Jess always holds a special place in my heart. Met with my youngest son at a Con and he inspired him to start acting. He went from a lost middle schooler who didn’t fit in to a cool, confident guy who knows what he wants and is killing it in college. This crazy wild haired guy convinced him he could do anything and I will never forget that! Love this guy!!!
A REAL person?? Actually creating and doing an actual thing!!?? What a novel idea!! So sick of terrible music, and Cardashians, and TV Simons trying to convince me that "Americas got talent" because it REALLY hasn't for a really long time. American music has become a never ending episode of "The Gong Show" from olden times. Simon Cowell starred.
The day Rock Sugar did a double set was a terrible day for many of us in Memphis. The night before we had massive rain and flooding. I had been up all night on calls evacuating people. They brought a bright spot to a bad day and was the lift we all needed. Thanks!
This was a killer interview. You played off of him perfectly to pull the absolute best out of him. I’m an old fart of 73, but was a lead singer in a local rock band back in the 60s. So regardless of the years, I still appreciate good music of all kinds. Had not heard of Rock Sugar before but you can bet I’ll be listening to their music now. Great stuff! Thank you.
You should have Jess on once a month. He really brings you in when telling stories. He is one of those people that in a crowded room tellimg stories you think he is talking directly to you.
Yes, he is, and my son who really only knew his work as Wacko got to sing part of the State Capitol song with him - and I was impressed he recalled all the lyrics and told us he had done that entire song for Animaniacs was done in one take.
Jess' attitude is something a whole load more artists could do with having. "Yeah we're just goofing around", "Is ok that I laugh?" and "laughing is always good." Fair play dude, you just got yerself a sale right there.
Jesse is an extremely talented and super nice person. I worked for his favorite Uncle Stew in Atlanta, GA and when Stew passed, Jesse flew in for the memorial service. He not only sang at the service, but was thoroughly entertaining. I couldn't resist asking if he could do some of his voices, and he obliged. He's so personable with everyone very down to earth. I absolutely love hearing Rock Sugar belt out songs better than the originals. They totally rock.
This is an awesome interview. I've always been a fan of his voice work, but I had no idea he was in a rock band. I love mashups, and I LOVE 80s music. How have I never heard of his band?!? Thank you, Professor! Enlightening as always! ❤
This makes me think of Green Jelly's "Cereal Killer". Zappa always refused to classify himself as a jazz artist but instead preferred to call himself a "comedy rock" artist. We need more of this, thanks Adam.
Thanks for bringing Jess back! I knew there had to be more footage for a Part 2! He's a riot! So down-to-earth and honest. He's that neighbour you wanna have a beer with.
Easily my favorite interview you've ever done. What an entertainer this guy is. I had never heard Rock Sugar before about .... well..... 25 minutes ago. Can't wait to explore. Thanks, Adam!
I discovered them a half hour ago. Not sure what to do next: 1. Find part 1 2. Find Sugar Rock rabbit hole and burrow in. 3. Buy Rock Sugar's "albums". 4. Watch this one again.
Rock sugar is putting a new spin on classic rock. They aren’t just singing covers like a cover band. Jessie has a God gifted voice and he is the modern classic spin of putting together the best of classic rock. Thank you jessie.
Never heard of him or the band. What a great individual and story teller. He is so easy to like. He deserves the success he has just for saving the festival.
I never heard of Rock Sugar, so I watched about ten of their videos. It took me back to a time when music was fun! If you don't love this band you are either a Grinch, a blood sucking zombie or a record executive! These guys are true rock stars!!!
I was there at the Memphis show, when they announced that Rock Sugar was coming back out for a 2nd show I screamed "YEEEEAAAASSSSS!!!!" at least 2000 people where I was standing all turned to look at me and I said "what? they are really good" shortly after that some douche canoe of a guy threw an empty bottle at them, Johnny 5 picked it up and threw it back in the same area, it wizzed by my head and hit a teen age girl in the face, classic Johnny 5. ALSO, they were 1st band at noon and the last band of the night, so they are the only band that has opened for themselves.
I was there too, never heard of them, opened up with the Enter Sandman riff, looked at my ex and said damn they’re good, then the Journey lyrics came in and thought it was genius. I do not recommend the tornados across the river and hiding under a bridge. It was a great lineup that weekend.
Mr Harnell is one hell of a man. Very humble with his gifts and very kind to his friends and bandmates... you don't hear "I" with him...you hear "WE". Great interview Prof.
