In '82 Icon’s BIGGEST Hit KILLED His Career…In 1990 a TOTAL FLUKE Brought him Back-Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the song that EPITOMIZES the term CLASSIC ROCK the Best? Multiple answer welcome!

[@TerrickTerran]

Classic....without simply naming bands So Happy Together, Surfer Girl, I Am the Walrus The Joker and Rock around the Clock.

[@surlechapeau]

Rock and Roll All Nite - Kiss. runnerup: Long Live Rock - The Who

[@mournblade1066]

I'd have to go with "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones.

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

@@ProfessorofRock Pat Travers Life in London

[@christineml1476]

"Smoke on the Water" Deep Purple

[@himay333]

My dad built most of the cabinets on the Abracadabra. He got me a signed Abracadabra CD from Steve Miller. Said he was a great guy. My dad loved doing custom cabinets on boats due to having to deal with the weird geometry. RIP Dad

[@ProfessorofRock]

Serious? That's awesome!

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

That is so cool, thank you for sharing that story with us! ✌🏼😊

[@himay333]

@@ProfessorofRock yep! He was a big fan too. He was really proud he got to build something for one of his heroes.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That is so cool and interesting!

[@duromusabc]

Steve Miller’s comeback hit after a hiatus of 3 years ! He was a late 70s rock star (1975 to 1979) but didn’t have an 80s hit to continue that rock star status until this 1982 smash ! Fly Like An Eagle Rock N Me Jet Airliner Take The Money and Run The Joker Swingtown His 70s hits Thanks professor!

[@FredGroenke55]

I’m partial to Jungle Love as well as these. Also love the remake of Buy Me a Mercury.

[@lauriesolonka2477]

I'll add "Serenade"😁✌️

[@mikebuck1897]

True but Fly Like an Eagle was still pretty big with high school kids in the early 80s.

[@duromusabc]

@@mikebuck1897 as a radio hit but not as a countdown hit like Casey Kasem countdown

[@mikebuck1897]

@@duromusabcright. It wasn’t in the top 40 but kids were still listening to it and talking about it.

[@FredGroenke55]

Best advice I ever got from Steve Miller: “My grandpa is 95 and he keeps on dancing, he’s still alive. My grandma she is 92 and loves to dance and sing some too. I don’t know, but I’ve been told: if you keep on dancing you’ll never grow old.”

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love that!

[@CC2GO]

Hell yeah!

[@bjdefilippo447]

Great advice!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That makes us all have some joy.

[@HesterMizell]

​@@CC2GOhey

[@talbotdarren]

Steve Miller Band Greatest Hits 74-78 was a staple in my record collection growing up. I still play it regularly.

[@craigplatel813]

I would suggest that you get anthology which will give you all the 72 and earlier stuff. Just as good if not better than greatest hits

[@HesterMizell]

@@craigplatel813 hey

[@HesterMizell]

@@talbotdarren hey

[@andypostema4269]

That's pretty much his live setlist to this very day.

[@forakermm]

This song very is special to me. My younger sister died in a car accident on thanksgiving day 1991. This cassette tape was found in the stereo…I still have it. I can’t hear this song without thinking of her. ❤️‍🩹

[@lunadawnlynn]

I’m sorry for your loss. Shalom. 🥀

[@raygunsforronnie847]

My condolences. It's nice that this song and her cassette bring back fond and loving memories.

[@ronmanges2266]

I was fortunate to see Steve Miller in concert last July. At 80 yrs old, he still has it, he play all of his greats perfectly!

[@davidlaw689]

Steve Miller's late 60s catalogue with Boz Scaggs as vocalist are a Bay Area Pysche joy to behold

[@mikebuck1897]

Boz Scaggs is so underrated that it’s pitiful. Was glad to see the Walter White character give a shoutout to him in Breaking Bad. 👍

[@davidlaw689]

@@mikebuck1897 Yes ! Boz's 1969 Loan Me A Dime ( with Duane Allman on guitar ) is a masterpiece.

[@petercena9497]

@@davidlaw689 I remember hearing "Baby's House" when I was a kid. Always loved that song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haven’t heard those in a while!

[@I-Libertine]

*Dallas, bay-bee, Dallas.

