Band DIDN'T THINK It Had a CHANCE in HELL & WEREN'T Going to Release It...HIT#1! | Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 17 лис 2022
- It’s one of the most recognizable songs EVER and one that had DOMINATED Pop Culture as much as any piece of music in the modern era. Africa by Toto has been a part of a long list of tv and film placements and covered by hundreds of artists, this classic rock standard has become an immortal entry in the pages of music history. And yet the band called it a “wildcard song,” THEY ABSOLUTELY never Expected it would do anything close to what it did. Band members Steve Lukather, David Paich and Steve Porcaro tell the sensational story of a #1 hit that came from reading about a continent they’d never been to in National Geographic to the all time pop culture punchline it’s the definitive story on the making of this #1 80s hit from Jimmy Fallon to Weezer.
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Executive Producer:Brandon Fugal
Honorary Producers Marlon Chance, Soman2010, Craig M, Dustin Wooten, Raymond Hagen, Steve, Jeff Kolek, Charley Anne, Peggy Wolf, Dawg Fan, Junal Garnett
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#1980s #rock #vinylstory
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember counting down the top 40 hits with Casey Kasem of the American top 40 every single week you’ll dig this channel. Make sure to subscribe below right now. So that you know when our latest and greatest interviews and videos drop and do check us out on Patreon for even more content.
I’m excited to bring you another episode from our series Revelations. This is where featured artists reveal rare stories about their biggest songs. Along with fascinating insight about their careers. And this one is going to be a good one. On this installment of Revelations I was fortunate to sit down with Toto members Steve Lukather, David Paich and Steve Porcaro and talk about their enduring 80s classic Africa.
I've had the honor of interviewing Steve Lukather and David Paich multiple times and I got to tell you, in all of the conversations we've had, you can definitely feel the respect and admiration they have for each other. Luke and Paich are two of the nicest guys in the industry. And you can tell that selling millions of records hasn’t gone to their heads.
Or maybe I should say half a billion records, since Lukather and David Paich have worked on hundreds of albums from the mid 70s on. The members of Toto have had very illustrious extracurricular career indeed, from working with Michael Jackson to Paul McCartney to Pink Floyd to the Eagles to Eddie Van Halen, to composing the score for the 1984 edition of Dune.
Within the band, Toto has had a slew of US Top 40 hits including Hold the Line, 99, Rosanna, Make Believe, I Won’t Hold you Back, Stranger in Town, I’ll Be Over You, Without Your Love, and Pamela.
And their 1982 album Toto IV, fittingly reached #4 on the Billboard 200 chart. But amongst all these bragging rights, there is one song that has persisted more than any other... One that is instantaneously connected with Toto... Africa.
Yeah, if you didn’t know, Africa was and is a kind of a big deal. It went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as #3 on the US Cashbox chart and #5 on the US AC chart. Internationally, it broke the top 10 in a number of countries, going to #8 in Belgium, #7 in Austria, #6 in Switzerland, #5 in Australia and New Zealand, #4 in the Netherlands, #3 in the UK, #2 in Ireland, and #1 in Canada.
And incidentally, in South Africa it went to #18. - Розваги
Poll: With Africa in mind, what is your pick for the catchiest song of the 80s?
Can't keep Africa in mind as, although I like it, I am at a loss to explain it's huge popularity. I too, never would have guessed it would be a big hit. Go figure. As for catchy 80's songs, there are several. What I Like About You springs to mind.
Down Under - Men At Work
Ghost Busters - Ray Parker Jr
Walk like an Egyptian - Bangles
Oooh I want to say Tears for Fears Head Over Heels and then I remember Blinded Me With Science Thomas Dolby…
Take on me, Africa, always something there to remind me too 3
@@williamwilkinson6665 Down Under is a good one… my head is drawing blanks right now :/
These guys incorporated Kilimanjaro and Serengeti in one verse, legendary.
Gotta thank Toto for that mesmerizing image imprinted in my mind forever.
You missed Olympus from the same line.
And those places are actually far from each others, only in his imagination are they close - but hey, that's just poetic license for you. 😉
Never did understand that second word or what it referenced. Thanks for that.
