Guitar Heroes

The episode of my latest podcast, aied on Monday, January 6th, 2025, l once again celebrated Guitar Heroes—a topic that never gets old!

We explore how legendary guitarists shaped and revolutionized rock, blues rock, folk rock, rockabilly, hard rock, psychedelic rock, and more. We also dive into how the electric guitar became the defining instrument of rock and roll.

Expect an electrifying lineup of guitar gods, including:

1) Jimi Hendrix – A true pioneer of electric guitar, Hendrix pushed the limits of sound with his innovative techniques, feedback manipulation, and mind-blowing solos. His performances, like Purple Haze and Voodoo Child, changed rock music forever.

2) Eric Clapton – Known as “Slowhand,” Clapton mastered blues-based rock, playing with Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and as a solo artist. His work on Layla and Tears in Heaven showcases his depth and influence.

3) Jimmy Page – As the mastermind behind Led Zeppelin, Page combined blues, hard rock, and intricate acoustic work, crafting legendary riffs on songs like Whole Lotta Love and Stairway to Heaven.

4) Stevie Ray Vaughan – A Texas blues virtuoso, Vaughan revitalized blues rock in the 1980s with his fiery playing on tracks like Pride and Joy and Texas Flood.

5) Chuck Berry – The father of rock guitar, Berry’s signature riffs on Johnny B. Goode and Roll Over Beethoven laid the groundwork for all future rock guitarists.

6) George Harrison – The “quiet Beatle” brought melodic, inventive guitar work to The Beatles, introducing Indian influences and slide guitar techniques to rock. Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps highlight his brilliance.

7) Keith Richards – The Rolling Stones’ riff master, Richards gave us timeless grooves on songs like Satisfaction and Jumpin’ Jack Flash, influencing generations with his raw and rhythmic playing.

8) Pete Townshend – Known for his explosive stage presence and windmill strumming, The Who’s guitarist pioneered power chords and conceptual rock on Baba O’Riley and Pinball Wizard.

9) Jeff Beck – A genre-defying guitarist, Beck’s fluid and expressive style spanned rock, jazz fusion, and blues, with standout performances on Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers and Beck’s Bolero.

10) B.B. King – The King of Blues, B.B. King’s smooth vibrato and emotive bends, especially on The Thrill Is Gone, influenced nearly every rock and blues guitarist that followed.

11) Eddie Van Halen – A revolutionary player, Van Halen introduced two-handed tapping and blistering solos, heard in songs like Eruption and Panama. His innovation redefined rock guitar.

12) Roger McGuinn – The Byrds’ leader, McGuinn popularized the jangle of the 12-string Rickenbacker, crafting folk-rock masterpieces like Mr. Tambourine Man.

13) Les Paul – Not just a guitarist but an inventor, Les Paul pioneered multi-track recording and designed the Gibson Les Paul guitar, which became a rock standard.

14) Brian May – Queen’s lead guitarist, May used a homemade guitar and harmonized solos to create the band’s distinctive sound on anthems like Bohemian Rhapsody and Brighton Rock.

15) Duane Allman – A slide guitar genius, Allman’s work with the Allman Brothers Band, especially on Statesboro Blues and Layla, showcased his soulful, blues-infused playing.

16) Mark Knopfler – The Dire Straits frontman brought a unique fingerpicking style to rock, with iconic riffs in Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing.

17) Chet Atkins – A country and rockabilly legend, Atkins’ intricate picking style influenced generations of players, and his work helped bridge the gap between country and rock.

Don’t miss this electrifying episode celebrating rock’s greatest guitarists!

My latest podcast, recorded on Monday, May 12th, 2025, was all about Timeless Rock Music from the '60s and '70s. It was another killer ride through the golden age of rock, with all the unforgettable hits and deep cuts from the ’60s and ’70s. From rock to soft rock, folk rock to hard rock. We cranked up the volume on the best of the best!

A huge thanks to Michael Barrett for joining me on the show! He shared his passion for music and gave us an inside look at his upcoming appearances at Abbey Road on the River.

We dove deep into his experiences, his love for the Beatles, and his journey in music. You don’t want to miss hearing his thoughts and his upcoming performances at the festival!

Don’t miss this rockin’ show!

Rock Music Moments with Brian Ray, Phil Angotti and Stephen Michael Schwartz