Ben Sidran

soulcountry icon
Soul Country #8
Airdate Aug 31, 2024
Podcast 55:06
Recorded in Madison, WI
Description

Pianist Ben Sidran recounts writing “Space Cowboy” with Steve Miller, recording with the Rolling Stones in 1968 London and jazz on tv in Soul Country #8. Get ready for some insights into clasic rock’s headiest London days with Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton. Ben also talks jazz, discussing 40 albums and dozens of radio and TV programs for NPR and VH-1. His jazz work impresses on disc and in a dazzling roster of interviewees: Miles Davis, Donald Fagen and Sun Ra! Sponsored in part with grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

More about Ben Sidran
Ben Sidran (b. 1943) is an American jazz pianist, producer and writer, recognized for his work with the Steve Miller Band and influence on jazz. Sidran's passion for be-bop and boogie woogie began in his teens. Later, while at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he formed a close bond with musicians Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs, playing blues rock together in the Ardells. This early collaboration set the stage for his future work with Miller. After earning his degree, Sidran obtained a PhD in American Studies at the University of Sussex, focusing on American Culture in the late '60's. Despite being in England, he managed to co-write the hit "Space Cowboy" in SF and contribute piano to key Miller albums including Brave New World and Your Saving Grace. Sidran also made his mark as a cultural commentator, hosting NPR's "Jazz Alive" and VH-1's "New Visions". He is also an author of several books, notably "There Was a Fire" which dutifully pulls together many strands of Jewish American contributions in the popular arts. His "Talking Jazz" box set features over 60 interviews with jazz legends and taps a vast interview archive represented well at bensidran.com.

Latest Episodes

Sunpie Barnes
Sunpie Barnes

Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes is the ultimate jack of all trades - a revered musician, cultural historian, former NFL'er and National Park Ranger who has become a pillar of New Orleans' vibrant music scene. Sunpie demonstrates...

Soul Country #7

Airdate Aug 27, 2024
Podcast 49:54

Erin Coburn
Erin Coburn

Erin Coburn drops by for Soul Country #6 to share some old tunes, tales from the road and tech talk. This master of strings is gearing up a new band and sound to take to...

Soul Country #6

Airdate Aug 27, 2024
Podcast 25:06

Boogie Long
Boogie Long

Baton Rouge native Jonathon "Boogie" Long demonstrates his sizzling guitar work with "Chickin’ Pickin'" blues and country styles from this master craftsman in Soul Country #5. With his intense, heartfelt performances, Boogie Long has established...

Soul Country #5

Airdate Aug 27, 2024
Podcast 33:25

Gary Talley
Gary Talley

Gary Talley talks and plays through an amazing 6 decades in soul, rock and country in Soul Country #4. The Box Tops guitarist pulls out his electric sitar, recounts legendary encounters, gigs and sessions with...

Soul Country #4

Airdate Apr 23, 2023
Podcast 70:38

Popular Videos

Blues Rock Hits Soul Country – Documentary
Blues Rock Hits Soul Country
Documentary

Blues Rock Hits Soul Country is an exclusive inside straight through classic rock and soul history. Hall of Famers and Grammy winners talk and play - Allen Toussaint, Earl King, Tony Joe White, John Oates,...

Airdate Nov 30, 2022
Trailer 27:55

Bobby Rush – Trailer
Bobby Rush
Trailer

The King of the Chitlin Circuit, Bobby Rush holds court with host Ric Stewart in Soul Country on country, comedy and blues. In this 1-minute trailer get a preview of the podcast get a flavor...

Soul Country #2

Airdate May 28, 2022
Trailer 01:10

Blues Rock Hits Soul Country Trailer
Blues Rock Hits Soul Country Trailer

Follow DJ/Filmmaker Ric Stewart's journey with a camera to interview music legends detailing the mechanics of the top touring and selling musicians of all time. Hall of Famers, Grammy®-winners, and top writers and sidemen detail...

Airdate Jan 2, 2022
Trailer 01:11

Tiger Beats – Trailer
Tiger Beats
Trailer

Patrick Sweany and McKinley James from East Nashville's resident blues purists, The Tiger Beats, drop in for Soul Country #1. They talk blues, country, the Rolling Stones and British Blues, Hollywood Fats, Bobby Blue Bland,...

Soul Country #1

Airdate Apr 2, 2022
Trailer 01:03

Blues Center Interviews