The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Tom Needham
  • 4.7 (3)
  • Music

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast features in-depth interviews with musicians, filmmakers, authors and entertainers from Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens.The show is hosted by Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and the host of The Sounds of Film, America's longest running film, music and ideas themed radio show.Previous guests include Stephen Schwartz, Gary U.S. Bonds, Liberty DeVitto, Taylor Dayne, Carmine Appice, Carter Burwell, EPMD, The Illusion, The Fat Boys' Kool Rock Ski, Elliott Murphy, Wayne Robins, and Jimmy Webb.The show is produced by the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame who is dedicated to the recognition, honor and preservation of Long Island's music and entertainment heritage.The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790

  1. 1d ago

    Billy Joel Symposium: Pablo Arguelles & “The Mexican Connection“

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, host Tom Needham presents highlights from the 2026 Billy Joel Symposium, a two-day academic conference held June 6–7 at the Hall of Fame in Stony Brook, New York. Featured is Pablo Arguelles, a Mexican photographer and writer based in New York whose work has appeared in El Universal, Este País, Enquirer, and New York Times Magazine. In his presentation, “The Mexican Connection,” Arguelles explores the connections between Billy Joel and Mexican culture. The Billy Joel Symposium brought together scholars, writers, musicians, and students for a weekend of presentations and discussions examining the music, lyrics, cultural influences, and enduring legacy of one of America’s most influential songwriters. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast features conversations and presentations with notable musicians, filmmakers, authors, journalists, educators, and entertainment professionals. Past guests have included Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, Gary U.S. Bonds, Roger Earl of Foghat, Brady Rymer, Davy DMX and numerous other artists and cultural figures. Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main Street Stony Brook, NY 11790 Email: info@limusichalloffame.org Phone: 631-689-5888

  2. Oct 27

    Billy Joel Symposium: Amy Tenney Curren’s We Didn’t Start the Fire as a Living Curriculum: History, Human Behavior, & Billy Joel Across Generations

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we present a highlight from the 2026 Billy Joel Symposium, featuring Amy Tenney Curren, co-creator of History Ignited, a children’s history podcast built entirely around the lyrics of Billy Joel’s iconic song “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Introduced by Billy Joel Symposium Director Tom Needham, Amy explores how the song can serve as a living curriculum, connecting history, human behavior, and Billy Joel’s music across generations. Amy’s presentation, “‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ as a Living Curriculum: History, Human Behavior, & Billy Joel Across Generations,” examines how the song’s rapid-fire references to historical figures, events, and cultural milestones can inspire young people to engage with history in a creative and accessible way. By using popular music as an educational tool, History Ignited demonstrates how Billy Joel’s songwriting can spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and connect listeners of different generations to the events that have shaped our world. The Billy Joel Symposium was presented by the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook, New York, on June 6–7, 2026. This two-day academic conference brought together scholars, critics, musicians, and students to explore Billy Joel’s music, lyrics, artistry, cultural impact, and enduring legacy. The weekend featured academic presentations, keynote conversations, special events, and a formal induction honoring Joel’s contributions to music and culture. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast celebrates the artists, songwriters, musicians, and cultural figures who have shaped Long Island’s rich musical heritage. Past guests have included Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, Gary U.S. Bonds, members of Public Enemy, Twisted Sister, Zebra, and The Tokens. Through interviews, special presentations, and highlights from LIMEHOF events, the podcast preserves the stories behind the music and introduces listeners to the people and ideas that continue to inspire new generations. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music. Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main Street Stony Brook, NY 11790 Email: info@limusichalloffame.org Phone: 631-689-5888

