Category: The Founders

On Thursday It’s the Pioneers of Rock & Roll, a Townes Van Zandt ‘Spotlight,’ and The Everly Brothers, October 16, 2025

Good morning, musicologists and lovers of rock & roll! We start off with ‘The Founders’ EP, those who pioneered the evolution of rock & roll, then it’s on to Townes Van Zandt and The Everly Brothers, a duo that exerted considerable influence over The Beatles and others.

Here’s your Thursday lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Founders: Various Artists

We kick it off with those who pioneered the art of rock & roll, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters and more!

4:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Townes Van Zandt

We spend some of the afternoon with a singer-songwriter who is the only one to be mentioned in the same breath as a guy named Bob Dylan, including by Dylan himself. His compositions are considered masterpieces of American songwriting.

8:00 p.m. The Everly Brothers Live at Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, September 22, 1983 NEW!

Billed as ‘The Reunion Concert,’ this would be the first time the dynamic duo played together in over a decade. It would be a reunion that would endure until their deaths. The Everly Brothers exerted considerable influence over The Beatles and many others who came after them, including a guy named Tom Petty.

We’re here 24/7 and, before, in between and after our programming, we deliver the best music on the planet as The Music Mermaid is responsible for rotating more than 27,000 individual files. Just hit that button below to see for yourselves.

The Founders!

Thursday Brings ‘The Founders’ EP, a Bee Gees ‘Spotlight’, and Live Emmylou Harris & The Nash Ramblers, On August 14, 2025

Good morning, music lovers! We’re headed for the weekend once again, and we will help get you there with the best music on the planet!

Here’s your Thursday lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Founders: Various Artists

We start off the day with the folks who helped to build what we call rock and roll. These are the pioneers, the founders, the innovators and the playlist includes Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, and more!

4:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of The Bee Gees

Yes, the Bee Gees who started out as one of the most innovative rock bands on the planet before drifting into sell-out disco stardom. We skip the entire disco thing here. After Saturday Night Fever, it was all downhill. They are the Jekyll & Hyde band of rock music. However, before Saturday Night Fever, they were fantastic.

8:00 p.m. Emmylou Harris & The Nash Ramblers Live at The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, April 30-May 2, 1991

When I was young, my friend and I took to the road and headed off to see The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Our parents were in a panic because we were do young and hitting the road with no actual experience and probably not enough money. We saw the show at The Ryman. In 1991, Emmylou Harris and her newly-formed acoustic band showed up and was literally the impetus for the Ryman, then run-down and no longer the home of the Opry, for the Ryman’s restoration and rebirth. It reopened to a new generation of musicians in 1994.

We’re here 24/7 with no commercial interruption and no disc jockeys who talk through the beginning and endings of songs. No lie. Best of all, we’re totally free. The button is below.

The Button!

Sunday It’s Live John Hiatt in Between ‘The Founders’ EP, and a Little Richard ‘Spotlight’ Feature, On July 13, 2025

Good morning, musicologists, and welcome to The Mermaid Lounge. Today we jump into action with the artists who pioneered rock and roll, as well as rock and roll icon Little Richard. In between, it’s a bit of live John Hiatt.

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Founders: Various Artists

Rock and roll was born of the blues and country music, pioneered by artists like Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, and more! You’ll hear them all today.

4:00 p.m. John Hiatt Live at The Bottom Line, New York, NY, October 7, 1988

This afternoon we feature an underappreciated artist, a man called a songwriter’s songwriter. He is a Nashville hall of famer and his music has been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Three Dog Night, Bruce Springsteen and many more. Give him a listen this afternoon.

8:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Little Richard

There’s not enough we can say about Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard. He was like a stick of dynamite who laid the foundation for rock and roll. This incredible singer, songwriter and pianist influenced the music and culture of America for seven decades. We put him squarely ‘In the Spotlight’ this evening.

It’s Sunday and it’s a day of rest. Sit back and enjoy the best music on the planet. We’ve got it. What we don’t have is commercial advertising or DJ’s who chat endlessly. See for yourselves. The button is below.

The Button.

On Sunday It’s ‘The Founders,’ a New Playlist Called ‘Ladies of The Canyon,’ and a Beach Boys ‘Spotlight’ In Memory of the Brilliant Brian Wilson, June 15, 2025

Good morning, musicologists! We’ve got a huge day today as we expand our women’s playlist collection, and pay tribute to one of the most incredible songwriters in pop music history as we pay tribute to Brian Wilson.

