Podcast
Rock & Roll High School With Pete Ganbarg
Hosted by Pure Tone Music · EN
Season 5 Out Now!
Rock & Roll High School is an interview series that tells the story of contemporary music one artist at a time - in their own words.
Hosted by Pete Ganbarg
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About Pete:
Pete Ganbarg has been doing major label A&R for over 35 years. He's a 2X Grammy award winning record producer as well as a member of the board of directors of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Pete has held senior A&R positions at Atlantic, Arista, Epic and SBK/EMI and is currently the president of Pure Tone Music.
As a music publisher, Pete operates Songs With A Pure Tone and Margetts Road Music, joint ventures currently in partnership with Warner Chappell Music. Songs published by Pure Tone include 2024's Grammy winning Record of the Year, "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus, the global #1 "Ordinary" by Alex Warren, as well as hits by Benson Boone, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, OneRepublic, Charli XCX, Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, Andy Grammer, Lizzo, Beyoncé, and more.
Pete is the recipient of two Grammy Awards for his role as producer on the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen and the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Jagged Little Pill. At Atlantic, among the artists and projects that Pete has overseen are twenty one pilots, Halestorm, Jason Mraz, Christina Perri, Melanie Martinez, Skillet, GAYLE, Brett Eldredge, Matchbox Twenty & Rob Thomas, Theory Of A Deadman, and Icona Pop; as well as the Original Broadway Cast Recordings of Hamilton, Mean Girls, Jagged Little Pill, Dear Evan Hansen, and the multi-platinum Billboard No. 1 soundtrack album The Greatest Showman.
Pete began his A&R career in 1989 at SBK Records. In 1997, he joined Clive Davis at Arista Records, where, as Senior Director of A&R, he conceived and A&R’d Santana’s 30x platinum worldwide, nine-time GRAMMY-winning album, Supernatural.
Additionally, Pete was named International Music Person Of The Year in 2023 by the music industry organization MUSEXPO.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Jonathan Cain (Journey)
2w ago01:05:44Tap to summarizeWhen Jonathan Cain joined Journey in 1980, the band was already successful. But with Cain’s arrival, Journey evolved into something even bigger: one of the defining melodic rock bands of all time.As keyboardist and co-songwriter, Cain helped create some of the most enduring songs in popular music history — including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways,” and “Who’s Crying Now” — while also writing Journey’s iconic road-life ballad “Faithfully” entirely on his own.But Jonathan’s story stretches far beyond Journey. In this episode, we trace his full creative arc: from surviving a devastating childhood tragedy and discovering music as salvation… to his early years with The Babys alongside John Waite… to Journey’s arena-rock peak in the 1980s… to his more recent evolution as a solo artist, author, and faith-driven songwriter.We also discuss Cain’s memoir, Don’t Stop Believin’: The Man, the Band, and the Song That Inspired Generations; the origin stories behind Journey’s biggest hits; the creative chemistry between Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon; and Journey’s current farewell tour.This is a candid and thoughtful conversation with one of the principal architects of arena rock’s golden age.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Patrick Simmons (The Doobie Brothers)
3w ago01:09:10Tap to summarizeWhen people talk about the great American bands of the 1970s, The Doobie Brothers are always part of the conversation. Across more than five decades, the band has navigated multiple eras, lineups, and styles—moving seamlessly between biker bar rock, California harmony pop, blue-eyed soul, and FM radio classics while remaining one of the most enduring touring and recording acts in rock history.At the center of that story from the very beginning is Patrick Simmons — guitarist, vocalist, and/or songwriter behind some of the band’s most beloved songs including “Black Water,” “Jesus Is Just Alright” and "Listen To The Music."In this conversation, Patrick reflects on the formation of the band in Northern California, the Doobies’ unlikely rise in the early 1970s, their evolution through multiple musical eras, and the balancing act of maintaining a band identity through decades of change. We also discuss songwriting, harmony singing, life on the road, the band’s enduring live popularity, and what it means to still be making music together more than 50 years later.This episode is a firsthand look at one of America’s defining rock bands—from someone who helped build it from day one.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →"Weird Al" Yankovic
