Famous Lost Words

We are just a matter of days away from the start of Season 9 of Famous Lost Words.  We predict it will be one of our best seasons yet, because we are FINALLY going to release our New Wave episodes! Almost a full year after we first promised, we will feature the likes of Human League, Devo, XTC, Blondie, The Spoons, Duran Duran, Pretenders, Simple Minds, Soft Cell, Howard Jones and many more.  And for those episodes, we will welcome a member of one of the bands to provide a running commentary on the music of New Wave.  Plus, we’ll reveal the results of our poll for the Greatest New Wave album of all time. We will also have a two-part series on Soul, R&B, disco and hip-hop – everyone from Aretha Franklin to Chic to Destiny’s Child to The Fugees.             We’ll start the season with an extraordinary set of interview with Paul McCartney.  The first one is from 1976, when Paul is dealing with the fact that most interviewers want to talk about The Beatles and NOT the Wings.  The second is from 1980, when Pau

This is a special tribute edition of Famous Lost Words as we honour the life and music of Robbie Robertson. Today, we go back in the archives for some excellent interview clips with Robbie – first from the early ‘70s when he was still in The Band – and then to 1998 as he talks about his solo work.           Robertson talks about hooking up with Bob Dylan in the mid ‘60s and also the creation of “The Basement Tapes”.           Then, Robbie talks about his 1998 album “Contact From The Underworld of Redboy”.  He explains to interviewer Dale Smith how thrilling it was to create music that celebrated his indigenous heritage.  We also tell the story Robbie’s first celebrity encounter – with Buddy Holly.  And we hear about how Robbie wrote his first songs. Plus – Elton John explains how he was influenced by The Band much more than he was by Dylan.           Robbie Robertson passed away on August 9, 2023 at the age of 80.  The Band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. 

Today, we’re digging deep into the Famous Lost Words archives as we remember Tina Turner.              First up is a series of interview clips with Tina from the early ‘70s as she recalls the early days of her career – from the moment that she first jumped up on stage to her years with Ike Turner and her work with Phil Spector.  She talks about her performing style and why she didn’t much care for her own voice.  And she recalls the breakthrough cover version of the CCR hit, Proud Mary – a song that became a trademark.             Then, we’ll revisit Christopher’s 1989 conversation with Tina – as she talks about her album “Foreign Affair”.  She discusses her early influences and also describes how she re-arranged a song and made it her own, until it became “The Best”.             And we’ll finish off with an extraordinary interview with Tina from the year 2000, in conversation with Marilyn Denis.             Tina talks about mentally preparing for her concerts, the secret to her longevity and why her greatest

In this special tribute edition, we remember the life and career of Gordon Lightfoot.  In this episode, we have interview clips from over the years.  It's a rich treasure trove of highlights in which you'll get to know Lightfoot very well.  His thoughtfulness, his love of songwriting, his regrets, his ambition and his sense of humour.   We'll feature a 2006 interview with musician Robbie Lane, in which Gord recalls his early years playing small clubs in Toronto - and how other artists would mine his catalogue for themselves. How early covers of his songs put him in the rarefied company of the likes of Bob Dylan. The stories behind massive hits like "Sundown". "If You Could Read My Mind" and "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald". We feature Tom's 2019 chat with Gordon, in which Gordon reacts to some of the old audio we have of him talking about his earliest club gigs.  Christopher also talks about his first encounter with Gordon backstage in Peterborough. We chat with Lightfoot biographer Nicholas Jennings abou

            We’re finishing off season 8 with a real banger!  First up is one of the best interviews from the archives – a 2007 chat with Mike Reno of Loverboy. Mike is a gifted storyteller as he explains the origins of the band’s name, why a legacy band creates new music, and why they were embraced by MTV immediately.             Mike also talks about their late bassist Scott Smith, who was declared missing when he was swept overboard by a large wave while sailing off the coast of San Francisco.             Mike then tells us the stories behind some of Loverboy’s biggest hits, including “Turn Me Loose”, “Working For The Weekend” and “The Kid Is Hot Tonite”.               Following the Loverboy chat, we have an amazing series of clips from Chuck Berry – the very first inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Chuck breaks down a number of his biggest hits – and then veers off in a strange direction. But Chuck has a lot to say and it’s all good.  Great to have so much audio from one of the pioneers of ro

