The Cat’s Whisker

The Swing Kids

We're in Nazi Germany during the 30s and even if rock and roll was still far away, some people already had a rock and roll soul. I'm talking about the SwingJugend (or Swing Kids), a movement born to mock the Hitler Youth and fight for individualism and cultural freedom through music!

Very DIRTY Blues - Discovering Explicit Old Songs With My Boyfriend

Join us on this very racy journey through very very explicit songs from the past. For the first time in its short history, The Cat's Whisker finally has a co-host: Liam Mannion, songwriter, professional musician, and... most importantly... my boyfriend! In this very special episode, we'll listen to songs from the past with VERY explicit lyrics! So... be ready! It's going to get dirty!
To listen to the full version of the episode, complete with the songs, check out The Cat's Whisker on Spotify!
Since we've also filmed this episode, follow me on my social media to make sure you see exclusive clips from this episode! 

Radios, Djs and the Payola scandal

The growth of rock and roll has definitely been propelled by radios. I know, that's obvious. But there are some juicy stories that maybe you don't know about all this! Starting from the cat's whisker radio (wink, wink!) to the influence of disc jockeys... until it became a little too risky! If you like good music and a good scandal, press play!

Otis Blackwell

Have you ever heard of songwriter Otis Blackwell? Well, if you haven't heard of him I'm 100% sure you've listened to many of his songs. This week, following the passing of the great Jerry Lee Lewis, we'll get to know better the great songwriter behind some of his hits and the ones of many others, including the king himself Elvis Presley.

Religion and Rock and Roll

It's nearly Halloween, and, let's be honest... just a few things scared religion as much as rock and roll in the 1900s. So... let's talk about it! 
I'll take you on a musical journey through the first rock and roll stars that sang religious lyrics, to the ones that were born in religious families but decided to surrender to the sinful rock and roll life. From bands that were bigger than Jesus Christ, to the influences of Hinduism on rock music.
And stay until the very end if you want to hear one of the best spooky rock and roll stories I've ever heard!
Happy Halloween!

Les Paul and Mary Ford (Part Two)

Here's the second part of this series of two about this amazing couple, because there was such soooo much to say about these two. So, where were we? Les and Mary realise that they've just invented sound on sound on tape. And that is absolutely amazing but, guess what? Many new inventions are yet to come!

Les Paul and Mary Ford (Part One)

Les Paul isn't only the name of one of the most incredible guitars ever made but it was also a music star and inventor. Alongside his wife, the talented singer and guitarist Mary Ford, he has paved the road for many musicians. From the days when Les' mum pushed him to experiment with sound, to the ones when a car crash will lead to one of the major developments in music history. 

Let’s line up! - A brief history of the Electric Guitar and PA Systems

Starting from microphones and amplification, we'll get to the main event: the electric guitar. Who invented it? How? And why?