THIS Song was #1 in The 70s & 80s, Here's the Story From The Artist | Professor of Rock

[@richmanz447]

It's great channels like this that put music magazines and MTV out of business. Good work Professor.

[@jmeditate]

Love this channel!!!

[@robertleath9913]

MTV put itself out of business by not playing music anymore

[@ajb2173]

@@robertleath9913 truth!!

[@RickHawkDavison]

It's a shame our MTV isn't todays MTV. Thank God for Prof. Our History keeper.

[@Kandorr617]

In another universe somewhere the Professor of Rock hosts this show on MTV

[@djh65]

I love that The Professor of Rock just allows the artist to tell their story. He doesn't interject, and is humble to the point of steering the conversation away from any praise directed at him. That is rare these days. He is pure class!

[@johnpresnell]

I looked at the video’s length and started watching reluctantly. However, his passion and enthusiasm just pulled me in and time disappeared! I’m a big fan of this channel, and this ranks up there as one of your best interviews!

[@bubot17]

Same here

[@3rdandzen97]

Yes!! All of this!

[@stormfield9431]

agreed

[@DefaultName-yw6sr]

Same

[@bones549]

Same here

[@paulcolbourne9112]

Rupert looks great for his age. He's also got a very engaging, intereresting and straightforward way of telling a story. He made the story behind this song fascinating to listen to. Seems like a fun guy too.

[@brianwest2775]

It was so compelling! Like he was telling it for the first time, yet you know that he's told it many dozens of times before.

[@joe44850]

Great interview. I can't get over how much space he gives his guests. At one point, from about 7:50 until 20:50, he doesn't interrupt Holmes's flow at all, just lets him talk. This is so rare, and was a lot of fun to listen to.

[@loubro2372]

He lets us listen to the story teller. POR knows they are they story, not himself. POR does it right!

[@robtucker6303]

This channel is the example of the best part of KZbin.

[@TheNinnyfee]

Rupert Holmes is such a wonderful articulate artist. He explained the song so well and now I will never let it wash over me again. That interview was really precious and from the heart.

[@vootee1]

I felt exactly the same way. Rupert is a very endearing guy.

[@petegrigor7298]

Absolutely agree! 👍

[@brianwest2775]

The Professor barely needed to ask a question! Surely Rupert has told this story before but it feels like he is telling it for the first time. I certainly don't remember that much detail of something that I did 50 years ago, but I also don't have any #1 hits. :D

[@jmua8450]

A criminally underrated songwriter. Very witty and with outstanding melodies.

[@farfromperfek]

It was a song I never really liked as I grew up and turned to rock. But now when I hear it takes me back to me my sister walking down the road singing the song when we were kids. She passed away 10 years ago of cancer and this song brings me joy and tears now.

[@andyjulia]

I love how a song can do that.

[@kdar93]

Sorry about your sister

[@rickantolic9233]

Your comment here brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing that.

[@stevenjschuler1169]

This song takes me back to junior high when I started learning the love of music and I’m 55 now and I’m a vocalist and bassist. Music takes us back to the day we heard it.

[@Rita-yw2tn]

I’m so sorry for your loss 😢

[@HelluvaPatriot]

OMG! The simplicity of just allowing a guest to just talk and the interviewer not interrupting resonated throughout. It's absolutely satisfying. I love how Rupert Holmes says to the effect that music can be able to allow someone to time travel. You can see and hear his emotion by doing just that in this interview. Awesome channel.

[@QueChingar]

This man is completely captivating telling a story about one time when he told a story.

[@TheMirolab]

I never thought I'd sit through a 34 minute doc on the Pina Colada song..... what a great escape! I hated the song as a 14-year old kid, but it brings back good memories now.

[@trsidn]

right? I wasn't a huge fan of the song (but didn't hate it)... but the memories are pretty good. Ah to be young.....

[@theodoreritola9758]

ROCK WITH YOU by MJ was RELEASED IN AUGUST OF 1979 TOTALY 70s ,,

[@ricomajestic]

It is one of those songs that grows on you once you carefully listen to the lyrics. It is an odd but cute little story!

[@kingperalta]

Never really liked this song, but I love "Him" from that album.

