Is it really 10 years?

I remember telling Lee Peek, the “Voice” of Don’s Basement Tapes, “I really don’t care if I only broadcast to that tree in the backyard, we’re going to have some fun”. That was 10 years ago, when the show started as a podcast on Spreaker. The next thing that happened was everything at once. Calls came in asking about the show. “Can we air it?”. “How can I get a copy?”. But the call that meant the most came from a good friend, Marty Ziven. I met Marty around 2010, and we immediately hit it off, as two Radio nerds would. Marty did a lot with internet Radio in Chicago and I was very impressed with what he knew and did for Chicago. Marty was the first to come foreward and ask about running Don’s Basement Tapes on Zecom Radio. “Hey Don, what do we have to do to run your show?”, and I just said, “run it”. Marty put it into his Sunday night lineup and I was so happy and proud the first night it aired. Not that I was on the station, but the fact that THAT was on the station.

Back in the 70’s, I was in love with a show called The Robert W. Morgan Special of the Week, a show from the Westwood One Radio Network, starring the great Robert W. Morgan, a legend in the Radio industry (more on him soon enough). For one hour each week, Robert’s program would highlight the music and words on one particular artist. Billy Joel, Gerry Rafferty, Pat Benatar, Kenny Loggins, and so many others. Through the show, the average listener would gain insight into the lives of these artists. I never missed a show. But not only for the information about the acts, but I wanted to learn how I could do a show like it. Maybe not just starting out, but soon. That show was the cornerstone for Don’s Basement Tapes.

In 2015, I was in my office in Chicago speaking with Art Porter, another legend, this time as a Producer for the “Crazy Howard McGee” show. I always called Art, “a Producer’s Producer”. There wasn’t anybody better that “A.P.”. I would share stories with Art about growing up in Wisconsin, that music that we would listen to, and the many characters that would come to my parents basement.

One day, Art said, “I think that you need to do a show, based on the music and stories of ‘Don’s Basement’. I’ve heard all of the stories, and you need to do this. I’ll help you, but you owe it to your friends, your audience, to do this”. So, with Art’s guidance, my memories of Robert W. Morgan, and the music that we introduced people to back in the day, the show was born. Then, along came Marty, asking to air the show. And from there, it has grown to where it is today. A show that started from it’s humble beginnings in a basement in Mayville, Wisconsin.

I will continue to do Don’s Basement Tapes as long as I can. And as long as there is a place to air the show. But, the music is the thing, and since this is the 10th anniversary of the first show, I am going to feature, once a week on this page, an artist or band that was such a huge part of the days (and nights) in Don’s Basement.

Unfortunately, Marty Ziven and Art Porter are no longer with us. I loved those guys. They had these incredible, infectious personalities. And just a touch of madness. Don’s Basement Tapes would not be where it is today, if not for their motivation and inspiration. Thank you, Art and Marty.

And thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for listening to the show. It really means the world to me. Peace.

Farewell, Professor!

It’s been mentioned before on this website, but it bears repeating. The Basement was a proving ground for new albums. Friends would bring their new vinyl treasures down there to share with the rest of the Basement Dwellers. It was a summer night in August, I think it was a Tuesday, when a friend brought an album from a new band from Canada. He said he saw the cover and had to have it. As soon as we dropped the needle on the album, it sounded like a Led Zeppelin knock off…only better! I was hooked. Now, since this was pre-internet, it took some investigative work, visiting record shops, to find out more about this new band. Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and John Rutsey. 3 guys that made an incredible amount of music. Less than a year later, their sophmore effort, Fly by Night was released. And once again, it was the cover the compelled me to buy it. The big white owl, starring at me. So, I took it home, slid the album out of the sleeve, dropped the needle and I was once again blown away by these three. But, something was different. The band was tighter. The lyrics were thought provoking, and the drumming. Wow. Then I read the liner notes (remember those days!) and found out that a change was made. With this album, we were introduced to The Professor, Neil Peart. Seeing Rush in concert was an experience like no other. And as the years went along, the drum kit grew, the sound was more and more powerful, and these three took Prog Rock to a level that has never been taken before or since.

