WELCOME TO THE HALL OF FAME LEGENDS SERIES !

                 The News Is Definitely Out ! 

The latest Numbers are in, and the results are truly amazing: Over 87,401 Visitors From All 50 States, and,  102 Different Countries & Territories WorldWide, With Over 5,863,984 Hits... Since We Went On-Line ! 

I Sincerely Thank You All !!      JK                              

  SPECIAL  NOTICE:  Before you continue scrolling down the page, I want to publicly thank those in the Rod & Custom Publication Industry that have been so generous and supportive of both the "Hall Of Fame Legends" Series WebSite, and,  my efforts to put it together and produce it.

So, as to give fair "thanks" to all involved, I'll put them in Alphabetical Order.  The list includes:  Tim Bernsau (Rod & Custom); Brian Brennan (Street Rodder); Christopher Campbell (Hot Rod); Eddie "T-Bird" Donato (CKD/OSR); Luke Karosi (Kustoms Illustrated); Rob Kinnan (Hot Rod); Alan Mayes (CKD/OSR); Jim Rizzo (Street Rodder); Jerry & DeVona Titus (KKOA Trendsetter).   My sincere thanks to each and everyone of you !  And, it goes without saying, a constant thanks to Darryl & Donna Starbird for their help, support, and, friendship.   (Links to ALL of the above mags can be found on the "Visit Some Of Our Friends" Page.)

 I think we all know that our Industry/Hobby brings us together, not just as friends, but more like an extended "family".  And, although this Site went through a "start-up" stage  in July,2007  it wasn't officially launched until September 10th of that year. The response WorldWide since that time has been not only heartwarming...it's FANTASTIC !  

 However,  it could not have been  done without the help of all the above named individuals, as well as each and every Legend/Hall Of Famer that is listed, been Interviewed, and given so generously of their time, as they understood my concept for the Series, and, the need for documenting their personal histories. PLUS, my thanks for the "word of mouth" that each of you visiting here has helped pass on to others so that they can log onto the Site.

From The Period Of September, 2007 Through This Current Post The Site Has Had Over  87,401 Visitors AND, 5,863,984 Hits. which for a specialized niche Site like this is just excellent.  What astounds me even more is the list of  102 Countries  & Territories that some of these Visitors have logged on from. 

  SPECIAL NOTE: TO SEE THE LIST OF COUNTRIES LOGGED-ONTO OUR WEBSITE JUST CLICK-ON HERE !       

 In retrospect, that's one of the reasons I named my company The WorldWide Broadcasting Company...the reach of the www is just tremendous.   And, to be able to share the stories of these Pioneers of the Industry with those all across the Universe is a feat that would have been unheard of only 10-12 years ago.

I constantly strive to upgrade the entire Site.  The "visuals" are tweaked and added-to as necessary, as well as the audio, to showcase each of these Legends with the respect and importance that they deserve.   And, again, many thanks for all of your eMails !   I read each one, and thank you for taking the time to send them.

Be watching for more Legends News, Interviews, and, Special Pages to be added soon...for both your listening & viewing enjoyment.   With the constant help and support of each of you,  the World of Rods & Customs will power through this new Millenium and into the next !  More importantly, the "Legends Of The Hall Of Fame" will continue to be heard all over the World...and their histories and voices will continue to inspire a new generation.

  With sincere thanks...JK

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   IT'S HERE !  A BRAND NEW PAGE  on  the WebSite that Showcases some of the GREATEST BOOKS about the Rod & Custom Industry - and those that helped build it - that are available today !

If you have an R&C Library these are some books that you definitely should add !   If you're just starting a  Personal Library, these are a MUST for you to put in it.  

 I PERSONALLY REVUE EACH BOOK,  and give you my take on it.  There are SO many of you out there that have asked me for some suggestions on good reading material during the last few months,  and now we've got it for you right here on the Hall Of Fame Legends Series WebSite !   

JUST CLICK-ON HERE ,  AND GO DIRECTLY TO THE"HOT OFF THE PRESS" PAGE  !    ENJOY !!    JK

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  WHILE YOU'RE HERE: be sure to visit THE LEGENDS VIDEO GALLERY There are now OVER 160 Great Pix !  Cool Cars, Classic Ads that you will probably never see anywhere else, and even some Special Pix  from my Personal Archives that I dug out to share with you !  THE LEGENDS VIDEO GALLERY is a virtual "Time Machine" that you can enjoy  over and over again as I'm always adding new images !   JK

  NOW It's Easier Than Ever To eMail us !  Just click here to eMail us and let us know where you're from, what you drive, and how you like hearing these great Legends and their personal stories.

 IT'S SIMPLE:  Log-On ANYTIME You Want !  We're On-Line 24/7/365 !!   

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 HOT TOPIX:  These Are The Hottest "Legends" Stories On-Line Right Now !  Just "Click" On 'Em To Listen !   