The brilliance that is Toto is undeniable. They have their fingerprints all over so many songs that most everyday people wouldn’t be aware of. It’s criminal they aren’t in the Hall of Fame. At least we respect their immense contribution to music. I am so grateful to them for being such a massive part of my musical world ❤️
Seriously, their influence is all over the place! And yet the RRHOF is busy inducting folks like Eminem and the Beastie Boys and Dolly Parton, while they couldn’t be bothered to give one shit about one of the most legendary bands of all time. Toto will always be one of the best out there.
Well look how long it took Deep Purple to get in
Love it when you talk to the guys from Toto. Their insights are great. When I hear Toto, I always think of the Wizard of Oz meme, "I really miss Kansas, Toto...and Loverboy, Survivor, Rush, Styx, Journey, Foreigner, and Pink Floyd."
That's such a great meme.
Haha, I never get tired of that meme. 😂
Gotta check that one out!
Professor, I was a proud marching band nerd in high school.
We played “Africa” as part of our halftime show. The crowd loved it!
Actually the only marching band number I could appreciate.
My mom’s high school marching band played Eye of the Tiger when she graduated.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 my school mascot was the Tiger 🐅 so we played that all the time!
@@jennyjenny4501 My mom’s was the 🐅 too! Go Tigers!
Africa is one of those perfectly crafted and performed songs. Everything about it is flawless and the first time I heard it I was hooked. What an album, all their albums, the Percaro brothers, Steve, David… these guys were everywhere in sessions for all kind of artists and music is better because they are there!
Now I’m gonna go play Toto records, I believe I have all of those LPs 😊
Flawless is exactly fight Di!
Africa should have been #1 longer but it was the 80s with so much music that was great.
Love this song, even though they had never been to Africa when they recorded it.
These guys are everywhere in the annals of rock and pop, having played on thousands of albums. The cool thing is, during the 40th Anniversary Tour in 2018, they played Africa, of course, but immediately after that, they launched into Weezer's "Hash Pipe", doing a perfect rendition as a thank you to Rivers and the guys for covering Africa. Touche! That was great to see live.
I thought it was a great rendition and a cool answer.
I remember seeing that. That was awesome.
My question is why hacks like Weezer were relevant after say 2001. Talk about pointless pop punk nonsense.
I was one of the docents at the Synthplex Pop-up Synth Museum last month. Steve Porcaro stopped by to take a look and say "hello" to us. He strolled over to an Oberheim OBXa, selected a preset and played the opening phrase of Africa. Chill bumps all through the room.
"As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti" - One of the greatest lines in pop music.
no one does it like Toto. Africa is such a great song. in our house, if this comes on, everything else stops.
So true. Good point. Thanks for watching.
Same goes for the Lilly household!
These guys need to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
Should've been FIRST BALLOT.
Totally agree! It’s EMBARRASSING how they are still out for YEARS.
Jan Wenner is an asshole, he's the reason they aren't in
Absolutely
100%agree
"Africa" is a certifiable classic-It still holds up forty years later.
Toto has become one of my favorite bands thanks to your channel. Previously I wasn’t familiar with a lot of their songs besides Africa and Rosanna, but sharing your interviews with the band members helped me rediscover songs that I didn’t know were theirs that I hadn’t heard in a long time as well as listen to their albums and discovered some other great songs that don’t get talked about as much today.
And their interviews are great. I could sit and listen to Lukather and Paich talk for hours.
These guys are the sweetest guys ever! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of such monumental musicians as down to earth as them. I wish every musician and band had their attitude, of how they keep giving back and loving their role as statesmen to the next generation who discovers them. The Germans have a word for it, “mensch.”
While Toto's 1978 hit "Hold The Line" launched their careers, they peaked in popularity with their Toto IV album. 3 of my favorite Toto songs came from that album with "Rosanna", "I Won't Hold You Back" and today's featured song "Africa". Toto is one of many artists who deserves to be in The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame but has yet to receive that honor.
I agree. 10000%
....I've been rootin for Pat B. to get in, and now that she HAS, TOTO have since been on my, 'next' list....It's TIME....
@@RBS_ Toto and George Michael are the two largest omissions in the RRHoF.
Every song on IV is gold. They should have been in the hall before I was born (2006).
The percussion makes the song instantly recognizable, but the vocals and harmonies are what make it beautiful. Top notch vocal work. It doesn't get any better.
Luke and Paich have an incredible pedigree as session guys going back decades. Paich even played keys on Boz Scaggs’ iconic Silk Degrees album in ’76! Can’t say enough about Jeff Pocaro’s drum intro to this tune. Right in the pocket. Thx, Adam!
