Big Blend Radio has a new monthly show, and it's a love letter to music itself: Big Blend Radio Jukebox, airing every first Sunday, hosted by award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer alongside Big Blend Radio producer Lisa D. Smith.
Each episode builds a playlist around a theme, with the hosts (and sometimes guests) digging into the stories, history, and personal connections behind each song. For episode one, timed to America's 250th anniversary, the theme was simple: Songs of America.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:
Before the music even started, Lisa shared a piece of history that surprised even her — the jukebox itself is an American invention, first appearing in 1889, and it went on to help launch the careers of Chuck Berry, Elvis, Ray Charles, and Patsy Cline by tracking what people actually played in diners and juke joints across the country.
From there, ten songs, ten stories:
Born in the USA — Bruce Springsteen
Summertime — Leontyne Price
Zion's Walls — Aaron Copland
You Paved the Way — Johnny Schaefer ft. Kimaya Seward (more at hearjohnny.com)
Maybelline — Chuck Berry
Mercedes Benz — Janis Joplin
Route 66 — Nat King Cole Trio
Coat of Many Colors — Dolly Parton
America — Simon & Garfunkel
Memories Are Made of This — Dean Martin
Highlights include Johnny tracing the deep history of "Zion's Walls" back through shape-note hymnody and Aaron Copland's own musical connection to his original song "You Paved the Way," and a detour into Route 66's centennial year that ties directly into Big Blend's own work reviving the historic Jefferson Highway.
Listen to the full episode exclusively on Mixcloud — this show plays full commercial tracks legally, with royalties flowing back to the artists, which is why it lives on Mixcloud only.
Want the full soundtrack? Stream the Big Blend Radio Jukebox Ep. 1 playlist on Spotify.
Next episode: American Artists Appreciation Month, airing August 2nd.
Johnny Schaefer is an award-winning LA-based singer-songwriter and a vital voice in the Big Blend Radio and Magazines podcast family. A classically trained musician (BA in Voice and Composition) and a voting member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS), Johnny’s career spans from duets with Melissa Manchester to backing icons like Josh Groban and Billy Idol. With over 4 million views on his YouTube channel and a passion for storytelling, Johnny brings a sophisticated, eclectic perspective to our creative community.
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