[@billkeithchannel]

@@kingperalta Rupert would really like to hear that.

[@MelaninMonarchy]

Prof, this is like THE BEST interview you've done. It was such a joy to watch. Extremely encouraging for artists.

[@tkkcali]

I’m still baffled why the so called professor of rock interviewed a schmaltzy pop song writer. These aren’t even halfway decent pop songs much less rock

[@buckshot_V]

@@tkkcali prof of Rock goes for the songs that mean something to him and helped shape is musical taste, I think. He always finds a personal connection to the song. And he is right to do that because that is what all art is about. With this song, what is interesting is it takes me back, not necessarily to the first time I heard it, but the first time I got it. Like got the story. No this song was probably not played on the FM album rock channel very much but back in the day it played on the same AM station I listened to for the popular Rock songs. And we listened to it and enjoyed it waiting for Journey, Cheap Trick, Pink Floyd, what have you.

[@tkkcali]

@@buckshot_V I’m sorry, but if this song helped him shape his musical taste then he has no taste. But he does have taste. That’s why I’m baffled. I invite you to listen to the songs Him and Answering Machine by Rupert Holmes. Really bad pop. Maybe because he just got wind he could get a free interview from Rupert Holmes? What’s next. Gilbert O’Sullivan? The DiFranco Family? I heard muskrat love by the captain and tenille on top 40 pop stations in between journey and Pink Floyd too. What can I say I related to the muskrats. (Eye roll)Tuned it out though. Thought it was so bad it was amusing. Kind of like Escape. Please do me a favor and listen to Rupert Holmes Answering Machine on KZbin. I believe it was also on the same tour de force ground breaking album as Escape. I bet you can’t listen to the whole song without rolling your eyes. It’s like they it should be in a Lawrence welk vignette

[@redstang5150]

@@tkkcali and neither of those songs were as big, nor were they the topic of this video. Many great artists/bands turn out cheesy crap on some albums - so what? Escape is iconic and a cultural phenomenon whether you like it or not.

[@tkkcali]

@@redstang5150. Escape Is iconic because incredibly bad. It’s not better than any of the other crap on this album. The baby shark song is iconic because it has the most KZbin hits ever. Does that make it good ? no! Just because something is “popular” does not make it iconic. Mambo number 5 was very popular. Iconic ? No. I could go on and on

[@markfryer9880]

Professor, this would have to rank as one of your best interviews ever. It was great how you let Rupert tell his story with only the occasional question from you. The way Rupert tells it Escape (Pina Colada) could so very easily have been just another song but instead it's sort of a world wide touchstone for people and it means different things to different people. I found the comment about how he watches the faces of the audience as the song plays to be really interesting.

[@XaviClot]

One of the best interviews I've ever watched. Great interviewer, great guest, great subject. Listening to this I really feel this guy deserve all the millions pouring on him from royalties. He put light and joy to millions of people's lives!!!

[@gregmize01]

This is simply one of the best musician interviews of all time. Thanks to The Professor of ROCK!

[@Joliepinkyswear1]

I really enjoyed this interview. He is a great story teller and you can see how much he loves what he does. I also love that you let him tell his stories without cutting him off. A lot of interviewers seem so rushed and barely let the person finish their thoughts.

[@gunsite45]

Totally agree! I loved hearing the uninterrupted details of the story. So cool. What talent

[@tkkcali]

Okay. Go listen to answering machine. By Rupert Holmes. It’s the height of bad songs!!!!!

[@latentsea]

Tkkcalu, Are you cereal? If you R, Go listen to Natural Science. If you not try s Pina Colada or getting caught in the rain...

[@DefaultName-yw6sr]

Well said.

[@tkkcali]

@@latentsea I forgot. Rupert Holmes lunch hour. Far worse

[@adrianfaorlin7653]

I remember the first time I heard this song. Sitting in the back seat of the car with dad driving, mum in the passenger seat and my sister in the back with me. What I heard was "If you Like being a Koala" Everyone cracked up laughing. That's what I sing to this day!

[@bodgertime]

Call Weird Al

[@Lisarata]

Love it. I like being a koala, and getting caught in the rain.