          This week: a fascinating in-depth interview with The Bee Gees, circa 1976. Roger Ashby talks about the recent success of the “Main Course” album (with songs like “Nights On Broadway”, “Jive Talkin’” and “Fanny”), as well as their latest album, “Children of The World”, where they dabble in disco for the first time (“You Should Be Dancing”).  They also discuss their vocal influences, including The Everly Bros and The Mills Bros.  The brothers are in fine form!           Then we chat with Nancy Wilson of Heart in 1982. The group has just been streamlined to a quintet and Nancy couldn’t be happier – now having more of a chance to shine. Nancy is so charming and friendly in this chat – even when she’s talking about serious causes like the anti-nuke movement.  She also talks about the band's Canadian roots.           And finally, we jump ahead to 2011 with an excellent interview with Michael Buble.  Marilyn Denis has a blast talking to Michael about his recent marriage… and what his future wife REALLY tho

David Crosby was a towering figure in music history. As a founding member of The Byrds and then with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, he was there at the start of the folk rock era and was an essential element in the sound of those bands. His unique approach to vocal harmonies helped to define those groups and their influence is heard to this day.   Christopher interviewed Crosby in 1989 as he was undergoing a resurgence that would last more than 30 years... and that's after everyone had written him off.  The interview is amazing... capturing Crosby's gregarious nature, love of storytelling, and his deep love for music.     We also have a series of clips from around 1970, as Crosby talks exuberantly about Crosby, Stills & Nash. He explains why they chose the name, even though it sounded like a law firm and why he had such a strong connection to his bandmates. We also talk about Crosby's legacy and the latter day arguments that tore his friendships apart. Yet, after his pass

Special tribute episode:  In light of the recent passing of Lisa Marie Presley at the age of 54, we have two interviews.  One is with Lisa Marie from 2005, promoting her second album. Lisa Marie is very candid and personal during this chat with Roger Ashby and Marilyn Denis, as she talks about her music, her childhood, and trying to raise her kids in a normal way. As you can imagine, the whole thing is tinged with tragedy. The second interview is with Priscilla Presley a year later in 2006.  Priscilla was promoting a line of linens, but Roger and Marilyn talk to her about everything from Lisa Marie to being married to Elvis, to their divorce, to the one book about Elvis that she would recommend.  Both interviews are fascinating to hear.  

What is the great song lyric ever?  Tom & Christopher argue about Bob Dylan and Paul Simon before Tom comes up with the best (and funniest) answer.           This week, our show features two Canadian superstars… Shania Twain and Celine Dion.           Frist, we have Tom’s 2003 chat with Shania as she talks about touring and how her songs and concerts are a celebration.  Tom asks her about a secret staff of darker songs and finds out about the moments that changed her life.           Then, we fast forward to 2015 as Shania talks to Marilyn Denis about her Vegas residency.  All told, it’s a pretty revealing set of interview clips with Shania. We also have a 1992 interview with Celine Dion, just as she was starting to experience superstardom. Her gratitude is sincere and heartfelt. She also talks about her then-manager (and future husband) Rene Angelil and how her first audition for him made him break down in tears.           And we finish up with a fascinating interview with the late great Warren Zevon.  Su

What is the greatest year in music history?  Christopher and Tom weigh in and, not surprisingly, their answers are very different.  It prompts a rather lively and contentious discussion.           Plus we pay tribute to the many artists we lost in 2022. But don’t expect this to be a mournful show.  Think of it more as a celebration of these artists.   Included this week: Olivia Newton-John talks about her career Meatloaf on how “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” could appeal to people of any era Ronnie Hawkins on his love of Canadian music, and other sordid tales Jerry Lee Lewis in one of the most weirdly chilling clips in our collection Dan McCafferty explains how Nazareth got their name Plus a clip from the most listened to episode in FLW history And on When Rock Stars Attack – Jann Arden takes hilarious aim at an American singer. We finish the show with another edition of the epic smackdown that is “TJ vs The VJ” as Tom & Christopher try to stump each in a test of musical knowledge.   Famous Lost Word

