This week, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the songs that shaped my love of music — as well as the person who made it all possible, my father, who we sadly lost to pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

In this episode, I’m diving into 20 tracks that I’m eternally grateful & thankful for. Each one is tied to a moment, memory, lesson, or simply a staple of the famed “Friday Night Music Night” events I would enjoy with my parents growing up.

The songs he shared with me growing up, taught me how to listen to music — and, now in hindsight, also taught me how music can truly bridge generations. 

I love you Dad.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, so hopefully one day we can end this horrible disease once and for all.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more rock fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇

The Cars – Good Times Roll

Prince – Let’s Go Crazy

Pat Benatar – Promises In The Dark

ZZ Top – Sharp Dressed Man

Huey Lewis & The News – The Heart Of Rock N Roll

Johnny Rivers – Rockin’ Pneumonia & The Boogie Woogie Flu

? & The Mysterians – 96 Tears

Foreigner – Hot Blooded

The Tarney / Spencer Band – No Time To Lose

David Johansen – We Gotta Get Out Of This Place / Don’t Bring Me Down / It’s My Life (Live)

Heart – Even It Up

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean 

Billy Joel – It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me

The J. Geils Band – Centerfold

Styx – Mr. Roboto

Little River Band – The Night Owls

Jimi Hendrix – Red House

Peter Frampton – Do You Feel Like We Do? (Live)

Tom Petty – Runnin’ Down A Dream

AC/DC – For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

The original copies of The Cars’ self titled & Tom Petty’s “Full Moon Fever,” the latter being the last vinyl record my father purchased before CDs took over.

The ’66 GTO & ’68 Camaro my father rebuilt during my childhood. The perfect rides to take our mixtapes out in style!