            THIS IS A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE R&C PIONEER WHO CHANGED MY LIFE

YOU MIGHT NOT READILY KNOW HIS NAME, but DON FERRARA was one of the earliest post-WWII Hot Rodders & Custom Car Builders.  He built, raced, and, showed one of the most-Legendary '29 Model A's, and, the '49 Ford Coupe he built was the car that started me on the path that I still follow.  Without Don Ferrara's influence in my life, you might not be reading these words today...and the WebSite you're viewing might never have existed.

PLEASE, take a few minutes and read my Very Special Tribute Page to DON FERRARA ...and you'll learn not only about his influence in the early days of the Industry, but also how he and his '49 Ford Custom had such a great impact on my life.  AND, how -54 years later- I was finally able to thank him.   JK

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  HE'S ONE OF THE TRUE PIONEERS of the Rod & Custom Industry.  His shop was one of the most respected in the business and turned out some of the best "drivers" ever produced, and he's proud to say that most of the those that he built are still on the street today !  On top of that, DICK "MAGOO" MEGUGORAC , is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet...he's also one of the B-E-S-T story teller's about those early days at the birth of Hot Rodding.  SO, listen as Dick talks about his own "early years", as well as the street racing culture that was so much a part of the SoCal Scene at the time !   JK

     THE ONE THAT BEGAN IT ALL !   Sam Barris'  Chopped '49 Merc was the legendary ground-breaker for all of the Chopped Merc's that followed it.  And who to better tell the story of how it all came down, than Sam's brother:  HOF Legend, GEORGE BARRIS !   Listen as George gives fond memories of his brother, tells how the cars build began, and, talks about the Merc's restoration by Roy Brizio's shop & its current owner, John Mumford.  It's a R&C History lesson that you'll have to hear more than once !    JK

    He's a Hall Of Fame Award Winning Artist that's equally at home penning Rods, or, Customs.  But just how does STEVE STANFORD come up with those cool designs anyway ?   That's what I wanted to know, and Steve gave me the straight answers.  We also covered how he deals with clients and what he expects from them in order to bring their "Dream Car" to reality.  Steve's a cool guy, knows his craft, and, this will give you insight on what to expect the next time you see some of his work transferred to "Real Steel" !    JK

   One of the most respected & versatile R&C Artists for almost four-decades is M.K.JOHN.   Sure he does great art in the Rod & Custom field, BUT, did you know,  he's also sought-out by Bike fans from all over the Country to give their rides one of his knock-out jobs ?  Be it graphics, flames, pinstripes, or, almost anything you can dream up M.K. can handle it !   BUT, I wanted to know how that all happened to start with...and M.K. gives us all the full story, right here, right now !  (AND FIND OUT ABOUT THAT FISH ! )   JK

      FRITZ SCHENCK ("SPRITZ BY FRITZ") is one of the busiest builders, restorers, painters, maker-of-clones, etc., that is working in the Industry today !   He's also a very nice guy to spend time with, and last summer we got together for an Interview that was both informative and a lot of fun. I think you'll see just what I mean when you listen to this story...and you'll definitely want to listen to it a second time,  just to catch what went on in the first 15 seconds !!   JK

    You've seen his cars at S.E.M.A., the GNRS, Sacramento, and, shows WorldWide.  PLUS, magazine coverage in Rod & Custom, Custom Rodder, Traditional Rod & Kulture, Street Rodder, Car Kulture DeLuxe...,you get the picture.  Well, at least once a year, HOF Member JOHN D'AGOSTINO & I get together to get the Info on his latest rides.   This past July we did it again at the KKOA Event in Salina, and John filled me in on his '40 Cad , and,  the "ELVIS II" Eldorado, Biarritz which debuted at the 2010 GNRS.  (Plus, a rare European Classic that we'll keep as a surprise !) Listen as John gives me the latest stories...right here, and right now !   JK

   The Legendary Hall Of Famer, GENE WINFIELD ,  talks to about his Origins: From painting his first car in his brothers' garage at the age of 15, to his first shop ( a  re-worked chicken house ! ) in the back of  his Mother's yard, to International Fame.  This is one FANTASTIC personal story that you'll want to hear more than once !!

