Rants, Raves & Rock ’n Roll

Celebrate American Artists Appreciation Month with this shared edition of Big Blend Radio's American Jukebox! Every first Sunday, award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer joins Lisa D. Smith to explore the music, artists, and stories that celebrate America's rich musical heritage as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration.
This month's playlist shines a spotlight on influential American artists whose music has shaped generations. Johnny and Lisa discuss legendary and groundbreaking performers including Laura Nyro, Sam Cooke, Keb' Mo', Zakiya Hooker, Makana, and Shelley King, while also highlighting the many artists they've inspired. Along the way, they explore blues, soul, Americana, gospel, protest music, regional influences, collaboration, and the enduring power of great songwriting.
🎵 Hear the music! The complete American Jukebox experience—including the featured songs—is available on Mixcloud. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, or your favorite podcast platform, follow along with the companion Spotify playlist featuring today's selections plus many more musical discoveries.Listen with the Music: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/american-jukebox-celebrating-american-artists 
🎧 Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3m3TvV7PlVXyBcl34DH1pR?si=e84afe08ee9b4396 
🎙️ Explore all American Jukebox episodes:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/t/american-jukebox 
🎵 Johnny Schaefer:https://hearjohnny.com/ 
🏠 Big Blend Media House:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 
New episodes air every first Sunday as Johnny and Lisa continue celebrating the songs, artists, and stories that define America's musical legacy through the America 250 celebration leading up to July 4, 2027. 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Music Talks with Joey Stuckey" Podcast, Joey shares highlights from an unforgettable musical journey to Los Angeles, where he had the rare opportunity to record on Les Paul's original recording console while exploring one of the most legendary legacies in music history.
From touring historic recording spaces and collaborating with fellow musicians to reflecting on the lasting impact of innovation in music production, Joey offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at preserving music history while creating new music. Along the way, he discusses the influence of Les Paul, the importance of recording technology, the value of collaboration, and how these experiences continue to inspire his work as a musician, producer, educator, and Macon, Georgia's official Music Ambassador.
Whether you're a musician, recording enthusiast, music historian, or simply love great stories about creativity and innovation, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into one artist's remarkable Los Angeles music adventure.
🎸 About Joey StuckeyJoey Stuckey is an award-winning blind guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, educator, and owner of Shadow Sound Studio in Macon, Georgia. Learn more: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
📺 Follow Big Blend Radio:https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

This episode of Beyond the Stage on Big Blend Radio's "Rants, Raves & Rock 'N Roll" Podcast features the members of Mistress of Puppets, America's only all-female Metallica tribute band, recorded backstage at Asheville Music Hall in Asheville, North Carolina.
Hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild sit down with Kelly "Mama Het" Mader (lead vocals & guitar), Jen Phipps (lead guitar), Michelle Graves (drums), and Beth McPherson (bass) to explore the band's journey, their love of Metallica's music, and what it's like bringing one of the world's greatest metal bands to life on stage.
Based in Dallas, Texas, and Greensboro, North Carolina, Mistress of Puppets has earned a reputation for delivering high-energy performances packed with the power and precision of Metallica's legendary catalog. Beyond celebrating classic thrash metal, the band is inspiring a new generation of female musicians by proving that heavy metal belongs to everyone.
The conversation covers each member's musical background, favorite Metallica songs to perform, memorable concerts, touring, dream opening acts, and the excitement of opening for Nita Strauss, acclaimed guitarist for Alice Cooper. They also discuss side projects, the importance of supporting live music, and why friendship is one of the band's greatest strengths.
Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild—owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio's Adventures in Asheville Podcast—this episode of the Beyond the Stage series celebrates musicians, creativity, and the passion that keeps rock and metal thriving.
LINKS & RESOURCES:- Mistress of Puppets: https://www.mistressofpuppets.com - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/  

Few bands have shaped music, fashion, and popular culture quite like Boy George & Culture Club. Perfect for Pride Month, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Podcast features acclaimed filmmaker Alison Ellwood who shares the story behind her compelling documentary chronicling the band's extraordinary rise, lasting influence, and enduring legacy.
Known for celebrated music documentaries including "The Go-Go's", "Laurel Canyon," and "Cyndi Lauper: Let the Canary Sing," Alison discusses the extensive archival research, rare footage, and authentic storytelling that bring Boy George and Culture Club's remarkable journey to life. The conversation explores the band's impact on music, identity, fashion, LGBTQ+ visibility, and the cultural conversations that continue to resonate today.
Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival before its North American release, the documentary offers an intimate portrait of one of pop music's most influential and groundbreaking bands.

