Rock & Roll High School With Pete Ganbarg

Pure Tone Music
  • 4.9 (31)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Season 5 Out Now! Rock & Roll High School is an interview series that tells the story of contemporary music one artist at a time - in their own words. Hosted by Pete Ganbarg -------------------------------------- About Pete: Pete Ganbarg has been doing major label A&R for over 35 years. He's a 2X Grammy award winning record producer as well as a member of the board of directors of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Pete has held senior A&R positions at Atlantic, Arista, Epic and SBK/EMI and is currently the president of Pure Tone Music. As a music publisher, Pete operates Songs With A Pure Tone and Margetts Road Music, joint ventures currently in partnership with Warner Chappell Music. Songs published by Pure Tone include 2024's Grammy winning Record of the Year, "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus, the global #1 "Ordinary" by Alex Warren, as well as hits by Benson Boone, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, OneRepublic, Charli XCX, Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, Andy Grammer, Lizzo, Beyoncé, and more. Pete is the recipient of two Grammy Awards for his role as producer on the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen and the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Jagged Little Pill. At Atlantic, among the artists and projects that Pete has overseen are twenty one pilots, Halestorm, Jason Mraz, Christina Perri, Melanie Martinez, Skillet, GAYLE, Brett Eldredge, Matchbox Twenty & Rob Thomas, Theory Of A Deadman, and Icona Pop; as well as the Original Broadway Cast Recordings of Hamilton, Mean Girls, Jagged Little Pill, Dear Evan Hansen, and the multi-platinum Billboard No. 1 soundtrack album The Greatest Showman. Pete began his A&R career in 1989 at SBK Records. In 1997, he joined Clive Davis at Arista Records, where, as Senior Director of A&R, he conceived and A&R’d Santana’s 30x platinum worldwide, nine-time GRAMMY-winning album, Supernatural.  Additionally, Pete was named International Music Person Of The Year in 2023 by the music industry organization MUSEXPO.

  1. Richard Thompson (Fairport Convention/Richard & Linda Thompson)

    6D AGO

    Richard Thompson (Fairport Convention/Richard & Linda Thompson)

    As a pioneering architect of British folk-rock and one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation, Richard Thompson has spent more than five decades redefining musical storytelling. As a founding member of Fairport Convention, he helped shape a new sound that fused traditional British folk with rock instrumentation — effectively launching an entire genre — while his intricate guitar work and emotionally precise songwriting quickly marked him as a singular voice. From landmark recordings like Liege & Lief to later classics such as I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight and Shoot Out the Lights, his catalog has become foundational listening for generations of musicians. After leaving Fairport Convention, Thompson built a far-reaching career that included his celebrated recordings with singer Linda Thompson — his former wife and creative partner — as well as decades of acclaimed solo work, including defining albums like Rumor and Sigh. Widely honored for both songwriting and guitar mastery, his compositions have been recorded by artists ranging from Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash, and Linda Ronstadt — underscoring an influence that stretches across genres and eras. Equally compelling in intimate acoustic settings and electrifying full-band performances, he remains a defining presence in folk, rock, and Americana. Still recording and touring deep into his sixth decade as a performer, Thompson continues to explore new creative ground while extending a legacy defined by craft, curiosity, and emotional depth. In this conversation, he reflects on songwriting, guitar expression, and the balance between tradition and innovation — offering a window into the perspective of one of music’s most respected and enduring artists. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 11m
  2. Lou Gramm (Foreigner)

    FEB 5

    Lou Gramm (Foreigner)

    As the iconic voice behind one of arena rock’s most enduring bands, Lou Gramm helped define the sound of late-’70s and ’80s rock radio. As the frontman of Foreigner, his powerful, unmistakable vocals drove a run of classic albums and singles including Cold as Ice, Hot Blooded, Juke Box Hero, Waiting for a Girl Like You, and I Want to Know What Love Is — songs that blended hard rock muscle with melodic sophistication and emotional directness. With a career spanning more than four decades, Gramm’s influence reaches far beyond his chart success, shaping generations of rock singers and cementing his place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the great voices of his era. His work set a standard for how arena rock could be both tough and tender, commercial and deeply personal. Now, Lou Gramm enters a new chapter with the release of his forthcoming album Released, arriving March 27 — his first full-length collection of original music since 2009. The album features previously unreleased tracks originally written for solo albums in the 1980s and for his band Shadow King in 1991, but never fully completed until now. These songs offer a rare window into Gramm’s creative evolution, reconnecting his classic-era songwriting with a renewed sense of purpose and reflection. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 7m
  3. Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule/Allman Brothers Band/The Dead)

    JAN 29

    Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule/Allman Brothers Band/The Dead)

    As one of the most respected guitarists and songwriters in American roots rock, Warren Haynes has helped carry the traditions of blues, soul, and Southern rock into the modern era. Best known for his work with The Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and The Dead, Haynes has built a career defined by emotional depth, virtuosic playing, and a fearless commitment to live performance. Blending extended improvisation with deeply personal songwriting, Warren's voice and guitar work have become touchstones for a generation of musicians seeking authenticity in an ever-changing musical landscape. With a career spanning more than three decades, Warren Haynes’ influence reaches far beyond the jam band world — connecting the legacy of the Allman Brothers to contemporary blues and rock while earning him recognition as one of the most enduring and soulful storytellers in American music. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 6m
  4. Darlene Love

