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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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! ❤
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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
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 have been a professional musician for 40 years and have followed Rock Sugar for more than ten years!! Absolutely LOVE their stuff!! Amazing mashups!,
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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. 👍❤👍
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 just wanna say Thank You Adam.... A. For being who you are, Please never change for anyone or anything! and B. For introducing me to RS... as well as my neighbors, co-workers and anyone I may happen to share the road with...
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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)
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!
@@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.
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
1st time coming across this channel, Jess, and Rock Sugar and I have to say it was all excellent. Jess seems like a guy you just want to be friends with. Super laid back, full of energy, and talent without the ego.
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! ❤
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.
Never heard of Rock Sugar until I watched this, searched them on TH-cam and watched "Roll You In The Hurricane" and I'm already a fan - these guys are great, I hope to see them live some day
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
I'm glad you turned us on to Jess and Rocksugar Adam, I'm speaking for myself and those who haven't heard of them. What a pleasure to catch the second half of the interview with him. It's impossible not to love this dude! As for you Professor, people who know theory and play instruments do what they do however well they do it but you my friend...the thing that you do? You're a Rockstar in my book! Nothing like your channel. Noone like you bro!🎶❤️✌️
What a guy!!! Loved this interview🎉🎉🎉 Prof of Rock….YOU ROCK🥳🥳🥳 Most full out real artist! Saved the festival! So authentic! Full out FUN!!! Thanks so much! Wooooohoooo😘😘😘💫💫🎉🥳
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’m so glad you had him on your show, what an awesome idea…….I can’t wait to hear mor about them. I’m also looking forward to seeing all the rest of your videos too 😎 thanks
I knew him as a voice actor, but amazingly I've never heard of rock sugar. And this is what surprises me, because I'm a huge fan of recording songs from One genre in another one... as long as it's done well, it can completely change songs you love in a good way. So thank you, my work day is ruined... because I'm diving deep in this rabbit hole.
Thank you for this. Just 'discovered' Jess Harnell through your channel; so, so talented (him and his band), and so down to earth, genuine, friendly and kind. I was smiling most of the way through both interviews; his stories and the way the mash-ups came about...inspired.
Rock Sugar landed on my radar years ago through a podcast called Geek Out Loud and I've been a fan ever since. As a former musician, I absolutely love a good mashup and these guys are the undisputed heavyweight champs of the genre! Thanks for showcasing them, Prof!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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 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 play Rock Sugar's "Don't Stop The Santa Man" in my lighted Christmas display every year.
he is literally my favorite interview of yours - he is like the coolest most talented most down to Earth performer Ive ever seen - ever
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.
Jesse is an inspiration to anybody. He's so positive and fun and bold. Thanks for this interview.
"SWAT team of Rock" - That was epic. Great interview!
I had never heard of them… after this interview, I immediately went to their website and bought their album. It’s awesome!
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.
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.
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.
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 bands should feel honored to be covered by these guys.
I WAS AT THAT CONCERT IN MEMPHIS!!! It remains my favorite Memphis in May show EVER!
I didn't expect this guy to be as chill and down to earth as he is.. the most extraordinary everyman.
Jess is an awesome person. I've met him multiple times and he's always putting his fans first.
I love this guy I’d never met before. Positive energy draws people closer.
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!
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.
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
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
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 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!
Jesse is such a down to earth guy. Great interview, very chill and relaxed. Loved it!!!!!
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.
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!
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.
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 .
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
his charismatic nature is damned infectious. Love his attitude and efforts. Well Done gentlemen.
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!,
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.
It takes a supreme amount of talent to rearrange songs like that and have it sound that good
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!
This guy is fantastic, loved his last interview with the professor, especially his story about pranking Kelly Osbourne on the phone being Ozzy.
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.
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.
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.
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!
I never heard of this band or Jess. I will now start listening to them. They seem pretty cool. Thanks for the interview.
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
" I'm on the SWAT team of rock"..... what a quote. Love this guy!
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, 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. 👍❤👍
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!.
First time i heard of Rock Sugar i was in the front row in one of the tents at Download 2010 & they blew me away
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 just wanna say Thank You Adam.... A. For being who you are, Please never change for anyone or anything! and B. For introducing me to RS... as well as my neighbors, co-workers and anyone I may happen to share the road with...
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
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!
Thank you for sharing. Never heard of Rock Sugar until watching this video. I've been listening to their catalog all morning.
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.
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!
Can't help but notice this guy's energy and absolute talent. Super engaging personality goes right along with the real deal.
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
fascinating. I am over 50 and I’ve never heard of this dude ever and never heard of Rock Sugar or heard his music.
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)
Jess is quite the raconteur. Thanks to him for sitting down with you and sharing his stories. Thanks to you for uploading them!
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.
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/
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.
Thank you for having Jess on again. I really enjoy hearing his stories and any voices he decides to do. I love Rock Sugar!
First time hearing about this band. Jess seems like a really good guy. Look forward to listening to all their music.
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!
1st time coming across this channel, Jess, and Rock Sugar and I have to say it was all excellent. Jess seems like a guy you just want to be friends with. Super laid back, full of energy, and talent without the ego.
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! ❤
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.
I am perpetually in awe of how much Jess loves and appreciates his fans.
It's very cool.
DAMN! No one can deny that your great voice and bandmates talent made this possible. Anyone less would fall face flat! Awesome!
Never heard of Rock Sugar until I watched this, searched them on TH-cam and watched "Roll You In The Hurricane" and I'm already a fan - these guys are great, I hope to see them live some day
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
Easily the most well spoken Rock Star I have heard.
I'm glad you turned us on to Jess and Rocksugar Adam, I'm speaking for myself and those who haven't heard of them.
What a pleasure to catch the second half of the interview with him.
It's impossible not to love this dude!
As for you Professor, people who know theory and play instruments do what they do however well they do it but you my friend...the thing that you do? You're a Rockstar in my book!
Nothing like your channel. Noone like you bro!🎶❤️✌️
I could sit for hours listening to his stories. Not just great stories but a great story teller. Rock on!!
What a guy!!! Loved this interview🎉🎉🎉
Prof of Rock….YOU ROCK🥳🥳🥳 Most full out real artist! Saved the festival! So authentic! Full out FUN!!! Thanks so much!
Wooooohoooo😘😘😘💫💫🎉🥳
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
2 cuts of this guy isnt enough, Jess is awesome. Add some more interviews of him and his group
I’m so glad you had him on your show, what an awesome idea…….I can’t wait to hear mor about them. I’m also looking forward to seeing all the rest of your videos too 😎 thanks
I knew him as a voice actor, but amazingly I've never heard of rock sugar. And this is what surprises me, because I'm a huge fan of recording songs from One genre in another one... as long as it's done well, it can completely change songs you love in a good way. So thank you, my work day is ruined... because I'm diving deep in this rabbit hole.
Thank you for this. Just 'discovered' Jess Harnell through your channel; so, so talented (him and his band), and so down to earth, genuine, friendly and kind. I was smiling most of the way through both interviews; his stories and the way the mash-ups came about...inspired.
Rock Sugar landed on my radar years ago through a podcast called Geek Out Loud and I've been a fan ever since. As a former musician, I absolutely love a good mashup and these guys are the undisputed heavyweight champs of the genre! Thanks for showcasing them, Prof!
Thank you for introducing me to Jess Harnell. He's a classy man and a great singer. I'm a fan.
This is flat out incredible. Humor, artistry, craftsmanship, polish, talent, practice, and just a bit of genius :D Gawd, they sound amazing.
Excellent interview! 👍🏽😀