Episode 12: Los Straitjackets, Johnny Otis, Charlie Gracie, Marshall Crenshaw

Episode 12: Los Straitjackets, Johnny Otis, Charlie Gracie, Marshall Crenshaw

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.

Episode 11: Willie Nelson, Alan Vega, Sam Phillips

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 → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-eleven]

Episode 10: Winona Ryder, The Cramps, Rambler 65

Winona Ryder mourns the loss of a counterculture icon at Ben’s airplane hangar studio. Learn the backstory of Rambler 65, the album Ben recorded entirely in his car— a document of a man and his dream. Ben revisits his punk roots and collaboration with The Cramps.  For photos, videos, and more: Visit the Episode 10 Webpage → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-ten]

Episode 9: That '70s Show, Pig Robbins, Allen Ginsberg, Charlie Feathers

That 70s Show enlists Ben, his guitar, and his cowbell to build a musical time machine and provide the soundtrack to a well-loved sitcom. Country boy Pig Robbins gives his Nashville nod of approval to Ben’s work as a producer. In pursuit of knowledge, Ben attends an all-night rap session with Allen Ginsberg, who won’t be the last Beat Generation icon he comes across in his journey. Down in Memphis, Ben splits time between the studio and the Waffle House with rockabilly innovator Charlie Feathers. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit the Episode 9 Webpage → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-nine]

Episode 8 - The Jordanaires, Rod McKuen, Laura Nyro

Ben recalls the explosive experience of working with legendary country vocal group The Jordanaires. Take a deep breath and listen to the warm: Ben fondly remembers poet and musician Rod McKuen. Ben is in the right place at the right time in an encounter with Laura Nyro. Touring in the 1980s can be a grind until you find yourself witnessing the second most famous incident that ever occurred at Kent State. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit the Episode 8 Webpage → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-eight]