The True Tunes Podcast
John J. Thompson / True Tunes
1 Creator
1 Creator
2 Listeners
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 The True Tunes Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The True Tunes Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The True Tunes Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The True Tunes Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Here’s To You! Michael Been (of The Call) From The Vault
The True Tunes Podcast
01/25/22 • 95 min
As we crack open the True Tunes Vault once more, we unveil a previously unheard 1994 interview with Michael Been of The Call – one of the most under-rated and under-appreciated bands of the 80s. Peter Gabriel once called them “The Future of American Music” and The Chicago Tribune said they “may well be the closest thing America has ever had to its own U2.” Their urgent, inspiring, blood-and-guts rock and roll may have never gotten the attention it deserved, but those fortunate enough to have heard their music – either on record or in concert – were impacted for life. True Tunes’ John J. Thompson interviewed Been, The Call’s chief songwriter, vocalist, and bassist, around the time of the release of his solo album On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakthrough. This long-lost cassette has been found, restored, and presented here, contextualized with a career—wide exploration of the band’s music and legacy.
Full Show Notes, including links to videos, a new book about The Call, and information about our amazing sponsor, VisionTrust, are available at TrueTunes.com/TheCall. And make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don’t miss our upcoming episode which features a brand-new interview with none other than Bruce Cockburn. (You can also leave us a one-time Paypal tip HERE.)
1 Listener
Checking Russ Taff's Cover Story (with Taff, Steve Taylor and John Mark Painter)
The True Tunes Podcast
08/21/24 • 84 min
6-time Grammy winner Russ Taff’s voice has defined the emotional potential of Gospel music for over half a century. His perfectly raspy tenor transcends genre and era, first as the lead vocalist for Gospel legends The Imperials, then as a phenomenally successful solo artist. That legacy now takes on a whole new depth as Taff unveils Cover Story, a collection of rock, soul, and Americana songs that resonate deeply with the struggles he has privately endured throughout his life onstage. Longtime fans may be surprised to find the Gospel singer interpreting tunes by The National, Prince, Blind Willie Johnson, Bob Dylan, U2, Duran Duran, Bill Withers, Paul Simon, and others. However, students of Roots Gospel, Americana, Soul, and Blues will immediately see the thread. These are songs of spiritual survival. (Don't miss executive producer Steve Taylor’s Kickstarter campaign to release the project on vinyl and raise funds to promote it to a wide audience.)
In a surprising – and risky – move for a Gospel singer, Taff decided to go public with his long struggle with addiction, recovery, relapse, and ultimate inner healing via the revealing 2018 documentary Russ Taff: I Still Believe. Instead of ending his career singing in churches and at Bill Gaither’s Homecoming events, audiences responded with deep appreciation for his candor and humility. A recent conversation on the recovery-themed Soft White Underbelly YouTube channel is currently generating similar enthusiasm. Taff, now 18 years sober and free of the need to hide anything, is more excited than ever to share music – and his story – with audiences around the country and the world.
Taylor, (the artist, professor, songwriter, producer, and filmmaker connected to projects by Sixpence None The Richer, Newsboys, Chevelle, and others) had pulled his critically acclaimed but ill-fated mainstream rock band Chagall Guevara (MCA) together for a one-time reunion show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. A special post-show afterparty at Jack White’s Blue Room included an on-stage jam with several musical luminaries, including Taff (who had worked with Chagall members Lynn Nichols and Dave Perkins on several projects.) Taff’s impromptu jam on Charlie Peacock’s “Down In The Lowlands” thrilled the small crowd. Hearing Taff slay those songs, Taylor remembered an idea his longtime friend, bandmate, and musical collaborator John Mark Painter had suggested much earlier. What if they took their old friend into a recording studio with a slate of great songs and captured that raw, guttural energy and emotional honesty? They have now done just that. We are thrilled to sit down with Taff, Taylor, and Painter on this very special episode of the podcast, and to give our audience a first listen to Cover Story.
BACK the Kickstarter Campaign HERE (closes September 9th, 2024)
For the full list of songs, links, and a video of the infamous "Down In The Lowlands" jam at Jack White's Blue room, see the full Show Notes at TrueTunes.com/Russ
Get all of the info about host John J Thompson’s new novel “The Ballad of the Lost Dogs of East Nashville” at TrueTunes.com/ballad.
If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!
1 Listener
@45RPM Creativity Will Save The World w Tom Willett (12” Extended Mix)
The True Tunes Podcast
10/11/22 • 27 min
Tom Willett's roots go back to the counterculture of the 60s. He played bass in one of the earliest "Gospel Rock" bands (Sons of Thunder) and worked alongside artists such as T Bone Burnett, Tonio K, Mark Heard, The Choir, Sam Phillips, Phil Keaggy, and many others as an A&R rep, marketing man, and career coach. He has also spent decades as a teacher, helping college students as they sought to carve out meaningful careers as songwriters, artists, or future industry leaders.