4w ago00:56:47Tap to summarizeFor more than four decades, "Weird Al" Yankovic has done something almost nobody else in popular music has ever pulled off: he built a lasting career out of parody, satire, and sheer musical precision — while becoming one of the most beloved entertainers in pop culture history.From early homemade recordings and cult radio exposure on The Dr. Demento Show to Grammy wins, platinum albums, MTV domination, and sold-out tours, Al transformed novelty music into an art form entirely his own. Along the way, he created unforgettable classics including “Eat It,” “The Saga Begins,” “Amish Paradise,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” and “White & Nerdy,” while also proving himself to be a gifted songwriter, arranger, accordion player, and live performer.In this episode of Rock & Roll High School, Al joins Pete Ganbarg for a wide-ranging conversation about the creative process behind his parodies and originals, the changing relationship between comedy and popular music, navigating fame across multiple generations, and how he’s managed to stay both relevant and respected in an industry that rarely rewards longevity. We also discuss his 2026 Bigger & Weirder Tour, his lifelong love of music fandom, and the surprising discipline required to make funny records that actually last.This is a funny, insightful, and unexpectedly deep conversation with one of the most original musical voices of the modern era.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Everlast
May 700:49:16Tap to summarizeEverlast has had one of the most unconventional career arcs in modern music—from his early days as a teenager with Ice-T’s Rhyme Syndicate to mainstream success with House of Pain and their iconic hit Jump Around.After a near-fatal heart episode, he reinvented himself with the deeply personal Whitey Ford Sings the Blues, which went 2X Platinum and features the breakout single What It's Like. He later won a Grammy for Put Your Lights On, his collaboration with Santana from the blockbuster Supernatural.Now, with his upcoming album Embers and Ashes, Everlast returns to the introspective sound that redefined his career.In this episode, he reflects on resilience, reinvention, and the journey behind the music.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Southern Rock Trilogy Pt. 3: Alan Walden (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Otis Redding, Capricorn Records)
Apr 3000:49:51Tap to summarizeFew figures in the history of Southern music operated as both insider and architect the way Alan Walden did.Best known as the co-founder (with his brother Phil) of Capricorn Records and manager (and music publisher) of both Lynyrd Skynyrd and Otis Redding, Alan helped build the infrastructure behind what became known as Southern rock—long before it had a name. Alongside his brother, he was at the center of a movement that blended blues, country, R&B, and rock into something entirely new.In this conversation, Alan takes us inside the story of how two brothers from Macon, Georgia changed the complexion of the entire music business in the 1960s and 1970s. We also discuss his memoir, Southern Man: Music and Mayhem in the American South—a candid and deeply personal account of the triumphs, tragedies, and cultural forces that shaped both his career and the rise of Southern rock and soul.This is a rare look at the often unseen side of music history: the people behind the scenes who don’t just discover artists—but build the worlds they live in and help shape the course of music itself.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Southern Rock Trilogy Pt. 2: Don Barnes (.38 Special)
Apr 2300:57:41Tap to summarizeThis week, we continue our Southern Rock trilogy with Don Barnes of .38 Special.As the co-founder, lead singer, and chief songwriter behind .38 Special, Don helped define a sound that brought Southern rock squarely into the mainstream—melding muscle, melody, and undeniable hooks. With a string of hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” and “Rockin’ Into the Night,” the band carved out a lane that was both radio-ready and deeply rooted in the traditions of the genre.In this episode, Don takes us inside the 50th anniversary of .38 Special—from their Jacksonville beginnings and relentless touring years to their breakout success and lasting legacy, which includes their latest album, Milestone. We talk about the band’s songwriting approach, the importance of structure and craft in building hits, and how they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with peers like Lynyrd Skynyrd while pushing the sound in an even more melodic, accessible direction.We also get into longevity—what it takes to sustain a career over decades, how these songs continue to connect across generations, and why that balance of grit and precision still resonates today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Southern Rock Trilogy Pt. 1: Henry Paul (The Outlaws/Blackhawk)