[@JBowman-ps2ri]

Ohh😃Another Professor Flashback song that I ain't heard in forever! That's a big reason I love your show!!! Since I found your channel a few months ago, you've brought back so many memories of my life through some the songs I hadn't even thought about to go back & listen to in years! Like you say, music's our time machine! Hearing these old songs again, just relates to certain points in time & unlocks memories Id long forgotten about! Thanks again professor 🧑‍🏫

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's so great to hear J!

[@joshuagibson2520]

I love Steve. He went off on the Rock Hall after his induction. check out the footage and remember that not giving a single fuck is as free as anyone will ever be. Don't cower or become beholden to anyone or anything.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love that about him!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I loved him going off on the RRHOF.

[@JismIsm-en4kz]

I KNOW - Classic! Also F-k The Black Keys for talking s**t about him after they inducted him

[@wildpinto3291]

I'm a big Steve Miller fan. My favorite performance of his is when he hosted The Midnight Special in '74 and played the best version, in my opinion, of Fly Like An Eagle 2 years before its release.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great pick!

[@JismIsm-en4kz]

Yea - I recently saw that on YTube

[@jerryoxley1827]

I must have played The Steve Miller Band's Greatest Hits 74-78 into the ground when I was younger. It was brilliant. Abracadabra was a great comeback. I'm glad to see him getting some time here.

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's really great.

[@bjdefilippo447]

Me too!

[@joeparson9967]

I wore out a couple cassette tapes of that album.

[@brucewayne2155]

I listened to 74-78 on my iPod on repeat with Dark Side Of The Moon, and, Pink Floyd's Pulse album, all the way from New Hampshire, to South Dakota, on a Greyhound bus in 2010. It was a two-day (52 hours and 28 minutes) bus ride. But between Steve Miller and Pink Floyd, the bus ride went quickly.

[@HesterMizell]

@@jerryoxley1827 hey

[@bartbluemusic]

The most radio-friendly song by Steve Miller - always loved this one. Didn't know about the story of Diana Ross - really enjoyed hearing that today. Great vid, Prof! :)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Bart!

[@RBS_]

....THAT'S *"MISS"* ROSS!! >slap!< ....ha-HAA!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@RBS_ Ha ha!

[@davidlewis6670]

If you listened to progressive rock I. The 1970’s I believe they played his music.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I actually knew about that Diana Ross story. As spunky as it is unbelievable.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Abracadabra was my favorite song that year! I was happy to see a come back! Steve Miller has always been on of my favorites! Got the Book of Dreams for my 15th birthday and wore it out!😂 Great episode Professor! Thanks for keeping the music alive!👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for shraring!

[@Maltloaflegrande]

Saw this guy at Knebworth (UK) festival in '75. He was warm-up act for Pink Floyd who Had the light show, new material, special visual effects and a complete performance of "Dark Side" to offer. How did he compete with all that? Simple; he brought along Les Dudek on slide, Lonnie Turner on bass and the mighty Cosmo Clifford on drums, plugged in and rocked. His harp/drums extended into to "Living in the USA" had to be witnessed to be believed. If it wasn't the best live set I've ever had the privilege to enjoy, it came monstrously close.

[@eternityhalo]

I saw him in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium for Summer Jam '77 with Rick Derringer, Styx, and Peter Frampton. They were all great, but the Steve Miller Band stole the show!

[@jameslaupan6499]

I was in my early teens when the Joker came out. One day my mom took me to my 4H meeting and we had to wait in the car until the building was opened and when "really love her peaches want to shake her tree" was sung mom said "what does that mean", I was afraid to tell her my interpretation was, so I sheepishly said it's about fruit"! She giggled, knowing I knew differently. Always loved SMB, thanks prof

[@shiroibasketshoes]

For over fifty years, I thought he was singing "beaches" and not "peaches."

[@nodangles6983]

​@@shiroibasketshoesSo you're gonna find out in another eight years? 😂

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@nodangles6983 Find out what? I already learned the real lyric finally; that's why I wrote that. What's "eight years" about?

[@bobski7032]

@@shiroibasketshoes he talks out of his ass ..just ignore him

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@bobski7032 Thank you. I meant to add that I figured trees grew on some beaches. When I learned the real word, I thought, "But trees don't grow on peaches, but vice versa."

[@mraemartinez]

I love Steve Miller! Grew up on “The Joker” & I love “Space Cowboy”, “Heart Like A Wheel” & “Living In The USA”. He’s always let the music do the talking. I love how his music is so brilliant & he was always in the shadows! He rocks! 🎸😎

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool!