  3. Oct 17

    SUFFOCATION: Death Metal Legend & LIMEHOF Inductee Mike Smith

    Send us Fan Mail Mike Smith, pioneering drummer and founding member of Long Island death metal band Suffocation, joins Tom Needham on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast for a conversation about his musical journey and the band’s lasting influence on extreme metal. Smith reflects on Suffocation’s beginnings, the development of its distinctive sound, the challenges of building a career in underground music, and the evolution of his approach to drumming. Formed on Long Island in the late 1980s, Suffocation became one of the most influential bands in death metal, earning a reputation for its technical precision, crushing riffs, complex arrangements, and uncompromising intensity. Albums such as Effigy of the Forgotten helped establish the band as a major force in extreme metal and influenced generations of musicians. Inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame as a member of Suffocation, Smith remains an important figure in the history of Long Island’s metal scene and the broader evolution of heavy music. The LIMEHOF Podcast, hosted by Tom Needham, features in-depth conversations with musicians, songwriters, filmmakers, authors, and entertainment industry figures whose work has shaped popular culture. Past guests have included Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, Gary U.S. Bonds, DMC of Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, Garland Jeffreys, Liberty DeVitto, Carmine Appice, members of Twisted Sister, Blue Öyster Cult, Public Enemy, Foghat, Zebra, and The Tokens, among many others. The podcast celebrates the artists and stories behind Long Island’s rich musical and entertainment heritage and is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main Street Stony Brook, NY 11790 Email: info@limusichalloffame.org Phone: 631-689-5888

  4. Oct 14

    Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart’s Best Director Winner, Dori Berinstein

    Send us Fan Mail Tom Needham sits down with Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Dori Berinstein for an in-depth conversation recorded on opening night of the 2026 LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival. Berinstein discusses her latest documentary, Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart, which launched the three-day festival, and the creative journey behind bringing the life and music of one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters to the screen. Berinstein went on to receive the festival’s Best Director Award for the film. A six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and Emmy Award-winning director and producer, Berinstein has built an acclaimed career spanning theater, film and television. Her documentary credits include Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did for Love, Gotta Dance, ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway and A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole. She also executive-produced Unzipped and Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, and produced the Netflix musical film The Prom, adapted from her Broadway production. Her work reflects a deep interest in the personalities, creative processes and personal stories behind influential artists and entertainers. Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart traces the five-decade career of the Grammy and Emmy-winning musician, from his breakthrough as one half of Loggins & Messina to his successful solo career and his lasting impact on film soundtracks. The documentary explores Loggins’ evolution from a shy young musician who struggled with self-confidence into an artist who found his voice through authenticity, perseverance and reinvention. Featuring the stories behind such enduring hits as “Footloose,” “I’m Alright” and “Danger Zone,” the film examines how Loggins helped shape the sound of a generation of movies while also establishing himself as an accomplished songwriter and recording artist. It offers an intimate look at the man behind the music and the personal journey that informed his remarkable career. The LIMEHOF Podcast, produced by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, features engaging conversations with leading figures in music, film and entertainment, exploring their careers, creative influences and contributions to popular culture. Past guests have included Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, DMC, Garland Jeffreys, Elliott Murphy, members of Twisted Sister and Public Enemy, and The Tokens. Through these conversations, the podcast celebrates the artists and storytellers whose work has helped shape the cultural landscape. Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main Street Stony Brook, NY 11790 Email: info@limusichalloffame.org Phone: 631-689-5888

  5. Oct 9

    LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival Winner Juan Mandelbaum Talks Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie Hall

    Send us Fan Mail On the next episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, Tom Needham speaks with acclaimed filmmaker Juan Mandelbaum, director of the documentary Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie Hall. The film recently received the Roots and Rhythm Award at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival. Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie Hall tells the remarkable story of the Cuban-born musical prodigy who became an internationally celebrated clarinetist, saxophonist and composer. From his early years in Havana and his time with Irakere to his departure from Cuba and extraordinary career in the United States, the film explores D’Rivera’s musical curiosity, collaborations, humor and enduring ability to cross the boundaries between Latin music, jazz and classical music. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast celebrates the artists, musicians and creative visionaries who have shaped the musical and cultural history of Long Island and beyond. Featuring conversations with legendary performers, influential songwriters and important figures in the entertainment industry, the podcast explores the stories, experiences and creative journeys behind the music that has inspired generations. Past guests have included Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, Gary U.S. Bonds, and members of Public Enemy, Twisted Sister, Zebra and The Tokens. Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main Street Stony Brook, NY 11790 Email: info@limusichalloffame.org Phone: 631-689-5888

  6. Oct 6

    Paquito D’Rivera Talks LIMEHOF Roots & Rhythm Film Award

    Send us Fan Mail On the next episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, Tom Needham speaks with legendary musician Paquito D’Rivera about the new documentary, Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie Hall. The film, directed by Juan Mandelbaum, recently received the Roots and Rhythm Award at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival. Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie Hall tells the remarkable story of the Cuban-born musical prodigy who became an internationally celebrated clarinetist, saxophonist and composer. From his early years in Havana and his time with Irakere to his departure from Cuba and extraordinary career in the United States, the film explores D’Rivera’s musical curiosity, collaborations, humor and enduring ability to cross the boundaries between Latin music, jazz and classical music. The award-winning LIMEHOF Podcast features conversations with musicians, filmmakers, authors and more. Past guests include Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, Melanie, and members of Twisted Sister, Blue Oyster Cult, Public Enemy, Foghat, Zebra, Run DMC and more. The LIMEHOF Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main Street Stony Brook, NY 11790 Email: info@limusichalloffame.org Phone: 631-689-5888