Thanks Robster. Couldn't agree more.
Yep, it's amazing all the places these guys showed up. They took over the LA session scene in the 70s when the Wrecking Crew passed the baton...
Paich did more than just play on Silk Degrees. He co-wrote it, along with Boz' 1980 album "Middle Man". Definitely some of Boz' best work was with Paich.
Coincidently, I was just listening to Boz Skaggs earlier this week and noticed quite a few "TOTO chords" in there - specifically the song "JoJo" I think it was.
You can hear that Boz Scaggs’ in their songs… Georgie Porgi pudding pie kiss the girls and make them cry…
Many years ago I met Lenny Castro (the percussionist on Africa) and told him how much I loved that intro. I said "you and Jeff man you oughta be arrested for a groove like that!" He was very appreciative and thanked me and told me how much fun he and Jeff had laying down that incredible groove that sets up the song so perfectly. *chefs kiss*
These guys are some of the finest musicians on the planet. Their character is great as well. Absolutely enjoyed spending some time with them. So genuine. HOF in every way. One of the greats for sure.
I love it when you have these guys on your show. You can see that two these guys really love each other, that and they have a blast whenever they are together. You can’t help but have a blast with them, it must have been a lot of fun interviewing them.
...I know! ...It's almost becoming, "..The Professor Of Rock.....with, a Special Guest appearance from TOTO!" ..ha-HAA!! ....at least Prof. can brag that he can CALL them....
They are super hilarious!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 you can tell that they are best friends. They are also two of the brightest guys in the business. They have, the both of them, have had a very large effect on modern music.
They have help so many other artist with their music, artists who have been inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame, yet Toto has not. Which in my mind is ridiculous.
But apparently some of the board members of the Rock and Roll hall of fame have personal issues with Steve Lukather. It always comes down to politics doesn’t it.
That and someone on the committee feels that the video for Africa is racist. These are the same people who run Rolling Stone magazine, and no one from Toto had ever been interviewed since 1978.
At least Toto has been recognized in Nashville and is in the Music Hall of Fame.
@@brenturquhart7090 And they have the nerve to put Eminem in there before Toto…SMH. 🙄
One of my favorite bands of all time. The entirety of the classic Toto lineup was nothing short of pure genius!
The funny thing about Toto is all the members are definitely real people not playing the part of a rock star with a fake persona of someone they are not. Always love the interviews with them especially on their biggest hit and calling it a wild card no less. It's funny too on how many songs are last minute additions to the album that was basically finished become the biggest hit on the album. Fantastic episode professor!
Exactly right.
Love watching Professor have a laugh with Toto! Especially when I’ve been having a horrible week with ups and downs, they gave a great sense of humor that lifts me up. 😊
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 well the week is almost over so let's hope the next one is better,
@@MyName-pl7zn I get a big break because of Thanksgiving! 🦃
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 now that is something to be thankful for!!
These guys are phenomenal. The musical genius that they contributed to the music industry is second to none. They are arguably one of the greatest collection of music artists in history.
Such LEGENDS. Could not like this post enough!
@shanesoule Go back and read his comment again, then go away.
@shanesoule yeah, meh…I’m with you. It’s just pop, which I’m not into but each his/her own….
Absolutely!!!
@shanesoule what is your contribution in the field of music?
"...as sure as Kilimanjaro rises like an empress, above the Serengeti." Those words feel so genius to me. Such an image there.
In 2016 a few months before my son passed away, he had forgotten his phone at home and needed me to bring it to school for him. When i got to the school, he was with a group of kids in the parking lot and blasting Africa by Toto as loud as he could. He had just turned 17. I knew at that moment I had raised him right. ❤
One of my absolute fave 80's songs! I rocked both my sons to sleep to this song, when they were babies. I think it's engraved on their souls. My youngest chose this song for our mother-son dance at his wedding.
15:22 My favorite Africa cover is most definitely Mike Massé's at the pizza joint! Blew me away the first time I saw that. Did not expect that voice to come out of Mike. :)
Well, what can I say ... I'm from Sweden, and to us, Toto are a behemoth among bands. They tore up our charts from their 1978 debut and never left, even more so because our punk-enthused critics all joined forces literally trying to dissuade us from listening. Which we didn't. The 1988 "The seventh one" album alone went platinum, as in 100 000 sold copies. Our country had 8 million inhabitants at the time - you do the math. Of the huge contemporary American bands at the time, like Van Halen and Journey - none of those even came close to the stature, fanbase and mainstream appeal that Toto had, and largely continue to have, in Sweden. And thankfully the band is aware, and very happy and grateful for that. Toto are heroes, simple as that.