[@davidstrother496]

Steve Miller is indeed one of the icons of rock. And in the 3 chords and the truth my friend, I'm so glad there are classic rock stations, since I don't have to hear punk, disco and grunge.

[@TerrickTerran]

Prof works his dark magic again and gives a fantastic story about Steve Miller. Bonus points for the Return of the Jedi vinyl.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Terrick!

[@illegal_space_alien]

If I had a nickel for every time a famous 70s "dinosaur" band had one last great hit in the early 80s about magic, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but weird that it happened twice. This one, and America's "You Can Do Magic".

[@thetitleisours1]

I got hooked on Steve Miller when I was really young. A cousin played Brave New World and I got immediately hooked on his song "Space Cowboy"

[@blebhan8213]

"The Joker"?

[@thetitleisours1]

@@blebhan8213 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYDcoXhmea2YgMU

[@thetitleisours1]

@@blebhan8213 There is an actual song with that name, not just mentioned in the lyrics

[@JamesThompson-zk1ht]

@blebhan8213 I'm a space cowboy Bet you weren't ready for that I'm a space cowboy I'm sure you know where it's at Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Recognize it yet?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Space Cowboy is so cool.

[@sheryljohnson5906]

Thank you Professor !!! When my husband and I 1st got together,we figured out Steve Miller Band was a big favorite !! The joker was the 1st song our elder daughter learned to sing,kinda strange hearing a lil one not yet 2 singing " I'm a joker,I'm a smoker,I'm a midnight toker," but there was no keeping this child from singing ! She grew up to frustrate the hell out of her Chorus teacher,who had a habit of getting the kids to sing new music they hadn't heard before,including some of the biggest Disney classics from the movies I would get the kids each time a new one came out. Her musical knowledge ran deep. Finally,she figured that if she brought in new music,don't expect Lindsay to learn it the 1st time in school,she already knew them word for word. She gave up after bringing in Magic by pilot ! It was hysterical! She said something along thae li especially that Lindsay's parents already had this girl singing every single song and She was teaching the lyrics to classmates without the benefit of sheet music !! I loved it !

[@gregh3248]

Love Steve Miller and his band. My personal favorite songs; Winter Time Wild Mountain Honey The Stake Serenade

[@ponzo1967]

Chuck was known to change the key of the song without telling the band and just being difficult in general. I'm glad Steve found solo success but I had no idea he had a band with Boz. I learn something every episode to satisfy my lust for random music facts.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@dbmay1975]

“I Want To Make The World Turn Around” is another great Steve Miller 80’s gem.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yes!

[@uhill74]

Checking that out now!

[@michaelsteding7720]

I love this song. One of his best.

[@epriebe1]

It’s from the album “Living in the Twentieth Century”. Some hate it, I love it.

[@HistoricallyMarked]

I was about to say the same thing! Great Kenny G collab in that song.

[@mitchellbaker9434]

I love hearing these stories of what inspires lyrics of songs. The best songwriters always have their eyes and ears open.

[@ProfessorofRock]

FOr sure!

[@mournblade1066]

He had a minor hit with "Wide River" around 1994, if I remember correctly. But my absolute favorite song of his is "Serenade." That song doesn't get nearly enough love.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. Such a classic!

[@tedfabiano]

Wide River was an excellent single, and he is also great on the Paul McCartney single "Young Boy."

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great songs.

[@wardwhitehead]

Agree 100%. All rhythm guitar and percussion, that’s an under appreciated hidden gem from his catalogue

[@rogertemple7193]

This is another awesome blast from the past rock and roll history lesson from the 70's and 80's which were my rock and roll years thanks again and until next time Thank You Professor.🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Roger! Have a great day!

