Rock music
Dave Grohl retraces his life-affirming path from Nirvana to Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters frontman (and Nirvana drummer) talks about his journey from playing small punk clubs to giant stadiums in his memoir, The Storyteller. He reflects on how he taught himself drums, his friendship with Kurt Cobain, and reinventing himself after Cobain's death. "I was heartbroken," he says. "I didn't really know if I ever wanted to play music again, until I realized that music was the one thing that had healed me my entire life." Originally broadcast Nov. 24, 2021.
Paul McCartney knew he'd never top The Beatles — and that's just fine with him
Paul McCartney has a new, two-volume set of books called The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present. It's a collection of his lyrics and the stories behind them, starting with songs he wrote before The Beatles and ending with songs from his latest album, McCartney III, which was released in 2020.
Lenny Kravitz's memoir, 'Let Love Rule,' chronicles the making of a rock star
Kravitz's memoir follows his childhood and early career. Still touring in his 50s, Kravitz says, "I'm going to continue doing this as long as I can." Originally broadcast Oct. 6, 2020.
'Fresh Air' listens back to Nick Lowe's 2001 album, 'The Convincer'
British singer, songwriter and guitarist Lowe got his start in the '70s pub-rock era. His 2001 album, The Convincer, has been newly remastered and reissued. Originally broadcast in 2001 and 2011.
Remembering Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts
During his 58 years with the Stones, Watts, who died Aug. 24, often let the other members of the band take the spotlight on stage and in the press. Originally broadcast in 1991.
'Fresh Air' Remembers Rock Historian Ed Ward
Ward, who died this week, is remembered as one of the first people to write seriously about rock 'n' roll. He wrote for Rolling Stone and Creem and was Fresh Air's rock historian from 1987 until 2017.
No Longer '20 Feet From Stardom': Singer Merry Clayton Steps Out Of The Background
Clayton sang backup with Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Carole King and many others. Now she has a new album — where she's front and center — called Beautiful Scars. Originally broadcast in 2013.
Lenny Kravitz On Race, Being On The Road, And Ruff Ruff The Magic Dog
Lenny Kravitz's new memoir, Let Love Rule, follows his childhood and early career up to the release of his breakout album.
Remembering Ian Whitcomb, An Eccentric Singer-Songwriter Who Became An Author
Whitcomb, who died April 19, had the 1965 novelty hit, "You Turn Me On," but soon after devoted himself to writing books about early American popular music. Originally broadcast in 1988.
'Fresh Air' Favorites: Bruce Springsteen
This week, we're listening back to some favorite Fresh Air interviews from the past decade. In 2016, Springsteen reflected on how he and his music were shaped by home, roots, family and community.