I absolutely LOVE TOTO! I appreciate them so much more as I've gotten older. My faves are "Africa" (of course) and "I'll be Over You". I would have to say one of my favorite ways "Africa" was used is by Straight No Chaser in their "12 days of Christmas" song. It happens about midway through the song so stick with it. The live version is really fun! Straight No Chaser is an acapella college group of guys that formed at Indiana University (my home state) If you haven't heard it already, I hope you give it a listen. Every Christmas it gets played on the radio Christmas stations here but they were founded in Indiana so I don't know if everyone else plays it like we do. They do the song in a very unique way and really make it their own. It's funny and yet so good!
Also, can anyone confirm or deny if David Paich is touring with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons right now playing piano? I saw some video performances on youtube the other night (on tour) and it certainly looks like him.
Straight No Chaser is awesome!
If you haven't heard it check out Straight No Chaser's accapella version, AND how they integrated it into their accapella version of The 12 Days of Christmas. Amazing stuff.
Agreed. It launched SNC'S own career!
I love how you mix these interviews together and it flows without missing a beat.
Definitely a creative group of guys. I've always loved their music, if I want to escape, *Toto* is a must!
Thank you Adam, PoR, for having me as an honorary producer for this video.
You're welcome!
They do not have a bad song on their record.
The early 80's was such a fantastic time for music..... the top five you mention. Just incredible, I'm so happy to have been just out of high school at that time...... Unbelievable to be able to associate so many memories with this music.
Me too. Graduated in 82. The best time to be alive for music!!
Such great stuff from 1982.
Africa is not just a GREAT 80's song, it's a timeless musical masterpiece! Weezer's version that features Weird Al in the video is my favorite cover of this classic! Have an amazing weekend professor!
THanks Ken, you too.
Such a great song.
This being the second interview with the guys from Toto, it still impresses me about how open, laid back and just having fun talking with you, they were. As for Africa, The thing for me was the wonderful blend of vocal harmonies and the instrumentation. Certain songs Transend top 40 ranking, because there is nothing to compare it to. Africa is one of those tunes.
The instrumental is top notch, and it really sounds like something that would come straight from Africa.
So glad to see Toto getting the recognition they deserve. And it's about time. I'm sure they have been popular in California and over seas, but most people who live where I do never heard of them. Now they do. Weezer did great remaking Africa and Rosanna. Hopefully they will be in Rock and Roll HOF soon.
Africa just lifts my spirit every listen.
It really does. Thanks John.
It’s a cool song. 😊
Toto is simply legendary, so many talented and top-notch musicians, and hit after hit! Africa was the song that introduced me to them, and it's so poetic how it came about
Right? What a cool backstory.
My daughter sang this song with her school choir. Gave me chills, and put it back on my Playlist. Thanks guys
Great to see these guys get proper recognition for all the amazing music they've given to the world! Weezers version is one of my faves.Great vid, as always, prof!
Thanks!
The Weezer version is so fun!
Unblemished song with perfect harmonies.
This is the ONE song that comes to mind that in going on 40 years now, I've never been able to hear and not tap my feet to the beat. Never. It gets me every time and it never gets old :) I love it. It always manages to lift my spirits get my feet going.
These guys are true artists! Back using analog systems to make such sophisticated music. That couldn't/wouldn't be done today. They aren't only musical artists, they are legends! I grew up listening to them but didn't realize what was really involved with making their music. They have more talent than I could ever dream of. Even after all they have done they are still down to earth. Great job guys! And thanks to you Adam for sharing this with us!
Their music is complex, so many layers. They really know their stuff. Love them.
Africa is the song that helped me break from my hard rock /metal only mindset. I found myself craving it and thoroughly enjoying it from intro to outro. 99 had caught my ears on American top 40 a few years before and Rosanna didn't click with me . But Africa hit the mark big time. Thanks Professor. And have a great Thanksgiving.
You too Brian!
99 is my favorite song by Toto. But Africa is a classic no doubt.