Since his retirement from the industry a few years ago, Tom has been writing some amazing books – and on this special "12 Inch extended dance mix" 45 RPM episode of the podcast, which was recorded at the historic Well Koinonia Coffeehouse on Music Row in Nashville, we hear about his latest, Creativity Will Save The World: Toward A Spiritual Humanism – a short but powerful primer on the writings of Russian philosopher and activist Nicholas Alexandrovich Berdyaev. Whether you are an artist yourself or are simply interested in how our engagement with creativity and created things can shape us, this is critical stuff.
Full Show Notes, Music List, and archival video are available HERE or at TrueTunes.com/Willett45
If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!
True Tunes Podcast Pilot (Phil Keaggy)
The True Tunes Podcast
06/14/19 • 45 min
Welcome to the TRUE TUNES PODCAST!
True Tunes is a newly re-started conversation about the search for, and celebration of, the good, the true, and the beautiful in music and culture, wherever it can be found. Listen in as founder, author, and music industry vet John J. Thompson stirs the pot with artists, producers, songwriters, and music industry leaders, in search of fresh vision and helpful information for artists and fans.
This “Pilot Episode” unveils the scope and vision of this new venture, offers a sneak peek of several interviews in store for Season One, and includes examples of the music, reviews, and content that will be featured in every forthcoming episode.
You’ll hear clips of interviews with Allan Aguirre of Scaterd Few and Spyglass Blue, singer-songwriters Christa Wells and Hannah Miller, Artist, filmmaker, and professor, Steve Taylor, Artist, songwriter, and Grammy award winning producer, Charlie Peacock, multi-platinum rock band POD’s Sonny Sandoval, veteran artist Randy Stonehill, and from the True Tunes vaults – never heard audio from Larry Norman and Rich Mullins.
There is also a clip of the upcoming conversation with guitar legend Phil Keaggy and a slew of Keaggy song clips throughout the show.
Each episode of the True Tunes Podcast will feature the following features
- Dancing About Architecture (Conversations)
- True Tunes News (News and Industry Developments)
- True Tunes Jukebox (Exploring One Classic Album and One New Album)
- JJT’s Soapbox (Commentary / Editorial)
MUSIC FEATURED IN THE PILOT EPISODE:
The following songs are featured in this pilot episode:
Full Circle (2019 version) - Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul (Illumination)
Phil’s On - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)
I Love You #19 - Daniel Amos (Horrendous Disc Deluxe Reissue)
Good Stuff - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)
Joyphil - Phil Keaggy (Jammed!)
Cayenne Loop - Phil Keaggy (Roundabout)
Sometimes 11 - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)
Whatever Life Demands - Phil Keaggy (Zion)
Steely Funk - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)
Sometimes We Up - Keaggy / Levin / Marotta (The Bucket List)
Just Where It’s At Tonight - Moral Support
How the Kids Are Feelin’ - Moral Support
Sin - Moral Support
To Know You - Moral Support
Cyan City - Moral Support
Rejoice - Phil Keaggy (What a Day)
J-Loop - Phil Keaggy (Roundabout)
Watt Ever - Phil Keaggy (Zion)
Time (new version) - Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul
I Believe - Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul
Stigotit - Phil Keaggy (Backroom Trax Vol. 3)
Altar Boys - When You’re a Rebel (When You’re a Rebel)
Kegworth Speaks - Phil Keaggy (Jammed!)
Is It Going - Phil Keaggy (Roundabout)
Ruach - Phil Keaggy & Kyle Jones (Numen)
Ziggurat - Phil Keaggy & Kyle Jones (Numen)
Noah’s Shuffle - Phil Keaggy (The Song Within)
All songs are used by permission and / or under fair use provisions when used in context (reviews, news, etc.) Thanks to the artists and songwriters who have allowed us to use their music! Please support the music and musicians you love!
Phil Keaggy’s music is available at PhilKeaggy.com
Daniel Amos’ music is available at DanielAmos.com
Follow John J. Thompson on Spotify
Follow the True Tunes Spotify Mixtape on Spotify
Follow JJT on Twitter @JohnJThompson
Subscribe to the True Tunes email list at TrueTunes.com
Contact us at [email protected]
w8jzBCEgSBp62YeEBigI
Rich Mullins: The Lost Interview Pt. 1 (The Ragamuffins Set The Stage)
The True Tunes Podcast
03/04/21 • 67 min
To many, singer and songwriter Rich Mullins was a favorite artist; the man behind songs like “Awesome God,” “Creed,” and “Hold Me Jesus.” To others, he was an enigma—a beautifully inscrutable amalgam of passion, authenticity, vulnerability, and transcendence. To some, he was a friend, a benefactor, or even a brother. On this special two-part episode of the True Tunes Podcast we will revisit the legacy of this unlikely pilgrim through conversations with some of his closest compatriots, and by hearing from the man himself – in the form of a previously unheard, and recently unearthed interview conducted in the old True Tunes record store in 1995.