     His shop is world-renowed for turning out Rods, Customs, and, Restorations of the highest-caliber. And, for the first time, LOU CALASIBETTA,  owner of The Old Stillwater Garage, shares with me the history of his early years, talks about the building which houses his Garage (originally an 1800's Blacksmith Shop !), and, what the future holds for him and his crew.  Lou's one of the nicest guys, and most meticulous builders that you'll ever meet, so listen & enjoy !    JK

   For the story of what was planned for the 2010 DETROIT AUTORAMA, listen to the Info my old friend, CHUCK MILLER,  gave me at our yearly get-together !   The "Custom Cavalcade", a Special Section for the 70th Anniversary of the "40 Ford", and, Chuck's OWN Special Display !   Chuck was the "2010 Detroit Autorama Builder Of The Year"...and he gave me the full-story, first, in Salina in July, 2009 !  Congrats, Chuck !  JK

   He was born in Arkansas, but ended up in Utah.  Then, after a stay in California,BO HUFF  cruised back to Utah, and has been there ever since, hammering out some of the neatest Custom Cars you'll ever see.  BUT, I wanted to know how that happened.  Also, needed to know about his Museum, and what he'd like to work on in the future.  I got all the answers...and then some !   Bo's got some great stories...and in this group you'll learn the history of how he got from Point "A" to Point "B" and back again !  JK

    Keeping the build of your newest ride a secret is nothing new.   But whether the cars design is preset by an Artist OR the cars Builder is a question many do ponder.  SO, in this exclusive Interview I did with Industry Legend KEN "POSIES" FENICAL  that was one of the questions I brought up.  We also covered the photography & story done by Scott Killeen that featured Posie's "Aeroliner Sport", which is based on a '35 Ford Roadster, and has become a part of Scott's "Build Book" Series.  Posie is one of THE best in the business. Period.  And when you listen to these stories  you'll understand why !    JK

  DEAN "DINO" ARNOLD was Inducted into Darryl Starbird's National Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame as Builder Of The Year at the 14th Annual Induction Ceremonies on May 16th, 2009.   Dino has created the ultimate street-legal Space Ship in the "ThunderFlite".  The story of this car is one of tragedy, triumph, faith, and , professionalism.  It's an Interview that you'll probably have to hear more than once, and you'll thank me for telling you about it.  Dino is a winner across-the-board with this one.  JK

    NORM GRABOWSKI'S Legendary T-Bucket became a Media Icon in 1958 when it was launched into TV-Land on the Warner Brothers hit show "77 SUNSET STRIP" !   It was recently released in Danbury Mint's "Legacy Motors" catalog, and  Norm's "KOOKIE KAR" has become a hot topic all over again.  Listen as Norm tells how the "car" became a "star" !   PLUS: YOU'LL HEAR "KOOKIE" !!

   Most everyone's familiar with PAUL LeMAT as "John Milner" in the Classic "American Graffiti".  But, how many know about some of his other truly remarkable films made with Legends like JASON ROBARDS, and the late FARAH FAWCETT ?  Well, they're some of my Personal Favorites and, in this never-before-heard Interview, I wanted to know what Paul's favorites were.   If you thought you knew something about Paul LeMat before, what you hear in our conversation will open up a whole new line of respect for this truly gifted actor, decorated Vietnam Vet, and, Winner of TWO Golden Globe Awards !   JK

  The "Space Age" was underway !   Sabre Jets flying overhead, Darryl Starbird's "Predicta" flying low-to-the-ground, and GEORGE BARRIS' "XPAK 400" hovering above-land at car shows all over the Country !  When George, John D'Agostino, and I got together in 2009 George brought up the subject of not only the future of kustom cars...but how he put his own "space car" the "XPAK 400" into motion.   George also told me how his family runs his business today...and about a car his grandson is building.  Enjoy ! JK

   HE'S DONE IT AGAIN !  Yep, it took him over 3 years to do it but MARK MORIARITY restored the Legendary Car Craft "Dream Rod" originally built by the late  Bill Cushenberry.  Mark also has Dave Puhl's "Trendero" under his resto-torch, and we talked about all of those in this one-on-one done at Darryl Starbird's 14th Annual HOF Induction Ceremonies. ADDED ATTRACTION:  Lot's of Cool Pix on this page !   JK

  FRITZ SCHENCK (Spritz By Fritz), is in the vanguard of the new breed of builders/customizers. You've probably seen  THE ROSWELL ROD, and some of his other cars, clones, restorations, bikes, or, paint jobs, featured in Rod & Custom, Street Rodder, Custom Rodder, etc.  Well, for the first time here on the HOF Legends Series, Fritz & I sat down recently and talked about his cars - current & future - plus his views on "creating art" through Rolling Sculpture.   Fritz is a cool guy with lots of talent. Enjoy !   JK

 He is the Founding Editor of Rod & Custom Magazine, and in the Exclusive Interview, SPENCE MURRAY , tells the Origin Story of how it all began back in 1953 !   Spence is an old friend, and a historian of the highest level.  His input to the HOF Legends Site has been invaluable and greatly appreciated.  This is definetely one of the MOST IMPORTANT pieces of  R & C Audio History you'll ever hear.  JK

For over 50 years DARRYL STARBIRD has produced some of the best-attended, Independently-Produced Rod & Custom Shows in theU.S.A.Darryl is not only a superb builder, he created the National Rod & Custom Car Hall Of Fame Museum, and his "Go For The Gold" Features at his Wichita & Tulsa Shows are among the most highly-sought prizes on the show circuit.  BUT, this all began by accident...and in this rare, exclusive Interview done at his home, Darryl explained to me how it all started.   This one you HAVE to hear !    JK