[@kev3inp]

And now each time I hear it I will sing that line, too. Thanks for the belly laugh.

[@marla591]

Love this story! Thanks for sharing, so cute!

[@DemsRinsane]

“Songs are time travel”... exactly!

[@Jerpal1966]

Of all the "Professor of Rock" interviews I've watched, so far, this is the absolute best.

[@WalkawayyyRenee]

1970’s. As someone who graduated HS in 1979, I have never let go of the seventies anyway. They live forever, especially the music!

[@c.e.anderson558]

1977 here. We didn't know we had it so good. We took all these historic albums for granted. The soundtrack of my youth .

[@Meditech509]

He is the absolute best at telling his own story. I was glued to every word.

[@mikearcuri406]

Al Stewart’s “Year of the Cat” was also a song that had a completely different lyric initially. Al has told the fascinating story behind the song to other interviewers, but your platform could really do it justice!

[@T2tac]

Yea very good song

[@izregistered]

A song that brings back vivid memories

[@billkeithchannel]

He did a video with Al about that song.

[@jodidavis6595]

One of two of my all time favs from the 70’s

[@christopherthrailkill5563]

What a great interviewer. Way to let the man tell a story. Outstanding. Absolutely great story and interview. I’m going to have a pina colada.

[@GreyMatterStew]

This song is a dear old friend that you're always happy to see (hear). Bad memories just won't stick to it.

[@robbygee2539]

This has got to be the best interview I have ever seen anywhere. Amazing story about an amazing song by an amazing artist. It don't get any better than that!!!

[@smdias65]

For a long time, I just dismissed the song as being about infidelity (and it just happens that these people are going to cheat on other with each other). It was nice to get his perspective: that the song actually speaks against our disposable society. Kudos!

[@clarkduffe1268]

His "Terminal" was about infidelity.

[@dranet47]

This was the song everyone hated publicly but inside they really loved it.

[@Mooseman327]

Nope. I hated it inside and out. Horrible song.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Uhhmmm...that would be a no. Hated it then. Hate it now. 👎😡

[@jeffharness4392]

I hated it then as a 17 year old and I still do. It's one of the worst songs of all time. But, really interesting interview.

[@misskim2058]

Nobody I knew hated it. I usually hate the most popular pop songs, but I liked this one from the start. Probably because it was straight up truth.

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

I hated it as a little kid, but i really appreciate it since i got the clue as a teenager.

[@kimberelydavis379]

You and Rupert nailed that interview! He explained those emotions hearing that song, to a tee! Such a fantastic story! 😎

[@larryronkq586]

THIS WAS A HUGE HIT B4 THE 80s EVER STATRTED,, screw number 1

[@gramophone78rpm]

Rupert is a true class act, he tells the story about the drummer who did a sloppy take and collapsed, but out of respect avoids naming him (the great Steve Jordan). Always a pleasure to hear the man talking, wonderful storyteller, great interview!

[@paul8926]

My favorite from Rupert Holmes was “Him...Him...Him...what’s she gonna do about him?” Great song !

[@nopainlorraine1128]

Yes!

[@JW-ke9ed]

Rupert Holmes seems like a genuinely nice person and so glad to hear straight from the source how this song was created. Every time I hear this song, it transports me back to my senior year of high school in Hershey, PA, class of 1980, so to me, it is a hit of the 70s and 80s.

[@theodoreritola9758]

f the 80s are all the songs from 79 80s ?n I guess the songs from 89 are 90s songs then LIKE LOVE SHAQ CFAME OUT IN THE SUMMER OF 89 Its a 90s song

[@ansapo]

I was workig at Hersheypark during the summers of '79 and '80. I operated a ride where we played music - and The Pina Coloda Song was always blaring out of those speakers.

[@JW-ke9ed]

@@ansapo I attended the Milton Hershey School and at that time, Hersheypark was one of the few places we could visit that had music blasting over their speakers. To be in your teens/early 20s from the 70s into the 80s was the best.

[@peterborchers410]

I feel sorry for every person who missed the 1980s and their music.

[@petegrigor7298]

You mean the 70s ? (grin) 😏

[@kenperk9854]

@@petegrigor7298 tHE 80S WERE THE seventies little brother without much talent

[@judevenalian5008]

You mean people who died before the 80s came along? Because everyone since has it...