In Part 1 John J. Thompson visits with Rich’s Ragamuffin Band members, Jimmy Abegg, Aaron Smith, and Mark Robertson to help put it all in perspective. On Part 2 (coming soon) he sits down with Mitch McVicker and Phil Madeira, and talks with singer-songwriter Derek Webb who, though he has moved away from Christian music, recently released a cover of Mullins’ “We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are.” On the Jukebox, we dive into the obviously Mullins-haunted career of Andrew Peterson.
24 years since his passing, might we find some guidance from Rich about navigating the complexities of faith, doubt, and mystery by asking better questions and listening more carefully to the sounds around us?
If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!
Amy Grant‘s Secret: 2 Jobs & A Prayer
The True Tunes Podcast
05/20/21 • 95 min
Through countless slings and arrows, and her own mainstream pop superstardom, Amy Grant has remained the defining face and voice of contemporary Christian music for over forty years. She was the first CCM artist to have a platinum record, (followed by five more platinum albums, three multi-platinum albums, and four gold albums.) She was also the first CCM artist to have a #1 pop single and has placed 17 hits on the Top 40 Adult Contemporary chart. She has earned 6 Grammy Awards and numerous Dove and other statues. With sales in excess of 30 million units, Amy Grant is the best-selling contemporary Christian singer of all time. But beyond all that, she crafted and delivered songs that spoke honestly, and vulnerably, to a generation.
Amy Grant is currently marking the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough Heart In Motion album as well as a brand new collaborative worship album, Faithful that finds her working alongside a slew of talented young women, including True Tunes Podcast alums Taylor Leonhardt, Christa Wells, and Sandra McCracken. She graced the cover of the original True Tunes News in 1993 and is back with us for this very special episode of the True Tunes Podcast.
As the Christian subculture seems to have become defined by that to which it is opposed, its political meanderings, and any number of culture wars and distractions, Grant’s legacy as a person of warmth, generosity, grace, and hospitality only continues to grow. What might young artists, songwriters, and listeners have to learn from someone with such an unlikely story?
And on a special extended edition of the True Tunes Jukebox, we welcome two guest commentators to reflect on many of Grant’s most significant songs from very different perspectives. Industry veteran and radio expert Chris Hauser and singer-songwriter (and childhood Amy fan) Michelle Lynn Thompson join host John J. Thompson for a comprehensive dive into the deep cuts and musical watermarks of Grant’s amazing career. Plus guitarist and visual artist Jimmy Abegg (you can hear his whole story on his own episode, including a special contribution from Amy, AND you can hear him on our 2-part special with his former bandmate Rich Mullins,) is offering a hand-made, one-of-a-kind, personally signed painting to ANYONE who sponsors a child through Vision Trust!
It’s our longest, fullest, episode yet.
Click HERE to make a secure donation in support of this show.
Full Show Notes, including a list of all songs and a special Spotify mix, available at TrueTunes.com. If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!
@45RPM - Why We Need Love Songs: A Quick Chat w Phil Madeira about ”Bliss”
The True Tunes Podcast
02/13/22 • 13 min
Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Phil Madeira, who can regularly be found backing up amazing artists like Emmylou Harris, is out with his latest project, "BLISS." This collection of love songs may seem like a bit of a change-up by this famously acerbic artist - especially after last year's edgy "Hornet's Nest," so we caught up with him to talk about this project and the concept of "love songs" in general.
Why do we all keep going back to art - even silly love songs - when it comes time to walk through our most important experiences? Consider this short episode a long-awaited sequel to our two-part conversation with Madeira in early 2021.
The True Tunes Podcast is sponsored by VisionTrust.org. Help us change the world for one child at a time by sponsoring today. Visit VisionTrust.org/TrueTunes for more information. You can support this show by joining our group of patrons at Patreon.com/truetunes or dropping us a tip via PayPal.
(A longer edition of this conversation will be made available to our Patreon Backers.) For a full music list and more visit the Show Notes page at TrueTunes.com.
The New Sacred Indie Underground: Beach Chapel, Lovkn, & Cross Worship Give Us A Tour
The True Tunes Podcast
11/18/21 • 100 min
On this ground-breaking episode of the True Tunes Podcast, we explore fascinating corners of the current - and quite compelling - world of indie music being made by artists determined to use their work for spiritual purposes. Many are crafting tunes specifically for worship, while others are using their voices to shine a light on issues related to justice, theology, or life in general. Adam Lamah (Beach Chapel,) Stephen Lufkin, (aka Lovkn,) and Troy Culbreth (Cross Worship,) act as tour guides into this growing scene. We hear about their unique stories – and the emerging community of young artists blazing these trails without the support of traditional music business infrastructure. And when we roll out the True Tunes Jukebox, we let our guests load her up with records by Young Oceans, Lovelight, Taylor Armstrong, Them Parents, Antoine Bradford, Worship Mob, Paul Zach & Liz Vice, Andy Squyers, Wade Walker, John Mark Pantana, and then JJT tops it off with a classic track by The Violet Burning.
