Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame

Veronica Swift is a highly acclaimed jazz vocalist known for her extraordinary technique, versatility, and captivating stage presence. Born into a musical family—her father is jazz pianist Hod O'Brien, and her mother is singer Stephanie Nakasian—Swift grew up immersed in the world of jazz, performing at an early age. She gained significant recognition after placing second in the 2015 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition, and became one of the most sought-after jazz singers of her generation. Join the YouTube channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg/joinTo watch this on video go to my website:www.popthehistorymakers.comBut Swift's versatility has allowed to cross over genres and styles - something she calls Transgenre, allowing her vocal prowess to shine in both traditional jazz standards with more modern interpretations, performing rock classics and originals and blending technical brilliance with emotional depth. Her ability to infuse each performance with creativity and passion has made her a standout performer who will undoubtedly shine brightly in the coming years.Here's some links to Veronica's music:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F21f3FnoNAA(The Show Must Go On)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aSnlkCigz4(Do nothing til you hear from me=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPLjmn22nzA(I get a kick out of you)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LypRBXNdoO0(This Bitter Earth)

Phil Fearon is a British record producer, singer, and songwriter, best known as the frontman of the 1980s band Galaxy. Born on July 30, 1956, in London, Fearon played a pivotal role in the UK's dance and soul music scenes during the early 1980s. Galaxy, often billed as "Phil Fearon and Galaxy," achieved significant success with hits like "Dancing Tight," "What Do I Do?," and "Everybody's Laughing." Their music, a vibrant mix of funk, soul, and disco, was released by Ensign Records. ⁠⁠Link to the interview on YouTube;⁠https://youtu.be/0o9PKIH4ufo⁠Memberships on You Tubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg/join⁠Beyond his work with Galaxy, Fearon produced for other acts, including the dance music group Baby D, known for the 1994 hit "Let Me Be Your Fantasy." He also collaborated with Pepsi & Shirlie, former Wham! backing vocalists, producing and writing for their projects. Fearon's smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and production talent made him a key figure in the UK music scene, with his influence extending beyond his own performances to shaping the sound of other successful artists of the time.

A distinguished figure in television production, Malcolm Gerrie is celebrated for his innovative contributions to the music and entertainment industries. With a career spanning several decades, Gerrie has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of music television, bringing iconic performances and groundbreaking formats to screens worldwide. His work is characterized by a unique ability to capture the zeitgeist of contemporary culture, seamlessly blending artistry with mainstream appeal.Link; Please share!https://youtu.be/v2uOR0OV650For any of my generation, his most notable achievements is his role as the creator and producer of "The Tube," a pioneering music television program that aired on Channel 4 from 1982 to 1987. "The Tube" revolutionized the way music was presented on television, offering a vibrant, eclectic mix of live performances, interviews, and music videos. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, known for its edgy and unconventional style, which broke away from the polished presentation typical of music shows of the time."The Tube" was renowned for its live, often unpredictable broadcasts and its commitment to showcasing a diverse array of musical talent. The program featured performances from an impressive lineup of artists, including U2, Madonna, The Smiths, and Duran Duran, many of whom were on the cusp of achieving global stardom. This platform not only helped launch the careers of numerous musicians but also cemented "The Tube" as a vital hub for contemporary music culture.Other highlights include breaking new ground in ad-funding with the first UK prime-time series featuring the sponsor in the title (the Pepsi Chart) and he produced the first ever global live stream for YouTube with a live concert from U2 at the Rose Bowl, California. He also launched ‘The Match’ – a reality/football series for Sky One which remains the highest-rated UK-commissioned show ever for the channel; 15 years at the helm of the ‘British Academy Film Awards’ for a worldwide TV audience, ‘Let’s Dance’ for BBC1 which ran for five seasons, the hit teen drama series ‘Miami 7’ and ‘LA 7’, and the Emmy award-winning ‘Concerto’. Malcolm has also been instrumental in over 15 major charity initiatives for TV including ‘Live 8’, ‘Band Aid’, ‘Red Hot & Blue’; ‘War Child’, ‘Nelson Mandela’s 46664’, ‘Fashion Rocks for the Prince’s Trust’ and ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ which he introduced to the UK following its success in the USA.Today, Malcolm is active as the founder of Whizz Kid Entertainment spearheading business development whilst also taking an role in production and the creative vision of the company. After 30-plus years in the industry there isn’t a genre of programming that Malcolm has not been involved with be it prime time entertainment, scripted, arts, music, kids, documentaries, events, 3D, comedy or digital content.Beyond his contributions to music programming, Malcolm Gerrie's leadership extends to various high-profile productions and his involvement with key industry initiatives. His passion for fostering new talent and his unwavering dedication to excellence continue to inspire both colleagues and audiences alike, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern entertainment.