[@jimkanellakos4699]

Loved Abracadabra when it came out. It got a lot of radio play then but faded away as time went on. The last number of years the classic rock station is playing it again. Never knew about the Chuck Berry connection with Steve Milker. Another great episode, thanks Adam.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@bobbest8627]

I was an early fan of the Steve Miller. Being a kid growing up in the San Francisco Bay area was magic as that music scene was developing. However, I would like to take a moment to mention a fella named Bobby Winkleman. He was an early member of the Steve Miller band. He played bass and rhythm guitar. He played and sang on some of the earlier albums. He wrote the song good morning which was on Steve Miller album 5. He also cowrote the song “ my own space” which appeared on Steve Miller‘s album. Book of dreams. Even though he wasn’t a well-known name, he was part of rock ‘n’ roll history. That San Francisco music scene in the late 60s into the 70s was a major part of the development of rock ‘n’ roll. Anyway, I had the pleasure of meeting Bobby, and was just getting to know him. I was starstruck when I first met him because I knew who he was. Before he was with Steve Miller he was the founding member of the band Frumious Bandersnatch. Who was well known in the bay area when I was a young kid, trying to turn into a hippie. Anyway… Bobby passed away December 2023 in Carson City,Nv, I felt honored that I had a chance to meet him and hear firsthand some of the stories of the San Francisco music scene from somebody who was actually a part of it. I spent part of the day with him in Virginia City, he gave me some autographed memorabilia. What a nice guy. RIP Bobby.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@HesterMizell]

@@bobbest8627 hey

[@tracycase4520]

Bartender back in my youth at Universal Studios Florida during Mardi Gras. Steve Miller was the band of the night. Jet Airliner started to play and people from 10 years of age to 80 started to sign it while they were standing in the dark around my little gazebo bar. Still gives me chills.

[@mournblade1066]

LOVE Steve Miller! Saw him in concert twice back in the 1990s.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@marktait2371]

us just once 90s flat fee 10 dollars 12oz beer two cokes water one same a slice of pizza all you needed was a twenty dollar bill imagine that today i rhink i may have bought the 68 73 best of c.d. there at the merch.table was like a ghits show all can recall

[@phatphat7089]

Seen him a couple times then too then a few years ago with Peter Frampton opening for him it was great!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Where at?

[@Smith-wk6pb]

I seen him at Merryweather Post Pavilion in 1992.

[@robertkeefer1552]

I have always loved Steve Miller. His song "Your Cash Ain't Nothin But Trash" is one of my favorites.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call!

[@joeblaumer2085]

The Steve Miller Band….definitely part of the soundtrack of my life. Thanks for the awesome music Steve. Yet another great podcast Professor.

[@CowGirlKat8691]

Happy hump day! I was walking with friends in Sun Valley one summer in the 70's & I am known for walking backward & talking then turning around & running into light poles, those big mailboxes or, well Clint Eastwood! I didn't know it was him as I was embarrassed to hit a person & VERY shy back then! When I said, "I'm sorry," looking down as I did back then when that iconic voice returned, "no problem hon," I nearly died!! I stopped walking backward & talking after that day! It I hadn't had friends with, I doubt anyone would believe me. What a memory! BTW, my friends were so starstruck it took us a bit to start walking again!! Days after they'd say, only you could walk down the street & literally run into Clint! It was the first time we'd ever seen a celebrity there until years later when I stood outside a Ketchum restaurant right next to Bruce Willis but that's another story for another day!🤠

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hello!

[@raygunsforronnie847]

My "brush" with stardom what having a brief conversation with some tall guy during a band soundcheck. "We're ready for you, Kris." I'd been having a casual chat with Kristofferson (RIP) and didn't realize it until he was called to the stage. Such a doofus, I was.

[@DanieVargas]

Abracadabra was the first song I’d ever heard by Steve Miller! I LOVED THE SONG! Course, I was in 7th grade at the time… LOL! But then I listened to all of his back catalog! I fell in love with this voice. I’ve been a fan for 40+ years…

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

I like that Miller has had the integrity to blast the Rock n Roll Hall of Lame, on camera.

[@jen_alanfromchicago53]

How'd it go... rrhof guy - 'wrap it up Steve ' Steve - 'I'll wrap up you up! '

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

@@jen_alanfromchicago53 Yes! It was great, wasn't it? That is sadly, probably the last great valid artist push back (from a guy who, as this video demonstrates, has never had a problem doing so to anyone for any reason... probably cuz guys named Steve are objectively awesome 🤘) against the RnRHOF and their institutionalized history of shenanigans! Now when I say "sadly" , I don't just mean that it's unlikely to ever happen again, I mean (because the RnRHOF has completed their transformation into the Post Woke Popular Music of All Kinds Rainbow Hall of Fame) there is no longer anything positive which can be achieved from it happening again. 😠🤬

[@jen_alanfromchicago53]

@@stevenfunderburg1623 yes, and usually watch that clip a few times a month for various reasons like showing some younger kids at work or whatever, hopefully a version of that night will always be available🤟✌

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

@@jen_alanfromchicago53 When you show it to younger people are they amazed that principles and integrity were also completely eradicated from the music industry along with actual rock music?

