It's Not the Beat, It's the Groove

Kelly and Dave
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED DAILY

Go "under the wrapper" to uncover the hidden connections in the music we love: 70s-90s Pop and R & B. You'll know the songs, but you MIGHT not know the backstory: those who composed, arranged, produced, or played on the songs that are the soundtrack of our generation. Aimed at Boomers and Gen X'ers, if you grew up during the 70s and 80s, you'll know this music. Join Kelly and Dave to hear the stories and learn about those who crafted the hits.

  1. FEB 13

    He Turned Songs Into Classics

    Join Kelly and Dave as we are visited by Rob Mounsey, the relatively unheralded genius behinds such hits as Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), Crazy for You, and You Can Call Me Al, as well as countless others. Hear the stories behind those iconic Steely Dan sessions, and learn how Rob made arrangements for some of the most famous songs of the 80s.

    57 min

  2. JAN 30

    They Changed The Sound

    Join your co-hosts Kelly and Dave as they uncover the "secret" behind Janet Jackson's Control album: an album that simultaneously launched Janet into stardom and also changed the sound of Funk/R & B. The artists responsible? Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who would go on to produce so much great music in the decades to follow.

    24 min

  3. JAN 16

    The Man Behind The Music

    Join Kelly, Dave and Special Guest Roy to uncover the "hidden connection" between so many great songs! Keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, who worked with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and more to create the amazing songs we all love. Who else played on Songs in the Key of Life, Thriller, and Anita Baker's Rapture? And hear the amazing story of Roy's connection with Greg.

    51 min

  4. JAN 2

    Happy Anniversary 1986

    Join Kelly and Dave as we journey back to the days of MTV, Ferris Bueller, Top Gun, and Pretty in Pink. Hard to believe that 1986 was 40 years ago! The It's The Groove team is all over celebrating our top songs from that incredible year in popular music. Which songs made the cut? Join us as we uncover the songs that dominated our playlists back then, and are STILL on heavy rotation today!

    32 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    Why Duran Duran's Big Thing Needs More Love

    Join Kelly and Dave and special guest Shari B Ellis to discuss Duran Duran's Big Thing album. Learn why this album is really a soundtrack album, as we go track by track to uncover the hidden wonders. And stay tuned to hear Duranies Kelly and Shari tell their stories about their Close Encounters of the Duran kind! You won't want to miss this episode.

    44 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    Jeff Porcaro: Laying down the grooves we love

    Join Kelly, Dave and Special Guest Phil Wood to uncover the magic behind the grooves of Jeff Porcaro. What made him such an incredible drummer? Why was he so universally loved? We look back at his catalog and cover 10 of our favorite songs on which he played. You will recognize every song, although you might not know Jeff was behind the kit. Jeff Porcaro, one of the most beloved and accomplished drummers, who laid down the groove for the soundtrack of our lives!

    36 min

  7. 11/21/2025

    Bobby Caldwell: The Man Behind The Music

    Kelly and Dave have loved Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love" for a very long time. Imagine our delight at being able to chat with Bobby's wife Mary, and his stepdaughter Katie to hear the stories behind the songs! Listen as they tell us wonderful stories about his legacy, the music, and the artists that he worked with. This is a wonderful and touching tribute to one of the best-loved figures in popular music.

    59 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Laying the groove for songs you love!

    Join Kelly and Dave as we have a fun conversation with Tris Imboden, legendary drummer on so many tracks you love. Follow his career as he auditioned for Kenny Loggins, and played on some of those magical tracks. Then, he moved to work with artists like Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan and Anita Baker. This is Part One of a two-part series on his 50 years behind the kit for so many amazing songs.

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Go "under the wrapper" to uncover the hidden connections in the music we love: 70s-90s Pop and R & B. You'll know the songs, but you MIGHT not know the backstory: those who composed, arranged, produced, or played on the songs that are the soundtrack of our generation. Aimed at Boomers and Gen X'ers, if you grew up during the 70s and 80s, you'll know this music. Join Kelly and Dave to hear the stories and learn about those who crafted the hits.

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