Rock and Roll for Grownups: Episode 2 Recap with Denny Somach
“Rock and Roll for Grownups,” hosted by the esteemed Denny Somach, continued its nostalgic journey in the second episode, featuring an eclectic mix of classic rock anthems and memorable stories from the rock and roll era. With a deep dive into tracks that have defined a generation, Denny Somach once again brought the magic of classic rock to life for his listeners.
Track Listing:
- Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf
- Mississippi Queen – Mountain
- Touch Me – The Doors
- Blinded by the Light – Manfred Mann
- Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits
- Slow Ride – Foghat
- Hush – Deep Purple
- Journey to the Center of Your Mind – Amboy Dukes
- Radar Love – Golden Earring
- Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
- American Woman – The Guess Who
- Dance the Night Away – Van Halen
Show Highlights:
Steppenwolf and Mountain: The episode began with Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride” and Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen,” two tracks that epitomize the raw energy of late 60s rock. “Magic Carpet Ride,” with its powerful riffs and psychedelic vibe, set the perfect tone for the episode. Denny shared how Steppenwolf, a Canadian American band prominent from 1968 to 1972, sold over 25 million records, becoming a defining sound of that era. Following this, “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain, featuring Leslie West’s iconic guitar work, brought a hard-hitting, blues-infused rock sound that resonated with the raw energy of the time.
The Doors: Denny then featured “Touch Me” by The Doors, with a special introduction by guitarist Robby Krieger. Krieger provided insights into the creation of the song, which comes from their fourth album, “The Soft Parade.” Denny discussed the significant impact The Doors had on rock history, highlighting their innovative sound and the influence of Jim Morrison’s poetic lyrics and charismatic stage presence.
Manfred Mann and Bruce Springsteen: The episode continued with “Blinded by the Light,” performed by Manfred Mann but originally written by Bruce Springsteen. Denny highlighted the interconnectedness of rock legends, explaining how Springsteen’s songwriting prowess translated into a hit for Manfred Mann. This segment showcased the collaborative and evolving nature of rock music, where artists frequently crossed paths and influenced each other’s work.
Dire Straits and Foghat: Next up were “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits and “Slow Ride” by Foghat. Denny shared personal anecdotes about these tracks, placing them within the historical context of their release. “Sultans of Swing,” with its clean guitar tones and Mark Knopfler’s distinctive voice, stood out as a defining moment for Dire Straits. “Slow Ride,” introduced by Foghat’s Roger Earl, captured the essence of the 70s rock scene with its infectious groove and driving rhythm.
Deep Purple and Amboy Dukes: The episode then explored the pioneering sounds of early heavy rock with Deep Purple’s “Hush” and Amboy Dukes’ “Journey to the Center of Your Mind.” Denny discussed how Deep Purple’s debut hit showcased their powerful and innovative approach to rock music. “Journey to the Center of Your Mind” highlighted Ted Nugent’s early work with the Amboy Dukes, illustrating the formative years of his musical career.
Golden Earring and Warren Zevon: Moving into the international rock scene, Denny featured “Radar Love” by Golden Earring and “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon. He emphasized Golden Earring’s status as one of the most popular bands to come out of the Netherlands, with “Radar Love” becoming a rock staple worldwide. Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London,” with its catchy piano riff and quirky lyrics, demonstrated the diverse appeal of rock music during the 70s.
Van Halen and The Guess Who: Closing the episode, Denny shared insights into Van Halen’s “Dance the Night Away” and The Guess Who’s “American Woman.” He included a touching tribute to Eddie Van Halen, with a word from his brother Alex Van Halen about their relationship. This segment celebrated Van Halen’s explosive influence on rock music and highlighted the patriotic fervor of “American Woman.”

Rock and roll for grownUps
Rock and Roll for Grownups,” hosted by the renowned Denny Somach, is a radio show dedicated to celebrating the golden era of classic rock. Each episode takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the most iconic tracks and unforgettable stories from the rock and roll era. Denny’s deep knowledge and passion for rock music shine through as he shares personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and rare interviews with rock legends. From the electrifying riffs of Steppenwolf and the soulful melodies of The Doors to the groundbreaking sounds of Dire Straits and Van Halen, the show is a treasure trove for classic rock enthusiasts. Whether you’re reliving your youth or discovering these timeless tracks for the first time, “Rock and Roll for Grownups” offers an immersive experience that celebrates the music that defined a generation. Tune in for a trip down memory lane with the soundtrack of rock history. Catch “Rock and Roll for Grownups” Sundays at 10 AM on NEWHD NY, Where Rock Lives, and Veterans Classic Rock Sundays at 2 PM Eastern after Flower Power Hour.