[@paulferdyn1738]

Professor, you are such a great listener, you really let these artists tell you exactly what happened , listening is so important, great video, thank you

[@rrjcavallo]

It takes me back 32 years. Fantastic!!!!

[@vmoutsop]

I was 15yrs old working in the kitchen of our family restaurant in Florida, which to me, was hell for a teenager. This song would take me away and give me a few minutes of being at the beach, surfing and being care free, then my Dad or Uncle would slap me on the back of my head and tell me to get back to work.

[@Cotronixco]

Try a huge dairy farm.

[@sammysoppy3361]

Rupert looks like if your high school math teacher became a pop star

[@TheChristianherud]

You mean like being a teacher for english and music and become Sting?

[@772301184]

Same with Phil Collins.

[@sammysoppy3361]

@@TheChristianherud oh god but Sting was.... another level of hot. hot teacher. lol

[@joefunsmith]

I have a good friend whose (English?) teacher was a member of M, the group who hit with "Pop Musik."

[@tkkcali]

Yeah high school math teacher who makes 💩music. Listen to the album! Hello? Him. Lunch hour. Answering machine. Bad bad bad bad songs

[@jennxnationWv]

My granddaughter is 18 months, I've spent 17 months playing and singing "we will rock you" She now claps with the beat and I hope this is the first song she remembers. i am doing my part to mold a future rock fan 🤘

[@crusheverything4449]

Please keep her as far away as possible from The Pina Colada Song.

[@LazyIRanch]

@@crusheverything4449Oh Lordy please! Also stay clear of "Having My Baby", "Billy, Don't Be A Hero", "You Light Up My Life", and several others from the 70s.

[@RonKris]

Fantastic interview! Thanks, Adam, I would have never know the back story of this song without your interview. Also, thanks for allowing the artist to speak with little interruptions; it really shows your skill as an interviewer. You ask poignant questions and they add so much to the session.

[@boobalangimedia3580]

To me it is absolutely a 70s song! That’s when it came out, I was a teenager, I love how you talk about music being a time machine, I’ve always said that, amazing how a song can create a wormhole that takes you back to a time and place. Great interview, great story, great song!

[@martinsane]

Very cool interview. Lightning in a bottle for Rupert it sounds like hearing him describe how it all fell into place. I think its funny he mentions that "no its not going to be a single" and it turns out its his signature song. Rupert seems like a real humble likeable human, good stuff.

[@laudanum669]

I'm a 56 year old Metal Head but I love this song along with many other soft rock songs from the 70's. Thanks, great interview.

[@danward48]

I absolutely love that the Professor plays a short clip of every song or movie that's mentioned. It really adds to the color of the conversation.

[@Terrahoskins]

Totally agree! It adds personality.

[@robertdc2890]

Absolutely, this is one of the best interviews of the rock professor. It glued me to my seat, man, from start to finish.

[@77SunsetWest]

I debuted Escape on US1 Radio in Philadelphia and as soon as it started to play the phones rang constantly. Everyone wanted to hear that Pina Colada song again. It was the most requested song at the station for the two years I was there. We also gave promo copies of the album over the weekend to listeners. Great song, everyone loved it. Great interview as well, thanks.

[@JerryGreuel]

Professor, what an amazing interview! Rupert was so open and candid about how this song came to be. I loved hearing the story told by the man himself. You were very gracious to let him have the space to completely tell his story! I rate this video the #1 KZbin video of the week! You’re channel is fantastic and I hope you continue doing these for decades to come! Thank you!! 😊

[@keithdoran89]

You can tell the emotional attachment he has to his songs and his music. He was a great interview-such detail behind the lyrics, arrangement, and music. Thanks!

[@rick4electric]

This episode shows people exactly what an interview is and how to conduct it! You are there to initialize a conversation with the audience and just let it unfold naturally. Interjecting a new thought only when the artist has completed their's, so that the conversation never lags. You do this better than almost all the interviewers out there! Keep up the great work!