[@jen_alanfromchicago53]

@@stevenfunderburg1623 yeah, in a way. I work in automotive repair at a dealership and everyone wants something for nothing, sales, service writers, etc. its always 'can you do it for less', i always tell em not to let them push you around, the repair time is the time it is. At least the kid next to me (24yrs old) actually likes real music, The Doors and Stones are his favorites and he actually "knows ' their music.

[@sariahut1]

I’ve loved this song since I was a kid! I remember my parents singing along to it when it came on the radio. I’d actually forgotten about it (or assumed I was too cool for that “old music”) until a few years ago. I heard it somewhere and immediately added to my favorites playlist. Age is a great reminder of things we forgot to appreciate when we are young and dumb.

[@leemichalson4578]

My first album that I purchased with money I earned from my paper route was "Fly like an Eagle." I still love it.

[@dougthompson5449]

"Fly like an Eagle" is one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@jasperburchfield2028]

I remember having that song stuck in my head while I was riding my bike around in the summertime.

[@FredGroenke55]

Fly Like an Eagle was the theme song of my high school junior year track season.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's kind of a magical song isn't it?

[@FredGroenke55]

Inspiring.

[@ricardodc182]

How you come up with all these cool facts tying the intricate parts together is utterly amazing....my hats off to you....keep up the great work and "ROCK ON".......R

[@daleplantz6486]

Just goes to show ya. Record executives don’t know crap about music. They are wrong 1000 times more wrong than right.

[@vixstert.5642]

Right? Seems there's always a record company executive that misses the mark.

[@voiceofreason1629]

Are you watching me or something? I was just listening to a Steve Miller playlist yesterday, and here you are doing a show on him. It seems like whenever I play something, you have an episode on the band within a day or two! 😂

[@bobniehaus5053]

I love the story of Steve Miller. He was great when I was in high school in the mid 70s. I never knew he started way back in 1956. Thanks Professor!

[@randypowell3374]

My favorite Steve Miller song was Dance, Dance, Dance.

SMB is one group that I never saw back in the 80's, hopefully I'll get around to see them sometime soon. Rock on!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool.

[@RobertL_0563]

Good morning Professor and POR friends. Do your magic Professor.

[@debbie4503]

Good Morning

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My friend!

[@RobertL_0563]

​@@debbie4503Good morning, Ms. Debbie!

[@HesterMizell]

@@debbie4503 hey

[@dankreoger611]

Steve had staying power. One day in the 90's was going home from work, got a call to pick up my daughter from church camp. No problem, but, it was her and 3 friends. Pickup truck with 4 preteen girls. The Joker comes on the radio, they all in unison, word for word cranked it up. It was great.

[@peterd.9978]

Just saw them in concert a month ago in LA. We thought they were better than Journey that night!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Did they play at the same show?

[@peterd.9978]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes. It was The Steve Miller Band, Journey, and Def Leppard at SoFi Stadium.

[@geminijustgemini7784]

Living In The USA, is still one of my SMB favorites and it never gets airplay

[@dad4ever-c90]

Great songwriters seem to find inspiration from UNLIKELY sources. Steve Miller sees Diana Ross fall and writes Abracadabra. Aerosmith sees Young Frankenstein and writes Walk This Way. Axl Rose arrives in L.A. and pens Welcome to the Jungle. The most I could have turned those experiences into is a dinnertime anecdote!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Isn't that the truth!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Interesting!

[@scottinman7507]

Adam, that was a really nice, touching episode on Steve. Keep up the great work!

[@stlram5]

I like the longer version of this song rather than the radio edit. It just makes your heart pump and another that turns your foot to lead while driving! LOL

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@RBS_]

.....FINALLY, someone mentioned the LONG Version! ....the outro was COOL, Man!