          This week, a relaxed and very interesting chat with The Tragically Hip circa 1991.  Gord Downie and the band are promoting their second album, “Road Apples”. They talk about working in New Orleans, road testing their new songs and how many chances a song gets in the studio before they toss it out. They also talk about the time they were booked into a hip hop club as well as the time they played an Alberta gig on the worst possible night – it was the day that Gretzy got traded to L.A.           Then, we have a 1980 chat with Rick Nielsen and Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick.  This is a weirdly fun series of clips, as the band breaks down their history… going all the way back to the American Civil War???  And Rick talks about the wild success of “I Want You To Want Me” from their “Budokan” album.  This is a fun segment.           Bo Diddley was one of rock’s pioneers. And in a couple of brief clip, Bo tells us about his previous career and then how he helped propel rock and rock to popularity. It’s great

This week – a 2005 interview with Madonna as she promotes her album “Confessions On A Dance Floor”.  Madonna is predictably smart and passionate about her music, but she can also be a bit cranky.   WARNING – this interview contains perhaps the most awkward moment in FLW history.             Then, a wonderful ‘80s interview with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. Chrissie talks about the influences of the ‘60s on her music, how motherhood affected her life and how her anger with the world is a motivating force.  It’s  a great chat with the great Pretender.             Also, we have some weird and wonderful clips from the legendary Frank Zappa. Frank is both strongly opinionated and very clever in these. Christopher has been waiting a long time to play them for you!             And we finish off the show as Christopher and Tom go toe-to-toe on another edition of the epic smackdown known as TJ vs The VJ!

This week: an extraordinary 1989 interview with the legendary Tina Turner. Tina talks about her rise to fame, how her stage act was her own personal fitness routine, how she chooses her songs and whether or not she considers herself sexy.             Then, a fun 2003 chat with Cher during her first farewell tour. Cher discusses the highlights of her stage show, what she loves about her fans… and why the cops were called when one of her wigs went missing from the tour! It’s an hilarious interview with Marilyn Denis and Roger Ashby.             And finally, the incredible Melissa Etheridge from 1996, when she was promoting her new album “Your Little Secret”. She tells us the charming backstory of the album’s title as well as the inspiration behind her first hit, “Bring Me Some Water”.  Melissa also explains how she managed to “un-tabloid” her personal life by being so open about it.  And finally she talks about performing her Janis Joplin tribute at “Woodstock 25”.             Plus, Christopher and Tom talk abo

            This week – the finale of our epic 3-part series on The ‘60s!  It’s a show chock full of highlights… Van Morrison explains how “Brown Eyed Girl” almost got banned from the radio Neil Sedaka talks about the creation of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” Gene Pitney on writing one of the ‘60s biggest hits, touring with the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars and hanging with The Stones Dick Clark talks about the early days of American Bandstand and how the idea of watching “teenagers dance on TV” was a hard sell to the station owners Frankie Valli explains how Clark Gable inspired one of the Four Seasons’ biggest hits The Hollies on how they got their name and their first taste of international fame. Blood, Sweat & Tears talk about playing at Woodstock – and why their performance wasn’t included in the movie Freddy Cannon – on how one of his concerts was interrupted by a bunch of stampeding horses. Connie Francis talks about the moment her life changed forever Tom has a great chat with Felix Cavaliere of The

In part 2 of our ‘60s series, Christopher and Tom try to choose the ultimate ‘60s all-star band. Christopher puts together a great line-up, but Tom’s choices raise a few eyebrows!            Other highlights this week: Art Garfunkel tells the story behind Simon & Garfunkel’s last (and most contentious) hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” The wild history of The Mamas & The Papas – as told by one of the Papas. James Brown describes his music in the most James Brown way Pete Townshend talks about The Who’s breakthrough Stevie Wonder tells the story behind one of his biggest hits of the decade Tommy James describes the chaotic recording session for “Mony Mony” The stories behind Gerry & The Pacemakers greatest songs And we hear from a band who had their biggest hit… AFTER they broke up! Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 8