   YOU'VE READ ABOUT IT, you've seen it on the Cover of OSR #36 (Nov. 2009), now hear BO HUFF tell  how he put the "Dixie DeLuxe", complete with 2 extra doors, together !   Bo, Alan Mayes, and, I, spent some time together at the 29th Annual KKOA Lead Sled in Salina...and this '49 Merc was a car I really wanted to know about.  Bo didn't disappoint me !   This is one Interview you'll enjoy for sure !!   JK

   JOHN D'AGOSTINO is in almost every Hall Of Fame there is !  The reason ?  His fantastic Kustom Cars !  In this one-on-one with John, and the King Of The Kustomizers, George Barris, John explains the process he goes through to design a Winner.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE !  George gives his thoughts on John's designs, and what it takes to build a custom the RIGHT way !  No matter what you're building, you need to hear these super-tips on "getting it right" !  JK

        One of rhe earliest Interviews when we first brought you this Site was from Paul LeMat who starred as "John Milner" in the Legendary George Lucas film "AMERICAN GRAFFITI".  Many newcomers to the Site have never heard it, and a number of you have asked to hear it again. SO, I've re-installed it so that all can enjoy it. Paul is a great guy, with a good sense of humour who's become a friend during these last few years.  PLUS, he loves Rods & Customs !   JK

    Ever dream about seeing your car in a magazine ?  Editor/Writer/Photographer, JERRY WEESNER gives some tips and shares some info on what the Pros look for and tells Jonnie about a real out-in-the-field Event find !

    Legendary Guitarist & 4-Time Grammy Award Winner, JIMMIE VAUGHAN,  filled me in on playing gigs (One where they ended up playing in real Reindeer Country !), meeting his long-time builder, Gary Howard, and, his gorgeous Gary Howard-built, award winning '51 Chevy. This one ya gotta hear !   JK

    He's one of the leading Street Rod Builders of All-Time but, in addition to his life-long love affair with '29 Hi-Boys, a few years back DICK "MAGOO" MEGUGORAC decided he needed to build a Custom.  He nailed it right with a first-time Custom...AND, this '49 Merc was the FIRST top he ever chopped.  To get the chop right Dick called on another Industry Legend.  Who was it ?   Listen to this truly GREAT story teller and you'll find out !

  ALAN MAYES is not only the Managing Editor of "CKD/OSR", he is also an author with a number of  R&C Books to his credit. His latest is a fascinating look into 13 Top Builders from all-over the Country. It's called "Old School Customs", and in our get-together at the 29th Annual Lead Sled Spectacular in Salina, Alan filled me in on putting the book together,  and who these Top 13 Builders were.  Bo Huff added some cool comments...and a good time was had by all !  Listen to the story; get the book !  JK

     THE MANUEL ARTECHE TRIBUTE PAGE One of the Rod & Custom Industries premiere upholsterers for over 3 decades was MANUEL ARTECHE.  Sadly, he passed away in October of 1999.  One year later I purchased his personal '61 INVICTA Custom, which is now on display at the National Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame Museum.  I never got to meet Manuel, but Industry Legends John D'Agostino, and, Jerry Weesner knew him.  Listen to their tributes to this superb builder, family man...and, very courageous human being: Manuel Arteche.    JK

   A few years back, KEN "POSIES" FENICAL , created one of the most unique Art Deco-Styled "Woodies" to ever hit the streets.  With the help of artist/designer Thom Taylor this rare machine took the show circuit by storm.  POSIES told me the whole story awhile back, and if you missed it before here's your chance to see both the "EXTREMELINER", and, some of the coolest Art Deco Images you've ever laid your eyes on !  Look, Listen & Enjoy...JK

   Industry Legend, MIKE "BLACKIE" GEJEIAN, has been a fixture in the R&C World for over 6 Decades !  Blackie has truly done it ALL:  from learning to drive at the age of 12, to being a 5 Time NASCAR Champ, to being at every GNRS since 1949,an early AMBR Award Winner...well, the list goes on and on.  AND, in this Exclusive Interview, you'll hear Blackie in his own words discussing his Early Years that ignited his passion and love for this unique Industry.  These are stories you have to hear more than once !   JK

  One of the most creative builders of Rods & Customs is Portland, Oregon's STEVE FRISBIE .  Steve was Inducted into Darryl Starbird's National Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame in February of 2008, and he brought along with him Dave Hall's phenominal '55 Chevy Nomad that was turned into the "NEWMAD" !  Listen as Steve tells how the whole project came together, and how Artist/Designer Chris Ito helped make it happen !!  JK

 He's learned from the best: Barris & Hines. And  BRAD MASTERSON is proving himself to be one of best of the up & coming new group of customizers.  In this Interview we talked about his working for Bill Hines, and how he REALLY likes working with lead, and, this is one story YOU'LL really like !