Adam, I have been listening to Reimaginator and Reinventinator pretty much every day since your last upload of part 1 of your interview with Jess Harnell of Rock Sugar. I even went as far as tracking down and buying a no longer made copy of Reimaginator that ironically had Jess's signature on it from a concert somewhere in the US - which is no mean feat when you live in Sydney, Australia! . I have not played a record so much in a long time - or played one so loud! I really want to see this band live as soon as possible. Thank you so much for sharing this, and Rock Sugar. It has been one of the absolute highlights of my year, now having this music in my life! However - what has really had my neighbours enrolling in the Rock Sugar train is playing " Don't Stop the Santa Man" with a Christmas front yard light display. Priceless! :-D
I was in choir between '89 and '91, and I remember one of the songs we sang was a gospel-like tune titled something like "Rock Me in the Cradle of Love". While we were rehearsing it, Billy Idol released a single titled "Rock the Cradle of Love". On the surface, VERY DIFFERENT songs. But the titles were close, and I could hear similarities in certain sections of both songs. But when I brought those similarities up to my fellow choir mates they all looked at me like I'd sprouted not just another head but two! They couldn't hear it, but I did. Even if you're not a musician, if you have your ear tuned to music, you can catch similarities even as far apart as that. If you can do that and ARE a musician, that makes it even more fun!
This is what a DJ does (when I used to be one). Find songs with a similar beat or sound and blend one into the other. The concept for this band is genius.
Before today, I never heard of Rock Sugar. Now I am a fan! There is never a stale moment with Jess and the boys. I had never imagined that concept of combining the sounds of different bands. They kind of re-invented rock'n roll. It is thoroughly enjoyable...and FUN. I love it.
You Shook Me Like a Prayer is one of the best things I've ever heard. After your last video with Jess, I spent the rest of the day listening to Rock Sugar songs.
I did the same thing and today i showed my husband and then we both spent the afternoon listening to them. I'd LOVE to have something like this as a surprise for our son's wedding. All the people invited would love it, what a great party it would be. I'm sure we can't afford it but its nice to dream lol
Jess is so down to earth he seems like such a nice guy, I love the stories he tells, and being a celebrity hasn't gone to his head, he's just plain and simple and loves what he does, such a great attitude, love the impersonations.
I've been around music for some time, and this is the first time I've ever heard of these guys. Now, I have been out of that seen for quite some time, so maybe that's why- but this? Was an AWESOME story. What a cool way to find your place in music history. I remember messing around with some of my old rock bandmembers, and making up songs like that- NEVER did we think to actually DO IT, let alone believe doing something like that, could actually lead to success. Great video!
Never heard of Rocksugar before this but this was by far the best interview I've seen Adam do! I love Jess and am so impressed by him as both a great performer and human being.
Wow! Great interview. This guy has amazing energy,seems like a really nice, fun guy. And you, Adam, are such a wonderful storyteller and interviewer. You could have made a great elementary school teacher, students would have listened to you. Great voice, likable.
man, u could interview THAT DUDE every day & i would watch it!!! infectious energy, amazing talent, & great personality... just freakin love that guy! thanx & god bless professor
I remember when I went to a Dread Zeppelin concert. Spent the whole concert laughing & really digging the music. Went home and bought their albums. I'll do the same with Rock Sugar. Thanks, Professor!
Dread Zeppelin put on great shows. I saw them at Little Brothers in Columbus Ohio, they did the whole Elvis shtick with the cape and sweat towels etc hilarious but at the same time a great performance
I'm sooo glad someone else remembers Dread Zeppelin. Not sure who was the first band to do these re'imagined mash-ups, but DZ were the first I ever heard. You Ain't Nothin' but a Black Dog...
@@gnpj1909 in Dallas, they would play DZ before concerts. When they played them, and that’s how you would know you needed to get to your seats because the lights were gonna go down afterwards.
I justintroduced my husband to Rock Sugar and he says whenever they come to the Dallas area we will be there. Thanks for the second part of the interview Professor!
Excellent interview, as a bread we don’t get to hear of half of these bands, and it’s always nice to hear your perspective of our bands… Keep up the good work you crazy dude
Back in the days of reel to reel tape decks, I merged "Castles Made of Sand" by Hendrix and "It's Only Castles Burning" by CSN&Y. I switched songs every time they said Castle. It was fun at parties. I can really appreciate the work that went into the songs they created.
Ive known Jess for years. Him and Chuck had a band in the 80s called Loud. His bread and butter was voice work but I knew he always wanted to get to that rock star status. Good for him that this avenue is working out.
@@tcrpgfan I liken them to Steel Panther. I knew a couple of those guys back in the day. Talked to ralph at a Steel Panther show recently. He was cool. But Jess like them had to reinvent themselves. They were all in LA in the 80s trying to make it. I was too, LOL Not everybody makes it. Some like Jess and Steel panther reinvent themselves and end up doing better than some signed bands. Havent spoke to jess in a few years. Last time I saw him was at a party at his really cool house in the hills. Miss the guy.