This week, The ‘60s! In what promises to be an amazing series of shows, we present some of the biggest artists from music’s most impactful decade. We hear about the genius of Brian Wilson and the creation of the classic, “Good Vibrations”. The moment that the Righteous Brothers got their name and how they ended up recording two of the biggest songs in music history Aretha Franklin explains how success has given her freedom Graham Nash talks about the formation of CSN Ronnie Spector talks about dating John Lennon and being pulled off a UK tour by Phil Spector BECAUSE she was dating John Lennon. Chubby Checker explains the phenomenon that was The Twist – and why Zsa Zsa Gabor was the catalyst for its massive success. Plus Petula Clark, Herman’s Hermits and the Spencer Davis Group And in one of the best interviews in our collection, Ben E. King talks about his tumultuous years in The Drifters. He also explains the amazing story of how “Stand By Me” changed his life after it was rejected by his bandmates! Famou

        This week: an amazing 1993 backstage chat with Keith Richards. Keith is in his glory fronting The Expensive Winos. In fact, you can almost hear the dread at the prospect of returning to The Stones!  Keith talks about the joy of touring, how “God joins the band” at outdoor concerts and the time he taught Mick how to play “Gimme Shelter”.  He also talks about his history in Toronto, including the time he was arrested for heroin.  PLUS, at the end of the episode, we feature a bonus 1979 interview with Keith and Mick Jagger backstage after the Stones played two shows as part of Keith's sentence for the drug bust.           Cyndi Lauper is one of the most charming and fun people to be around.  In 2003, she chatted with Roger Ashby and Marilyn Denis in a conversation that has to be heard to be appreciated. Cyndi talks about her influences, performing on the Cher farewell tour, and the time her 5-year-old son wandered onto the stage while she was singing.           And we finish off with a mid ‘70s interview

          FLW is back with Season 8!  We begin an epic season with an in-depth 2003 interview with Sting. This is Sting at his Sting-iest, in conversation with the incomparable Marilyn Denis. He’s funny and self-deprecating, charming and a tad insufferable.  He talks about his childhood, why his grandmother called his early work “Broken Music”, the longevity of his marriage, and how the events of 9/11 affected his work.  And yes, Sting talks about the whole “tantric sex” thing… in a moment that Tom finds hilarious, but Christopher finds cringey!           If you were going to put ONE song into a time capsule, which one would it be? Christopher chooses a couple of classics and Tom picks an epic from the ‘70s.           Plus, we have Cool Song Facts: Why Bono wrote a song to his wife to apologize to her The connection that The News (aka Huey Lewis’s band) had with Elvis Costello How Boy George got in trouble with a ‘60s hit. And finally, the mind-boggling choice that Aerosmith and the Grateful Dead almost made

We're excited to announce the launch of Season 8 of Famous Lost Words.  Coming this season: Sting in a long-form 2003 interview with Marilyn Denis - featuring a moment that makes Tom laugh, but makes Christopher cringe. Keith Richards in a backstage chat in 1993.  Keef is talking about his touring band "The Expensive Winos". Tina Turner in conversation with Christopher in 1989. Great chat with a true superstar. Plus a two-part epic series on the music of the '60s featuring The Beach Boys, The Mamas & The Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, The Zombies, Tom James & The Shondells and many many more.   All that plus TJ vs The VJ and Cool Song Facts!   Season 8 returns in September!

Lamont Dozier was one of the giants of songwriting. Known mostly for his work with the Holland brothers at Motown, Lamont was not only a gifted writer, but a wonderful storyteller.       In this tribute, we revisit Christopher's chat with Lamont in his home studio, plus we replay some highlights from our 2021 Motown specials as Dozier talks about creating some of the biggest hits of the '60s.       Lamont Dozier passed away on August 8 2022 at the age of 81