Warm Classic Rock Interviews with Famous Music Legends of the '60s '70s '80s - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR - Steely Dan's Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter - The Doobie Brothers to Missile Defence

Steely Dan's Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter - The Doobie Brothers to Missile Defence

07/06/23 • 52 min

1 Listener

Warm Classic Rock Interviews with Famous Music Legends of the '60s '70s '80s - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Wanna know how Steely Dan's Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter became a missile defence expert? Take a listen to this week's episode.

Best-known for his work with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, JEFF "SKUNK" BAXTER's versatility and technique as a soloist made him a hugely in-demand session guitarist from the '70s on. Jeff (who still refuses to disclose the origins of his nickname) landed his first recording gig in 1969 with the psychedelic pop group Ultimate Spinach.

In 1972, he began his association with Steely Dan, playing on their debut album, Can't Buy a Thrill.

Following 1974's Pretzel Logic, Jeff moved on to the Doobie Brothers, debuting later that year on What Once Were Vices Are Now Habits and continuing on for several more albums through 1978.

During the mid-'70s, he also began to expand his session work, going on to work with the likes of Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Ringo Starr, Carly Simon, Donna Summer, Joni Mitchell, Rick Nelson among many others.

Jeff's general interest in technology led him into production, most notably helming several albums for hard rockers Nazareth.

He also developed an interest in military hardware and weapons systems and was hired in 2001 by the Bush administration as a defence analyst, also serving as a consultant to several U.S. congressmen (whilst continuing his music career).

I hope you'll join me as I sit down and chat with the world-renowned guitarist to explore his incredible journey in music. From early beginnings at the age of five, to the legendary bands he's played with, and his journey to launching his first solo album, "Speed of Heat", this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air is riveting.

Jeff shares about the intimacy of the guitar, his first band that was "way too nuts and way too much fun," and the secrets to his enduring success.

We go behind the scenes of the iconic songwriting duo of Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, and learn how they made their mark in the music industry.

Jeff walks us through his life and times. It's an incredible story about one helluva talented man.

For more information about Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter check out his website https://www.jeffskunkbaxter.com/

If you'd like to request a guest get in touch with me through my website here

I hope you enjoy this week's show.

Wanna know how Steely Dan's Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter became a missile defence expert? Take a listen to this week's episode.

In 1972, he began his association with Steely Dan, playing on their debut album, Can't Buy a Thrill.

Following 1974's Pretzel Logic, Jeff moved on to the Doobie Brothers, debuting later that year on What Once Were Vices Are Now Habits and continuing on for several more albums through 1978.

Jeff's general interest in technology led him into production, most notably helming several albums for hard rockers Nazareth.

Jeff shares about the intimacy of the guitar, his first band that was "way too nuts and way too much fun," and the secrets to his enduring success.

We go behind the scenes of the iconic songwriting duo of Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, and learn how they made their mark in the music industry.

Jeff walks us through his life and times. It's an incredible story about one helluva talented man.

For more information about Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter check out his website https://www.jeffskunkbaxter.com/

If you'd like to request a guest get in touch with me through my website here

I hope you enjoy this week's show.

Previous Episode

TERRY JACKS, TOBY BEAU and The Royal Guardsmen's BARRY WINSLOW

This week we unlock the fascinating tales of three one-hit wonders.

Join me on a journey to meet The Royal Guardsmen’s lead singer, Barry Winslow, Balde Silva who is better known as Toby Beau and rediscover that incredible singer songwriter and producer, Terry Jack as we delve into his musical career and back catalogue.

You'll gain insight into the highs, the lows, and everything in between, shedding light on the indelible marks each of these musicians have left on the music industry.

This episode is a homage to those artists who, despite having just one major hit, crafted unforgettable melodies that continue to resonate with generations of fans.

We kick things off by responding to a request from a listener who asked to hear how Canadian musician and environmentalist, Terry Jacks is doing today. He's been quiet these last few years but has recently had a 'best of' remastered. Terry Jacks is best known for his massive hit 'Seasons in the Sun' and has been suffering ill health recently so we catch up with his record label producer who fills us in on Terry's life and times. His story is nothing short of fascinating.

Next we venture to the American south to meet Balde Silver, better known these days by his stage name, Toby Beau. You may not remember the band but you're sure to recall their one huge hit, 'My Angel Baby'. Toby tells us all about his experiences with the legendary band Kiss, his meteoric rise to fame and how that one song set him up for a life of music and entertainment ever since. Next, an exploration into the life of Barry Winslow, who, at the helm of The Royal Guardsmen, took the world by storm with their chart-topping song about that little dog named Snoopy. At the time the Royal Guardsmen set out, Charles Schulz's comic strip – Peanuts - was at its peak of popularity and Charlie Brown's beagle somehow evolved into less of a pet than a voice of conscience. One of the recurring themes was Snoopy’s fantasy exploits as a World War I flying ace trying to defeat BaronVon Richthofen, aka The Red Baron.

Barry tells us all about how the Snoopy song came to be, the role producer Phil Gernhard played and how it changed the band members' lives forever.

I hope you'll tune in, sit back, and let the memorable stories behind your favourite one-hit wonders transport you back in time. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just love a good story, this episode is for you.

For more information about Terry Jacks and his latest release 'The Terry Jacks Collection' head for the website Regenerator Records

To learn more about Toby Beau check out https://www.tobybeau.com/

And to find out additional stuff about The Royal Guardsmen and Barry Winslow check https://www.facebook.com/TheRoyalGuardsmenBand/

One-Hit Wonders, Barry Winslow, Toby Beau, Terry Jacks, Royal Guardsmen, Chart-Topping Hit, My Angel Baby, Seasons in the Sun, Abraham, Martin, and John, Jerry Fuller, Phil Guernhard, Snoopy vs. The Red Baron, Snoopy's Christmas.

Next Episode

The Temptations' Glenn Leonard: Motown Magic

Singer GLENN LEONARD is best known for his time as a member of the iconic Motown group, The Temptations. Glenn joined The Temptations in 1975 as the first new member to join the group after their classic lineup had already achieved immense popularity.

During his time with The Temptations, the group released several successful albums, including "The Temptations Do the Temptations" (1976), "Bare Back" (1978), and "Power" (1980). Some of their notable hits from this era include "Happy People," "Shakey Ground," and "Power.”

Glenn was a part of The Temptations "Reunion" tour and album in 1982, featuring The Classic Five lineup (excluding Paul Williams who had committed suicide in 1973 ).

After parting ways with the group in 1983 and being replaced by Ron Tyson, Leonard became a born-again Christian, entered into full-time ministry and was licensed in 1986. He became ordained and received a doctorate degree in the early 1990s.

He also pursued a successful solo career and today leads his own Temptation Revue Group.

In this episode, Glenn Leonard relates the story of The Temptations that formed in 1960 in Detroit, Michigan. The band are widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful groups in the history of popular music. Known for their signature harmonies, electrifying performances, and iconic choreography, The Temptations became synonymous with the soulful Motown sound.

Their timeless hits, including "My Girl," "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Get Ready," and "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)," showcased their ability to seamlessly blend soul, pop, and funk, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

Glenn tells us that The Temptations received numerous accolades throughout their career, including induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. Their enduring music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, and their contributions to the Motown era and soul music remain unparalleled.

I hope you enjoy Glenn Leonard's story. If you'd like to know more about him check him out here

As always, if you'd like to request a guest that you'd like to hear interviewed, simply reach out to me through my website temptations, motown, group, eddie kendricks, vocal, temps, otis, guitar, sing, rock n roll hall of fame