@@jgillettejukebox Though you can easily say Jess' success tipped in his favor when his audition was heard by Spielberg precisely because Jess' Wakko didn't sound like what everyone else was doing. And even then, it didn't happen overnight, Jess just met the right combination of people at the right time.
As someone who is a big fan of both mash-up DJs and heavy metal bands, I became an instant fan of Rock Sugar right from jump back when Don't Stop The Sandman was going viral. This was an awesome interview, well done man.
A great and entertaining interview! This is my first exposure to Rock Sugar (I live in a vacuum) and I like the little bits I heard on this show. I was wondering, if you should do another interview with Jess, How, in this litigious society we live in, how they get around the copyrights for the songs? Weird Al gets permission to do the songs he has done parodies of. These aren't really parodies though--it's mashing two songs together so I would imagine they'd need permission from 2 or more groups or the songwriters, wouldn't they? It's great music and I hope they continue!
These would classify as parody or transformative works and would be covered under copyright laws. Weird Al gets artists permission out of courtesy, he doesn't legally have too. (Which explains the blow up with Coolio over the Amish Paradise parody of Gangsta's Paradise)
Last night listening to Professor of Rock videos really paid off for me. The final question in the team trivia was (paraphrased) "the meaning of this 1977 song title was originally either a musket, a whiskey container, or a bull whip" which I knew to be "Black Betty" thanks to your video of the Ram Jam hit. Only one other team (and no one else on my team) knew this, allowing my team to take first place! I'll definitely continue watching your videos, it could come in handy again!
I have been a professional musician for 40 years and have followed Rock Sugar for more than ten years!! Absolutely LOVE their stuff!! Amazing mashups!,
I had a band that did this sort of thing. Enter sandman became Sandman by America. Slippin into darkness by War became Fly like an eagle. It always went over great. The best ever was the combination of The Pusher, by Steppenwolf with Hang on sloopy.
@@ProfessorofRock great comment about not knowing music theory, and feeling the music. Knowing in our hearts what is good, what goes together. It was such a great insight and so true. Music is a universal language that unites people.
Jess even explains in the Documentary, "Hey! I know that voice!" That being a voice actor is all about being able to sing and and do a certain voice and carry it at different octaves
Happy Friday! I'm so glad to hear you say how Locked Out of Heaven sent you on a Police listening binge. I have always maintained that that song sounds like the love child of Can't Stand Losing You with Michael Jackson's Beat It! Also, glad to see more of this interview-loved Jess in the last one!
WOW!! This was the BEST interview you've ever done! I had no idea who Jesse or Rock Sugar were, but I am an instant fan based SOLELY on this interview and song clips. Great job Adam and Jesse may be my new favorite rock star lol. What a GREAT FUNNY guy and very talented.
POF, I recommend doing a show on Steel Panther. -excellent, legit musicians -funny as heck; great in interviews -perfect covers -very good originals often very funny -they found a sweet spot for 80s nostalgia and filled it perfectly -great guys when out of character
This was awesome! As a fellow musician, I love some good song mashups. From watching this video, I went and liked Rock Sugar on their Facebook page. Thanks
Adam, thank you so much for sharing this with us! As I said last time, I could listen to you guys for hours. So I've got a suggestion for you, assuming you even read this, how about having Jess interview you, but have him do it with some of his voices? I think I heard a Christopher Walker impersonation. Think about him interviewing you as Christopher Walker. He's got a thousand voices, have him change it up. I think it would be so much fun. Plus it would be nice to hear your stories. I remember you once saying one of your teachers said you'd never get anywhere following your passion for music. Well, has he stayed in Memphis for two months? I bet there's some great stories there alone. I bet Jess would get a kick out of it too. Think about it. Otherwise, just want to say thanks again for this second interview. Great stuff! ❤
Thank you, Adam, for shining the light on Jeff & Rock Sugar. I've always lived by trying to find good in any bad situation, Jeff nailed it & everybody won that night. 👍❤👍
I met Jess and his wife at a con a couple of years ago, they are both so nice! I didn't realize Jess had a band going now, will definitely listen to all of their songs!
Loved this interview. Never heard of Rock Sugar or Jess before, but he seems like a great guy, and what a fantastic idea to combine 2 songs! They sound good, and just what fun! I like the wonderful way he approached the audience when asked to cover for 3 Doors Down! VERY enjoyable interview!
I can sit and watch your videos all day as I want to be more knowledgeable in rock and it's place in our culture. When it started about a cover band, I instantly thought not worth it. I live in Vegas and go to a lot of cover band concerts so I decided to just watch the beginning and I am so glad!! Jess was great to listen to but I am super pumped about the music idea!! Blown away!! I bought the album.
