Off The Record - On The Charts: A Podcast

Billy Vera is a man who has seemingly fit a dozen lifetimes into one. His journey spans from topping the charts and earning thunderous ovations at the Apollo with singing partner Judy Clay, to forging lifelong songwriting partnerships with both Chip Taylor and Lou Rawls. Even when the rug was swept out from under him, he consistently reinvented himself—first at Jerry Wexler’s recommendation by covering “With Pen In Hand,” and later building a successful radio career.
When Dolly Parton took his song “I Really Got the Feeling” to the top of the charts, it provided the ultimate lifeline, setting the stage for a massive singing comeback with “At This Moment.” After the ballad was prominently featured in the blockbuster movie Blind Date, its global success allowed him to reunite with his old friend, producer Tommy Dowd, twenty-plus years later. Together, they crafted the 1988 album Retro Nuevo, bringing the legendary Arif Mardin back into the fold to work his magic on the arrangements and bring Billy's remarkable journey entirely full circle.
Join Dana, Adam, and Joe as we sit down with Billy to discuss his incredible career as a ballad crooner, songwriter, and producer. We also dive into the vast knowledge that has made him a foremost music historian, which ultimately sparked a deep-rooted friendship with Joel Dorn.

Jerome Solon Felder, better known as Doc Pomus, was an incredibly significant yet unsung architect of early Rock and Roll. He became one of the earliest affiliates of Atlantic Records in the late 1940s, which is where he met his lifelong friend, Tommy Dowd. Having contracted polio as a child, Doc turned his deep passion for the blues into a lifelong calling. He regularly snuck out of his house without his parents' knowledge to immerse himself in the vibrant blues clubs of New York City, where he eventually learned to sing alongside the greatest musical icons of the era.
But it didn’t stop there. Doc’s razor-sharp ear and brilliant knack for songwriting led to some of the most notable tracks in American history, from "Save The Last Dance For Me" to "A Teenager In Love" and "This Magic Moment" to name a few. Alongside his songwriting partner Mort Shuman and other collaborations, he left an indelible mark on the industry—and forged a lifelong friendship with Joel Dorn.
In this heartfelt episode of “Off The Record – On The Charts”, co-hosts Adam, Dana, and Joe sit down with Doc’s daughter, Sharyn Felder. Together, they take an intimate trip down memory lane and discuss her incredible, decades-long efforts in preserving his towering musical legacy, and how her journey deeply intertwines with the hosts' own missions to honor their fathers' historic contributions.

Iconic record producer and label owner Joel Dorn’s journey into the Atlantic Records family started at age 14 when he first heard Ray Charles on the radio in his grandmother’s kitchen. Transfixed and forever changed by what he’d just heard he decided to write the label a series of letters. Label Co-owner Nesuhi Ertegun took notice and a lifelong friendship was formed. Within a hand full of years Joel (after breaking numerous Atlantic albums as a radio DJ in Philadelphia) officially joined the Atlantic family as a staff producer. While he may have physically left the label in 1976 ……. Atlantic never left his heart and soul.
 
In this episode Joe and Dana get personal with Adam about his late father’s legacy

Join hosts Adam, Dana, and Joe as they continue their heartfelt and insightful interview with legendary recording, mixing, mastering engineer, producer and musician Gene Paul.
Disclaimer, please listen to Part 1, "Killing Me Softly," before diving into this incredible Part 2.

Today, we start going behind the scenes to explore the inner workings of Atlantic Records through the eyes of people whose names rarely appear on album credits, and whose life's work is seldom celebrated.
Mario Medious started in the accounting department, learning a side of the business often overlooked in the fast-growing music industry. Armed with a love for jazz and a passion for building relationships, he soon made a name for himself in promotions and special projects before leaving the label for a successful career in artist management.
Adam, Dana and Joe talk shop with the original "Bad Mama Jama," who shares incredible insider insights.

Join Joe, Adam, and Dana for a one-on-one conversation with Jimmy "The Senator" Douglass, a formidable music producer and engineer with a career spanning over 60 years. Best known for his extensive work with Timbaland (who gave him his famous nickname), Missy Elliott, and Justin Timberlake, Jimmy shares the secret weapon behind his legendary career. He got his start as a teenager at Atlantic Records, watching Tom Dowd mix into the wee hours of the morning, learning from Arif Mardin, and collaborating with Joel Dorn.
In this episode, he shares some beautiful, never-before-heard stories about the dads.
⚠️This one is definitely not for kids. When you put four people in a room who have known each other most of their lives, the filters come completely off. We marked this one explicit ahead of time!

Today, we officially flip the record and introduce "Bee Sides."
 
Named after the B side of the quirky 1968 7-inch single by The Arif Mardin Chorus (the A side was “Evil Companions”), “Bee Side,” was written by Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin, arranged by Mardin, and produced by Dowd. This segment is our home for the unexpected. Moving forward, you will see "Bee Sides" and studio outtakes pop up sporadically as memorial tributes or deep dives into hyper-relevant music history.
 
 “Bee Side” - Outtake (In Loving Memory) - David Brigati our inaugural "Bee Side" is officially live.
 
Take a walk down memory lane with us as we celebrate the incredible life, soaring harmonies, and lasting legacy of David Brigati—the brilliant vocal architect and "Fifth Rascal."
 
A life well-lived, and a voice never to be forgotten. We love you, David.
 
Drop the needle and listen now.

Proudly hailing from Garfield, NJ, Eddie Brigati perfected his vocal chops as a teenager at the legendary Choo Choo Club. He launched his career by stepping into his big brother David’s shoes as a member of Joey Dee and the Starliters, where his immense vocal capabilities quickly made him a star.
As a founding member of The Young Rascals/The Rascals, Eddie provided the iconic vocal sound and soulful depth behind their greatest hits. In this episode we explore the rich history of Eddie and The Rascals, walking down memory lane to trace their rise to superstardom. We discuss their journey as the first all-white group signed to Atlantic Records, where they worked extensively with legendary producers Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin to craft a timeless, blue-eyed soul sound.
Join us for a deep dive into the legacy of one of New Jersey’s finest voices.

Halfway through this journey, it dawned on us—being primary keepers of our fathers' legacies—that we had a unique ability to interview each other. There’s no better source than the kin who lived it. Taking a moment to honor the men who made us 'us,' we start with Tom (aka 'Tommy'). Joe and Adam ask Dana personal questions about growing up with her father, the first ever linear fader recording console, his departure from Atlantic Records, her efforts in preserving his legacy, while sharing their insights through their own and their fathers' eyes.

His last name is synonymous with massive recording technological innovation and the world’s most iconic guitar. While he is the son of the legendary Les Paul, Gene carved out his own legacy as a revered engineer. He was mentored by Tom Dowd and worked alongside Arif Mardin and Joel Dorn at Atlantic Records studios in its heyday. 
Part One of our exclusive Two-part interview with Gene.
You won't want to miss this!