Latest Ratpack Podcast Episodes
With Apologies, Here's Sandler & Young!
The Tony Sandler Podcast - August 17, 2019 07:00 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsWe finish our club tour in this episode of the Tony Sandler Podcast. Tony revisits stories about filling in for an ailing Sammy Davis, Jr. (hint: see the title of the episode!). He also shares a great story about his involvement with the Muhammad Ali vs. Jean-Pierre Coopman fight ("never saw my ...
We're Going Clubbin': Jack Benny, George Burns and more!
The Tony Sandler Podcast - August 05, 2019 04:12 - 26 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsIn this episode, Tony recalls his tour of some of the most prestigious nightclubs in the nation, taking us to Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Toronto. Who came to see him? Celebrities galore, like Jack Benny, Ricardo Montalban, and Edward G. Robinson Plus, a great George Bu...
Playing Tennis with Bill Cosby and Buddy Hackett
The Tony Sandler Podcast - July 22, 2019 04:02 - 25 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsIn this episode, we continue with Sandler & Young hitting the headliner circuit all over the country. And, Tony name drops...big names. He reflects on his heroes and shares stories about why they were so special to him and his career. You'll hear stories about Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, Bil...
The Rat Pack Were My Neighbors
The Tony Sandler Podcast - June 30, 2019 22:16 - 20 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsIn episode 9 of the Tony Sandler Podcast, Sandler & Young make it big and are headlining The Flamingo in Vegas! Tony talks about his mob bosses, performing next door to the Rat Pack, their opening act Myron Cohen (and what many didn't know about him), and his tense after show dinner with some sh...
Ask Me What I Think About The Beatles
The Tony Sandler Podcast - June 15, 2019 04:58 - 22 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsIn episode 8 of the Tony Sandler Podcast, Tony takes us even deeper into their Capitol recording years. Including a behind the scenes look in their live album, In Person, from the live studios of Capitol Records. This was a very busy time for Sandler & Young as they tried to squeeze in as much...
Big Opportunities Open for Sandler & Young
The Tony Sandler Podcast - June 01, 2019 03:03 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsIn this episode of the Tony Sandler Podcast, Tony describes what made Capitol Records the premiere recording studio of its time, and how their first hit opened doors that were previously closed for Sandler & Young. Tony describes his days with Andy Williams, Dinah Shore, Henny Youngman and Milto...
A Gypsy Fortune Teller Predicted It All
The Tony Sandler Podcast - May 20, 2019 16:17 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsThree years after Tony's first introduction to the American audience, Tony and Ralph, Sandler & Young, are now at the top of their game. They are packing the finest stages all over the country and enjoying new friendships with Hollywood's biggest stars. And, what makes this so bizarre, is how th...
We Shot Up Like Un Razzo!
The Tony Sandler Podcast - May 12, 2019 00:53 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsIn this episode of the Tony Sandler Podcast, Tony pays tribute to Luther Henderson, arranger for Polly Bergen, who wrote the closer for the "First 20 Years". We also get the details behind one of Sandler & Young's most famous songs, Mr. Boom Boom. Then Tony opens up about one of the most difficu...
Bad Luck Charlie
The Tony Sandler Podcast - May 03, 2019 02:27 - 26 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsEpisode 4 of the Tony Sandler Podcast picks up where we left off, in the elegant Persian Room on tour with Polly Bergen. The show recaps Lauren Bacall's desire to "meet" Tony, which leads Tony down a path of memories about Sonny & Cher, Princess Magaret, Nancy Wilson, Lou Rawls and Vincente M...
I Want That Belgian Flesh
The Tony Sandler Podcast - April 26, 2019 02:12 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsTony Sandler and Ralph Young, Sandler & Young, are now on the road with Polly Bergen playing the most elegant stages outside of Las Vegas. Tony shares his amazement and appreciation for going from lounge act in Vegas to performances in front of the biggest celebrities on stage and screen. In thi...
Sandler & Young, From Lounge Act to Superstars
The Tony Sandler Podcast - April 25, 2019 23:40 - 28 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsTony Sandler recalls his early days with Ralph Young, and how Ralph convinced Tony to stay in the states after considering a move back to Europe. Tony describes exactly why he gelled with Ralph and what made the duo so unique. Tony also share stories of Phil Silvers, Key Howard, Matt Gregory, Ma...
Setting the Stage
The Tony Sandler Podcast - April 16, 2019 21:42 - 31 minutes ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsTony once again commands the stage in this inaugural episode of the Tony Sandler Podcast! This episode features the great music of Sandler & Young, along with Tony's solo work, which will set the stage for the stories that will take you behind the Las Vegas curtain and reveal how Tony met Ralph ...
"These Foolish Things"
I've Heard That Song Before - December 28, 2018 15:10 - 37 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and Tom discuss 4 renditions of "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)," a beautiful standard by Eric Maschwitz. Then they discuss another of his works called "A Nightingale Sang in Barkley Square" for this week's bonus tune!
"Luck Be a Lady"
I've Heard That Song Before - December 13, 2018 17:57 - 37 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and his guest, Carl Topilow, listen with you to 4 renditions of "Luck Be a Lady," exploring the varied paces in the performances of this standard. They dive into the rich history of this song, which made its debut in the 1950 musical, Guys and Dolls. Enjoy a special rendition of this song per...