PROFESSOROFROCK, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!, I REALLY ENJOY THIS CHANNEL, CONTENT IS GREAT, YOU AS A HOST IS GREAT!!!!!!!!, MUCH RESPECT TO YOU, THIS COMING FROM A 57 YEAR OLD DARK SKIN LATINO FROM SPANISH HARLEM NYC, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, A TRUE FAN, THANK YOU
I posted in the last video of your sit down with Jess and I was embarrassed to say that I actually knew none of his work. But that first interview was one of the best interviews I've seen in a long time. So when this one came up of course I had to watch it. As I said in my post in the first video, Jess just seems like the guy you want to hang out with. Such a positive outlook on life and obviously extremely talented. Such a good interview. I could listen to you two all day talk about anything. Great job Adam! So happy I came across this.
fist off THANK YOU for the introduction of Rock Sugar. and thank you for the link for the free song, I am going to check out more of them. so far loving them, Dude, Awesome :)
Poll: If you could see any 5 bands or artists together on the same bill (even jamming on the same songs) who would pick?
Bruce Springsteen
Bob Seger
Led Zeppelin
Queen
Throwing a mulligan here, Tom Petty (but Stevie Nicks would be a guest)
Hank Jr. - Dwight Yoakam - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Bad Company - Allman Bros. or Allman Betts Band.
Great question, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Prince and get this George Gershwin, lol now that's a Lollapalooza
@@sheriandreas8260 that would be a jam session if they got on stage together with a southern twist, awesome
Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
Steve Walsh (Kansas)
Neil Peart (Rush)
Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Pat Benatar
Jess always holds a special place in my heart. Met with my youngest son at a Con and he inspired him to start acting. He went from a lost middle schooler who didn’t fit in to a cool, confident guy who knows what he wants and is killing it in college. This crazy wild haired guy convinced him he could do anything and I will never forget that! Love this guy!!!
That's amazing. Very inspiring dude.
That's awesome!
Very awesome to hear this, the world needs LESS rock stars and MORE positive role models.
@@bignasty1876 VERY WELL SAID..
A REAL person?? Actually creating and doing an actual thing!!?? What a novel idea!! So sick of terrible music, and Cardashians, and TV Simons trying to convince me that "Americas got talent" because it REALLY hasn't for a really long time. American music has become a never ending episode of "The Gong Show" from olden times. Simon Cowell starred.
The day Rock Sugar did a double set was a terrible day for many of us in Memphis. The night before we had massive rain and flooding. I had been up all night on calls evacuating people. They brought a bright spot to a bad day and was the lift we all needed. Thanks!
That Memphis in may it all way seams to rain like that. I been so many Memphis in May rock festival that one is one top 5 on my list.
This was a killer interview. You played off of him perfectly to pull the absolute best out of him. I’m an old fart of 73, but was a lead singer in a local rock band back in the 60s. So regardless of the years, I still appreciate good music of all kinds. Had not heard of Rock Sugar before but you can bet I’ll be listening to their music now. Great stuff! Thank you.
Loved Rock Sugar from the first moment I heard them. Amazing, awesome ,fun to listen, brings a smile to your face!!!
RS are amazing. Definitely one of my all the favorite bands. Incredibly talented and creative.
You should have Jess on once a month. He really brings you in when telling stories. He is one of those people that in a crowded room tellimg stories you think he is talking directly to you.
This guy is amazing. I tried to lose interest in this interview but ended up watching it all the way through. This guy's a hero lol
He's a class act.
I met Jess at a con a few years ago and he was one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met.
He really is. Love the dude.
@@ProfessorofRock how can you not?!?! Such pure loving energy from Jess.
Yes, he is, and my son who really only knew his work as Wacko got to sing part of the State Capitol song with him - and I was impressed he recalled all the lyrics and told us he had done that entire song for Animaniacs was done in one take.
Jess' attitude is something a whole load more artists could do with having. "Yeah we're just goofing around", "Is ok that I laugh?" and "laughing is always good." Fair play dude, you just got yerself a sale right there.
Rock bands should feel honored to be covered by these guys.
Jesse is an extremely talented and super nice person. I worked for his favorite Uncle Stew in Atlanta, GA and when Stew passed, Jesse flew in for the memorial service. He not only sang at the service, but was thoroughly entertaining. I couldn't resist asking if he could do some of his voices, and he obliged. He's so personable with everyone very down to earth. I absolutely love hearing Rock Sugar belt out songs better than the originals. They totally rock.
You two had amazing chemistry together....I would watch a Netflix series with you both just talking music and interviewing different acts. Well done!
Now this is a great idea!
This is an awesome interview. I've always been a fan of his voice work, but I had no idea he was in a rock band. I love mashups, and I LOVE 80s music. How have I never heard of his band?!?
