Rock 'n' Roll Life Changers

The Gift



You might be more familiar with the cover by Kiss from their post-makeup era, but guitarist & lead singer Russ Ballard was the songwriter in this performance of the 1973 UK hit single by Argent from the Old Grey Whistle Test a late night music show on BBC 2.

The Obsession

Author and Here & Now literary critic Steve Almond has had a long love affair with music – so deep that he calls himself a “drooling fanatic.” He talks about what music has meant to him throughout his life, and what listening to music does to the listener... Topics he explores in his book “Rock And Roll Will Save Your Life.”

Audio: BBC, PRI & WBUR's Here & Now 4/9/10, Host: Robin Young.

The Experience



"A Night With Lou Reed," at The Bottom Line, New York City 1983

The Biopic

A new movie charts the rise and fall of the teenage all-girl band from the 1970s. Fueled by a rebellious spirit, Director Floria Sigismondi says The Runaways achieved fame with their one hit "Cherry Bomb," but not without the many pitfalls of a rock star lifestyle.

Audio: NPR's All Things Considered 4/10/10, Host: Linda Wertheimer