Apr 1601:22:21Tap to summarizeFew artists embody the spirit, resilience, and evolution of Southern rock quite like Henry Paul.A founding member of Outlaws and later the driving force behind Blackhawk, Henry’s career bridges two distinct eras of American music—each rooted in storytelling, musicianship, and a deep sense of place. From the triple-guitar attack of the "Florida Guitar Army" that helped define the Outlaws’ sound in the 1970s to the multi-platinum, chart-topping Country success of Blackhawk in the ’90s, his journey is a masterclass in reinvention without compromise.In this wide-ranging conversation, Henry reflects on the rise of Southern rock, the realities of life on the road, his relationships with Ronnie Van Zant and Charlie Daniels, and the creative instincts that carried him across decades and genres. He also shares hard-earned insights into band dynamics, longevity, and what it really takes to sustain a career in music over the long haul.This episode also kicks off our Southern Rock Trilogy—a three-part series exploring the artists, sounds, and stories that shaped one of rock’s most enduring movements. Be sure to check back next week and the week after as we continue the journey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Don Was
Apr 901:19:37Tap to summarizeFew producers in the history of modern music have shaped records—and artists—the way Don Was has.From his early days as a hitmaking artist with Was (Not Was) to becoming one of the most trusted producers in the business, Don’s fingerprints are on an extraordinary range of iconic recordings. But beyond the credits, what defines him is his philosophy: serve the song, honor the artist, and know when not to interfere.In this wide-ranging conversation, Don takes us inside his journey—from Detroit roots to working with legends like the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan—to his current roles as president of Blue Note Records and bandleader of the Pan-Detroit Ensemble. We also explore his deep musical partnership with Bob Weir in Wolf Bros, a collaboration that brought his career full circle as both producer and player.This is a masterclass in taste, restraint, and what it really means to be a producer.Please note: this interview was recorded prior to the passing of Bob Weir.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →John Oates (Hall & Oates)
Apr 201:01:45Tap to summarizeJohn Oates is one half of the most successful duo in music history — Hall & Oates — and one of the architects of the sound of American pop radio in the late 20th century.In this episode of Rock & Roll High School, John takes us inside the making of a catalog that includes era-defining hits like “She’s Gone,” “Sara Smile,” “Rich Girl,” and “Maneater,” and breaks down the unique musical chemistry he shared with Daryl Hall that helped shape a generation of songwriting and production.But this conversation goes deeper than the hits.John traces his roots from Philadelphia’s R&B and folk scenes to the global stages of the 1980s, offering a firsthand look at how groove, songwriting craft, and production instincts came together to create one of the most enduring songbooks in pop music history. He also opens up about his evolution as a solo artist, his passion for American roots music, and how he continues to write, record, and perform with purpose today.It's a conversation about partnership, identity, reinvention — and what it really takes to build music that lasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Al Jardine (The Beach Boys)
Mar 2600:40:49Tap to summarizeImagine you’re a second-string high school running back. You strike up a conversation with the backup quarterback, bonding over a shared love of vocal harmony. You decide to start a group together.That group becomes The Beach Boys — a band that will reshape the sound of modern music.And that quarterback? Brian Wilson — one of the most visionary musical minds of the 20th century.The running back is our guest this week - Beach Boys founding member Al JardineFrom the group’s earliest days through their evolution into one of the most influential acts in recording history, Al was there — helping build the harmonies, the image, and the sound that defined an era.In this conversation, Al reflects on the origins of The Beach Boys, the creative brilliance of Brian Wilson, the making of timeless records, and what it means to still carry that music forward today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →