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In this special episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we present a previously recorded interview from the Port Jefferson Documentary Film Series featuring the creators and stars of “HARRY CHAPIN: WHEN IN DOUBT, DO SOMETHING.”

Join director Rick Korn, producers S.A. Baron and Jason Chapin, singer-songwriter Jen Chapin, and LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham, as they discuss the life and legacy of the legendary Harry Chapin.

This powerful documentary highlights Chapin’s iconic music career—known for hits like “Taxi” and “Cats in the Cradle”—and his relentless mission to end world hunger and poverty.

Featuring appearances by music legends and LIMEHOF inductees like Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, along with Bruce Springsteen, Sir Bob Geldof, and Harry Belafonte, the film showcases Chapin’s immense impact on millions of lives.

Don’t miss this exclusive look into the making of the film and Chapin’s enduring influence as one of the most socially-conscious artists in music history.

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Mark Rivera will be featured on the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast.

Mark Rivera is renowned as Billy Joel’s saxophonist and the Musical Director for Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band. A multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Rivera has spent the last 50 years sharing the stage with some of rock’s biggest legends, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Tony Bennett, Sheila E., Joe Walsh, Hall & Oates, and Peter Gabriel.

Rivera has also made appearances on TV in “Kevin Can Wait” and “The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert.”

A devoted husband and father for nearly four decades, Rivera’s memoir “Sideman” reflects on his struggles to balance the high-octane life of a globe-trotting rock musician with the everyday responsibilities of family life. His constant drive to play music kept him chasing “the next gig.”

During the global pandemic, the sideman found himself forced to put down his instruments and reflect on his life and career. Through optimism, humor, and candid storytelling, Rivera reveals what it takes to rise and stay in the music industry while also offering a glimpse into the human side of a career spent playing alongside legendary performers.

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The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame is excited to share audio from an exclusive Q&A at a screening of the documentary, JACKIE MARTLING: JOKE MAN at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Long Island's Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling may just be America's last great joke teller. His savant-like ability to remember every joke he's heard since he was eight years old, combined with his lightning-fast wit and infectious laugh, helped establish him as a comedy icon.

Famous for being the head writer of the Howard Stern show for 15 years and infamous for leaving that position, Jackie's story is fascinating, funny, and heartwarming. In an age of political correctness, Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling helps us belly-laugh at ourselves with kindness and sincerity that defuses his unfiltered punch lines.

In his feature documentary we learn Jackie’s improbable story, from the fledgling days of comedy on Long Island, through his time as one of the "Beatles of Radio”, to his success as an author and actor. Willie Nelson, Penn Jillette, Billy West, Artie Lang, Marc Cuban, Sean Young and a bunch of former Stern show staffers give us their take on what makes him truly unique.

Listen to the conversation of Jackie Martling and Tom Needham here on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast.

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On this episode of The LIMEHOF Podcast, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Joe Bouchard, a true rock legend and former member of the iconic Blue Öyster Cult. During his unforgettable run with the band throughout the '70s and '80s, Joe’s remarkable bass playing, vocals, and songwriting helped define the band's sound. His contributions not only dominated the charts but also earned him nine gold and two platinum awards, a testament to the band’s commercial success and his undeniable talent.

After stepping away from Blue Öyster Cult in 1986, Joe hasn’t slowed down. He’s released seven solo albums, each showcasing his ever-evolving artistry. His latest release, "American Rocker," is a testament to his enduring passion for music and his ability to keep captivating audiences. Beyond his solo work, Joe continues to perform with bands like Blue Coupe, proving that his legacy in rock is still very much alive.

Join us as we explore Joe Bouchard’s incredible career, from the heights of Blue Öyster Cult’s success to his thriving solo ventures, and what keeps him rocking after all these years.

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Kenny Vance Joins Tom Needham to discuss his upcoming PBS Airing of "Heart and Soul" on New York's Channel 13 at 6:30 PM on Sunday, September 22nd.

Growing up in New York, Kenny Vance was mesmerized by the allure of rock ‘n’ roll. By the age of fifteen, he was spending time at the renowned Brill Building, connecting with other singers and songwriters. Eventually, he co-founded the successful group Jay and The Americans, who had the unique honor of opening for both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during their first U.S. performances.

Kenny remained a key member of Jay and The Americans throughout their eleven-year run, during which the group toured extensively and recorded fifteen albums. Their hits included “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” “She Cried,” and “Only In America.” After the group disbanded, Kenny embarked on a wide-ranging career, starting with producing the first record for Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, the duo behind Steely Dan. He went on to compose, supervise, and produce numerous scores and soundtracks for both films and television. Notably, he breathed musical life into the film about Alan Freed, “American Hot Wax,” by recreating 1950s and 1960s musical groups for the screen. The Planotones were originally formed for this film and made their first on-screen appearance.

Additionally, Vance served as musical director for “Saturday Night Live” and worked as music supervisor for films such as “Animal House,” “Eddie & The Cruisers,” and “Looking For An Echo.” As an actor, Kenny has appeared in films including “Hurly Burly,” “Billy Bathgate,” “American Hot Wax,” “Eddie & The Cruisers,” as well as Woody Allen’s “Manhattan,” “Stardust Memories,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” and “Husbands and Wives.”

Throughout his long and successful career in the entertainment industry, Kenny’s true passion remained singing. In 1992, he re-formed The Planotones, bringing his soulful vocals to new heights.

In recognition of his contributions, Kenny Vance was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 2007, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

Kenny Vance's film, "Heart and Soul," celebrates the pioneering contributions of iconic 1950s artists such as Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, The Chantels, The Jive Five, and Little Anthony and the Imperials. Through this documentary, Vance pays tribute to the early doo-wop and R&B legends who shaped the sound of American music, highlighting their influence and enduring legacy in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.

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Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, bandleader Vince Giordano began his odyssey into the world of music at the age of five. The discovery of a slew of 78 rpm records in his grandmother’s attic ignited the flame. He began music on the violin but switched to the tuba in the 7th grade and then added the string bass and bass saxophone.

The ambitious Giordano joined the musicians union at age 14 and started playing with Dixieland banjo bands around Long Island. He became interested in the music of Bix Beiderbecke and studied with Bill Challis, the legendary arranger for the Paul Whiteman and Jean Goldkette Orchestras.

Vince joined the 22-piece Navy Show Band after high school. He then toured Europe with Eddy Davis, played in New York with Tony Parenti and Max Kaminsky, and toured with Clyde McCoy.

In 1976, Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks (originally known as the New Orleans Nighthawks) was formed and performed at many New York venues.

He and the band have been both onscreen and in the studio for various television and film work. They were nominated for a 2012 Grammy for Best Compilation for Visual Media for their work on the Boardwalk Empire Volume 1—Music from the HBO Original Series CD.

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Jimmy Rosica, a key member of the legendary group Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, is a name synonymous with the golden era of pop and R&B. His contributions to the band helped shape its distinctive sound, which resonated with fans across the globe.

The Brooklyn Bridge, known for their rich vocal harmonies and intricate horn arrangements, catapulted to fame with their first release, a stirring rendition of Jimmy Webb's "Worst That Could Happen." This track, which climbed to number three on the charts, sold over a million copies, cementing the group's place in music history.

Following this success, the band continued to produce hits that captivated audiences, including "Welcome Me Love" and its flip side "Blessed is the Rain," both of which secured spots in the Top 50. Their dramatic interpretation of "You’ll Never Walk Alone" and the bold "Your Husband, My Wife" further showcased their versatility and appeal. By 1972, Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge had sold over 10 million records, a testament to their enduring impact on the music scene.

The group's remarkable journey and influence were recognized with multiple honors, including their induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005, the South Carolina Music (Rhythm & Blues) Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame later that same year.

Over the years, Jimmy has also led what he calls “Very Cool Music School Pitch Pipe Intergenerational Concerts." He uses the pitch pipe with various populations because it has the letters of the alphabet on it to represent pitches. It allows people the experience of making music with others.

Through his work with the Brooklyn Bridge, Jimmy Rosica has left an indelible mark on music history, contributing to a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

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For the latest episode of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we're shining a spotlight on the band Synaptic Groove, a group that not only delivers top-notch musical performances but also enriches the lives of Long Islanders by highlighting the health benefits of music. As part of LIMEHOF’s Health and Harmony program—a collaboration between the Hall of Fame and Catholic Health—Synaptic Groove has played a key role in educating the community about how music can promote well-being. Whether it’s soothing stress, boosting motivation, or evoking cherished memories, their performances are designed to connect audiences with the transformative power of music.

Synaptic Groove exemplifies this mission with its distinctive approach. The band features Dr. Alan Ettinger, a renowned saxophonist and educator. Also known as Dr. E, Alan is a former Professor of Clinical Neurology and an expert on the psychological aspects of neurological disorders. He runs a 2nd opinion epilepsy clinic in Commack NY. His recent research has explored the impact of musical interventions on seizures and how music can reduce stress and anxiety for those living with neurological conditions. With a deep passion for jazz, Dr. Ettinger brings his expertise as well as his musical talents to the stage, playing saxophone, clarinet, aerophone, and guitar.

Joining him is Paul Block, the band’s dynamic keys player and vocalist. For over 40 years, Paul has been a fixture of the Long Island music scene, captivating audiences with his high-energy performances on piano and keyboards. His versatile style and powerful vocals have made him a beloved figure at countless events across the region. Together, Dr. Ettinger and Paul Block form the heart of Synaptic Groove, a band dedicated to both entertaining and enlightening their audiences about the health benefits of music.

Health and Harmony, crafted in partnership with Catholic Health’s certified music therapy team, is all about making meaningful connections through music. From local playlists that set the perfect mood to self-care workshops and community events, this initiative is here to introduce Long Islanders to the therapeutic potential of music. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of how music can play a vital role in enhancing mental and physical health.