In Part Two of this special Big Blend Radio “Music Success Insider” spotlight conversation, Joey Stuckey dives deeper into creativity, storytelling, media evolution, and the personal passions that shape his artistic life.
From unconventional performance venues and community engagement to songwriting, curiosity, and the changing digital media landscape, Joey reflects on the experiences and inspirations that continue to fuel his career. He also shares thoughts on perception, authenticity, creative freedom, and why understanding yourself is key to lasting success in music and media.
This candid and wide-ranging conversation reveals the heart behind Joey’s work as a musician, educator, producer, and storyteller.
🎧Listen to Part 1, here: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/joey-stuckey 
🎸 Joey Stuckey is an award-winning blind guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, educator, and owner of Shadow Sound Studio in Macon, Georgia. Learn more: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
🌐 Explore Big Blend Media House & Subscribe to the Front Porch News: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Music has long been a powerful way to reflect the world around us, spark conversation, and inspire change. In this episode of Big Blend Radio, singer-songwriter Ken Newman discusses his thought-provoking new single, "Who Are the Bad Guys?", exploring how music can challenge perspectives while encouraging empathy and meaningful dialogue.
Originally from San Francisco and now spending much of the year in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, Ken shares how his surroundings, life experiences, and passion for storytelling shape his songwriting. The conversation also explores creativity, authenticity, activism, community, environmental awareness, and the enduring power of small acts of kindness to make a difference.
Inspired by legendary artists like Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and David Bowie, Ken creates music that lives at the intersection of poetry, social commentary, and emotional honesty.
Learn more about Ken Newman, listen to his music, and follow his latest projects: https://www.kennewmanmusic.com/ 
Album art is by Misisipi Mike Wolf. Musician image is by Karen Cooper.

In Part One of this special Big Blend Radio “Music Success Insider” series, we celebrate the launch of BigBlendMediaHouse.com and its Front Porch News newsletter by putting acclaimed musician, producer, and educator Joey Stuckey in the spotlight.
Known as Macon, Georgia’s official Music Ambassador, Joey shares his inspiring journey through the music industry as a blind artist, producer, podcaster, and entrepreneur. The conversation explores the importance of artistic authenticity, community, eclectic musical influences, and finding your audience in an ever-changing media landscape.
Joey also discusses Macon’s legendary music history, the evolution of music discovery through the internet, and why honesty, courage, curiosity, and dedication are essential for long-term creative success.
Joey Stuckey is cohost of Big Blend Radio's "Music Talks" Podcast every 4th Sunday. Learn more about Joey Stuckey: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
Explore Big Blend Media House & Subscribe to Front Porch News: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Beyond the Stage" episode features the full lineup of Jada’s Priest, a powerhouse tribute band dedicated to the legendary music of Judas Priest.
Recorded onsite at Mars Theatre Brewing Company in Mars Hill NC — a restored 1940s theater transformed into a brewery and live music venue — this episode of the Beyond the Stage series dives into the passion, musicianship, and energy behind one of Tennessee’s premier metal tribute acts.
Hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild sit down with all members of the band including “Jada” Leslie England (vocals), Bruce England (guitar), Ella Marston (guitar), Pepper TN (bass), and Karman Gossett (drums) to talk about their musical backgrounds, performing iconic Judas Priest songs, and what it takes to recreate the sound and spirit of one of heavy metal’s most influential bands.
Based in Knoxville, Jada’s Priest is committed to honoring the Metal Gods through electrifying live performances that celebrate the raw energy, soaring vocals, and twin-guitar attack that helped define classic heavy metal.
Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild — owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s Adventures in Asheville Podcast — this episode celebrates live music, tribute artistry, and the enduring power of metal culture.
LINKS & RESOURCESJada’s Priest: https://jadaspriest.com/ Jada’s Priest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/774224932435854/ Jada’s Priest on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NJM-NrUZNx0 Mars Theatre Brewing Company: https://www.marstheatrebrewingco.com/ The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/