Here’s your Sunday Funday lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Founders: Various Artists

We take a trip in The Wayback Machine to pay homage to the innovators and pioneers of rock and roll, including Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, and more!

4:00 p.m. Ladies of The Canyon: Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, and Joan Baez NEW!

While working on ‘Festival Week’ recently, I found some info on social media and someone asked if these three were ‘friends.’ Turns out, they were. In fact all three ladies spent time in Laurel Canyon perfecting their craft. That’s when I decided I’d make this playlist and call it ‘Ladies of The Canyon,’ which also happens to be the name of a Joni Mitchell album.

8:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of The Beach Boys

Suffice it to say that Brian Wilson was the genius and force behind The Beach Boys, a man with incredible musical vision and compositional skills. For me, and for many others, Pet Sounds was the moment when we realized his genius. However, when I went back after hearing Pet Sounds, I realized it didn’t start there. It certainly didn’t end there either. Brian Wilson passed on last week, and today we pay him tribute.

‘No Kings’ was massive, invigorating, and inspiring yesterday. We cannot let up. However, today I’m rejuvenating myself with some music as we prepare for the next round of the fight. We’re here 24/7. We’re totally free. We’re without commercial interruption. We play the best damned music on the planet. The button is below.

The Button.

On Friday It’s an Isley Brothers ‘Spotlight’, Then ‘The Founders’ EP, and Closing With Dusty Springfield, May 16, 2025

Good morning, music lovers and welcome to the end of the work week. We’ve got a great lineup today starting with a brand new ‘Spotlight’ featuring The Isley Brothers!

Here’s your Friday musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of The Isley Brothers NEW!

The Isley Brothers’ career spanned seven decades and they are known as one of the most influential and diverse artists in R & B. They rose to prominence in 1959 with their song Shout, which has been covered by many artists. From there it was Twist & Shout, This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You) before they released the Grammy Award-winner It’s Your Thing on their own record label. Today they’re in our ‘Spotlight.’ Enjoy.

1:00 p.m. The Founders: Various Artists

We spend the afternoon with the pioneers of rock n’ roll, including Big Mama Thornton, Elvis Presley, Bo Diddley, Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash and more!

8:00 p.m. Dusty Springfield: The Lost British Recordings

We haven’t aired this one in a while. It’s a collection of songs recorded by Dusty in London, but never released in the U.S. until 1999, the year of her death. We think you’ll love it.

We’re almost at the weekend. One more day to get through, and we’ll be here with all this great music. Don’t forget, before, in between and after our programs, we’ve got our big, wide Open Stream! The button is below.

The Isley Brothers!

We’re at Midweek With ‘The Founders’, a James Taylor ‘Spotlight’, and The Pretenders Live in Germany, Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Good morning, music lovers and welcome to midweek. We start out with the founders of rock and roll, then it’s a JT ‘Spotlight’ feature and some live Pretenders!

Here’s your midweek musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Founders: Various Artists

We start our musical journey in the Wayback Machine as we pay respect to those who started it all, including Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of James Taylor

Sweet Baby James visits us this afternoon, a singer-songwriting legend whose volume of work speaks for itself.

8:00 p.m. The Pretenders Live at Laeiszhalle, Hamburg, Germany, June 23, 2009

We close it out with a live performance from The Pretenders, a band that has literally been in flux for decades with the only constant being the amazing Chrissie Hynde.

We’re at midweek and that means that tomorrow we’ll be on the downslide to the weekend, the only time we can sort of catch our breath under this misbegotten fascist regime. Music can help us get through this, and we remain free of charge and broadcasting 24/7. The button, my friends, is below.

The Button.

On Monday It’s ‘The Founders’, a Gordon Lightfoot ‘Spotlight’ and Traffic Live at The Fillmore East, March 17, 2025

Good morning, working class! We’re here on another Monday to brighten your day with some great music, starting off with the folks who helped deliver rock n’ roll!

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Founders: Various Artists

We start off by paying tribute to the founding artists of rock n’ roll, including Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Gordon Lightfoot

Our friend from the north drops by this afternoon. He is one of the 20th century’s most respected songwriters and is a national hero in Canada. His songs have been covered by many artists over the years, but it’s always great to hear him sing them.

