Interview with Rod Kennedy, June 2, 2006 - transcript

Chris Lehman interviews Rod Kennedy.
Tape 1 Side A: Rod Kennedy starts with discussing his childhood memories in New York and the musical influences he had. He briefly mentions joining the miltary and how he moved to Texas. He talks about his interest in Western Swing upon moving to Texas. He describes his time in the Marine Corp, writing for the newspaper and doing jazz shows. He claims that the music industry changed when he was overseas. He talks about his experiences in radio throughout his career and how he got invested with all types of music. He explains how working at KHFI-FM radio station changed his life.
Side B: He finishes up talking about KHFI's influence on his career. He talks about interviewing people and some people that were difficult to work with. He describes how the festivals he worked for made him proud and why, including the Aqua Fest and Kerrville Folk Festival. He explains Lyndon Johnson's influence in radio programming. He briefly says religion and politics divide people. He talks about how Texas music has changed music in the United States and how it has affected his own taste. He gives advice to young people pursuing music and speaks about what he sees for the future of Texas music. He gives his opinions on how social and political developments in America have affected music in Texas.
Tape 2 Side A: Rod Kennedy begins by covering political topics brought up by interviewer. He discusses his experiences and opinions on working with Black artists. He talks about his life challenges post-bankruptcy in 1997 and what his life has looked like since then. He finishes the interview by giving advice to young people pursuing music.
Side B is blank.