Digest

This podcast episode features an interview with Lou Gramm, the lead vocalist of the iconic rock band Foreigner. The episode delves into Gramm's musical journey, starting with his early life and musical beginnings in Rochester, New York. He shares how his parents met through music and how his father's passion for music influenced his own. Gramm recounts his time in the band Blacksheep, their near-breakthrough moment as Kiss's opening act, and the devastating truck accident that led to their demise. He then shares how he met Mick Jones of Foreigner and how Jones eventually listened to Blacksheep's music. The episode details Gramm's audition for Foreigner, where he sang on pre-recorded tracks, and how he and Mick Jones wrote "Long, Long Way from Home" together during a dinner at Jones' apartment. Gramm talks about the intense rehearsal process with Foreigner, which involved long hours and daily drives to Manhattan. He shares how he and Mick Jones would often write new songs together and how record companies started showing interest in the band. Gramm describes how Atlantic Records initially passed on Foreigner, but eventually signed them after the band shortened some of their songs. He shares the story of how "Jukebox Hero" was written in his basement, inspired by a moment standing in the rain. The episode also delves into Gramm's struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, sharing how he eventually realized he needed help. He describes the moment he decided to check himself into rehab and how his wife supported him. He also shares his journey to sobriety and how he has been clean and sober for over 30 years. Gramm reflects on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, expressing his gratitude and how it felt like a long-overdue recognition. He discusses the politics involved in the Hall of Fame and how he was emotional when he was nominated. The episode concludes with Gramm talking about his love for music and performing, explaining why he continues to tour despite having retired before. He shares his favorite venues and the special bond he has with his bandmates, including his brother Ben Graham. He also discusses his family's reaction to his success, sharing how they were initially afraid of the potential pitfalls of fame.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Shoutouts, and Sunspin Band Performance

The podcast begins with Michael Rosenbaum and Ryan Tay introducing themselves and thanking listeners for their support. They also mention their social media handles and encourage listeners to review the podcast and join their Patreon. The hosts then introduce the Sunspin Band, a musical group that performs virtually for the show. They play for 55 minutes, engaging with the audience through comments and responses.

00:01:21

Lou Gramm's Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Lou Gramm discusses his upbringing in Rochester, New York, and his musical family. He shares how his parents met through music and how his father's passion for music influenced his own. He also talks about his early experiences playing drums and singing in school choirs.

00:24:50

Blacksheep and the Meeting with Mick Jones

Lou Gramm recounts his time in the band Blacksheep, including their near-breakthrough moment as Kiss's opening act. He describes the devastating truck accident that led to their demise and how Capitol Records dropped them. He then shares how he met Mick Jones of Foreigner and how Jones eventually listened to Blacksheep's music.

00:27:57

The Foreigner Audition and Writing "Long, Long Way from Home"

Lou Gramm details his audition for Foreigner, where he sang on pre-recorded tracks. He describes how he and Mick Jones wrote "Long, Long Way from Home" together during a dinner at Jones' apartment.

00:32:19

Joining Foreigner and the Rehearsal Process

Lou Gramm talks about the intense rehearsal process with Foreigner, which involved long hours and daily drives to Manhattan. He shares how he and Mick Jones would often write new songs together and how record companies started showing interest in the band.

00:38:08

Atlantic Records and the Birth of "Jukebox Hero"

Lou Gramm describes how Atlantic Records initially passed on Foreigner, but eventually signed them after the band shortened some of their songs. He shares the story of how "Jukebox Hero" was written in his basement, inspired by a moment standing in the rain.

00:52:14

Lou Gramm's Addiction and Recovery

Lou Gramm opens up about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, sharing how he eventually realized he needed help. He describes the moment he decided to check himself into rehab and how his wife supported him. He also shares his journey to sobriety and how he has been clean and sober for over 30 years.

00:58:49

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Lou Gramm's Legacy

Lou Gramm reflects on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, expressing his gratitude and how it felt like a long-overdue recognition. He discusses the politics involved in the Hall of Fame and how he was emotional when he was nominated.

01:04:42

Lou Gramm's Passion for Music and Touring

Lou Gramm talks about his love for music and performing, explaining why he continues to tour despite having retired before. He shares his favorite venues and the special bond he has with his bandmates, including his brother Ben Graham.

01:07:47

Lou Gramm's Family and the Impact of Fame

Lou Gramm discusses his family's reaction to his success, sharing how they were initially afraid of the potential pitfalls of fame. He also talks about his relationship with his parents and how they supported him throughout his career.

01:11:12

Shoutout to Top Tiers and Brown Ambition Podcast Recommendation

The hosts express gratitude to their top supporters, acknowledging their significant contributions to the show. They list a number of names, highlighting their dedication and impact. The hosts then recommend the Brown Ambition podcast, hosted by Mandy and Tiffany, as a resource for financial advice and budgeting tips. They specifically mention the podcast's helpfulness in managing finances, particularly for those with locs.

01:13:16

Closing Remarks and Outro

The hosts express their love and appreciation for their listeners, emphasizing the importance of their support. They announce their location and introduce themselves before signing off with a reminder to tune in next week.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did Lou Gramm's parents meet?

  Lou Gramm's parents met through music. His father played trumpet in a big band, and his mother auditioned to be the singer. They fell in love and got married.

• What happened to Blacksheep that led to their demise?

  Blacksheep was on the verge of success as Kiss's opening act, but a truck accident destroyed their equipment and Capitol Records dropped them.

• How did Lou Gramm and Mick Jones write "Long, Long Way from Home"?

  Lou Gramm and Mick Jones wrote "Long, Long Way from Home" together during a dinner at Jones' apartment. They started with a melody and then worked on the lyrics and title, finishing the song by the end of the evening.

• What was Lou Gramm's biggest challenge as a singer in Foreigner?

  Lou Gramm found "I've Been Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "Jukebox Hero" to be the most challenging songs to sing due to their high notes and vocal demands.

• What is Lou Gramm's favorite Foreigner song?

  Lou Gramm's favorite Foreigner song is "Jukebox Hero." He remembers listening to it as a child and being fixated on it. He knows every lyric and considers it one of their most iconic songs.

• What is Lou Gramm's perspective on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

  Lou Gramm was emotional when he was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and felt it was a long-overdue recognition. He was grateful for the honor and felt it validated the band's success and legacy.

• What makes Lou Gramm continue to tour despite having retired before?

  Lou Gramm feels an overwhelming feeling inside that he's not done with music. He loves performing and has more creativity and rock and roll to share with his fans.

• How did Lou Gramm's family react to his success?

  Lou Gramm's family was initially afraid of the potential pitfalls of fame and gently reminded him of the dangers. They were excited for him but also worried about the impact it could have on his life.

• Who are some of the top supporters mentioned in the transcript?

  The hosts acknowledge several top supporters, including Nancy D., Leia, Kristen, little Lisa Yukiko, jelly, Brian H., Nico P., Robert B., Jason W., Sophie M., Raj C., Jennifer N., Stacey L., Jamal F., Jean L., B., Mike E., L., Don Supremo, 99 more Santiago M., Lee N., P., Maddie S., Blinda and Dave H., Dave H., Brad D., Ray H., Tabitha T., Tom and Talia M., Betsy D., Ran and C., Corey K., Devnex and Brian N., C., and Corey K.

• What is the Brown Ambition podcast about?

  The Brown Ambition podcast, hosted by Mandy and Tiffany, focuses on financial advice and budgeting tips, particularly for Black women. It offers practical guidance on managing finances, investing, and building wealth.

Show Notes