Born on January 12, 1959, in Halmstad, Sweden, Per Gessle is a celebrated musician, singer, and songwriter, most famously known as one-half of the iconic pop duo Roxette. Alongside Marie Fredriksson, Gessle propelled Roxette to international stardom in the late 1980s and 1990s with an impressive array of hits, including "The Look," "Listen to Your Heart," "It Must Have Been Love," and "Joyride"—all of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement helped cement Roxette's status as the second biggest-selling Swedish band of all time, surpassed only by ABBA. YouTube Interview link here - if you want to watch this interviewhttps://youtu.be/h-MyOxGmyQAThere was, sadly, tragedy in the story of Roxette with Marie Fredriksson's health struggles and eventual passing. In 2002, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which she bravely battled for several years. Despite her illness, Fredriksson continued to perform and record music, displaying remarkable resilience and dedication to her craft. Unfortunately, her health issues persisted, leading to her tragic passing on December 9, 2019.Gessle's career commenced in the late 1970s with the Swedish band Gyllene Tider, enjoying considerable success in Sweden. Known for his knack for crafting catchy melodies and evocative lyrics, Gessle has been a pivotal figure in the music industry, both as a performer and a composer. Beyond his work with Roxette, he has released several solo albums and continued to leave an indelible mark on the pop and rock music scenes, maintaining a lasting legacy in global pop culture.Per Gessle had announced a Roxette tour in 2025 with Lena Philipsson as singer, and also a musical using Roxette’s songs.

For 15 months after he was released from prison, Michael Alig, also known as the Party Monster, lived with David Maurici. Sour Candy & Chaos chronicles the crazy situations that swirled around Michael Alig during his post-prison return to New York City.This is the story of his new book; SOUR CANDY and CHAOS; My Life with the Party Monster - the aftermath of a True Crime.To watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=przpvpS56qwMichael Alig was a notorious figure in the New York City nightlife scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, known as the "King of the Club Kids." These Club Kids included Susanne Bartsch, Ernie Glam (David's husband and Michael's former flatmate), Amanda Lepore, and RuPaul, and created a movement that influenced fashion, art and popular culture. Alig's flamboyant personality and outrageous parties made him a central figure in the city's club culture, characterized by its extravagant costumes and hedonistic atmosphere. However, his fame took a dark turn in 1996 when he was convicted of the m-rder of fellow club kid Andre "Angel" Melendez. Alig and his roommate, Robert "Freeze" Riggs, k-ll-d Melendez in a brutal altercation fueled by drugs. The crime and its subsequent media coverage shocked the public, revealing a dark underside of the seemingly glamorous club scene. After serving 17 years in prison, Alig was released in 2014, but he struggled to reclaim his former notoriety and died of a h-r-in overdose in 2020.

Mousse T. on his Top Five tracks; Yes, Horny & Sex Bomb, and some surprises°Mousse T., born Mustafa Gündoğdu, renowned German DJ, record producer, and songwriter, is celebrated for his contribution to the house music scene. Here he talks about his Top Five tracks. Please share and subscribe!Mousse T. rose to international fame with his 1998 hit single "Horny '98," Mousse T. solidified his reputation as a master of infectious, groove-laden tracks. His success continued with the Grammy-nominated remix of Tom Jones "Sex Bomb," showcasing his ability to blend pop and dance music seamlessly. Over the years, Mousse T. has worked with a diverse array of artists, released several acclaimed albums, and founded the influential record label Peppermint Jam, further cementing his status as a pivotal figure in electronic music.For information about his upcoming shows go here:http://www.mousse-t.com/