  For the first time on the HOF Legends WebSite, GEORGE BARRIS,  tells the full-story of his legendary creation: "THE GOLDEN SAHARA" !   John D'Agostino & I add some info to the story, George reveals the "fishy" side of The Golden Sahara, and also tells how it became a "movie star".  This is one story you just can't miss !  PLUS: You can see "The Golden Sahara" in action !! JK

       A Ridler Award Winner for his knock-out "Fire Truck", and a Certified Hall Of Fame Member, CHUCK MILLER, has history of building cars that goes back to  the 50's.  When we got together this year at the KKOA Lead Sled in Salina I wanted to ask him about the cars on his "Wish List"...and Chuck came up with a couple of super-cool cars:  One from possibly the Future, AND, one that put him in an Issue of "Rodding & Restyling" when he was just out of High School !  PLUS: Do you know where Chuck's "SONIC CUDA" is today ? 

  RICK NELSON was one of the earliest Superstars of Rock & Roll ! 

He was one of the earliest "Rockabilly Cats"  before anyone coined the term, and I was privileged to Interview him in October of 1981...4 years before he was killed in a tragic plane explosion.  Rick was also a "car guy" just like the rest of us,  so I felt it was only fitting that I dedicate a Tribute Page to him. 

Just click-on here to access this Special Rick NelsonTribute Page ...and you can also hear PART 2 of my Exclusive Interview with Rick , where he talks about his early career, and a song that really meant the most to him in the latter part of his career: "Garden Party".  Simply go to the Tribute Page and click-on the link to Part 2  located there to hear the true story behind the song.

Rick was also one of the first "Teen Idols", had multiple million-selling records, and was a gentleman who gained my overwhelming respect before, during, and, after this Interview.   RICK NELSON was truly a class act, and reading the story,  along with listening to the Interview are "musts" for all logging onto the HOF Legends Site and valuing an insight into the History Of Rock & Roll from someone who was there from the beginning.   Enjoy !   JK

  Hall Of Fame Member, JOHN D'AGOSTINO,  has put together well over 65 cars during the last 4 Decades.  In our Exclusive Interview last year (2008), you actually heard about John's latest project BEFORE he even started it !  So it was only fitting that, when John, George Barris, and myself, got together for our yearly meeting in Salina at the KKOA 29th Annual Lead Sled Spectacular, we talk about the finished product: the stunning 1958 Olds Super 88 called "The Egyptian" !   

   For over 3 Decades BO HUFF  has been one of the most ambitious & creative builders in the country.  One of his true "works of art" is this special clone he did of Sam Barris' '55 Chevy Convertible.  In this rare one-on-one Interview, done at  the 29th Annual KKOA Lead Sled Spectacular in Salina, Bo told me the complete story of the car, what George Barris thought about it after it was finished, and what he started with to build it.  (HINT: It WASN'T a '55 Chevy Convertible !)

     For the first time in our Exclusive Interview sessions "The Bubble Top King", DARRYL STARBIRD and I go one-on-one in a conversation about Darryl's being based in America's Heartland, and, how Darryl's ENTIRE family has joined him in the R&C Industry that they grew up in. PLUS, he reveals just who put his SUPERB autobiographical book "Darryl Starbird: The Bubble Top King" together for him.  That in itself is a surprise you've got to hear about !  JK 

    Two of the R&C Industries premiere HOF Members, GEORGE BARRIS,  AND, JOHN D'AGOSTINO, join me in a conversation about their contributions to this WebSite, AND, their feelings on the future of the Industry.  Will it be Old School OR New School ?  Just click-on and find out !   

      Legendary East Coast Customizer/Restorer, LOU CALASIBETTA , was instrumental in putting the ALEXANDER BROTHERS 50th Anniversary Celebration at Cobo Hall in Detroit together, and he also restored their classic "The Golden Indian".  This is Lou's story that explains how it all got put into motion....and, you may hear some birds in the back ground !  JK

   THE DICK DEAN TRIBUTE PAGE:  DICK DEAN passed away in July of 2008.  Shortly after that, Industry Legends GEORGE BARRIS, JOHN D'AGOSTINO, and, DARRYL STARBIRD, shared  their thoughts and insight with me on the importance of this long-time HOF Member.  PLUS,  you'll hear some of my own personal memories of  Dick, on his sense of humour, his talent, creativity and craftsmanship.  (NOTE: If you haven't checked-out this Tribute Page yet, please do.  I've added some new pix to the page that I hope you'll enjoy.  Dick was one of THE best.  Period.   JK )