8:00 p.m. Traffic Live at The Fillmore East, New York, NY, November 18, 1970

We close out the day’s programming with a great performance by Steve Winwood and Traffic live at The Fillmore East.

And so we begin another week. The weekend always seems to blow by so quickly and the week drags on and on, particularly in these trying times. But we’re here to try to make it just a bit more tolerable. The button is below.

The Button.

Thursday Brings The Pioneers of Rock n’Roll, an Elton John ‘Spotlight’ and Live Townes Van Zandt, February 13, 2025

Here we go, folks, headed for the weekend. We celebrate ‘The Founders’, give EJ a ‘Spotlight’ feature and live Townes Van Zandt!

Here’s your Thursday lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Founders: Various Artists

The artists that forged the birth of Rock n’ Roll are with us today, including Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Elton John

I sat up and took notice as soon as I heard Your Song, to this day one of the most incredible songs ever recorded. His career has stood the test of time.

8:00 p.m. Townes Van Zandt Live at The Old Quarter, Houston, TX, July 20, 1973

Many say that Townes Van Zandt is the only songwriter who can be mentioned in the same breath as Bob Dylan. I don’t get into those discussions. There have been many great songwriters. Townes Van Zandt is truly one of the greats.

Here we are once again as fascism knocks on our door louder every day. Tune us in, folks, for a break but, please, continue to fight and organize. Do not sit this one out. We’re on 24/7 and we’re totally free. We do not carry advertising. We do not support the oligarchy.

The Founders.

It’s Friday and We’ve Got Chuck Berry, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and ‘The Founders’ EP on January 17, 2025

Good morning, musicologists and welcome to Friday! We’ve got a lot of ‘founders’ in the mix today. Even The Heartbreakers contribution contains songs from the founders or rock and roll!

Here’s your Friday lineup:

10:00 a.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry was a true pioneer of rock n’ roll as we know it. John Lennon cited Berry as a hero and one of his main musical influences, stating “If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry.”

2:00 p.m. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: The Fillmore ’97 Covers

During The Heartbreakers legendary 20-night Fillmore residency, they surely covered many of ‘The Founders’ songs. The qualities that make TPATH a great rock and roll band also made them the greatest cover band. You’ll hear them cover songs by Little Richard, J.J. Cale, The Kinks, Booker T & The MGs, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, Them, Bo Diddley, Bill Withers, The Byrds, John Lee Hooker, Ricky Nelson and more!

5:00 p.m. The Founders: Various Artists

We have the founders themselves taking us into the night. You’ll hear Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters and more!

We’re here. We’re free. We’re on 24/7. We do not run commercial advertising. We don’t ask you for a credit card or personal information. We’re all about the music. See for yourselves. The button is below.

The Button.

On Thursday We Celebrate ‘The Founders’, Then The Band ‘In the Spotlight,’ and Live Dr. John, December 19, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! We are once again headed for the weekend! We’re starting the day with a tribute to the founders who pioneered rock and roll, then it’s The Band and live Dr. John.

Here’s your Thursday music:

9:00 a.m. The Founders: Various Artists

We start off with music from Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams, Bill Haley & His Comets, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of The Band

They started out as Bob Dylan’s back-up band and he referred to him as “The Band.” The name stuck, and they proceeded to become one of the greates and most influential music acts in popular music. A definite Mermaid Lounge favorite.

8:00 p.m. Dr. John Live at Ultrasonic Studios, Hempstead, NY, November 6, 1973

From Wikipedia, which says it best: Active as a session musician from the late 1950s until his death, he gained a following in the late 1960s after the release of his album Gris-Gris (1968) and his appearance at the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music (1970). He typically performed a lively, theatrical stage show inspired by medicine shows, Mardi Gras costumes, and voodoo ceremonies. Rebennack recorded thirty studio albums and nine live albums, as well as contributing to thousands of other musicians’ recordings. In 1973, he achieved a top-10 hit single with “Right Place, Wrong Time“. We simply love Dr. John here in The Mermaid Lounge.

We get closer to the weekend today and I get closer to my vacation, when we’ll be introducing some new music and playlists to our ever-growing offering. In the meantime, the button is below.

The Button.