The release of every new album was an event, and it always included another wait in line at 1812 Overture, Peaches, and any other outlet to purchase the golden ticket to see Rush. The band would go through numerous musical changes, and some awful heartache over the years, but they always rose to the top of the musical heap of Vintage Rock. From Moving Pictures to Power Windows, Counter Parts to Clockwork Angels, their repertoire expanded and rivaled some of the works of the great masters. On January 22, 2015, the band announced the Rush R40 Tour, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Peart’s membership in the band. The tour started on May 8 and wrapped up on August 1 in Los Angeles. On June 12th, I was joined by two great Radio friends, Dave Kalloway and Lee Peek, at the United Center in Chicago, for one last concert with The Professor and The Masters of Progressive Rock. Was it really the last? Maybe…maybe not.

On January 7, 2020, I was scrolling through Social Media, when the day came to a screeching halt. I couldn’t believe what I had just read. Tears filled my eyes. Neil Peart died at the age of 67 following a 3½-year battle with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. A year later, Lee confirmed to Rolling Stone that Rush was “over” and expressed the impossibility of the band continuing without Peart.

Someone whom I never met, but I always considered a friend, was gone. And with his passing, one of the most important bands of my musical upbringing, was no more. Every January 7th, I pause, and remember, this quiet man of music, and words. His lyrics have brought happiness when I was down. His written word has brought encouragement during trouble times, and the collection of concert videos and documentaries in my collection are constant reminders of just how great of a man Neil Peart was and how powerful the band Rush was. Rest in Peace, Professor.

HAPPY 2025

Just a short message for today. As much as I enjoyed the celebrations of New Year’s Eve back in the day, I absolutely love the peaceful New Year’s Eve of today. A quiet dinner for two, then coming home to watch a concert or two. Just me, Teresa, Sophie the Dog, and our cats Maestro and Violet. And the victory of being able to stay up until Midnight to usher in the new year. As we slid into 2025, I went to bed hoping that it would be a smooth New Year’s Day with a parade or two, and then a day of pure laziness. Movies and food, food and movies. Well, 2025 did not begin with the peace we all hoped for. As U2 sang, “All is quiet on New Year’s Day”, the one day that one could hope for peace, that silence was shattered. We all know of the horrific event in New Orleans. Nothing can be said here that hasn’t already been said. As we continue into this new year, I wish you a very Happy 2025, to be aware and be safe.

THANK YOU, JOHN.

There wasn’t anything that really stood out from the Monday night. The Miami Dolphins were playing the New England Patriots, and my friend Steve and I were visiting his sister and her husband, to talk about the upcoming holidays, and to record a tape from their album collection. With the sound down in the TV, we were unaware of what was happening in New York City that night. That was until we got in the car to leave. Steve turned on the radio and “In My Life” was playing. He turned on another station, and there was another Beatles song. And another, and another, and another. Finally, the announcer came on and told us, in a low tone, something that was, and to this day still is, hard to comprehend…”Tonight in New York City, John Lennon has been murdered in front of his apartment”. Steve dropped my off at home, and I went into The Basement, turned on the radio, and tried to make sense of what had just happened.

I’ve been a fan of The Beatles from the first notes of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”. Although I was very young when I was first exposed to them, I knew that they were something extraordinary. Everyone had their favorite Beatle, but I always steered towards John Lennon. Maybe it was his rebelious nature, maybe his songwriting, or his offbeat personality, but he was always my favorite. I remember thinking that night, “My, look where we are now, in 1980. We’ve gone from the assasination of world leaders to the killing of musicians!”

When I moved to Connecticut, Strawberry Fields in Central Park became one of my favorite places to visit in The City. Located across from The Dakota Apartments, it is an isle of serenity, where you would find people who come to pay their respects, talk about The Beatles, their music and John’s message of peace. All these years later, the event that happened that night of December 8th still hurts, and I still pause, to remember, and IMAGINE how life would be if he was still with us. Rest in Peace, Mr. Lennon.

