Show Notes
Ringo Starr mistakes Ben for someone else in the recording studio. Always pick up the phone, because you never know when Dee Dee Sharp will be on the other end. What do “Elusive Butterfly” and Bat Boy have in common? One man: Bob Lind. Finally, Ben and Laura discuss their shared obsession with America’s greatest musical genius, Sonny Bono. For photos and more: Visit the Episode 13 Webpage →
More from Straight From The Hat With Ben Vaughn
Season One Finale Episode! A teenage Ben provides doo wop guidance to Frank Zappa.Sandy Denny visits New Jersey.The Legendary Stardust Cowboy, whose outsider records inspired David Bowie, gets his guns were stolen at the airport.Explore the unconventional business practices of Rosco Gordon, the man who invented ska with the help of his drunk pet rooster.
Inspired by The Stooges, Ben refuses to take "no" for an answer at a record store.Ben tells the story of Danny & The Juniors, a tough tale from the early generation of rock and roll from Philly.Serving as a musical interpreter, Ben introduces Rip Torn to The Butthole Surfers.Plus: Hasil Adkins spends a night in Ben's bed.
Visit Ferriday, Louisiana with Ben to honor the town's native son, the iconic Jerry Lee Lewis. Come along with Ben on his truck driving route where he makes routine deliveries to Philly legends Gamble & Huff. Ben misses a chance to go fishing with legendary guitarist Reggie Young. Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon teaches a lounge band to play real rock and roll.
Loitering backstage at the Grand Ole Opry leads to Ben working with America’s favorite musical masked men, Los Straitjackets. Ben accompanies Johnny Otis to the Capitol Records vault and discovers the secret sauce behind “Willie And The Hand Jive.” Philly music legend Charlie Gracie inspires a young teenage dishwasher to reach for the brass ring of rock and roll. Daydreaming while landscaping inspires Ben’s breakthrough hit as a songwriter with Marshall Crenshaw.
Ben joins Willie Nelson on Willie’s tour bus, and discovers a mysterious briefcase with a surprise inside. A creative force and a true artist’s artist, Ben remembers his friend and collaborator Alan Vega and the years they spent creating music together. Sometimes even the man who invented rock and roll still needs to do everyday chores, which is when Ben encountered Sam Phillips. For photos, videos, and more: Visit the Episode 11 Webpage →