About this episode
This week on Rock & Roll High School, we're joined by rock & roll pioneer Gary U.S. Bonds.
Long before the British Invasion, Gary U.S. Bonds was one of the defining voices of early rock & roll. Bursting onto the charts with classics like "New Orleans," "Quarter to Three," "School Is Out," and "Dear Lady Twist," he became one of the biggest hitmakers of the early 1960s, helping bridge the worlds of rhythm & blues and rock with a sound that influenced generations of artists.
In this conversation, Gary looks back on his remarkable career—from growing up in Norfolk, Virginia and breaking through with legendary producer Frank Guida, to navigating the changing music industry, and enjoying an extraordinary second act in the 1980s thanks to his friendship with Bruce Springsteen and Little Steven Van Zandt. Bruce and Steve produced Gary's acclaimed albums Dedication and On the Line, wrote songs for him, and helped introduce his music to an entirely new generation of fans.
We also discuss Gary's friendships with fellow rock & roll pioneers, the stories behind his biggest records, and what it was like to witness—and help create—the birth of rock music from the very beginning.
More than sixty years after his first hits, Gary U.S. Bonds remains one of the true architects of American rock & roll. His stories are as vibrant as the music itself, making this a fascinating conversation with a genuine living legend.