    JAN 22

    Darlene Love

    As one of the most powerful and influential voices in American popular music, Darlene Love helped define the sound of early rock and soul while shaping the language of modern pop singing. Rising to prominence in the early 1960s, her unmistakable voice powered a string of era-defining recordings including He’s a Rebel, The Boy I’m Gonna Marry, Da Doo Ron Ron, and the holiday classic Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). Working closely with producer Phil Spector during the height of the Wall of Sound era, Darlene became the emotional engine behind some of the most enduring records in music history — even when her contributions went uncredited. Her voice bridged gospel, R&B, and pop, influencing generations of artists who followed, from soul singers to rock frontmen. After stepping away from the spotlight, Darlene Love’s career experienced a remarkable second act, championed by artists like Bruce Springsteen and celebrated through film, television, and Broadway. Her story — one of resilience, artistry, and long-overdue recognition — culminated in her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the great American singers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    46 min
  5. Alice Cooper

    JAN 15

    Alice Cooper

    As the godfather of shock rock and one of the most enduring figures in American music, Alice Cooper helped redefine what a rock frontman could be. Blending hard rock, theatrical spectacle, and unforgettable hooks, he's delivered a run of iconic albums and singles including School’s Out, I’m Eighteen, No More Mr. Nice Guy, and Billion Dollar Babies. With a career spanning more than five decades, Cooper’s influence extends far beyond the stage — shaping generations of artists while earning induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and maintaining his status as one of rock’s most compelling storytellers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    39 min
  6. Season 5 Trailer

    SEASON 5, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Season 5 Trailer

    All new episodes every week - starting Thursday, January 15th! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    4 min
  7. Steve Cropper - 2025 Edit

    12/04/2025

    Steve Cropper - 2025 Edit

    We were very saddened to hear of the passing of our former podcast guest Steve Cropper. Steve was one of the great guitarists and songwriters of all time and his key role in the Stax house band, Booker T & The MG's, helped create some of the most legendary music of the last 60+ years. In this newly re-edited episode, originally recorded in 2021 (shortly before Steve's 80th birthday), Steve tells the story of his life and career. RIP Steve Cropper. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 20m
  8. David Coverdale (Whitesnake/Deep Purple/Coverdale Page) - 2025 Edit

    11/18/2025

    David Coverdale (Whitesnake/Deep Purple/Coverdale Page) - 2025 Edit

    As we get set to release a brand new season of Rock & Roll High School, we're releasing a newly re-edited version of our Season 2 interview with David Coverdale. David recently announced his retirement and we wish him well. In David's words: “After 50 plus years of an incredible journey with you with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and Jimmy Page, the last few years have been very evident to me that it's time really for me to hang up my rock and roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans. I thank everyone who's assisted and supported me on this incredible journey. All the musicians, the crew, the fans, the family. It's amazing. But it really is time for me to just enjoy my retirement, and I hope you can appreciate that. I love you with all my heart. Fare thee well.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 24m
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About

Season 5 Out Now! Rock & Roll High School is an interview series that tells the story of contemporary music one artist at a time - in their own words. Hosted by Pete Ganbarg -------------------------------------- About Pete: Pete Ganbarg has been doing major label A&R for over 35 years. He's a 2X Grammy award winning record producer as well as a member of the board of directors of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Pete has held senior A&R positions at Atlantic, Arista, Epic and SBK/EMI and is currently the president of Pure Tone Music. As a music publisher, Pete operates Songs With A Pure Tone and Margetts Road Music, joint ventures currently in partnership with Warner Chappell Music. Songs published by Pure Tone include 2024's Grammy winning Record of the Year, "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus, the global #1 "Ordinary" by Alex Warren, as well as hits by Benson Boone, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, OneRepublic, Charli XCX, Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, Andy Grammer, Lizzo, Beyoncé, and more. Pete is the recipient of two Grammy Awards for his role as producer on the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen and the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Jagged Little Pill. At Atlantic, among the artists and projects that Pete has overseen are twenty one pilots, Halestorm, Jason Mraz, Christina Perri, Melanie Martinez, Skillet, GAYLE, Brett Eldredge, Matchbox Twenty & Rob Thomas, Theory Of A Deadman, and Icona Pop; as well as the Original Broadway Cast Recordings of Hamilton, Mean Girls, Jagged Little Pill, Dear Evan Hansen, and the multi-platinum Billboard No. 1 soundtrack album The Greatest Showman. Pete began his A&R career in 1989 at SBK Records. In 1997, he joined Clive Davis at Arista Records, where, as Senior Director of A&R, he conceived and A&R’d Santana’s 30x platinum worldwide, nine-time GRAMMY-winning album, Supernatural.  Additionally, Pete was named International Music Person Of The Year in 2023 by the music industry organization MUSEXPO.

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