   STEVE STANFORD is one of the R&C Industry's most respected Artists & Designers and I wanted to find out just how he created his unique style,  just who his Personal Heroes in the Art World were, and what his feelings were on being Inducted into the National Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame. AND that's exactly what you'll find out in this Exclusive Interview done on the eve of his Induction.  If you're a young artist wanting some insight on "how it's done", OR, just want to hear how this true Super Pro does what he does, this is one Interview you REALLY need to hear !    JK

   HOF Legend KEN "POSIES" FENICAL,  has produced some of the most unique statements the R & C Industry has ever seen.  BUT, he also builds some Ultra-Cool Customs for himself.  In this Interview we cover a couple of his finest customs, PLUS, a HOF-Fix on a leaky radiator hose in Darryl Starbird's garage, and how he - and two friends - sawed a '47 Chevy in half so it  could become the "Fleetliner" ! 

  One of the toughest clubs to gain access to is THE BEATNIKS !  Member-Builder JEFF MYERS gives us a brief History of the Beatniks, how the club was formed, a list of some of its well-known Members (Gary "Chopit" Fioto, Rick Dore, Jack Rudy, Dennis McPhial...among others), AND closes the Interview with some great advice for any up-and-coming Builders listening-in.  JK

  Trucks are cool !  Custom Rod/Daily Driver Trucks are even cooler !!  JOHN KOUW (Crusin' Customs), his sons & crew, finished-up this Super  '57 Chevy Pickup just a week before we did our Interview.  When I asked him about putting "Drivers" together for customers, John told me how this one was accomplished;  we also talked about the future of the Industry.  John is one of the nicest builders, and best craftsmen that you'll find anywhere, so listen to his take on where we've been , AND,  the fact that maybe the Future is already here !!

  JIMMIE VAUGHAN is not only a World Class, Four-Time Grammy Winning guitarist,  he also owns some of the coolest cars around !  On the eve of his friend/builder, Gary Howard, being inducted into Darryl Starbird's  National Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame, Jimmie and I went one-on-one for his input on Gary, as well as how his Mom helped him get that SUPER HotRod '61 Caddy that Gary put together.   This is one story you can't miss:  Mother knows best !   JK

      A Cover Car & A Feature Car from its earliest days, Paul Savelesky's '55 Bel Air Custom is restored and living again...this time in the garage of Hall Of Famer MARK MORIARITY.    Saving the car for future generations to see, Mark's "Dream Car" survives the test of time, and this is the story of how he got it !   

   The Legendary "BLACKIE" GEJEIAN is the creator of one of the most talked-about Urban Legends in Rod & Custom History !  It concerns the Grand National Roadster Show in 1958, the "Ala Kart", and a mirror Blackie tore out of the Women's Bathroom at the show !  This is the OFFICIAL version as told by the man who did it !!  (If you've never heard the story before, this will blow you away ! )  

  One of the most unusual cars to hit the Show Circuit a number of years back was "THE CADSTER" !  Nor-Cal Legend JOHN D'AGOSTINO had a vision of a Cadillac Concept Car built from a '59 Coupe DeVille.   With over 150 body mods, The Cadster was one of the coolest machines ever built !  The story of how it got that way is pretty cool too !!

     In the last few years he's achieved International Fame, but at the beginning of his career, Artist/Owner/Tattoo Guru DENNIS McPHAIL,  worked  with Ed "Big Daddy" Roth !  In this Exclusive Interview,  Dennis told me how it went  working with one of the most beloved, yet eccentric, stars of the Rod & Custom Industry. As we say: "It was TRULY a learning experience"...and this is one Interview  that you'll pick-up on some inside info on this true Legend !

    From my archives, I have unearthed the very last portion of what turned out to be my last Interview with the Legendary ELDEN TITUS.  In this previously unheard section,  Elden talks about a Project that he wanted to do: He wanted to build a Rocket Car !  A true '50's flashback that would definetly set the Rod & Kustom World on its ear !   JK

    What do DARRYL STARBIRD'S "Predicta" and this Mercedes SCL600 have in common ?  In this Exclusive Interview Darryl explains not only that, BUT what Don "Big Daddy" Garlits told him after Darryl ran The Predicta at 120mph at the 1960 NHRA Nationals !   Click-On and listen right now to hear this very cool story !

  Did you ever wonder how those cool mags you read get to you to begin with ?  Well, ALAN MAYES , Managing Editor of two of the HOTTEST mags on the stands (Car Kulture DeLuxe/Ol' Skool Rodz) sat down with me to explain how they get from point A to Point B...and every Point in between ! 

      The Rod & Custom Industry continues to expand year-by-year, and on a WorldWide Basis.  In this exclusive Round Table Interview, the Legendary GEORGE BARRIS,  and Hall Of Famer JOHN D'AGOSTINO, tell how the truly American-Art Form of the Rod & Custom, er, "Kustom", affects owners & builders all over the World ! AND, zero-in on their 2009 trip to one of the Countries that perpetuate this special, unique Art Form: SWEDEN !

  Since 1964 KEN "POSIES" FENICAL has put together some of the Rod & Custom Industries most enduring statements. And in this candid Interview, Ken talks about Teamwork, Technology For Today's Streetrodders, and, the men who were the Early Influences in his long & successful career. This is one you can't miss !

       From his Legendary-base in Detroit, "Styline Customs", CHUCK MILLER has produced some of the finest, most-unusual, Award Winning  Show Cars and Concept Cars on the Planet !  From the Sonic Cuda, the Hurst Olds, and, the Rambler Scrambler,  to the MoPar Rapid Transit System, Chuck has done it all.  In this rare one-on-one Interview, he talks about some of his all-time favorites !

     One of the best of the new "Young Guns" slinging lead & choppin' tops is BRAD MASTERSON. Brad ended up with a FREE Buick Riviera, called Alan Mayes at CKD/OSR, AND, hey, he's now chopin' on the new CKD Project Car !  We found out about it first, and Brad tells us how it all came together.   

      One of the funniest guys in the Rod & Custom Industry is the one-and-only NORM GRABOWSKI !  This time, Norm talks about how he got into cars to begin with, and gives us the scoop on the early beginnings of, what would become, the Legendary "Kookie Car"! (Good Question: Where did the '52 Cadillac engine in Norm's T-Bucket come from ?  Listen closely and you'll find out !)

    One of the busiest Artists/Designers in the field of Rods & Customs has to be STEVE STANFORD !  His concepts & designs have been put on the streets time-and-time again, SO this "Steve Stanford Double-Play" Interview covers the SuperCool '63 Impala that began as Stanford-Sketch, AND, a Larry Watson/Steve Stanford/Sam Foose Award Winning '57 Cad Seville !

    One of the Rod & Custom Industries most enduring Legends, SPENCE MURRAY , tells his personal story that began with working on Customs & building them, to his becoming the Founding Editor of Rod & Custom Magazine 56 years ago !  THIS EXCLUSIVE, RARE, INTERVIEW IS ONE YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS...IT MAY BE THE MOST INFORMATIVE FIVE MINUTES YOU 'LL HAVE TODAY !

       One of the most famous '41 Buick Customs to EVER hit the streets was built by Hall Of Famer LEE PRATT !  In this one-on-one Interview, Lee explains why he built it, and how this "Junkyard Buick" with hydralics became a Street Rodder Legend.  PS: It's all in the "timing" !   JK

 One of the Rod & Custom Industries Premier Designers, Artists & Pinstripers, M.K. JOHN, has been a Super Pro for over 45 years.  It all started with his humble Midwest upbringing in Rolla, Missouri.  From that springboard, M.K. has become Internationally-known and discusses his roots - and success -  with me in this great one-on-one Interview.

       DARRYL STARBIRD  has been building World Class Rods & Customs for over 50 years, and in 1995 his dream to build a National Rod & Custom Car Hall Of Fame/Museum came true and the Museum became a reality.  In this Exclusive Interview, done at Darryl's house on the HOF property, he talks about how this unique and very special "members only" Museum came together. to honor the true R & C  Legends....and what the future holds for it. This is one story you've just gotta hear more than once !   JK

    Texas-based Hall Of Famer GARY HOWARD had built some amazing vehicles for his friend, the legendary guitarist/car buff Jimmie Vaughan, but when he pounded out the final version of this 1961 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, it was like nothing anyone had EVER seen before !  It was a fire-breathing, super-charged, racing-slicked Road Warrior...a true Hot Rod to challenge anything on the street OR strip !   Listen as Gary feeds us the info on this fantastic Award Winner.

   Historically recognized as the first chopped BelAir Hardtop, GEORGE BARRIS covers the build-up of this unique Chevy, its owner (Larry Ernst), AND, the tragic fire that destroyed the Barris Shop.  Also, for those new to the R & C scene:  Larry Ernst's Secret !

     You've read about the fantastic cars of  NorCal Legend & Multi-Hall Of Famer Frank Livingston for over 5 Decades !  NOW hear Frank tell the stories of his first cars, and, the one he ultimately fell in love with and turned into a Multiple Award Winner !!

    CUSTOMIZING LEGEND ELDEN TITUS DIED AT HIS HOME IN DERBY, KANSAS,  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8th, 2008, AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH CANCER.  ELDEN was a true friend,  and one of the most talented, creative, and, courageous human beings I've ever known. 