Beach Chapel came to our attention a few weeks ago when we got a message through the contact form at TrueTunes.com. Adam Lamah heard about True Tunes via an Instagram post by our previous guest, Natalie Bergman. He and his friends have been cultivating a vibrant indie community, both online and in-person, and the resulting music is often spectacular. After he attended the True Tunes Live events in both San Diego (where he shared a couple of songs) and Newport Beach, CA (where he interfaced with second-wave artists Mike Stand of The Altar Boys, Chris Brigandi of The Lifters and Wild Blue Yonder, and others,) we decided that we needed to get Adam on the show to tell us about his impressions of today's sacred indie underground. He quickly asked if he could bring a "plus one." Stephen Lufkin, aka Lovkn, has been a lynchpin in this scene for years. We talked with both, as well as Troy Culbreth, a visionary pastor, artist, community leader and songwriter from Cincinnati who is using his indie Gospel/Worship collective Cross Worship to bring people together across all kinds of divides. Together we created a 100-song corresponding playlist as well!
Young, fresh, exciting, idealistic, creatively uninhibited, and passionate, this generation of artists - many of whom are working way under the radar of today's music industry, might be changing the way people think about art, community, and worship. One of the main jobs True Tunes had 'back in the day' was to introduce our friends to excellent new sounds. We are wearing that hat once again - and it still fits!
See the SHOW NOTES page for a complete list of all of the music used on this episode, and remember to check out the amazing work being done by VisionTrust as they come alongside local heroes around the world to lift children out of poverty and give them a bright future. Click HERE to support the True Tunes Podcast with a secure donation of any size.
Eric Earley (Blitzen Trapper) + Sacred Psychedelia on the Jukebox (w David Bunker)
The True Tunes Podcast
04/19/22 • 99 min
Blitzen Trapper has been making some of the most interesting and compelling experimental folk/rock/alt-country/progressive music since The Flying Burrito Brothers, and their frontman, main songwriter, producer, and musician, Eric Earley joins us on the podcast to talk about the whole story. From his own roots as a musically adventurous kid to the band’s most recent album, Holy Smokes Future Jokes, to "cosmic humility" and his work with homeless veterans in the Portland area, Earley is a fount of mystical, meaningful, art.
We also crank up the Jukebox for a deep dive into the seemingly unlikely world of “sacred psychedelia,” and check in with poet, teacher, and music industry veteran, David Bunker for some much-appreciated perspective. It’s a wild trip, but the thread between Hendrix, “Jesus Psych,” and contemporary artists like Blitzen Trapper, Natalie Bergman, Daniel Amos, and Sufjan Stevens is strong.
Brace yourself for a long, winding, and beautifully weird and spiritual musical experience. (Full music list and links available on the SHOW NOTES page for this episode: TrueTunes.com/Blitzen
The True Tunes Podcast is sponsored by VisionTrust.org. Help us change the world for one child at a time by sponsoring today. Visit VisionTrust.org/TrueTunes for more information. If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our SWAG STORE.
@45RPM Vigilantes Of Love’s Welcome To Struggleville
The True Tunes Podcast
09/18/22 • 9 min
The Vigilantes of Love really started to "click" with the release of their 1994 Capricorn Records album "Welcome To Struggleville." In anticipation of a forthcoming full conversation with that band's founder, Bill Mallonee, we offer this special look at the album that is currently seeking funding via Kickstarter for a special vinyl re-issue.
If you're already familiar, then you know exactly how important this album is. If not, take ten minutes to hear from an artist Paste Magazine ranked as one of the 100 greatest living songwriters as he reflects on an album that should have been his band's breakthrough.
Find more information at BillMalloneeMusic.com and find the Kickstarter campaign HERE.
If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The True Tunes Podcast have?
The True Tunes Podcast currently has 134 episodes available.
What topics does The True Tunes Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Music, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts and Music Interviews.
What is the most popular episode on The True Tunes Podcast?
The episode title 'Here’s To You! Michael Been (of The Call) From The Vault' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The True Tunes Podcast?
The average episode length on The True Tunes Podcast is 57 minutes.
How often are episodes of The True Tunes Podcast released?
Episodes of The True Tunes Podcast are typically released every 10 days, 11 hours.
When was the first episode of The True Tunes Podcast?
The first episode of The True Tunes Podcast was released on Jun 14, 2019.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