The first time I heard Rosanna, I was hooked. I had been a long time Toto fan, but I knew this was special. Then I got hold of the album, as a was blown away. It's like a greatest hits collection.
Wow such a great interview with these guys you see the and feel the love they have in the song Toto Africa is so great
You ask for memories of the time Africa hit #1.
I was 17 years old starting the most fun 5 year stretch of my life. Those years were the greatest times a person could have without it being illegal. Some things we did were and still are illegal. I used to wake to the excitement of what that day would bring. I so miss those days. The 80's were the best decade to be a teenager. Things would get crazy. But, there was still a innocence to those times. Everything was about a good time. Then the 90's and all their doom and gloom, I hate myself attitude came along and killed the good times.
I love TOTO. I remember hearing them on the radio in the 80's and 90's. Thank you.
What bout the 70s ? They came out in 1977 With Hold the line in 1978
Being an 80’s kid, I knew the song from the regular radio rotation but my first experience with Africa transcending the Top40 and into true pop culture reference was in ‘92 when I heard UNC-CH’s male a cappella group, The Clef Hangers, ‘91 album where they covered Africa, Kiss the Girl, and many others. My brother’s roommate there was a member of the group and I remember thinking it was odd that they picked it, but it was instantly sooooo cool when they first harmonized the chords, “Do-Do-Dododo-Do-Dooooooo”. I was hooked. It’s been one of my all time favorite pop songs since then.
👁️🙏🌧️⬇️🌍
Brilliant!! I love hearing those stories straight from the band members. Loved it. 🎸🎸
Loved this one. I love all the Toto coverage. I was an astute fan of music who read all the liner notes that came with records. Years later I was CTO of a pioneering Internet radio production company. My point is I sweat the details of who played on what. So I knew Toto was the generation's "Wrecking Crew". Rosanna as a song alway hit me between the eyes of my soul, and Hold the Line rocked me. I was consuming this music as it was being released. Africa grew slowly over decades. It was different. Ultimately, its brilliance was because of its difference. They still seem like regular good guys to work with, which I know is their reputation. That loop the late great Jeff Pocaro opened with was pretty cool, as was the rest of the drum work. I'm kind of a guitar fanatic it took me many listens to fully comprehend what Luk was playing. Now I adore the song. Everything is lush and washes you away. The layers of synths, guitar, bass, percussion and Pocaro power makes the song incredibly meaningful and immensely enjoyable for me.
Africa is one of my fav songs of all time. I'm a senior citizen whose early influences were Ritchie Valens, Dion, Elvis etc, through the era of the Beatles and Beach Boys and so many other greats. I rate Africa as enjoyable to listen too as anything any of these other groups did. That's some stiff competition. My fav cover, by far, is Mike Masse and Jeff Hall. Loved the interview.
My favourite use of this song in pop culture is its heavy presence on the show Chuck. Epic song from an epic band from an epic decade.
I was 18 when it came on Top of the Pops. I had loved Toto since Hold the Line in '78, and Africa was so good I started dancing and fell through the floorboards 🤣 My parents could have been more unimpressed, but the only vinyl my Dad owns is the Africa-shaped single, which he is very proud of. I have met every member of Toto and shared a coffee with Luke. They are decent humans, and Luke can be serious but also crazy funny.
I remember getting Toto IV on Cassette tape and playing the crap out of it shortly after it released. Literally, played it so much it stretched and each play through got longer and sounded slower. Every song on it was good. then the dang thing went viral again on UA-cam and I watched every rendition of Africa I could find. One of my favorites being the version from Frog Leap Studio's. Leo Moracchioli really knock it out of the park with his arrangement. Over 55 million views on his version.
My favorite use of Africa in media is Top Gear Uganda special. Utter brilliance.
I flew to Phoeniz AZ for a band competition back in the 90's, high school with half the band on one plane, the other on a later flight (I was on the early flight). This was before the days of airpods and iphones, and I had zero entertainment on the plane other than books, and what high schooler wants to read on a school trip?. Back then you had the airline radios, where you could plug your headphones into a jack in the arm rest (I think that's still a thing?) and listen to different types of music on each station. One of those stations had Toto playing - Africa and another song of theirs, along with some other bands from that year. I listened to those songs on repeat almost the entire way (it was better than listening to my seat mates snore or chatter away, it saved me from a plane ride of sheer boredom...