"Here's That Rainy Day"
I've Heard That Song Before - December 05, 2018 17:48 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and his guest, Lee Bush, listen with you to 4 renditions of "Here's that Rainy Day," exploring the different levels of the melodies and harmonies in this standard. They dive into the profoundly sad lyrics, exposing the ironic nature of this song. Then they listen with you to this week's bonus...
"Falling in Love with Love"
I've Heard That Song Before - November 28, 2018 22:34 - 35 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and his guest, Bill Rudman, listen with you to renditions of "Falling in Love with Love" by Frances Langford, Frank Sinatra, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley & Mary Cleere Haran. They explore the merits of each (of which there are many) and Bill discusses the appearance of this standard in the fa...
"All the Things You Are"
I've Heard That Song Before - November 21, 2018 17:03 - 37 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and Les kick off their exploration of this romantic standard with a performance by Mildred Bailey, before delving into three other renditions of this classic. From the storytelling of the lyrics to stunning harmonies, Joe and Les give you the low-down on all the things in “All the Things You ...
"What's New?"
I've Heard That Song Before - August 15, 2018 16:54 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and Les cover a charming song from the jazz era, made popular by Bing Crosby in 1939, by exploring four different renditions. You’ll hear versions from the talented jazz musician Dinah Washington, a strong vocal performance from Linda Ronstadt, a romantic instrumental version and much more!
"The Nearness of You"
I've Heard That Song Before - August 08, 2018 14:00 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and Les delve into one of the most romantic tracks from the Great American Songbook and discuss four flawless renditions including an enchanting modern version by Norah Jones. From the intimate nature of the song lyrics to the smooth instrumentals of Hoagy Carmichael’s 1928 “The Nearness of Y...
"My Funny Valentine"
I've Heard That Song Before - August 01, 2018 14:15 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and Lee discuss a timeless classic from the 1937 musical Babes in Arms that went on to become one the most beloved jazz standards of the Great American Songbook. The popularity of “My Funny Valentine” has been covered by over 600 artists and has landed an unforgettable spot in American cultur...
"Love For Sale"
I've Heard That Song Before - July 25, 2018 13:38 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and Ernie explore, "Love for Sale," the lyrically controversial tune from 1930's Broadway musical, "The New Yorkers." They dive in and discuss the story behind the song as well as the artists who sang them. You'll hear renditions from the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, the sultry Julie London, a ...
"I've Got You Under My Skin"
I've Heard That Song Before - July 18, 2018 14:14 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and Ernie explore this memorable romantic classic and it’s many renditions. From the musical Born To Dance (1936), “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song and went on to become a signature song for Frank Sinatra as well as many popular jazz musicians of t...
"Georgia On My Mind"
I've Heard That Song Before - July 11, 2018 14:57 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and Tom listen with you to four renditions of one of the most popular jazz standards, “Georgia On My Mind,” telling the stories behind the different performers of this song. They celebrate the great west coast jazz artists who brought this song to life, and even discuss a legendary Belgian-Am...
"Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered"
I've Heard That Song Before - July 11, 2018 14:56 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe Hunter and Les Roberts celebrate a show tune from Rodgers and Hart's 1940 musical, "Pal Joey," diving into the most notable renditions of “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” They dissect each version and discuss the legacy of the Great American Songbook.
"Angel Eyes"
I've Heard That Song Before - July 11, 2018 14:54 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsMusicians, Joe Hunter and Lee Bush, listen with you to a few memorable renditions of “Angel Eyes.” From the melancholy Frank Sinatra arrangement to the sophisticated instrumental version by jazz guitarist, Kenny Burrell to the song composer’s original version, you’ll love their commentary about ...
"Ain't Misbehavin'"
I've Heard That Song Before - July 20, 2017 18:27 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe Hunter and his guest, George Foley, listen with you to 4 renditions of “Ain’t Misbehavin” by Thomas “Fats” Waller, Louis Armstrong, Art Tatum, & Leon Redbone. They discuss the life of the great pianist Thomas “Fats” Waller, the style of jazz piano called “stride piano,” the overall impact ...
"Lush Life"
I've Heard That Song Before - July 13, 2017 14:12 - 34 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe Hunter and his guest, jazz pianist Les Roberts, listen with you to 4 renditions of “Lush Life” by Nat King Cole, John Coltrane, Billy Strayhorn, & Queen Latifah. Joe and Les discuss the relative obscurity of this song, they tell stories behind the different performers of this song, and they ...
"Love Walked In"
I've Heard That Song Before - July 06, 2017 20:54 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe and his guest, Ernie Krivda, listen with you to renditions of "Love Walked in" by Kenny Baker, Erroll Garner, The Flamingoes, Ernie Krivda, and Frank Sinatra. They explore how the song has evolved over time and the great variety of the performers who have made their own versions of this song...
"September Song"
I've Heard That Song Before - June 29, 2017 18:27 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe Hunter and his guest, jazz trombonist George Carr, listen with you to 4 renditions of “September Song” by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, & Mel Torme. Joe and George discuss the very interesting life of composer Kurt Weill as well as the Broadway musical in which this song was firs...
"I Remember You"
I've Heard That Song Before - June 22, 2017 16:20 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsJoe Hunter and his guest, Larry Angell, listen with you to 4 renditions of “I Remember You” by Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Harris, & Sarah Vaughan. Joe and Larry discuss the short, yet illustrious career of composer Victor Schertzinger as well as the swingin’ and cookin’ nature of th...
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