Podcast
The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music
Hosted by Jay Jay French · EN
Join record producer / manager / legendary guitarist & founding member of Twisted Sister Jay Jay French as he shares stories from five decades in the industry and takes you on a tour through the music business and beyond!
44episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Steve Guttenberg Part I
Nov 400:44:31Tap to summarizeThis week, tune in to join Jay Jay as he welcomes Steve Guttenberg to the show, as they they explore the vibrant world of audio and the profound impact music has had on their lives. Jay Jay takes us back to the days when he fell in love with music through his gigantic stereo systems. They delve deep into what being an audiophile really means, and how it’s about more than just the equipment; it’s about the experience of fully immersing oneself in the music. Steve sharing anecdotes from his years in the industry, & swaps stories with Jay about their favorite records, concerts, and the gear that has shaped their musical experiences overtime. This episode is a must listen for all audio files & music lovers - don't miss part I of this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →Rudy Sarzo Returns Part II
Oct 1400:28:09Tap to summarizeThis week, Rudy Sarzo returns for the second half of his recent conversation with Jay Jay to share more about his storied career, full of unforgettable experiences and legendary encounters over the years in the rock scene. The episode kicks off with Rudy reminiscing about the various bands he's played with, diving into some wild tour stories. Rudy reflects on the emotional impact of losing musical icons, particularly with the recent loss of his dear friend & collaborator Ozzy Osbourne. His heartfelt insight reveals a deep respect and admiration for the artists he’s worked with, & the lifelong bonds that are formed in the world of music. Don't miss this conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →
John Carter Cash Revisited
Sep 901:07:59Tap to summarizeTune in for one of the first episodes this Fall, as we revisit Jay Jay's previous conversation with John Carter Cash! John is the son of June Carter Cash & Johnny Cash, & has created an amazing ongoing musical legacy of his own. Hear John talk about what is was like to have Johnny & June as parents growing up - & how they were beautifully humble & down to earth individuals and parents, behind their larger than life musical personas. John talks about why he sees music as a healing force in his life & in the world, and dives into the story of how he found his own musical identity. John is an amazing musician & producer and shares many stories & accomplishments from over the years. Hear Jay Jay share one of his favorite stories of when he met Johnny Cash, when Johnny was taking John to see one of his favorite bands in the 80's: Twisted Sister.Be sure to stay up to date on John Carter Cash at johncartercash.com , & don't miss this conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →Glenn Hughes
Aug 1900:43:34Tap to summarizeThis week, Jay Jay is joined by rock icon Glenn Hughes! Tune in to hear these two do a deep dive into their ongoing musical legacies, & the life experiences that come with it. Glenn shares stories from his illustrious career, giving us a glimpse of what it was like to be part of legendary bands like Deep Purple and Trapeze - the extensive performances, creative breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments. He gets into the evolution of his sound and the challenges that artists face in today’s music landscape. Their discussion touches on the impact of streaming, with Glenn expressing his thoughts on how it has transformed the way music is both consumed and created. They discuss Glenn's latest work & listen to two new singles, “Voice in My Head” & "Chosen." The conversation wraps on a hopeful note, as they discuss the importance of live music and the connection it fosters among fans and artists alike. Don't miss this insightful conversation from two rock legends - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →Rickey Medlocke Revisited
Aug 5, 202501:07:51Tap to summarizeThis week, we’re revisiting a favorite conversation from this past year - Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member and lead guitarist Rickey Medlocke joins Jay Jay this week on the podcast! Jay Jay & Rickey's history goes as far back as Twisted Sister does - to 1973 - and they've remained friends ever since. Rickey is best known as being the frontman & guitarist for the band Blackfoot, as well as an original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He's of Lakota Sioux and Cherokee ancestry, and was inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame in 2008. He's heavily involved in supporting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Movement, and national efforts to end all violence against American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women, which you can learn more about via the links below:www.niwrc.orgwww.rickeymedlocke.com/never-run-out-of-roadTune in to hear all about Jay Jay & Rickey's deep history that goes back over 50 years, as Rickey discusses how he's been one of the faces of Southern Rock for decades, and set the standard for the genre.Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!A special thank you to our new sponsors, Dimarzio Pickups and Tonequest Report.Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →Chad Kassem on the Art of Vinyl Production
Jul 29, 202501:10:26Tap to summarizeChad Kassem, founder of Acoustic Sounds, is this week's special guest on podcast! Acoustic Sounds is a company that has been at the forefront of the vinyl renaissance since the beginning. He gets into the technical side how records are made - he importance of a good pressing plant, and why mastering can make or break an album. It’s fascinating to hear him discuss the intricacies of sound quality and the lengths he goes to ensure that every record is a masterpiece. You’ll also hear my passionate rants about the economics of vinyl today, and why it’s ludicrous to expect prices to stay the same as they were in the ‘70s. I mean, come on, folks, inflation is real!Chad and Jay reminisce about the music industry—both the good and the bad. They touch on the "loudness wars," how modern music often sacrifices quality for volume, and how this has led to new artists seeking out reclaiming that rich & authentic sound that vinyl delivers. This episode is a must listen for audiophiles & music lovers, don't miss their conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →Oz Noy Revisited
Jul 8, 202501:09:13Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →Exploring the Legacy of Jimi Hendrix: Legends Eddie Kramer and John Storyk Reflect on The Evolution of Electric Lady Studios
Jun 17, 202501:08:00Tap to summarizeThis week, tune in for a very special retrospective that not only celebrates the legendary status of Electric Lady Studios, but also serves as a window into the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s and 70s. Jay Jay is joined by legendary guests Eddie Kramer and John Storyk, who engage in a lively dialogue that traverses personal history, technical advancements, and the evolution of music production as a whole. The conversation delves into the role of Electric Lady Studios (which was designed by Storyk & Kramer) as a space that fostered experimentation and artistic expression. Jay Jay’s perspective as a musician who experienced this era firsthand complements the insights of Kramer and Storyk, who both played pivotal roles in shaping the sound of a generation. The conversation ends with discussing Jimi Hendrix, his vision for the studio, and how his creative ethos continues to inspire artists to this day. This episode not only offers a first hand lens into a vibrant moment in music history, but offers listeners a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between art, technology, and human connection that defines the spirit of Electric Lady Studios.Don’t miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →Jay Jay & Sharon Stories: May 2025
May 27, 202500:52:52Tap to summarizeTune in this week's special episode to hear Sharon, Jay Jay's wife, join the podcast! Sharon returns in conversation to update on their lives, share stories about recent travels - & to discuss everything from the importance of healthy relationships to spirituality, and the intricate balance between personal life & professional development. Jay Jay & Sharon recount pivotal experiences that have shaped their lives, and discuss the recent hiatus from guest interviews, shedding light on their winter retreat to Mexico and the exciting roster of guests to come.Don't miss this conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →Don McClean Revisited
May 20, 202500:43:14Tap to summarizeThis week we're revisiting one of our favorite interviews from early on into the podcast - Don McClean.Tune into hear legendary American singer/songwriter Don McLean & Jay Jay discuss the cultural impact of Don's hit "American Pie," how much Don's music has impacted Jay Jay, resilience in show business, and the ups & downs of their remarkable journeys in the music industry.Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger
Transcribe →