Toto was my first concert!! It was incredible!
Those are some fantastic songs by some legendary artists. I look back at the seventies and eighties and all of the amazing music that evolved during that time. Obviously, the history of humankind is a history of music. I'm partial to these two decades because that is when I grew up. Still, I believe that something about music changed during that era. What a time to have been alive. I am grateful to have been around to see the story unfold.
The first cassette tape I bought, sometime 1982/1983, not because I know TOTO already but because my uncle, who dig them told me to buy it.
It has a unique name/title, I would never forget it going to the music store. He was particularly interested in the song Africa, which again, I have no inkling how good the song is. It took me another year or two to realize the song was excellently outstanding. It won a Grammy, for crying out loud, six times!
Great song, reminds me of the 80s, aside from New Wave, which is another story.
Oh lord, don't let me start. 😁😁😁
Thank you for the interviews with some of my favorite musicians. Incredible. It's why they are still slugging it out year after year.
Thanks for listening Mark!
@@ProfessorofRock thanks for doing what you do. There is no one else doing the work you do.
Yup!
Professor, as always that was excellent, what a privilege it must be to talk to the people who created these amazing songs that was the soundtrack of our life. Funny how we remember things, I was 12 when that was a hit and I would have sworn it was number 1 here in New Zealand, it had constant radio play but stalled at 5. But 1983 was one of the greatest years ever in pop so it's not that surprising, so much competion . As for catchiest song, same year I think Blue Monday by new order has to be a contender
In a perfect world... An all-star brand new Toto album, featuring Lukather, Paich, Porcaro, Kimball, and Williams
would be the BEST holiday gift.
In a perfect world indeed.
interesting that you have Williams AND Kimball together. Don't get me wrong, both are AMAZING singers. I prefer Williams myself, but it would be an interesting project....
Would LOVE that!
That is one incredibly smooth top 5.
This was the year I got my first Boom Box Radio...That year I listened to this hit and more on it in the year that Toto and Men at Work hit the scene with their hits. I have so many memories of that as a teenager on that radio.
You arent kidding. I could listen/watch those guys talk about music all day. Their love for each other and their work is infectious in the best way. Good work!
I remember the vidéo was one of the few that were broadcast on the tv in Belgium, together with Kim Wilde's 'Cambodia', ZZ Top's 'Rough boy', Herbie Hankock's 'Rock It', the Buggles' 'Video Killed The Radio Star' and PHD's 'I won't let you down'... Those memories!
Toto IV is still one of my favorite albums ever. To put it in perspective, "Africa" is at best, my third favorite song on the album, but I still consider it every bit deserving of all the recognition it has received throughout the generations.
Love Toto! Africa has truly become their signature tune though they did some awesome songs over the years - just the other day their music on Spotify got me through a two and a half hour wait in a bank line! Always wanted to know the story behind this song, thanks again for sharing, and they are always delightful to listen to when they speak.
Thank you for reawakening my appreciation and love for Steve and David's magical intentions. What gifts they continue to channel through the universe.
Thanks Cynthia.
They’re the best.
Blown away that Steve did the solo for Peter Cetera's 80's solo hit _Livin' In The Limelight_ one of his most rockin' and best songs. I would love to see an entire video from both artists talking about it.
I had this older buddy back during our teen years, he was tuned into the pulse of great music. Where I was genre oriented, he sensed good music or bad music, period. Anyway, he was why I listened to lots of stuff outside of hard rock and metal, bless his soul. This album is one example.
Great album. We wore a cassette version of that down substantially in the car stereo back in those days. These interviews you've given us spur a very strong urge to hug these guys, Page and Lukather. The others too. Some of the best songs ever. Toto was very under-rated in my opinion. All that talent! Any guitar player who could climb on stage with EVH and hold his own, even excel, yeah! Great respect for Lukather. The rest too, but I'm a guitar player, so... That's the gauge by which Sammy Hagar gained my great admiration, plus the fact that he's a wonderful human being.
The nuances on that album are incredible. I think I'll buy a new copy on vinyl and re-explore it in present time.
Surely appreciate you Adam.
There is so much GREAT MUSIC constantly coming out during the ‘70s and ‘80s, that it was sometimes hard to keep up with it all, and appreciate it to its fullest at the time. Then years later, the true gems rise to the surface and reappear! This is definitely one of those! Great to see new generations discovering them too!!
when i bought toto IV in high school, i loved the front side of the album and then i turned on the back side and listened to the back side and the last song on the album was AFRICA! that became my favorite song on the album when i first heard it!