[@tiffanytaylor5295]

Omg!!! My Dad is the Yacht Rock 💘 I grew up with theses songs! Summers in the 79 Cobra Mustang I was 3 yrs old

[@johnpaulgarrett1]

That interview was an emotional journey shared by Rupert, The Professor, and anyone lucky enough to have heard his song when it first hit the airwaves. BRAVO!

[@mattpovah5952]

What I love about Professor of Rock videos is how he gets the artists to open up and really tell such interesting stories about the creative process. This one is particularly enjoyable to listen to. Keep up the great work!

[@mws755]

He didn't have to do much to open Rupert up lol He just say back and listened

[@richnovek107]

This is such a great 70’s song! It’s like the old Dan Fogelberg song Another Auld Lang Syne, a story that unfolds before you as your listening to it and then when you hear it anytime after that, even though you already know the whole story, it takes you back to the way you felt the first time you heard it. Thank you professor, this is the kind of interview I love where we get the entire backstory behind all these great classic songs. And the questions you ask are always the ones I’d want to ask. And though he looks like a nerd in all those old videos, it’s cool to know that Rupert really is a down to earth and very talented artist.

[@jennybarcrg]

Mr. rock you are the most incredible interview host I love how you allow your guests answer questions make comments for as long as they need and never interrupt them

[@jdavis417]

One of the best Prof. of Rock interviews I've seen. When you get a guy like Rupert Holmes (AHS class of '64) you just let him talk and don't interrupt... HE's the storyteller! ;)

[@cidDraGonFly]

Great interview, the artist explains every little nuance, last minute decision, and total love for creating! Fantastic! I'm trying to write songs and I absolutely love hearing these stories. It gives me hope and inspiration in this "instant digital age" that something might stick and become a part of peoples lives.

[@Brandysky1]

Best wishes for your 🎶 future!

[@edwardking1312]

My 12 year old just played me that song - as if I’d never heard it.

[@kimnewton1205]

My 25 yr old has done this to me all his life. Still does. Always surprised to hear me sing along. LoL. He gets so frustrated.

[@alleyoop4465]

@@kimnewton1205 LOL, I thought this only happened to me.

[@Terrahoskins]

Omg 😂🤦‍♀️

[@DazyZ]

Adored this interview...all your interviews! A fun campy song with a cool background story. Love all the trivia and info you bring out Professor, and your articulate, passionate description of all the music you discuss. Great channel, totally hooked!

[@randalrides]

This video pulled me in just like the song does! Rupert’s enthusiasm for music, and sheer wonderment that he hit on something that has been so lasting. He is so genuine in his emotion, just as music used to be (and still can be, under all the autotune.) This song takes me back to riding in my parents car driving to our lake house when I was 10. It was always cold there- no Pina Coladas unless it was August! Thank you for this wonderful deep-dive!! 👍🏼✊🏼🤘🏼

[@amyhenke4862]

This song started every road trip my daughter and I took all through her high school years on our way to her softball tournaments. She's now grown and married, living in another state. Anytime one of us hears this song, we snapchat it to each other. Happy memories.

[@puffeiffer]

Love this guy. He’s part of my youth, when I think back to it.

[@howieroseman3048]

One of my favorite interviews. Escape is DEFINITELY a 1970’s song! It takes me back to a 13 year old living on Long Island, my Bar Mitzvah & I had the sheet music & learned it & can still play it on my guitar! One of my favorite “throwbacks” to play! This song lives with me forever. No other humans will ever get to hear it for the first time in the 1970’s sung by Rupert. Thank you both for this interview!

[@brandonerickson5188]

Always loved the song. Rupert's story of the genesis of this song is amazing. Really enjoyed this interview. Well done!

[@fivestring65ify]

This is a great interview. Episodes like this are the best. As a musician and writer myself, I love hearing how these classics came together. More please.

[@susansapp646]

What a wonderful Man, Rupert Holmes ! ESCAPE still takes me Away to a Time of Youthfulness, Young Love, and a Carefree Life. Thank You Rupert Holmes for all the Great Memories. You are such a Delightful, Genuine, Man. Thank You Professor Of Rock, I Love Your Channel !!!!