Thank you, Professor! Enlightening as always! ❤
This makes me think of Green Jelly's "Cereal Killer". Zappa always refused to classify himself as a jazz artist but instead preferred to call himself a "comedy rock" artist. We need more of this, thanks Adam.
I still say jello as a little protest against the establishment.
Damn right, Bear.
Thanks for bringing Jess back! I knew there had to be more footage for a Part 2! He's a riot! So down-to-earth and honest. He's that neighbour you wanna have a beer with.
For sure. Thanks for watching!
@@ProfessorofRock Every day, brother!
he is literally my favorite interview of yours - he is like the coolest most talented most down to Earth performer Ive ever seen - ever
Easily my favorite interview you've ever done. What an entertainer this guy is. I had never heard Rock Sugar before about .... well..... 25 minutes ago. Can't wait to explore.
Thanks, Adam!
I discovered them a half hour ago. Not sure what to do next:
1. Find part 1
2. Find Sugar Rock rabbit hole and burrow in.
3. Buy Rock Sugar's "albums".
4. Watch this one again.
Very charismatic guy, I'd never heard of him before that first interview but damn, he's an interesting guy. Could listen for hours
Rock sugar is putting a new spin on classic rock. They aren’t just singing covers like a cover band. Jessie has a God gifted voice and he is the modern classic spin of putting together the best of classic rock. Thank you jessie.
Jesse is an inspiration to anybody. He's so positive and fun and bold. Thanks for this interview.
Professor, after your last episode you did with him, I checked out Rock Sugar's music and was very impressed. Good stuff.
Very cool. Thanks Stephen!
I had never heard of them… after this interview, I immediately went to their website and bought their album. It’s awesome!
I WAS AT THAT CONCERT IN MEMPHIS!!! It remains my favorite Memphis in May show EVER!
Never heard of him or the band. What a great individual and story teller. He is so easy to like. He deserves the success he has just for saving the festival.
I love this guy I’d never met before. Positive energy draws people closer.
I never heard of Rock Sugar, so I watched about ten of their videos. It took me back to a time when music was fun! If you don't love this band you are either a Grinch, a blood sucking zombie or a record executive! These guys are true rock stars!!!
discovering them right now. at 49. how did I miss these guys.
You’re going to have to explain the difference between a record executive and a blood sucking zombie.
@@joeuser633 makes me think of the record management of Tommy James, money laundering for the mafia. Held back a lot of talent.
These guys ROCK!
I was there at the Memphis show, when they announced that Rock Sugar was coming back out for a 2nd show I screamed "YEEEEAAAASSSSS!!!!" at least 2000 people where I was standing all turned to look at me and I said "what? they are really good" shortly after that some douche canoe of a guy threw an empty bottle at them, Johnny 5 picked it up and threw it back in the same area, it wizzed by my head and hit a teen age girl in the face, classic Johnny 5. ALSO, they were 1st band at noon and the last band of the night, so they are the only band that has opened for themselves.
I was there too, never heard of them, opened up with the Enter Sandman riff, looked at my ex and said damn they’re good, then the Journey lyrics came in and thought it was genius. I do not recommend the tornados across the river and hiding under a bridge. It was a great lineup that weekend.
@@RyanHeafner I drove from west Texas just to see them
Mr Harnell is one hell of a man. Very humble with his gifts and very kind to his friends and bandmates... you don't hear "I" with him...you hear "WE". Great interview Prof.
That was a hell of a story! I was a stagehand for 12 years, so that was an awesome situation that they saved. Going to have to check these guys out
I didn't expect this guy to be as chill and down to earth as he is.. the most extraordinary everyman.
Jesse is such a down to earth guy. Great interview, very chill and relaxed. Loved it!!!!!
Adam, I have been listening to Reimaginator and Reinventinator pretty much every day since your last upload of part 1 of your interview with Jess Harnell of Rock Sugar. I even went as far as tracking down and buying a no longer made copy of Reimaginator that ironically had Jess's signature on it from a concert somewhere in the US - which is no mean feat when you live in Sydney, Australia! . I have not played a record so much in a long time - or played one so loud! I really want to see this band live as soon as possible. Thank you so much for sharing this, and Rock Sugar. It has been one of the absolute highlights of my year, now having this music in my life! However - what has really had my neighbours enrolling in the Rock Sugar train is playing " Don't Stop the Santa Man" with a Christmas front yard light display. Priceless! :-D
I am THRILLED to read this comment. That's what we AIM to do .
