The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Tom Needham

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. Jul 10

    BLEEDING EGOS on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, we welcome Tony Bolton and Gus Romano of Bleeding Egos, one of Long Island’s premier original rock bands. The band will be performing at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame as part of the museum’s popular Sunday Concert Series, and they join us to discuss their remarkable musical journey, their enduring creative partnership, and what’s next for the band. For more than two decades, Bleeding Egos has been writing, recording, and performing original rock music while its founding members balanced successful careers as neurologists, family life, and an unwavering commitment to their passion for music. Formed through friendships at Stony Brook University Hospital, the band has released multiple EPs, performed at major Long Island events including the Great South Bay Music Festival and the Montauk Music Festival, and continues to build momentum as finalists in WEHM’s Battle for the Great South Bay competition while preparing to release a new EP. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast celebrates the artists, innovators, and industry professionals who have shaped Long Island’s rich musical legacy. Hosted by Tom Needham, the series features conversations with Hall of Fame inductees and notable musicians, songwriters, producers, filmmakers, authors, and music historians. Previous guests have included DMC, Taylor Dayne, Stephen Schwartz, Garland Jeffreys, members of Twisted Sister and Public Enemy, and many others who have made lasting contributions to 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

  2. Jul 6

    THE GOOD RATS’ John Gatto on the LIMEHOF Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, host Tom Needham sits down with Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame inductee John “The Cat” Gatto, longtime guitarist of the legendary rock band The Good Rats. Gatto reflects on his decades in music, his role in shaping the band’s signature sound, and the stories behind one of Long Island’s most enduring rock acts. Formed on Long Island in the 1960s, The Good Rats built a devoted following with their distinctive blend of hard rock, blues, and sharp, witty songwriting. Often called “the world’s most famous unknown band,” they became a staple of the regional rock scene while also earning national attention through acclaimed albums like Tasty and relentless touring. Known for their explosive live shows and colorful stage presence, the band shared stages with artists including Aerosmith, Rush, KISS, Bruce Springsteen, and The Grateful Dead, securing their place in Long Island music history. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast explores the stories behind the artists, producers, and industry figures who shaped the region’s musical legacy. Hosted by Tom Needham, the series has featured conversations with a wide range of notable guests, including Billy Joel’s musical collaborators, industry executives, filmmakers, and Hall of Fame inductees such as members of Twisted Sister, Public Enemy, Garland Jeffreys, and Taylor Dayne, among many others. Each episode offers an in-depth look at the music, moments, and people that helped define Long Island’s cultural impact. 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. Jun 30

    Billy Joel’s Keyboardist David Rosenthal on the LIMEHOF Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast welcomes listeners to a special conversation as host Tom Needham sits down with acclaimed keyboardist, musical director, producer, and arranger David Rosenthal. Best known for his decades-long association with Billy Joel, Rosenthal shares stories from his remarkable career, insights into working alongside one of music’s greatest performers, and his experiences helping shape the sound of Billy Joel’s live performances for more than 30 years. A highly respected figure in the music industry, David Rosenthal has built an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades. Since joining Billy Joel’s band for the River of Dreams Tour in 1993, he has served as Joel’s longtime musical director and keyboardist, performing at every show of Joel’s historic Madison Square Garden residency and on numerous tours around the world. Beyond his work with Joel, Rosenthal has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Cyndi Lauper, Robert Palmer, Whitesnake, Steve Vai, Rainbow, Enrique Iglesias, and many others. His accomplishments also extend to Broadway, orchestration, film scoring, music production, education, and the correction and publication of Billy Joel’s official sheet music catalog. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast celebrates the artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals who have shaped music history. Hosted by Tom Needham, the series features in-depth conversations with legendary performers and influential music figures. Past guests have included Taylor Dayne, Stephen Schwartz, Gary U.S. Bonds, DMC, Kenny Vance, and members of Twisted Sister, Vanilla Fudge, Public Enemy, and The Tokens, offering listeners unique stories and insights from across the music world. 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. Jun 15

    Bob Buchmann: The Stories Behind WBAB, Billy Joel, Zebra, and Harry Chapin

    Send us Fan Mail Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame inductee Bob Buchmann joins Tom Needham for a fascinating conversation about one of the most influential careers in American rock radio. From building a pirate radio station in his parents’ basement and creating a groundbreaking cable radio station in Commack, to helping transform WBAB into Long Island’s dominant rock station, Buchmann has spent decades shaping the sound of radio. Buchmann’s career includes leadership roles at WBAB on Long Island, Q104.3 in New York City, KLOS in Los Angeles, KGB in San Diego, and SiriusXM, where he currently serves as Director of Music Programming. Along the way, he helped launch and build successful radio brands, championed local musicians through WBAB’s Homegrown program, and became one of the industry’s most respected programmers and on-air personalities. The episode also highlights Buchmann’s commitment to charitable causes, including his work with Billy Joel’s Charity Begins at Home and his participation in documentaries about the life and legacy of Harry Chapin. It’s a remarkable look at the life and career of a true broadcasting pioneer. 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. Jun 2