[@Dr._J]

Definitely

[@Simbalion1077]

I've loved this song ever since I was a kid and it still moves the needle for me. Thank you Steve Miller for helping to feed my little phase I had with magic and magicians at that time as such a young age. I understand the lyrics better now of course, but a song that had Abracadabra in it was great for me back then. :)

[@LeadSurge3000]

🎵 *How in the world is "Fly Like An Eagle" NOT his biggest hit?* 🎶

[@JLee-zf8fm]

Amen to that Brother!

[@happyninja42]

Yeah, that's the one I would always hear on the classic rock station as a kid and mid 20s, when I still listened to the radio. Maybe the DJ at my local station just liked that song more, but it definitely got more airplay than Abracadabra.

[@billyshane3804]

You never fail to deliver Professor. Thank you for all you post, love your work.

[@LMacNeill]

I was in seventh grade when Abracadabra came out. That unique synth/guitar combo takes me back to 1982 immediately. It's like a time machine. 🙂

[@davidhinkson8856]

I recall the first time i heard "Abracadabra" on a radio station in England when i was 12 and the DJ said it was likely to become Steve Miller's biggest hit. I loved it from that moment especially the longer version. I only learned of his earlier work after Abracadabra came out.

[@ericbgordon1575]

This is easily one of those tunes I didn't catch when it was new but wish I had. In the 80s, the only Steve Miller songs I remember hearing were "The Joker" (which I confused with "For What it's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield) and "Fly Like an Eagle". I caught "Abracadabra" and most of Steve's other classics when my dad and I tuned in to classic rock radio in the 90s, but it wasn't until Strve Miller's name came up one time during a guitar lesson that I learned about the backlash coming from his longstanding followers against this song. My teacher (whose name was also Steve) said he felt let down by the pop direction that Steve Miller took in the early 80s. It doesn't bother me. I absorbed almost everything Steve was participating in back when he put this song on vinyl.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hello Eric!

[@ericbgordon1575]

It's an early autumn day in the world of rock nostalgia, Adam.

[@tammylewis2408]

People didn't understand then that many 60s and 70s artists from that era turned pop to compete with a new generation of artists who were getting exposure from MTV. Other examples include Springsteen ("Dancing in the Dark"), Heart ("These Dreams"), Bowie ("Let's Dance"), McCartney (his collaborations with Stevie Wonder ("Ebony and Ivory") and Michael Jackson ("Say, Say, Say" and "The Girl is Mine")), Grateful Dead ("Touch of Grey" their first and only #1 hit, and that introduced new generations to the band), and Jefferson Starship ("We Built This City", I know it was voted the "worst rock song", and "Sara",). Steve Miller's "Abracadabra" showed that you can still be true to your sound and produce a pop record, though people didn't see that until it was revived thru the classic rock genre.

[@sixtoseven7563]

Saw SMB couple times in early 2000s, they remain among the best I've ever seen. After playing his 60s hits, he plays his 70s hits and people go insane. Everybody singing along to every word, handclap, every song. Then it's Abacadabra and same. They were as happy, joyful shows I've seen.

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

Great music history lesson once again. So many connections I never knew. Thank you. ☕️☕️🎶🎵🎶

[@HesterMizell]

@@Jims_Camera_at_dawn hey

[@HesterMizell]

@@Jims_Camera_at_dawn hey

[@WorgenGrrl]

"Abracadabra" is still one of my favorite 80s songs and music videos. It's also one of my go-tos on Karaoke nights.

[@mowm88]

His 1986 album w/ I Wanna make the World Turn around was really good, Living in the 20th Century. It didn't do that much for him but it Was nice.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool.

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

I was never a big fan but Abracadabra was one of his best imo. What I really appreciate are the stories of these legends. How their experiences affected their lives and careers in an industry that can be so hit and miss. Great storytelling!

[@Whisper_292]

I saw Steve Miller in the 90s when he was touring as part of the Grateful Dead. Amazing guitarist.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool

[@FredGroenke55]

He doesn’t get enough credit as a guitarist, imo.

[@vitaminB17]

he opened for them, wasn't really a part of the band.

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

My Wife and I saw him at the Nationwide Arena Columbus, Oh. Nov 15, 2008. The day before my 42 birthday. Great show.

[@Whisper_292]

@@vitaminB17 In the show I saw, he actually played with them, too.

[@Tora-no-shi]

This reminds me of an argument I had not long ago. I had said that Abracadabra was by Steve Miller and the guy I was with said that there was no way. Then again, he didn't believe that One was by the Bee Gees. It almost came to fists on the guys part. I am glad for a mutual friend backing me up. It was her collection we were listening to at the time.