“AS GOD IS MY WITNESS…”

“They’re hitting the ground like sacks of wet cement”. As far as sitcoms go, WKRP in Cincinnati was, and thanks to DVD’s, is about as good as it gets. OK, I’ll admit that I am a bit biased, but for anyone hanging around the industry back in the day, it was the gold standard for comedy. But no episode was more memorable than “Turkey’s Away”. The creativity level of the show was through the roof. And it was just the tip of the iceberg.

There was a time that the creativity level in this country soared. From movies to music, from commercials to, well… conversation (remember conversation), ideas came fast and furious. And on the radio, it was clear. Creativity flourished. And not just on morning shows. All announcers on all dayparts had these creative gems that they would share. From Don Imus ordering 10,000 hamburgers at McDonalds, Howard Hoffman’s Nine tape, The Greaseman’s Revenge Techniques, all the way back to War of the Worlds. It made radio, radio. As you listened to shows, you never knew what was coming next. And that’s what made it magical. That’s what made it unique. And personal. Radio is always best when it’s personal. And when it’s creative. But what happened? I’ll tell you what happened.

Fear. Talk to almost anyone in Radio today, and they will tell you that as much as they love what they are doing, they are in almost constant fear of losing their jobs. Obviously, they won’t tell their Program Directors, but they will tell me. Because of that, creativity is pushed off to the side. Why?

Because creativity and fear cannot live in the same room. Yes, there are some stations out there, where either announcers are allowed some, and I mean some, creative control. But not much. Is the Radio of today broken? Well, yes when compared to radio of the past. Not only is creativity missing, so is proper prep for the show. And don’t give me the “Oh, I’m just too busy…” crap. I hear examples every day of bad, or no prep. And some of it makes my ears bleed. Like the day I heard an announcer on a Classic Rock station, in a top five market, say, “and next hour, we’ll give you a chance to win a pair of Mott The “HOP-el” tickets. Sad.

Programmers, take the time to air check your talent. Talent, make your show so off the chart entertaining that you can’t wait for your air check. And for God’s sake, guide your talent to be entertaining. Let’s remove the fear, and let the creativity flow. Give the people what they want. Give them the old razzle dazzle. You do that and you will see your station soar. Because as much as we can all get along, trust me. Creativity and fear cannot live in the same room.

Stay happy and healthy.

‘LIKE A PHOENIX, I HAVE RISEN FROM THE FLAMES”

Look…I’m a Radio guy. Always have been, always will be. Which, as in most cases, also makes me a music guy. I have used music as a motivator, a sleep aid, and in some cases, an anthem, to help me through tough times in this industry that we have chosen. A lot of terms have been used to describe Radio. Oh and by the way, a quick sidebar. I’ve been asked why I always capitalize the r in Radio. Simple. It’s out of respect for an industry that has been my meal ticket for all these years. Anyway, the terms that have been used to describe Radio lately make it sound like a hideous animal, ready to devour and spit out anyone that is foolish enough to get in front of it. It’s not the first time that it has been looked upon that way, but in the year 2020, their is mass exodus from this industry, the likes of which I have never seen before. Whether through their own disgust of where the industry has gone, or those that have been the victims of the massive cuts, studios are going dark around the country, illuminated by nothing more than lights of the VU Meters.

There are those of us who long for the “good old days”. Or nights. The overnight shift, with a pot of coffee, an ashtray fill of butts, a stack of albums, and the voice of the lonely lady on the other end of the phone. The days of the “Morning Zoo”, where chances were pretty good that after the show was done, there were at least 20 phone calls that had to be made to apologize about something. The different shifts, the different formats, town to town, up and down the dial. Well, I am here to tell you that the “good old days” are here and now. Or can be.

Remember the first time you heard about Podcasting? For me it was back in 2010. My initial through was, “Oh boy. Now anyone with a microphone, a computer, an opinion and time to kill will be filling our ears with their thoughts on everything from politics to who makes the best bourbon Manhattan at the local watering hole. Podcasting was described at the time, and in some instances, still is as “an obscure method of spreading audio information. It has become a recognized medium for distributing audio content, whether for corporate or personal use. Podcasts are similar to radio programs in form, but they exist as audio files that can be played at a listener’s convenience, anytime or anywhere”.