I was in choir between '89 and '91, and I remember one of the songs we sang was a gospel-like tune titled something like "Rock Me in the Cradle of Love". While we were rehearsing it, Billy Idol released a single titled "Rock the Cradle of Love". On the surface, VERY DIFFERENT songs. But the titles were close, and I could hear similarities in certain sections of both songs. But when I brought those similarities up to my fellow choir mates they all looked at me like I'd sprouted not just another head but two! They couldn't hear it, but I did. Even if you're not a musician, if you have your ear tuned to music, you can catch similarities even as far apart as that. If you can do that and ARE a musician, that makes it even more fun!
This is what a DJ does (when I used to be one). Find songs with a similar beat or sound and blend one into the other. The concept for this band is genius.
Jess is an awesome person. I've met him multiple times and he's always putting his fans first.
Before today, I never heard of Rock Sugar. Now I am a fan! There is never a stale moment with Jess and the boys. I had never imagined that concept of combining the sounds of different bands. They kind of re-invented rock'n roll. It is thoroughly enjoyable...and FUN. I love it.
You Shook Me Like a Prayer is one of the best things I've ever heard. After your last video with Jess, I spent the rest of the day listening to Rock Sugar songs.
Very cool. Thank you!
Like Don’t Stop the Sandman.
I did the same thing and today i showed my husband and then we both spent the afternoon listening to them. I'd LOVE to have something like this as a surprise for our son's wedding. All the people invited would love it, what a great party it would be. I'm sure we can't afford it but its nice to dream lol
It takes a supreme amount of talent to rearrange songs like that and have it sound that good
God he is a great interview, very engaging and is interested in both Adam and his questions. Love this interview.
Did you see part 1 ? It's AWESOME.
@@Terk131 I did, it was great as well.
Jess is so down to earth he seems like such a nice guy, I love the stories he tells, and being a celebrity hasn't gone to his head, he's just plain and simple and loves what he does, such a great attitude, love the impersonations.
I never heard of this band or Jess. I will now start listening to them. They seem pretty cool. Thanks for the interview.
I've been around music for some time, and this is the first time I've ever heard of these guys. Now, I have been out of that seen for quite some time, so maybe that's why- but this? Was an AWESOME story. What a cool way to find your place in music history.
I remember messing around with some of my old rock bandmembers, and making up songs like that- NEVER did we think to actually DO IT, let alone believe doing something like that, could actually lead to success.
Great video!
his charismatic nature is damned infectious. Love his attitude and efforts. Well Done gentlemen.
" I'm on the SWAT team of rock"..... what a quote. Love this guy!
Never heard of Rocksugar before this but this was by far the best interview I've seen Adam do! I love Jess and am so impressed by him as both a great performer and human being.
We so adore Rock Sugar in our house.. just the musicality and of course, Jess's vocals.. they could release 6 more albums and we would own them all.
Jess is one entertaining guy, if he ever tours count me in. Would love to see him live, keep bringing him back if you can.
We love him too! Will do.
fascinating. I am over 50 and I’ve never heard of this dude ever and never heard of Rock Sugar or heard his music.
This guy is fantastic, loved his last interview with the professor, especially his story about pranking Kelly Osbourne on the phone being Ozzy.
Wow! Great interview. This guy has amazing energy,seems like a really nice, fun guy.
And you, Adam, are such a wonderful storyteller and interviewer. You could have made a great elementary school teacher, students would have listened to you. Great voice, likable.
I have never heard of Rock Sugar...I heard it first on Professor of Rock...Great show Adam!
Glad to hear it!
man, u could interview THAT DUDE every day & i would watch it!!! infectious energy, amazing talent, & great personality... just freakin love that guy! thanx & god bless professor
I remember when I went to a Dread Zeppelin concert. Spent the whole concert laughing & really digging the music. Went home and bought their albums. I'll do the same with Rock Sugar. Thanks, Professor!
Dread Zeppelin put on great shows. I saw them at Little Brothers in Columbus Ohio, they did the whole Elvis shtick with the cape and sweat towels etc hilarious but at the same time a great performance
I'm sooo glad someone else remembers Dread Zeppelin. Not sure who was the first band to do these re'imagined mash-ups, but DZ were the first I ever heard. You Ain't Nothin' but a Black Dog...
I'm also partial to the Dead Milkmen's "Bitchin Camaro".
@@gnpj1909 in Dallas, they would play DZ before concerts. When they played them, and that’s how you would know you needed to get to your seats because the lights were gonna go down afterwards.
Thank you for sharing. Never heard of Rock Sugar until watching this video. I've been listening to their catalog all morning.
Never heard of these guys but I gotta say, that's a great story and he seems like a great guy.
never heard about them, but i heard their music.I thought it was made for fun by some crazy ass musicians. Turns out I was right.
I’ve actually known their song Don’t Stop the Sandman for a few years now. You should check out the band Steel Panther.
You need to watch the first interview done on this channel with this guy. Impressive career.