[@mikeyates7931]

FUN FACT : the word , Abracadabra is a dumbed down / slanged down form of the word , Abraxas , an ancient Egyptian word that was used by the gnostic sect in their rituals

[@WayneBraack]

Is that urban legend or is there actually some academic references to that?

[@RobertL_0563]

I always enjoyed Steve Miller's tunes; Abracadabra was perfect for 1982 with its catchy hook. In '88, I started a DJ co. named "Abracadabra DJs - Playing the magic of music and so much more" because of today's song.

[@williambenner701]

I don't think I have ever been this early! Am I actually first?🤔 Steven Miller and Chuck Berry together!😮😮

[@joshuagibson2520]

No. Not even close.

[@everythingthathinders6922]

Maybe not the first, but definitely one of the first! 😊

[@noizeemama3697]

I love that you have Dave Brubeck in the background. It makes me giddy every time.

[@JAFO.]

@noizeemama3697 - I know what you mean, sometimes I get all giddy and have to sit down and take 5

[@Doadab13]

My sleep swings have lined up with you putting out content. Loved Steve Miller band. Almost yacht rock.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool!

[@philkane4390]

Another great story, thanks Adam

[@BrentCox-m3r]

Think his tape was always in my 8-track when I got in my car!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@HesterMizell]

@@BrentCox-m3r hey

[@Ranter06]

Just caught SMB on the road with Journey and Def Lepard and at 80 he's still got it! He can still stir it up and plays like the old pro he is. I was in high school when MTV took off and this was one of my favorite videos.

[@thebunter]

"Classic Rock" the definition of which is: When music was great.

[@JimiBurleigh]

I met Steve at Kaye-Smith in Seattle. I think they were working on tracks for Fly Like an Eagle at the time. I did some work for him at the house in Medina Washington. My impression was that Steve was a great guy. Very, very intelligent man. Did you know that the "Kaye" in Kaye-Smith is the legendary American actor Danny Kaye? In 1976-77 Kaye was one of the original members of the ownership team of the Seattle Mariners baseball organization. If you haven't seen "The Court Jester", you should. From 1955 starring Kaye along with a young Angela Lansbury, Glynis Johns (Mrs Banks in "Mary Poppins"), Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Alan Napier (Alfred the butler in the 1966 Batman TV show) and John Carradine (father of David and Keith).

[@TheClapper4]

Abracadabra was a super song with black panties and an angel face a remembered lyric

[@KamasKirian716]

I loved listening to Steve Miller. I really remember the 1982 Atlanta Braves video using Abracadabra for a promotion.

[@flavellinator]

Steve Miller is outlasting a lot of classic rockers on the touring front right now....

[@ProfessorofRock]

indeed he is!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I think I need to see him.

[@thomasfritsch3536]

❤love him he doesn't have a bad song on any album play them back to back they just back he is a master of sound criminally underrated thanks for this

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

[@Meditech509]

Have a great day Prof.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Oh man! Meditech you go back to the very beginning! How are ya?

[@simonharvey6769]

Thank you so much Professor! I’ve been waiting for an episode about this ❤ Great song

[@57WillysCJ]

You had to be careful who you reached out to grab when the song was playing. Greatest Steve Miller moment for me is I am listening to Fly Like An Eagle while driving along a lakeshore. I turn to look at the lake and an eagle swoops in to catch a fish and fly off.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I would never want to reach out and grab anyone to this song.

[@HesterMizell]

@@57WillysCJ hey

[@HesterMizell]

@@ProfessorofRock hey professor I like ya stuffs

[@robf6105]

Reaching out and grabbing someone is a class A felony in some parts.

[@michaelwilsonbarber]

Prof, I had Abracadabra on 45 and still have it today. I listened to this record over and over again while playing esp. Intellivision Night Stalker.

[@lbbork]

Steve is from Madison, Wisconsin :~)

[@blebhan8213]

He was also Mayor of Cincinnati.

[@bobdavis4848]

No, he's from Milwaukee, Wisconsin...and his mother's womb.

[@badgerpa9]

He was born in Milwaukee, moved about 1950 to around Dallas through high school, went to University of Wisconsin Madison for college. He use to play at the Green in Middleton.

