Ep552: The Gospel According to Swamp Dogg

Ep552: The Gospel According to Swamp Dogg

Author: The Vinyl Guide June 15, 2026 Duration: 1:10:12

Jerry "Swamp Dogg" Williams Jr opens up about his new album "Contemplates the Afterlife," reflecting on death, faith, and a 70-year career that's produced over 2,000 songs.

Extended and high resolution podcast at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Topics Include:

  • New album, Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife, drops on S-Curve
  • Swamp Dogg shares wild theories on what happens after death
  • He opens up about faith, doubt, and fear of dying
  • Reveals he's written over 2,000 songs across 31 albums
  • His very first record came out way back in 1954
  • Stories of opening for Sam Cooke and Larry Williams
  • Names the R&B legends who shaped his sound early on
  • Louis Jordan's band once crashed at his childhood home
  • Tells the story of the worst gig of his life
  • A gorilla costume gets stabbed onstage — true story
  • Joining a traveling sideshow for five dollars a night
  • Discusses which Swamp Dogg records collectors hunt hardest today
  • Bob Dylan secretly covered one of his songs years ago
  • Bonds with the host over their shared Australia connection
  • Reveals his wild Beatles-cover novelty record made in Australia
  • Explains how the record business vanished almost overnight
  • Teases new Trinidad soca album and Black Grass II
  • Black Grass II will feature Steve Earle and Margo Price
  • Talks new collaboration album with Eli "Paperboy" Reed
  • Reflects on his Nixon protest era and Jane Fonda ties
  • Looks back on going broke after getting rich fast
  • Recalls producing hit records for Gene Pitney and others
  • Shares fond memories of legendary producer Jerry Wexler
  • The stopwatch story behind his studio recording ritual
  • On Phil Spector's massive ego and Wall of Sound
  • Reveals which British acts covered his songs in the '60s
  • Talks favorite record stores and his 100-record jukebox
  • Hunting down rare 45s worth up to $1,000
  • The story behind his dance hit "Let's Do the Wobble"
  • Closes with favorite love songs and a wild birthday coincidence

Extended and high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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