Same here.. Just clicked because of the title and just now found out about RS. It's like Weird Al but with a twist
@@sethralavode9012 Love Steel Panther, saw them live a couple of times, so much FUN!.
I justintroduced my husband to Rock Sugar and he says whenever they come to the Dallas area we will be there.
Thanks for the second part of the interview Professor!
Excellent interview, as a bread we don’t get to hear of half of these bands, and it’s always nice to hear your perspective of our bands… Keep up the good work you crazy dude
Oh man, grew up on Animaniacs and always loved Jess' voice work! Thank you, Adam, for turning me on to this! Absolutely Amazing! \m/ \m/
Back in the days of reel to reel tape decks, I merged "Castles Made of Sand" by Hendrix and "It's Only Castles Burning" by CSN&Y. I switched songs every time they said Castle. It was fun at parties.
I can really appreciate the work that went into the songs they created.
"SWAT team of Rock" - That was epic. Great interview!
Ive known Jess for years. Him and Chuck had a band in the 80s called Loud. His bread and butter was voice work but I knew he always wanted to get to that rock star status. Good for him that this avenue is working out.
He may not have gotten mega-star status, but he is definitely one of those artists hardcore music fans know about. Kinda like psychostick.
@@tcrpgfan I liken them to Steel Panther. I knew a couple of those guys back in the day. Talked to ralph at a Steel Panther show recently. He was cool. But Jess like them had to reinvent themselves. They were all in LA in the 80s trying to make it. I was too, LOL Not everybody makes it. Some like Jess and Steel panther reinvent themselves and end up doing better than some signed bands. Havent spoke to jess in a few years. Last time I saw him was at a party at his really cool house in the hills. Miss the guy.
@@jgillettejukebox Though you can easily say Jess' success tipped in his favor when his audition was heard by Spielberg precisely because Jess' Wakko didn't sound like what everyone else was doing. And even then, it didn't happen overnight, Jess just met the right combination of people at the right time.
As someone who is a big fan of both mash-up DJs and heavy metal bands, I became an instant fan of Rock Sugar right from jump back when Don't Stop The Sandman was going viral. This was an awesome interview, well done man.
A great and entertaining interview! This is my first exposure to Rock Sugar (I live in a vacuum) and I like the little bits I heard on this show. I was wondering, if you should do another interview with Jess, How, in this litigious society we live in, how they get around the copyrights for the songs?
Weird Al gets permission to do the songs he has done parodies of. These aren't really parodies though--it's mashing two songs together so I would imagine they'd need permission from 2 or more groups or the songwriters, wouldn't they? It's great music and I hope they continue!
These would classify as parody or transformative works and would be covered under copyright laws. Weird Al gets artists permission out of courtesy, he doesn't legally have too. (Which explains the blow up with Coolio over the Amish Paradise parody of Gangsta's Paradise)
Easily the most well spoken Rock Star I have heard.
Last night listening to Professor of Rock videos really paid off for me. The final question in the team trivia was (paraphrased) "the meaning of this 1977 song title was originally either a musket, a whiskey container, or a bull whip" which I knew to be "Black Betty" thanks to your video of the Ram Jam hit. Only one other team (and no one else on my team) knew this, allowing my team to take first place!
I'll definitely continue watching your videos, it could come in handy again!
YES!
I have been a professional musician for 40 years and have followed Rock Sugar for more than ten years!! Absolutely LOVE their stuff!! Amazing mashups!,
I had a band that did this sort of thing. Enter sandman became Sandman by America. Slippin into darkness by War became Fly like an eagle. It always went over great.
The best ever was the combination of The Pusher, by Steppenwolf with Hang on sloopy.
very cool!
Thank you for having Jess on again. I really enjoy hearing his stories and any voices he decides to do. I love Rock Sugar!
Man, another fantastic interview with Jess. I hope you have him on once a quarter.
That's a good idea!
@@ProfessorofRock great comment about not knowing music theory, and feeling the music. Knowing in our hearts what is good, what goes together. It was such a great insight and so true. Music is a universal language that unites people.
Jess even explains in the Documentary, "Hey! I know that voice!" That being a voice actor is all about being able to sing and and do a certain voice and carry it at different octaves
Happy Friday! I'm so glad to hear you say how Locked Out of Heaven sent you on a Police listening binge. I have always maintained that that song sounds like the love child of Can't Stand Losing You with Michael Jackson's Beat It! Also, glad to see more of this interview-loved Jess in the last one!
Very cool. As always thank you Allison. Always love to see your comments.
WOW!! This was the BEST interview you've ever done! I had no idea who Jesse or Rock Sugar were, but I am an instant fan based SOLELY on this interview and song clips. Great job Adam and Jesse may be my new favorite rock star lol. What a GREAT FUNNY guy and very talented.