[@jediskyler2457]

This was always my favorite Steve Miller song. Child of the 80's certified!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Abracadabra is an ancient word in Aramaic, Hebrew Babylonian which means I create as I speak! 🌈🌈🌈🌠 The More You Know!

[@jimmyramone7396]

Back on the Saddle again Natually 🐎🐴

[@guntherdawg]

@@jimmyramone7396 welcome back, Constipated naturally! 😂

[@eleanorlaurent2303]

Abracadabra instantly takes me back to a specific walk through town in the 7th or 8th grade, with my best friend. We were going to hang out with our crushes who were brothers. Gorgeous sunny day in Georgia, and we were just walking and talking about our favorite songs of the week and what cassettes we might get at the mall on Saturday 🩷

[@blebhan8213]

That Jerry Springer sure can rock!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Huh?

[@blebhan8213]

@@ProfessorofRock Present-day Steve Miller bears a striking resemblance to Jerry Springer

[@ghana312]

So good to see Steve Miller here! Admired that man since i first heard him as a teenager. Guitar is great but I fell in love with his beautiful voice and had all the albums. Nice to see in the comments that he’s still touring.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I remember having BBQ with Steve Miller Chuck Barry and BB King 🤴 that was a momentous event in a life filled with great moments!🤔

[@ProfessorofRock]

WoW! Tell us more!

[@bobdavis4848]

Congratulations, constipated! But I bet Chuck Berry didn't misspell his last name in his autograph to you, right? :-) Have a concentratedly fantastic day!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@ProfessorofRock They were here in Las Vegas BB king Chuck Barry would always come to Vegas and eat at the best soul Food place in town called Uncle Bens. Steve Miller was performing that night so I persuaded a disc Jockey from another station to feed Steve Miller some BBQ so 3 tour busses pulled into the parking lot . They jammed for like 3 hours. You would be surprised at how well each and everyone completed one another's skills. I wanted to join in. But I didn't want to embarrass myself. So I ate 2 helpings of catfish Collards and BBQ ribs brisket macaroni salad 🥗 mac and cheese! 🧀

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@bobdavis4848 Autocorrect sorry 😞at 1st it said Chuck Barris do you remember him?

[@guntherdawg]

@@bobdavis4848 backs with teh blobs agains, naturally! Welcomes backs, Beatsmastered Bobs! 🥳

[@gaufrid1956]

My wife and I and our best friend will be singing on our videoke here at home in Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao Philippines tomorrow. I'm definitely going to sing "Abracadabra". Especially now that I know the story behind the song. Thanks again Adam for a great video!

[@TheTrumpReaper]

I heart me some Steve Miller. I was introduced to him as a kid after seeing the video for Bongo Bongo (!).

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@michaelziebarth711]

LOVED Abra! Was in Europe in 82 and it was a huge hit there at the time! That song along with swingtown are my favorite two from that band!!

[@tnrodgers]

I liked Abracadabra. Solid song from the legend. The radio just didn’t play it much. Like Steve, I really don’t care if the label doesn’t like it. He rocks! Thanks Adam.

[@SHARKVADERS]

P...O...R...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LynnThompsonAuthor]

I always liked this song, and actually liked that it was a little different from his earlier hits, which I had also liked. Not every band that was big in the '70s could adapt to the changes taking place in music in the '80s. I liked the chord transitions in this song, and the rhyming of "grab ya" with "abracadabra" also gave me a little chuckle.

[@christineml1476]

Love Steve Miller - "Book of Dreams" is a modern day masterpiece.

[@ProfessorofRock]

LOve it!

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

My brother had it on 8-track.

[@alexnejako777]

I really like Steve's 80s work. He had a number of songs that gave him space to play. Abracadabra still pleases people even if they've never heard it. Sugar ray did a great cover.

[@txrojas]

I remember when Abracadabra came out I was like “What the hell is this?” 40 years later I’m like “What the hell was that?” Horrible song.

[@SpeedbirdHeavy]

'Abra abracadabra, I wanna reach out and grab ya' - surely one of the most lyrical lines of all time 😂😂

[@Soulreaver6]

And still 100 times better than "We built this city"

[@timfarney5165]

I don't think it's horrible - but I never cared for it, either.

[@derekgusoff6768]

I guess that song didn't reach out and grab ya