But what that also means, is that it can be turned off anytime or anywhere. For many reasons. The biggest being, like some Radio shows…ok most Radio shows, the content is not just boring, it’s downright torturous! There’s an old saying, “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”.

So here we sit in 2020. Most of us are working from our new home office, which for me is the dining room table, conveniently located next to the Keurig, or the Maker’s Mark bottle, depending on the time of day. And as I sit here, writing station liners or going over articles on “consulting after COVID”, I spend time listening to Podcasts. Not from broadcasters, but from executives of major companies around the world, who are giving their advice to their listeners, who for the most part, are their employees. Remember back in the day when the owner of the company where you worked came into the meeting to pass along his information? Yes, it was important, but I kept thinking to myself, “man, this guy needs a new writer!”. Well, this is the same thing.

So, my advice to you, the leaders of the corporate world. If you insist on doing Podcasts, you should also insist on seeking a consultant from the Radio world to help with your content and your delivery. There is a very wise woman who once said, “there are no boring stories, only boring storytellers”. That is great advice, for anyone who is behind the mic, no matter if you are the Morning Drive talent in Chicago, or the President of Thingamajigs International. You need to prep. Preparing is caring.

Podcasters, there are people out there today, that have spent years in Broadcasting, that are now working from home, at least for the time being, that are available to help you. You want to produce a 30 minute Podcast that seems to last 10 minutes? These men and women are here to help you do just that. They have spent years prepping and delivering content designed to keep the attention of an audience to gain that all important rating. To keep the audience engaged, entertained, and enlightened. Exactly what you should be doing for anyone and everyone listening to your Podcast. A wise man once said, “Listeners will pay you with two things that they can never get back. Their time, and their attention”. Make it worth their while.

As has been the case, year after year, I have seen this industry take a beating, but when it kicked my ass, I would reach for music to get me through. And when things got tough, and I got through it, I always reached for my Dan Fogelberg “Phoenix” album and crank the title cut, and sing along loud and proud, “Like a Phoenix, I have risen from the flame”. And I am here, along with many talented Broadcasters, to help you take your content to the next level.

Want to discuss this more? You can reach me at donsbasementproductions@gmail.com. Stay happy and healthy.

CALL ME DEACON BLUES

I love Aja. I love the entire album, cut for cut, story for story. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, along with a cache of the finest studio musicians on the planet, created one of the finest works of music ever put on vinyl. The title cut is my go-to song for testing speakers (the whole album, actually) but my favorite song is Deacon Blues. Musically, it is a masterpiece. Lyrically, it is a fascinating story. A tale of our hero, told through narration of a rock-bottom suburbanite’s fantasy of becoming a romantic saxophonist. That tale is relatable to a lot of people these days. Especially the young people that have a fantasy of becoming a Broadcaster. No matter the position, from Radio to TV, there are those of you that have the drive to make it in this industry. Now, there are people out there who will call you foolish. You’ll hear, “No one listens to Radio anymore”. “News?!?! Are you crazy?!?! It’s all fake!!!”. “Do you really think you can make it in a dying industry?!?!”

Just like that saxophonist did, you need to “take one last drag as you approach the stand”, and go after it! This is not a dying industry, and there are some of us in Broadcasting who will be here to help you any way we can. You have the drive and the dream. Don’t let it slip away. Oh yes, it will be a tough road, no doubt about it. But take it from me, after all these years in the industry. It is worth it…SO worth it!!!

Besides the drive, the other thing that you need to move forward, is a contact or two…or three, or…That’s where I can help. Feel free to reach out to me through this website and I will answer any questions you may have about Broadcasting. donsbasementproductions@gmail.com.

I have helped many young people achieve their dream of becoming a Broadcaster, and I would be thrilled to talk to you about it, too. Never give up on your dream, and never, ever, let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.

Stay happy and healthy!