[@senyum76]

For me, this IS THE BEST interview EVER of an artiste & his song, Brought tears to my eyes as he describes the writing & recording process, then when featured in the various movies/tv moments and finally, his revelations of observing the audience as he sang the song. The icing on the cake was having Barbra sing his song! This certainly took away my same opinion when I watched your interview with Pat Leonard re Live To Tell.... Thanks for this ! Sure made my Saturday and weekend sweet like Pina Colada !!!!

[@johnsowell423]

Hey Professor! When I first paid attention to the tune, I was 15 years old, and was listening to Casey Kasem and American Top 40 count down the top tunes of 1980, where "Escape" landed at #13 for the year. At the time, I wasn't aware that it moved into #1 the week ending 12/22/79, and moved back up to the top the week end 1/12/80. So to answer your question, for that reason, I'd consider it an 80's tune. But it does transcend the 70's and the 80's beautifully. Few artists could really do that well. Billy Joel was one. Just my $.02

[@hughmoore3251]

It's amazing to me how many classic, timeless songs came together in the last moments, often under pressure. Always enjoy this song when it comes on. You're right - Those first few beats instantly transport you. Great interview. Thanks.

[@5roundsrapid263]

Especially “Under Pressure”! 😁

[@heavychevy383]

rupurt seems like such a nice fella, great interview man! & i think "the professor of rock" should be listed as a controlled substance... because i am addicted (ba-da-bump) thanx professor & god bless dude

[@heavychevy383]

@Busta Speeker haha! ...i like the "busta speeker" thats a cool name ...& ur right, the 383 was a mopar engine size, but my small block chevy has been bored & stroked from a 350 cubic inch to 383 cubic inches

[@heavychevy383]

@Busta Speeker ...shes sittin a 71 monte carlo, a car that ive had for 30+ years... & yeah man, ur moniker, lay it on me ...whered the busta speeker come from?

[@LivingOnCash]

@@heavychevy383 I already commented on this video but had to reply to yours. When this song came out I had a buddy that had a '70 Monte Carlo, Hugger orange with a 454 and Turbo 400. Of course it was jacked up in the back with M50's and Cragar SS mags. It was a P/W, PDL, A/C car and kind of a luxury muscle car. Great car to cruise around in because it was comfortable and still pretty fast. I keep looking for a clean early MC but they are pretty hard to find now and nice ones are pretty pricey. Congratulations on you keeping yours for over 30 years. Don't ever sell it!

[@heavychevy383]

@@LivingOnCash thanx man ...ur buddys car sounds like its right up my alley, im definitely hip on the old school look... it may seem odd to some that a post about music ends up with fellas talkin bout cars... but i think, much to ur point, that cars & music go hand in hand ...thanx buddy, & hope yall have a blessed day

[@LivingOnCash]

@@heavychevy383 Thanks! I think music of the 70's (and 60's) and cars definitely go hand in hand. If you were around back then you know how cruising with the radio was such a big part of our lives. Watch (my all time favorite movie) American Graffiti or even Dazed And Confused to get s feel of the times. Sure wish I could turn the clock back!

[@texasray7301]

One of my favorite songs, both 70's and 80's🙂👍

[@SamichHunter]

Lovin the channel! You do a great job of bringing background to my childhood memories. And I consider the 70's, 80's, and 90's my childhood because I had to do a LOT of growing up in each of those decades! (Weird thing is, in my mind I'm still in my mid twenties... LOL) The music of this time just brings me joy. My parents tell me I was way older than my age and looking back I think they were right. (If you ask me IRL I'll deny it!!) So I think for me, when I hear these songs I get to go back and enjoy my youth in a way I never did as a kid. Thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos for us. It is appreciated.

[@Canady182]

Man, he seems like a really down-to-Earth dude. I think Escape is probably the definitive Yacht Rock song, maybe alongside Brandy... Just a song that feels so damn good, and like you guys discussed it teleports you to such a wonderful time and place. I think musicians and songs that have the power to do that are some of the greatest ever composed.

[@jaydiddy0045]

Rupert: "It's a huge list... I don't have the list with me." Adam: "Nice Guys, American Splendor, Better Call Saul...."