 I have set-up a very Special Page for him:  ELDEN TITUS TRIBUTE  (JUST CLICK-ON AND GO DIRECTLY TO IT.)  God Bless You, ELDEN.  R.I.P. my friend.       JK

  Industry Legends, George Barris & Elden Titus teamed-up to bring you the ground-breaking "VIBRASONIC ROADSTER"  Hear Elden with the latest info on this Project in an Exclusive Interview we did a few months before his untimely death, PLUS: Hear George Barris talk about his projects with Elden, see some FANTASTIC Build Photos directly from Elden's Garage, AND, see a surprise from my basement !!   JK

  Legendary Hall of Famer, Ken "Posies" Fenical, , in this candid Interview, tells Jonnie about his early cars, the origin of the World Famous "Super Slide Springs" over 40 years ago,  and some of the cool products that his Company sells...at their store, by mail order, and, on-line !

  The "Hall Of Fame Legends" Custom-Burned, Gold Colored, 1st Anniversary CD is now available !  Please listen to Jonnie's message, and see how you can get your personal copy of this Limited Edition CD, and help keep the HOFL Series On-Line with a small Donatio

 Widely-known Editor, Writer, Photographer, Jerry Weesner,  has "done it all" and has the stories to prove it !  During the course of their Interview, Jerry fills Jonnie in on one his MOST memorable photo shoots...and his meeting a beautful, young, future Mega-Watt Movie Star !!

 Paul LeMat (John Milner) from "American Graffiti" was in the same film as Jonnie's old friend the Legendary "Wolfman Jack" But did he actually work with the "Wolfman" ?   Paul tells Jonnie the truth !  PLUS:  Hear the "Wolfman" himself !!

   Jerry Titus, Founder & President, discusses how & why the internationally-known Kustom Kemps Of America Association began 28 years ago.  It involved a meeting in Wichita, Kansas, a Cadillac Sombrero hubcap, and, 14 hardcore Car Guys

          From 1964-1966 one of the hottest shows on TV was The Munsters !  But did you ever see the "Hot Rod Herman" Episode ?  Well, Jonnie accidentally happened on to it the day he was set to Interview George Barris !  George gives the real story on The Munster Koach and The Drag-U-La Car...which he actually drove in this Classic Episode ! (PS: Grandpa Munster makes a cameo appearance  especially for our listeners; and, listen for the "wheelie" !!)

  One of the Industries long-time leading Rod & Custom Artists, M. K. John, and Jonnie have been friends for years, but it took them a couple of years to have the right time-frame to get this Interview accomplished. As you'll hear, it was well worth the wait !

    Back  by popular demand, on a Special Page of its own:  the return of George Barris explaining the full story of  the Origin, Concept & Design of the World Famous TV  "BATMOBILE"  !  This is a classic, new version of the Interview that  I've created, with a Mini-Origin of the "Batman" himself just added, especially for visitors to our "Hall of Fame Legends" WebSite ,and one that you definitely won't want to miss...the kids will love it too !  

        Darryl Starbird's groundbreaking "PREDICTA" Bubble Top is known World-Wide, BUT what gave Darryl the idea for the concept to begin with ?  AND, where did the name "Predicta" come from originally ?

 Jerry Titus, Founder & President of the KKOA: Family Values & Kustoms...with a "K" !

   Jerry Weesner  (Street Rodder/Custom Rodder/'Ol Skool Rodz) & Jonnie King on Crusin' : The Barris Shop, Hollywood, and, St. Louis !

      Spence Murray tells how the World Famous "Rod & Custom Dream Truck" was built ! 

    The Historic CKD #15 Buck Owens/Gene Pitney "Death Issue" !   Is Jonnie doomed ??  

       Boyd Coddington (1944-2008): to view Boyd's Tribute Page please click on his name.

   John ('Lil John) Buttera (1941-2008): to view John's Tribute Page please click on his name.

      AND, AS ALWAYS, SEND US AN eMail  let us know how you like our Site, and tell us "Where In The World" you are !  We appreciate your input, and realize the World of Rods & Customs is truly Universal and covers the World...and, we thank you for taking the time to check-in with us from wherever you live .  JK

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 THIS JUST IN:  The wait is over !  "The Hall Of Fame Legends" CD Catalog is now ready and on-line !  Way ahead of schedule, the list is complete and you can see it by clicking-on CATALOG which will take you right there !   REMEMBER: These are the COMPLETE, Exclusive , Interviews with all of the Legends listed...and, they're available right now.

    While you're here be sure to visit THE LEGENDS VIDEO GALLERY Over 150 Great Pix,  Cool Cars, and even some Special Pix  from my personal archives that I dug out to share with you ! 

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By the way, if you're driving through Oklahoma, be sure to stop in and visit  the Starbird National Rod & Custom Hall  of Fame Museum.  Check out Darryl's story on the Origin of the Museum and see some of the FANTASTIC cars on display at: www.darrylstarbird.com

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"THE HALL OF FAME LEGENDS" Series is produced with the co- operation and support of Starbird's National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum.  And, my special thanks to Jerry Titus, and our friends at the Kustom Kemps of America for their help and support: www.kustomkempsofamerica.com

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