    The Magic Garden’s Carole and Paula: A Classic LIMEHOF Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail This episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast features a classic interview originally recorded for The Sounds of Film, spotlighting Hall of Fame inductees Carole Demas and Paula Janis, best known as the beloved duo from The Magic Garden. In this special conversation, they reflect on their extraordinary partnership and the enduring legacy of their work together. Friends since their school days in Brooklyn, Demas and Janis went on to build a lifelong creative collaboration that included teaching in New York City schools, performing in major theatrical productions, and eventually forming their own production company. They are best remembered for starring in The Magic Garden, one of the most influential regional children’s television programs in New York history, which continues to be celebrated for its music, warmth, and imagination. This interview revisits their 60th anniversary of working together and highlights a career defined by friendship, creativity, and lasting impact on generations of young viewers. 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. May 21

    LIMEHOF Educator of Note Ed Norris: From the White House to the Vatican

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, host Tom Needham welcomes 2025 Educator of Note Award recipient Edward P. Norris III for an inspiring conversation about music, mentorship, and the life-changing power of arts education. A passionate conductor, educator, and mentor, Norris reflects on the emotional high school experience that set him on the path toward music education, the philosophy that has guided his teaching career, and the profound impact music can have on students both inside and outside the classroom. A Freeport native and longtime Smithtown resident, Ed Norris serves as Director of Choral Music at Glen Cove High School, where his ensembles have consistently earned Gold Medals and Gold Medals with Distinction at NYSSMA Major Ensemble festivals. He also directs the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Nassau Chamber Chorale and teaches at Long Island University and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, where he earned his degrees under renowned conductor Dr. Lawrence Eisman. Under Norris’s leadership, the Glen Cove Select Chorale has performed at the White House for President Barack Obama, toured Italy and performed for Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, appeared at major national choral conferences, and toured the United Kingdom in 2025. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast features conversations with legendary musicians, actors, educators, filmmakers, and industry leaders connected to Long Island’s rich cultural legacy. Past guests have included Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, DMC, Garland Jeffreys, members of Twisted Sister, Public Enemy, and The Tokens. The 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. Apr 30

    Run DMC & Raising Hell Author Jay Quan Talks 40th Album Anniversary

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, host Tom Needham welcomes noted hip-hop historian JayQuan to discuss his new book Run-DMC and Raising Hell: 40 Years. The conversation celebrates the lasting impact of Run-DMC—trailblazers of hip-hop and inductees of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame—while revisiting one of the most influential albums ever released. JayQuan’s book takes a comprehensive look at Raising Hell, the groundbreaking 1986 album produced by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. The record became the first hip-hop album to achieve multi-platinum status, ultimately selling more than three million copies in the United States. It helped redefine the genre’s reach, especially through the landmark single “Walk This Way,” a collaboration with Aerosmith that bridged rap and rock and brought hip-hop firmly into the mainstream. Drawing from interviews with Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and key collaborators, the book offers track-by-track analysis, historical insight, and a detailed account of the album’s creation, promotion, and enduring cultural influence. JayQuan is a respected voice in hip-hop scholarship, known for his deep research and firsthand interviews with pioneering artists and industry figures. His work documents the evolution of the culture while preserving the stories behind its most important recordings and movements. The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, hosted by Tom Needham, features conversations with a wide range of artists and creators connected to Long Island’s vibrant music and entertainment scene. Past guests include Stephen Schwartz, Gary U.S. Bonds, Taylor Dayne, Carmine Appice, EPMD, Elliott Murphy, and Jimmy Webb, reflecting the depth and diversity of Long Island’s cultural legacy. 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. Apr 27

    LIMEHOF Local Filmmakers Series: Anthony & Ryan Famulari Talk Best Man

    Send us Fan Mail Recorded live at a packed screening of Best Man at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, this LIMEHOF Podcast episode captures the energy of the Local Filmmakers Series in full swing. The conversation was recorded immediately following the screening, in front of a large audience that stayed for an engaging post-film Q&A. Moderator Tom Needham led a wide-ranging discussion that explored the making of the film and the creative journey behind it. Guests Ryan and Anthony Famulari are Stony Brook–born brothers and emerging filmmakers whose debut feature Best Man has been making its way through the festival circuit. The film follows a character-driven story that reflects their collaborative approach to independent filmmaking and their shared Long Island roots. Their conversation highlights both their creative partnership and the personal history that shaped their work. The LIMEHOF Podcast features in-depth interviews with musicians, filmmakers, and cultural figures connected to Long Island’s rich creative community. Past guests have included Stephen Schwartz, Taylor Dayne, Gary U.S. Bonds, DMC, and many more, continuing its mission to spotlight influential voices 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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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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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