  7. Oct 2

    Ex-Blue Öyster Cult Member Albert Bouchard Talks New Imaginos Album & Upcoming Performance

    Send us Fan Mail On the next Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, Tom Needham speaks with LIMEHOF inductee Albert Bouchard, founding member of Blue Öyster Cult, about his new album, Imaginos IV: Rhyme of the Star Clock. Bouchard will bring the Imaginos Band to the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook on Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m. for a special release celebration featuring songs from the new album, Blue Öyster Cult classics and a special preview of the upcoming Imaginos film. Imaginos IV: Rhyme of the Star Clock continues Bouchard’s decades-long musical collaboration with the late Sandy Pearlman and expands the sprawling Imaginos saga. After discovering a cache of previously unseen Pearlman writings in his former East Setauket home, Bouchard found additional lyrics that filled in previously unexplored portions of the story. The new album begins with “Young Imaginos,” which precedes the events of the original Imaginos, and continues the story through songs including “Four Winds Bar,” “Crystal Ship Plutonia,” “Edge of a Knife” and “Night and Fog.” The album features an impressive collection of guest musicians and represents another chapter in a project that Bouchard originally envisioned with Pearlman decades ago. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast features in-depth conversations with musicians, filmmakers, authors, actors and other influential figures from the worlds of music and entertainment. Hosted by Tom Needham, the podcast has featured guests including Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, Gary U.S. Bonds and members of Public Enemy, Twisted Sister, Zebra, the Tokens and many more. The podcast is part of Needham’s long-running work in music, film and entertainment broadcasting, connecting listeners with the artists and creators behind some of the most memorable music, films and cultural moments Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main Street Stony Brook, NY 11790 Email: info@limusichalloffame.org Phone: 631-689-5888

  8. Sep 18

    LIMEHOF Music Doc Film Fest Spotlight: Eraserheads: Combo on the Run

    Send us Fan Mail Tom Needham speaks with director Maria Diane Ventura and Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia about Eraserheads: Combo on the Run, an intimate and revealing documentary that captures the story of one of the Philippines’ most influential bands. Together, they discuss the creative process behind the film, the emotional journey of revisiting the band’s history, and how music, storytelling, and vulnerability can open the door to healing and reconciliation. The film is an official selection at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival. Eraserheads: Combo on the Run traces the band’s evolution from their formation in 1989 to their rise as a defining voice in Filipino music and their powerful reunion decades later. Blending archival footage with candid, behind-the-scenes access, the film explores fame, fracture, and redemption, while placing the band’s journey within the broader cultural and political landscape of the Philippines. At its core, the documentary is not just about music, but about growth, accountability, and the enduring connections that can bring people back together. The LIMEHOF Podcast is hosted by Tom Needham and features in-depth conversations with some of the most influential figures in music, entertainment, film and popular culture. Previous guests have included DMC of Run-DMC, Roger Earl of Foghat, Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow, Garland Jeffreys, members of Twisted Sister and the Tokens and many other notable artists, filmmakers and cultural figures. The podcast is presented by the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame and offers listeners an inside look at the careers, creative processes and stories behind some of the most important names in music and entertainment. Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main Street Stony Brook, NY 11790 Email: info@limusichalloffame.org Phone: 631-689-5888

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About

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast features in-depth interviews with musicians, filmmakers, authors and entertainers from Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens.The show is hosted by Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and the host of The Sounds of Film, America's longest running film, music and ideas themed radio show.Previous guests include Stephen Schwartz, Gary U.S. Bonds, Liberty DeVitto, Taylor Dayne, Carmine Appice, Carter Burwell, EPMD, The Illusion, The Fat Boys' Kool Rock Ski, Elliott Murphy, Wayne Robins, and Jimmy Webb.The show is produced by the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame who is dedicated to the recognition, honor and preservation of Long Island's music and entertainment heritage.The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790

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