[@broncodeviltexas]

Always amazed me the guy wrote "Timothy" and 10 years later had this smash. Those vocal changes really make it have more punch. Rupert sounds like a great guy 🎶👍

[@5roundsrapid263]

I wondered if anyone was going to mention “Timothy”! Yet another song Rupert didn’t think much of at first, but the label loved.

[@barbarabavier675]

FINALLY! Someone else who remembers Timothy!

[@larrylancaster7877]

Wow did not realise that was Rupert Holme... My sisters had the 45 how sick is that... "God, What did we do" Same sister that 10 years later got me the "Night Owls" album

[@rayquintal403]

This was my wedding song of my first marriage. The weather that day was crazy. It been raining and windy. Than just for a short moment it stopped than sun shining and warm I set the song up on cue and we had our dance to this song. The same song that was our first song we heard together at a dinner.

[@rick4electric]

Now that I watched the artist explain the origin of the song, I can listen to it with more feeling than ever before! It went from being a two dimensional experience to a three dimentional one in thirty minutes. The song is very inspirational now! Thanks for the insight!

[@tbolick]

Probably the thing that surprised me the most was how much he still likes the song and the story behind it. Just like actors hate it when they get typecast or stuck in one role, this is the kind of thing where it's "Oh you're that guy" for millions of people. But he enjoys that fact, and owns it. He looks super happy to tell the story and revel in the song again. And it makes so much sense that the cut we know was the first one, because in a way, he, like us, is discovering the song for the first time.

[@marla591]

Can't believe it, but his storytelling ability has me riveted! I sat and watched this video all the way through...next, I need to find out what tv shows Homles has written for!

[@davidteague5461]

If someone doesn’t like this song I can’t be friends with them!!!!! This is a great feel good song. With a story. Loved it from childhood. . Thanks for the memories.

[@mrcarrino]

I always thought the saddest Christmas song ever was “Christmas Shoes”. It’s cut-your-wrists sad. But when Rupert said the name of the saddest song to him, the title alone made it the all-time winner. Wow! Plus, Rupert is very talented - for sure.

[@submandave1125]

So you've never heard the Tiny Tim classic, "Santa Clause Has Got the AIDS This Year?" Yes, it's really a song.

[@blackphillip8486]

@@submandave1125 no!!! For real?!? I just watched a video about him on YT yesterday! So sad the way he went out.

[@submandave1125]

@@blackphillip8486 Who, Santa or Tiny Tim? In the song Santa actually says "I think I'll feel better next year." Apparently, Tiny Tim had heard about AIDS but didn't really pay attention to how serious it really was until after the song had already been released. Or so he said.

[@coolnegative]

Right? First time I heard Christmas Shoes.......I WAS DRIVING! I had to pull over...

[@kanesanders6669]

The saddest Christmas song I've ever heard also happens to be my earliest musical memory. I was about three and a half when the song "Santa never made it Darwin" came out and was a hit in 1975. A cyclone had hit Darwin on Christmas Eve 1974 and killed seventy one people and left 80% of the population homeless. "Santa never made it to Darwin, a big wind came and blew the town away"

[@MiguelRamosLIve]

I frequently visit your channel and enjoy learning about my favorite groups, singers and songs. This is the first time I've felt so elated by your guest and the story behind his song. Thanks to both!!

[@davidbrooks6599]

This is one of my favourite interviews that you’ve done. Great job!

[@ronwilliams1094]

The Professor of Rock should’ve been a record producer. His love for music and understanding of hit melodies would have guaranteed a slew of #1s for some lucky artists.

[@zackamanda9799]

This is one of your best artist you had on your show. At first I was like 34 minute video ? , but I could of easily listened for another 34 minutes. I look forward to your videos everyday , keep up the great work.

[@zackamanda9799]

@Airborne Poet LOL !!!!! No , just my favorite guitar player from my favorite band.

[@Worthrhetime]

That was an amazing interview, very cool story. Well done professor, capturing the story forever . Thank you

[@hazelmaylebrun6243]

I turned 15 as this song came out. It was everywhere and I was a fan of it and of other songs like Him as well. But, I never got to see an interview with Rupert Holmes before and I love the story of how this song came to be. It means even more to me because I'm a songwriter too and I totally 'get' how a song can evolve in that way and how sometimes the first take has the most energy in it. Sometimes it doesn't, but sometimes, that first take when you are falling in love with the song you just created is very magical and if you can capture it on a recording, that's fantastic.

[@petehatzakos]

I just heard this song over the local super market pa system. I love the fact that you let Rupert Holmes go into depth of the making of this song! I enjoyed listening to all of this! Especially the details of the recording the song in the studio at that Radio City Music Hall studio. Thank you Rupert for sharing your story with us.

[@MrVasile]

What an amazing interview! Rupert is awesome, and incredibly talented. Professor scores again!

[@traci4187]

I remember both of his hits, and associate both with the '70s. I also find it amusing that so many people actually scoff at "Escape", but literally every single person knows it.

[@coug96fan]

Fabulous story of a fun song! My daughter discovered it just recently and we get to sing it in the car regularly at the top of our lungs! Again, another great interview!

[@garyvee6023]

What a fantstic story..., I think this is the BEST interview I have EVER heard..., I'm 63 and I still know all the words..., definately the 70's. Thank you.

[@georgeromero941]

This interview was amazing. I was 13 when this song came out. Love the wave part my daughter knows this song because of Shrek

[@dianafarnese8431]

When listening to Escape, I feel it should be followed immediately by The Beach Boys’ Kokomo. It kind of completes the intention of the first song, reconciliation and a new beginning somewhere in the tropics, whilst drinking piña coladas, of course.

[@billkeithchannel]

@Rod Munsch Perfect use of that word.

[@billkeithchannel]

I guest that connection is that the _Yacht Rock_ that was mentioned.

[@robotto8858]

I like Humphrey Bogart, but there's no way I could imagine that song with him in it. Great interview!

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Actually, I can and I think it would have worked, but it would have a been a totally different song and maybe not a hit single but a great album vibe.

[@joethomas1775]

In Key Largo.

[@YorickWell]

I love this song, I love this interview, and I love Rupert Holmes, and I love his two novels. I hope he's as contented as he seems in this interview. I first heard this song in 79 in the Navy. I liked it then.

[@mrmike73]

I totally appreciate that you gave him all the time in the world to tell that story at his own pace and I found it to be a great story that I might never have known about the song. The rest of the interview was fascinating as well. The song has become such a part of all our lives that you accept that it belongs in all the pop culture references. Thanks for connecting to all these artists that have been on the soundtrack of my (and many of us) life.

[@termsofusepolice]

Every nerdy, high school math teacher who saw Rupert sing this on Solid Gold immediately felt like a rock star.

[@stk7778]

His original gucci lyrics would be a modern rap lyric

[@gsmith207]

I say this every time! This is my fav interview! I was 12 when I heard this and I’m right back in ‘79. Awesome man! Thanks! And happy B day on Wednesday (2-24) Rupert!

[@mikestandifer1549]

I was 7 when this came out in 1979. Remember it very well. My parents had one of the big wooden magnavox floor stereos in the living room. I also remember hearing it in the backseat of the car riding somewhere with my mom and dad

[@ChickyDoodleAnnie]

You're a very good interviewer. You don't interupt, like SO MANY interviewers do. And you ask good questions, as well as interject brief and sweet reminescences. I was 13 when this song came out. It had a big influence of my musical development as a teenager. Oh the memories. I had never seen Rupert Holmes, or that video, before. I had no idea he was so straight/nerdy looking :) Nothing like what I had envisioned. I can't believe I only just today discovered your channel. I am instantly hooked and will be watching all your videos!

[@quasidiem99]

Ahh, the 1970s: When you can look like a mid-level computer IT manager and have a hit song.

[@danrebeiz4598]

🤣🤣🤣 brilliant comment!!

[@terracotta6294]

Elton John picked up on that image and gave it a colorful twist😎

[@NelsonStJames]

Old times long gone.

[@genxnerd74]

I tell my 21 year old daughter all the time..."That person could never be famous now"

[@freshfreenlovinit]

Funny comment. I had heard the song many times but never seen the video until now and I did have a bit of a shock that he did not look like your average rock star, not that I would have expected him to look like your average rock star. But after listening to this fascinating interview, it seems that writing a pop song is not so unlike writing programming code.