Episode 3: Ty Hanson (Part 2)

Episode 3 features Gene’s second interview with Ty Hanson, a drummer and trombonist who played with Frank Sinatra, The Jackson 5, James Brown, and many more. In this conversation (see Episode 1 for Part 1), Ty reminisces about backing Little Richard, whom he calls "nice enough" but a "hard pill to swallow," contrasting the rock 'n' roll legend's difficult-to-please demeanor with the graciousness of New Orleans legend Dr. John. He relates the story of Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis arguing one night over who was the better rock 'n' roller, taking their heated dispute out to the alley (Hanson declines to say who prevailed). He remembers James Brown's penchant for fining the musicians in his band, reducing their night's pay for on-stage infractions, and how the Godfather of Soul was all "about the business," maintaining a social distance from members of his band. Hanson also reveals the one thing that made him lose respect for Ike Turner. Late in the interview, Gene asks Ty about his decision to retire from the business; music put years on you, Hanson says, until you become "like an old leather jacket."