This week, Jay Jay is joined by rock icon Glenn Hughes! Tune in to hear these two do a deep dive into their ongoing musical legacies, & the life experiences that come with it. Glenn shares stories from his illustrious career, giving us a glimpse of what it was like to be part of legendary bands like Deep Purple and Trapeze - the extensive performances, creative breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments. He gets into the evolution of his sound and the challenges that artists face in today’s music landscape. Their discussion touches on the impact of streaming, with Glenn expressing his thoughts on how it has transformed the way music is both consumed and created. They discuss Glenn's latest work & listen to two new singles, “Voice in My Head” & "Chosen." The conversation wraps on a hopeful note, as they discuss the importance of live music and the connection it fosters among fans and artists alike. Don't miss this insightful conversation from two rock legends - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, we’re revisiting a favorite conversation from this past year - Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member and lead guitarist Rickey Medlocke joins Jay Jay this week on the podcast! Jay Jay & Rickey's history goes as far back as Twisted Sister does - to 1973 - and they've remained friends ever since. Rickey is best known as being the frontman & guitarist for the band Blackfoot, as well as an original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He's of Lakota Sioux and Cherokee ancestry, and was inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame in 2008. He's heavily involved in supporting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Movement, and national efforts to end all violence against American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women, which you can learn more about via the links below:

www.niwrc.org

www.rickeymedlocke.com/never-run-out-of-road

Tune in to hear all about Jay Jay & Rickey's deep history that goes back over 50 years, as Rickey discusses how he's been one of the faces of Southern Rock for decades, and set the standard for the genre.

Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

A special thank you to our new sponsors, Dimarzio Pickups and Tonequest Report.

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Chad Kassem, founder of Acoustic Sounds, is this week's special guest on podcast! Acoustic Sounds is a company that has been at the forefront of the vinyl renaissance since the beginning. He gets into the technical side how records are made - he importance of a good pressing plant, and why mastering can make or break an album. It’s fascinating to hear him discuss the intricacies of sound quality and the lengths he goes to ensure that every record is a masterpiece. You’ll also hear my passionate rants about the economics of vinyl today, and why it’s ludicrous to expect prices to stay the same as they were in the ‘70s. I mean, come on, folks, inflation is real!

Chad and Jay reminisce about the music industry—both the good and the bad. They touch on the "loudness wars," how modern music often sacrifices quality for volume, and how this has led to new artists seeking out reclaiming that rich & authentic sound that vinyl delivers. This episode is a must listen for audiophiles & music lovers, don't miss their conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, tune in for a very special retrospective that not only celebrates the legendary status of Electric Lady Studios, but also serves as a window into the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s and 70s. Jay Jay is joined by legendary guests Eddie Kramer and John Storyk, who engage in a lively dialogue that traverses personal history, technical advancements, and the evolution of music production as a whole. The conversation delves into the role of Electric Lady Studios (which was designed by Storyk & Kramer) as a space that fostered experimentation and artistic expression. Jay Jay’s perspective as a musician who experienced this era firsthand complements the insights of Kramer and Storyk, who both played pivotal roles in shaping the sound of a generation. The conversation ends with discussing Jimi Hendrix, his vision for the studio, and how his creative ethos continues to inspire artists to this day. This episode not only offers a first hand lens into a vibrant moment in music history, but offers listeners a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between art, technology, and human connection that defines the spirit of Electric Lady Studios.

Don’t miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Tune in this week's special episode to hear Sharon, Jay Jay's wife, join the podcast! Sharon returns in conversation to update on their lives, share stories about recent travels - & to discuss everything from the importance of healthy relationships to spirituality, and the intricate balance between personal life & professional development. Jay Jay & Sharon recount pivotal experiences that have shaped their lives, and discuss the recent hiatus from guest interviews, shedding light on their winter retreat to Mexico and the exciting roster of guests to come.

Don't miss this conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week we're revisiting one of our favorite interviews from early on into the podcast - Don McClean.

Tune into hear legendary American singer/songwriter Don McLean & Jay Jay discuss the cultural impact of Don's hit "American Pie," how much Don's music has impacted Jay Jay, resilience in show business, and the ups & downs of their remarkable journeys in the music industry.

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes from 2024 - a tribute to the Late Great guitar legend John Mayall, who passed away this past year. Joining Jay Jay to honor Mayall's legacy are two of the world's greatest living Blues guitarists, Joe Bonamassa & Rocky Athas. Tune in to hear these 3 discuss how John Mayall's groundbreaking guitar playing impacted both themselves & the music industry as a whole. Mayall is often referred to as the 'Godfather of the British Blues;' hear Jay Jay, Joe & Rocky discuss why - from his tone & songwriting, to the legacy he created with the Blues Breakers & taking Eric Clapton under his wing. Rocky shares favorite stories from their friendship & playing together over the years in the Blues Breakers.

Put on a Blues Breakers record today to honor John - & don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music.

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger