Eddie and the Cruisers (1983) #2 | Bruce Springsteen

Hosted by Jay R Smith, A History of Rock n' Roll in Film and Rock n' Roll explores the deep and often surprising connections between the silver screen and the amplifier. This isn't just a series of movie reviews; it's a cultural excavation. Each episode uses films-from major biopics and concert documentaries to obscure B-movies and tangential appearances-as a starting point to unpack a much larger story. You'll hear about the artists whose lives were dramatized, the business deals negotiated in studio lots, and the technological innovations, like new sound recording methods, that were pioneered for these projects and went on to shape music itself. The podcast argues that rock's history isn't just in the grooves of a record, but also in the flickering light of a projector, examining how cinematic portrayals have influenced our perception of the genre's legends and myths. By looking at these cinematographic products, Jay traces the evolution of what he calls that "glorious cultural mutant," revealing how film hasn't just documented rock n' roll, but has actively participated in its creation and legacy. The conversation is as much about the music as it is about the movies that tried to capture its chaotic, revolutionary spirit.