Warm Classic Rock Interviews with Famous Music Legends of the '60s '70s '80s - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR - The Rascals' FELIX CAVALIERE on Life, Gurus and Music

The Rascals' FELIX CAVALIERE on Life, Gurus and Music

01/13/23 • 52 min

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

THE RASCALS were the pinnacle of '60s blue-eyed soul. It’s been said that they were the first rock band in the world. Led by FELIX CAVALIERE, the band drew much of its inspiration from British Invasion bands, psychedelic rock, gospel, and even a bit of jazz and Latin music. They were at their best on classic singles like "Good Lovin'," "How Can I Be Sure," "Groovin'," and "People Got to Be Free."
This week my special guest is keyboardist/singer Felix Cavaliere who shares tales of his musical journey. Felix talks about starting out with Joey Dee and the Starlighters, how the Beatles opened the door for musicians to write their own songs and about his and George Harrison’s involvement with gurus who kept them grounded.

It's a fascinating story that highlights the fact that while others in his profession became synonymous with sex, drugs and anything goes, Felix Cavaliere reached the highest peaks on a message of peace, love and understanding.

This songwriter could have been made for A Breath of Fresh Air ... he promises to make you feel great.

To learn more about Felix and his Rascals head for https://www.felixcavalieremusic.com/

To contact me with feedback or suggestions for who you'd like to hear interviewed, send me a message through my website https://abreathoffreshair.com.au/

This songwriter could have been made for A Breath of Fresh Air ... he promises to make you feel great.

To learn more about Felix and his Rascals head for https://www.felixcavalieremusic.com/

To contact me with feedback or suggestions for who you'd like to hear interviewed, send me a message through my website https://abreathoffreshair.com.au/

Previous Episode

Rick Wakeman - The Wizard of the Keyboards

It’s all about the ‘Wizard of the Keyboards’ this week, with one of the last podcast interviews that famed Englishman, RICK WAKEMAN has agreed to.

It took me months to get him to agree but finally I have him here for you and he chats happily with us about his life, career, and his favourite musical creation, King Arthur. Rick Wakeman, of course, is best known as a former member of the progressive rock band, Yes, as well as for his multitude of solo albums.

In interview, Rick talks candidly about his divorces, his heart attacks at the age of 25 and how these events affected his life. One minute he was on top of the world with a fleet of Rolls Royces, the next minute he was sleeping 'rough' on park benches. Rick tells us how he defied doctors' orders by continuing to perform and tour after he had been hospitalised for several weeks. He talks about how this period of time turned out to be god's send because it was from his hospital bed that he imagined and wrote much of "King Arthur'. It's an inspirational tale.

Rick also discusses being a session musician - one of the most in demand players because of his prowess on the keyboards but he also tells us the unlikely story of how he came to play the mellotron and how he carved out a brilliant career by being one of the first musicians able to keep the instrument in tune.

We hear stories from Rick about how he came to work with David Bowie on the album ‘Hunky Dory’, how the two became friends and what an incredibly generous and giving artist Bowie was.

Rick also brings us up to date in terms of how the pandemic changed his lifestyle, caused him to lose weight and sell some of his possessions. We learn how he amused himself when he (like everyone else) was off the road and about the music that emanated from him during this time.

He also openly talks about his family, including his six children and twelve grandchildren, and how they are the inspiration for keeping him feeling young and energetic.

Rick Wakeman is brilliant musician, fabulous raconteur and very very funny. I really hope you enjoy my chat with him.

If you'd like to know more check out my website www.abreathoffreshair.com.au or head straight to Rick Wakeman's website https://rwcc.com/

Don't forget if you'd like to contact me with any comments or suggestions for guests you'd like to hear interviewed, I'd love to hear from you!

Simply send me a message through the website above. You can also find me here https://linktr.ee/abreathoffreshair

Next Episode

Go-Go's Drummer GINA SCHOCK on the Power of Positive Thinking

GINA SCHOCK: From Working-Class Baltimore to Drumming for the Go-Gos

After a lifelong journey of believing in the power of positive thinking, Gina Schock, the baby of a middle class family, is shocked to experience the fruits of her ambition when she joins the iconic all-female punk rock band, The Go-Gos, and finds unprecedented success.
Gina is the galvanising force behind the Los Angeles all-female rock band, the Go-Go's, who remain the only all-women rock band to play their own instruments, write their own songs, and have their debut album skyrocket to number one. She has recently released a coffee table book called 'Made in Hollywood All Access with the Go-Go's.

She was determined to make her dream of being a rock star a reality. She left her hometown of Baltimore at the age of 21 in her father's pickup truck, believing anything was possible. She never stopped believing in the power of positive thinking, and worked hard to perfect her craft. After endless practice and saving her allowance money for new equipment, she got her first gig with an all-girl band. After joining the Go-Gos, her hard work and dedication paid off and the band skyrocketed to fame. 40 years later, Gina is still touring and the band is still thriving. She wouldn't trade a single moment of her journey for anything.

Gina is cheeky and very funny. She tells me stories from your youth right up until the group's induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Gina head to the Go-Go's website.

Her book is available now.

If you'd like to suggest someone you'd like to hear interviewed, feel free to connect with me through my website www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

I hope you enjoy today's interview with my very special guest. I most certainly did.