POF, I recommend doing a show on Steel Panther.
-excellent, legit musicians
-funny as heck; great in interviews
-perfect covers
-very good originals often very funny
-they found a sweet spot for 80s nostalgia and filled it perfectly
-great guys when out of character
Jess is quite the raconteur. Thanks to him for sitting down with you and sharing his stories. Thanks to you for uploading them!
This was awesome! As a fellow musician, I love some good song mashups. From watching this video, I went and liked Rock Sugar on their Facebook page. Thanks
Rock on!
Thank you for introducing me to Jess and Rock Sugar! I am now a fan! He is super talented and charismatic!
First time hearing about this band. Jess seems like a really good guy. Look forward to listening to all their music.
Simply FANTASTIC interview. Amazing. I am now going to have to dive into the band, wholeheartedly. Thank you for this.
Adam, thank you so much for sharing this with us! As I said last time, I could listen to you guys for hours. So I've got a suggestion for you, assuming you even read this, how about having Jess interview you, but have him do it with some of his voices? I think I heard a Christopher Walker impersonation. Think about him interviewing you as Christopher Walker. He's got a thousand voices, have him change it up. I think it would be so much fun. Plus it would be nice to hear your stories. I remember you once saying one of your teachers said you'd never get anywhere following your passion for music. Well, has he stayed in Memphis for two months? I bet there's some great stories there alone. I bet Jess would get a kick out of it too. Think about it. Otherwise, just want to say thanks again for this second interview. Great stuff! ❤
Thank you for introducing me to Jess Harnell. He's a classy man and a great singer. I'm a fan.
I am perpetually in awe of how much Jess loves and appreciates his fans.
It's very cool.
Great interview Prof. I’d never heard of them until now. I’ll definitely be checking out their videos and music. Keep on rocking!
Thank you, Adam, for shining the light on Jeff & Rock Sugar.
I've always lived by trying to find good in any bad situation, Jeff nailed it & everybody won that night. 👍❤👍
I met Jess and his wife at a con a couple of years ago, they are both so nice! I didn't realize Jess had a band going now, will definitely listen to all of their songs!
Loved this interview. Never heard of Rock Sugar or Jess before, but he seems like a great guy, and what a fantastic idea to combine 2 songs! They sound good, and just what fun! I like the wonderful way he approached the audience when asked to cover for 3 Doors Down!
VERY enjoyable interview!
Great story. Both of you are genuine, which is hard to come by on YT. Pure, fun entertainment.
Only true rock n roll could take something thats already there, combine it together, and make something cool and new....thank you for this!
I can sit and watch your videos all day as I want to be more knowledgeable in rock and it's place in our culture. When it started about a cover band, I instantly thought not worth it. I live in Vegas and go to a lot of cover band concerts so I decided to just watch the beginning and I am so glad!! Jess was great to listen to but I am super pumped about the music idea!! Blown away!! I bought the album.
DAMN! No one can deny that your great voice and bandmates talent made this possible. Anyone less would fall face flat! Awesome!
I could sit for hours listening to his stories. Not just great stories but a great story teller. Rock on!!
This was such a fantastic interview and I’m excited to listen to this band! Thanks Professor.
Love this video. Brilliant! I’ve got two music degrees, and i don’t for a second doubt Professor of Rock’s credentials. He’s legit in my book.
This guy is an amazing talent and an exceptional interview guest.
PROFESSOROFROCK, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!, I REALLY ENJOY THIS CHANNEL, CONTENT IS GREAT, YOU AS A HOST IS GREAT!!!!!!!!, MUCH RESPECT TO YOU, THIS COMING FROM A 57 YEAR OLD DARK SKIN LATINO FROM SPANISH HARLEM NYC, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, A TRUE FAN, THANK YOU
Can't help but notice this guy's energy and absolute talent. Super engaging personality goes right along with the real deal.
I loved this interview. He seems so down to earth. Well done!
I posted in the last video of your sit down with Jess and I was embarrassed to say that I actually knew none of his work. But that first interview was one of the best interviews I've seen in a long time. So when this one came up of course I had to watch it. As I said in my post in the first video, Jess just seems like the guy you want to hang out with. Such a positive outlook on life and obviously extremely talented. Such a good interview. I could listen to you two all day talk about anything. Great job Adam! So happy I came across this.
I wouldn't have known anything about these mixes if it hadn't been for this channel. Thank you, POR!
fist off THANK YOU for the introduction of Rock Sugar. and thank you for the link for the free song, I am going to check out more of them. so far loving them, Dude, Awesome :)
Rock on!
Great interview, loved it.will CHECK THESE GUYS OUT. Thank you.
I play Rock Sugar's "Don't Stop The Santa Man" in my lighted Christmas display every year.