Albert Hammond's career spans over five decades, characterized by his exceptional talent as both a performer and a songwriter. His early work in the 1960s included co-founding the British band The Family Dogg, which achieved moderate success. However, it was his solo career in the 1970s that propelled him to international fame.To watch on YouTube go here:Albert Hammond SINGER SONGWRITER. He wrote the songs - from Whitney, to Diana Ross, to Tina Turnerhttps://youtu.be/Tm-ytrNSX7USolo CareerIn 1972, Hammond released his debut solo album, It Never Rains in Southern California. The title track became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries and establishing Hammond as a major artist. Other notable songs from his solo work include "The Free Electric Band," "I'm a Train," and "Down by the River."Down by the Riverhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6-IDU1MgFMSongwriting SuccessApart from his solo performances, Hammond is celebrated for his songwriting prowess. He has written or co-written numerous hits for other artists, showcasing his versatility across genres. Some of his most famous contributions include:"When I Need You" (Leo Sayer): Carole Bayer Sager/Albert Hammond. This song reached number one in the UK and number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obC0MFHWJ0A"One Moment in Time" (Whitney Houston): Written by Albert Hammond & John Bettis for the 1988 Summer Olympics, this powerful ballad became a signature song for Houston.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96aAx0kxVSA"To All the Girls I've Loved Before" (sung by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson): Hal David/Albert Hammond. This duet became a major hit on both country and pop charts.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVq0ONrSH-Q"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" (Starship): Albert Hammond/Diane Warren. This song topped the charts in the United States and the UK.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wxyN3z9PL4"The Air That I Breathe" (The Hollies): A major hit in the mid-1970s, this song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a classic. (Albert Hammond(Mike Hazlewood)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7duPNQCp-w4Collaboration and ProductionHammond has collaborated with a wide array of artists, lending his songwriting skills to enhance their work. His ability to craft memorable melodies and poignant lyrics has made him a sought-after collaborator. He has worked with artists such as Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and Celine Dion, contributing to their commercial and artistic successes.Tina Turner - I don't want to lose you (Graham Lyle/Albert Hammond)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLj5sBfGuQYDiana Ross - When you tell me that you love me (John Bettis & Albert Hammond)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdkU4MQBYKQAwards and RecognitionThroughout his career, Hammond has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. He has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has received an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection. His influence and contributions have solidified his status as one of the most significant figures in contemporary music.LegacyAlbert Hammond's legacy is defined by his enduring influence on the music industry. His songs continue to be covered and celebrated, reflecting his timeless appeal and the universal resonance of his music. Whether through his own performances or the voices of the many artists he has written for, Hammond's work remains a vital part of the global musical landscape.

On Part 2 of the Carl McIntosh interview (Loose Ends) we conclude the story which sees the band split, and Carl gives his opinion today on former members Jane and Steve.Both parts are available as audio and YouTube podcasts.To see this interview on YouTube use these links....For Part One use this link:https://youtu.be/JeYTBBMOldo?si=20V6Pc0v23zjxKzS⁠Part Twohttps://youtu.be/4vGu_PqO0Ss?si=GQqL6CgyxPAHI4CULoose Ends formed in 1980 when Carl McIntosh, a native of London, England, met Steve Nichol and Jane Eugene (then Loose End). The trio quickly gained attention with their distinctive sound, blending elements of soul, funk, jazz, and electro-pop. Jane Eugene and McIntosh's smooth vocals, combined with his skills as a guitarist, were integral to the band's signature sound.Loose Ends released their debut album, "A Little Spice," in 1983, which featured the hit single "Hangin' on a String (Contemplating)." The song became a chart-topping success, both in the UK and internationally, establishing Loose Ends as a leading force in the burgeoning British soul & Brit Funk scene.McIntosh's songwriting prowess and musical versatility were evident throughout Loose Ends' discography, which included acclaimed albums such as "So Where Are You?" (1985) and "Zagora" (1986). The group's innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines, coupled with McIntosh's soulful vocals, earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.Beyond his work with Loose Ends, McIntosh has collaborated with various artists and producers, contributing his talents to numerous projects within the R&B and soul genres. His influence on British music extends beyond Loose Ends, as he has played a significant role in shaping the sound of contemporary British soul and R&B.Throughout his career, McIntosh has remained active in the music industry, continuing to perform, record, and collaborate with other artists. His legacy as a pioneering figure in British soul music is firmly established, with his contributions continuing to inspire and influence musicians around the world.