” and “Arthur’s Theme.” A Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner, Carole shares stories of her collaborations - both personally and professionally - with legends like Burt Bacharach and Marvin Hamlisch—as well as her friendships with icons from Hollywood to Broadway. It’s a candid, inspiring look into the life of one of pop music’s most gifted lyricists. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:16:02

Russ Ballard

7/10/2025

You may not know Russ Ballard's name but you certainly know his voice and his songs. From fronting Argent and singing lead on Hold Your Head Up as well as writing and singing lead on“God Gave Rock and Roll to You,” to writing chart-toppers like “New York Groove,” “You Can Do Magic,” “Winning” “I Know There’s Something Going On” and “Since You Been Gone,” Russ has left fingerprints on decades of rock history. His songs have been recorded by everyone from KISS to Santana, America to Rainbow—and his influence spans continents and generations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:06:50

Melissa Manchester

7/3/2025

Melissa Manchester is celebrating over 50 years in music and recently joined us in person to discuss her long, successful career. From winning a Grammy in 1982 to having massive hits with classics like “Midnight Blue,”“Don’t Cry Out Loud,” and “You Should Hear How She Talks About You,” Melissa's career is still reaching new heights with the release of her latest album RE:VIEW as well as a new stage show of her life and music, Fifty Threads: An Artist's Journey. From her early days with Bette Midler to writing hits with Carole Bayer Sager, Kenny Loggins and more, Melissa opens up about her creative process, career milestones, and what continues to inspire her after more than five decades in music. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:05:02

Stan Lynch (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers/Speaker Wars)

6/26/2025

Stan Lynch is a founding member and longtime drummer of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, a band he played in for close to 20 years. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Stan's also written and produced for The Eagles, Don Henley and John Mellencamp. His new band, a collaboration with Texas singer songwriter Jon Christopher Davis, is The Speaker Wars who've just released their debut album. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:02:00