Another great interview, Prof. Keep 'em coming.
was one of my favs as a teenager and still is
Excellent work. Thank you for putting this together. I love Toto.
These guys are very underrated for the music they made. Masters of their craft.
Always loved this band! Love Isn't Always On Time was a song I rocked out to when it came on the radio. Lotta good memories!
Awesome video! Thanks for this content.
Loved this episode with Toto and Africa. Really love all of your episodes
My fave use in pop culture; Top Gear did an Africa special in 2013 and... knowing how much Clarkson seems to love his classic rock, you just know it's going to pop up. When it finally does, it's very much homaging the music video itself as well.
Listening to your interviews with those two is hysterical. I've been a huge Toto fan since "Hold the Line." I remember thinking back then. Who is this new group? Little did I know their pedigree. I was only 18 and had never heard of these guys before. By '84, I was in radio playing every Toto song that fit our format. Which really was everything. Never knew just how down to earth those guys were till I saw a few of your interviews with them. You hit a home run today, professor. I enjoyed it very much.
One of the best songs/recordings EVER!
You left out Straight No Chaser’s use of ‘Africa’ in ‘12 Days of Christmas?’ Always loved that one.
Excellent editing, just makes this episode so enjoyable!
Toto IV. I celebrate the whole album, front to back. A true 80’s masterpiece!
For some reason Africa, along with Rosanna always remind me of a weekend long party I went to on the East coast of England in 1983.
Cool! Was it fun?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 definitely. Along with about 3000 other people we took over a holiday park over the Easter weekend. saw well known bands like Girlschool, Dr Feelgood and Odyssey. Were entertained by Radio 1 DJ’s and never got much sleep for four days.
Musically, “Africa” is beautiful and Toto are really brilliant musicians. I was always taken away by Toto’s talent and other worldly musical skills. As a music fan I knew when listening that I was fortunate to have heard this music and in awe of their musical prowess.
1978 Hold the line KICKS AFRICAS ASS ,, Listen and prove me wrong ,,
Awesome! I love to listen to these guys' stories - they are so down-to-earth and self-deprecating. They also give credit where credit is due. It must have been a blast sitting around with them and just shooting the breeze. Africa came out when I was in my first year of college and its impact was immediate. There are lots of critics who point out errors within the lyrics, but wth.
There's an a cappella group called "Straight No Chaser" that first got known for its version of "Africa." Since then, almost every time the group does some kind of medley (such as Christmas songs), somewhere "Africa" always sneaks in there.
I remember it being played every hour or two on the radio it seemed like for a year or two.Great tune .I have a deeper respect for the musicians since finding your channel.Thanks Adam‼️I was blessed to be growing up in the 70s-80s when so many great songs were being created.
First time I'd ever heard "Africa", I wasn't familiar with the voice of David Paich; therefore, I had no idea it was Toto at all-Paich's voice reminded me so much of Eric Woolfson that I thought it was by Alan Parsons Project.
That's a good comparison.
Ooh, I can totally see that.
The "Africa" video was my introduction to Perpetuum Jazzille. Thy are a truly great a Capella chorus (from Slovenia, BTW). Though I was aware of Toto and their previous hits, I didn't really count them as a "favorite band" till Africa hit the charts.
Love Africa, but props to your editing of this video. Extremely smooth.
I love Africa by Toto and every time I hear it I am always amazed it gives me the chills and with the first note I am always like oh yeah Toto is on doesn’t matter if it’s hold the line or Africa or even I won’t hold you back just the first note and you know it’s Toto
I had the chance to live and work in Congo between 2015 and 2019, so I was able to learn a little bit of African culture and admire its beauty. Finally, when my assignment finished, in my farewell speech I concluded by saying "TOTO was right... it's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you"
There’s another podcast I watch and love. Rick Beato. He has Steve Lukather’s outtro guitar solo at the end of Lionel Ritchie’s hit , Dancin on the Ceiling.
They are great interviews
Soundtrack to Dune is often overlooked. Thank you for mentioning it. A great score
They made a song of Africa without knowing or had been in the place, that's amazing.
Probably my favorite song from that time period. Still adore it!