- Judy Collins – Who Knows Where the Time Goes (1968) and Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies (1973)
Although it is best remembered as a shock rock anthem by hard rock icon Alice Cooper, “Hello Hooray” was first introduced by folk singer Judy Collins. One of the unlikeliest cross overs in music history, the song was inspired by Eastern religion and reincarnation and written by Canadian singer-songwriter Rolf Kempf after a road trip to Los Angeles went very wrong, leaving him broke, possessionless and stranded in Laurel Canyon. The unusual story of “Hello Hooray,” and how Rolf Kempf manifested success under dire circumstances, and the strange journey that brought his song to the top of the charts.
- Leonard Cohen – Various Positions (1984)
Although it has become one of the most covered songs of the 21st century, with more than 300 official versions of it in existence, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” was once an obscure deep cut from an album that Columbia Records refused to release. However, through the support of other artists who won’t stop recording it, “Hallelujah” has become one of the most recognizable standards of the modern era. But, has “Hallelujah” outlived its welcome? A deep dive into the history of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” from the devastating rejection of his 1984 album "Various Positions," to its organic rise to prominence. Extra: John Cale, Jeff Buckley and how a green skinned animated ogre endeared the music of Leonard Cohen to the mass audience.
- Leonard Cohen – Songs from a Room (1969)
In 1959 Leonard Cohen invited a crying woman at a grocery market on the Greek Island of Hydra to join him and his friends who were sitting in the sun. The crying woman was Marianne Ihlen, and she would not only go on to become Leonard Cohen’s long time companion, but inspire some of his most beloved songs. A look at the globe spanning love story of Leonard and Marianne, from its fantasy land beginnings on Hydra, to it’s tumultuous end in New York City, and Leonard Cohen’s last act of love in 2016. Extra – the origins of “Bird on a Wire,” “So Long, Marianne,” “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbe,” and Cohen’s final song to Marianne from beyond the grave.
- Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen (1968)
In 1967 celebrated Canadian poet and novelist Leonard Cohen sought to launch a career as a songwriter, despite having little faith in his ability as a singer or guitarist. However, one special composition about his cerebral relationship with a mysterious woman who lived down by the river would not only go on to enchant the imaginations of music fans worldwide, but would launch Leonard Cohen to international fame as a singer/songwriter. A deep dive into Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne,” and the real life story of Suzanne Verdal, the woman who inspired the song and both the romantic mythology and tragic reality which eternally ties her to the Leonard Cohen story. Extra: How Judy Collins helped launch Leonard Cohen to stardom, and his dramatic debut in Philadelphia as a solo performer.
- Leonard Cohen – The Future (1992)
As Montreal singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen went from being a cult favorite to entering the mainstream at the beginning of the 1990's, he released his 1992 album "The Future," gaining new fans and sealing his place as part of the modern music industry. Meanwhile, a moody seventeen year old Sam Tweedle sees the video for "Closing Time" broadcast on Much Music, giving him a cultural hero and sending him on a futile quest to achieve Bohemian cool. A look at Leonard Cohen's reemergence into prominance during the grunge era and the continuing influence of "The Future."
- Bobby Sherman – Bobby Sherman (1969)
With his huge smile, bright eyes, perfect hair and dimpled chin, Bobby Sherman achieved success at the dawn of the 1970's as one of the most iconic teen idols of all time. The story of how a young love sick teenager found a Bobby Sherman record and became a life long fan, and why Bobby Sherman reigns as the King of Bubblegum. Extra: Shindig!, Here Comes the Brides, Getting Together and Bobby's second career as an LAPD paramedic! Peace, Love and Bobby Sherman forever!
