WELCOME TO THE HALL OF FAME LEGENDS SERIES !

                   IT'S OUR 5th ANNIVERSARY ! 

               THANK YOU FOR 5 GREAT YEARS !

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FOR MORE INFO ON THIS FANTASTIC STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN EVENT, GO  TO THE KKOA WEBSITE:  https://bransonsecure.com/k/events.htm

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FOR INFO ON THE "St. Louis Shimmy Rockabilly Car Show", June 1st at St. Ann Park (St. Louis County, Missouri) Contact:  Tim @ 314-429-4545, or, Johnny @ 214-714-1747 !

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        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 was built by Barry Penfound, AND, Roger O'Dell's Larry Watson/Steve Stanford/Sam Foose Award Winning '57 Cad Seville ! 

Simply Click-On-Here  to listen and enjoy these stories by one of the nicest guys in the Industry !   JK

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 DARRYL STARBIRD'S  CAREER HAS BEEN TRULY AMAZING !   He's created some of the most iconic customs on the Planet...and after over five-and-a-half decades he's still going strong ! 

In this one-on-one Interview done at his 48th Annual Tulsa Rod & Custom Show, we talked about new builders, old school/new school methods, AND, Darryl told me the "Secret of the English Wheel" that so many fabricator's use !

What's the "secret" ?   Well, Just-Click-On-Here , listen to the Interview and you'll find out for yourself from one of the Industries longest-running, most respected Pros:  Darryl Starbird !   JK

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FROM THE HALL OF FAME LEGENDS ARCHIVES :

     ONE OF THE EARLIEST INTERVIEWS when we first brought you on this Site was from PAUL Le MAT 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 !   

This is one Interview you won't want to miss as Paul talks about how this inconic film came togeher !   Click-On-Here ...and you're on your way !! JK

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    TO HEAR MORE GREAT INTERVIEWS AND STORIES, SIMPLY "SCROLL DOWN" TO THE "HOT TOPIX" SECTION FURTHER DOWN ON THIS PAGE !

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  WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Be sure to visit THE LEGENDS VIDEO GALLERY There are now OVER 180 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, and I've re-vamped the Gallery so that you can stay as long as you like ! 

 BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

    ... I'VE  JUST ADDED SOME REALLY GREAT CLASSIC "OLD-TIME RADIO" CAR COMMERCIALS to the Video Gallery that you won't want to miss ! 

These are lots of fun, they're all from the 30's, 40's & 50's, and some that are included are: The Classic Dinah Shore "See The U.S.A. In Your Chevrolet" Song, plus commercials for Buick, Edsel, Plymouth, Nash, Ford, Pontiac, Dodge...and many more.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO to HEAR the commercials & SEE the pix in the Video Gallery is just to click-on here  then once you're there, just click-on the Big Button on the front of the Video Screen, sit back & enjoy !

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THE LATEST NUMBERS ARE IN, and the results are truly amazing: Over 433,727 VISITORS From All 50 States, and, 126 Countries & Territories WorldWide, With Over 32,864,631 HITS Since We Went Online ! 

I Sincerely Thank You All !!      JK                              

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 HERE IT IS !  A SPECIAL PAGE  on  the WebSite that Showcases some of the GREATEST BOOKS, VIDEOS, DVD's, and related material, about the Rod & Custom Industry - and those that helped build it - that are available today !   PLUS, many other great items that should be on your list as they deal with subjects that will fit right in and enhance your historical base of knowledge.

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

SPECIAL FEATURED BOOK :

 "ADS THAT PUT AMERICA ON WHEELS", By Eric Dregni & Karl Hagstrom Miller. Motorbooks International, Pub.    

 I PERSONALLY REVUE EACH BOOK,VIDEO & DVD 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 & viewing material, 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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  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. Simply Click-On Here to "read all about it".  JK

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     THE HISTORIC CKD #15 BUCK OWENS/GENE PITNEY "DEATH ISSUE"  Is Jonnie doomed ??  Listen as CKD/OSR Managing Editor ALAN MAYES tells the story !   Click-On Here and find out what happened ! 

   WHEN THE ALEXANDER BROTHERS BUILT THE "DEORA" they never imagined it would not only become a Ridler Award Winner...but one of the most famous trucks of all-time, with a replica of it owned by thousands of kids WorldWide !

  GENE WINFIELD IS ONE OF THE LONGEST-RUNNING, TRUE,  Rod & Custom Pioneers in the Industry !   His skills as both a builder AND a painter are Legendary.   

  HAROLD MURPHY has been building Rods & Customs for over 50 years, has done builds for Movie & TV cars, and restored Bill Cushenberry's legendary "El Matador".   Murphy is a true master-craftsman, and his radically-customized 1954 Ford F100 Pick-Up is proof of that !

When I first saw this beautiful truck at the KKOA Lead Sled Spectacular in Salina, in July, 2011, it really knocked me out !   And, at the 2012 Darryl Starbird 48th Annual Tulsa Rod & Custom Show, it again proved what a winner it was by making it into the "Fine Nine" Category...and in the running for the "Go For The Gold" Grand Prize.

"Murphy" is not only a great builder, but a wonderful guy to spend time with...a true gentleman.  So, in our Interviews in Salina & Tulsa, we covered a lot of subjects...including, the story of how he got the truck to begin with, and, how the radical build was achieved.  AND, you'll also learn where that massive, stock-from-Detroit, taillight came from !   Just CLICK-ON HERE to listen & enjoy !    JK

   EVERY YEAR AT THE DETROIT AUTORAMA, CHUCK MILLER puts together the CAVALCADE OF CUSTOMS Display, as well as a Special Feature Section which contains  TEN models of a certain type or style.   And, every year at the KKOA Lead Sled in Salina, Kansas, he sits down with me to give me the scoop on the coming year's ezhibit's.  Accordingly, at last year's Lead Sled he filled me in on the 2013 Autorama.

BUT, our Interview Session turned out to be one of our most unusual as we had a SPECIAL GUEST that happened to be with us !   And I think you'll enjoy the fun that came out of this Session !

You'll hear about Chuck's Special 2013 Display which featured the "Little Birds"...the 1955 - 1957 Thunderbird's, plus Chuck and our surprise guest, give some of their thoughts on the KKOA Lead Sled, and, the HOF Legends Series itself.

THIS IS ONE YOU DON'T  WANNA MISS !  Just Click-On-Right-Here ...listen, have fun with two of the all-time Legends, and, send this Link to a friend so they won't miss it !   JK

      "HOLY BAT-BUCKS !"  THE Original BATMOBILE Sold at The Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona For $4.62 MILLION DOLLARS on January 19, 2013 ! 

    JIM "BONES" NOTEBOOM started putting together some very cool customs beginning in 1957...and he hasn't stopped yet !

     JOHN D'AGOSTINO TRAVELS the World spreading the word of "Kustom Kars" to every part of the Globe !  In 2012, one of the places he traveled to was Sydney, Australia...and he has some great stories to tell about that !

   HE'S BEEN DOING IT SINCE THE 1930'S, and GEORGE BARRIS , "The King of the Kustomizers" is still at it today ! 

 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 !   Simply Click-On Here To Look, Listen & Enjoy...JK

 ONE OF DARRYL STARBIRD'S  most unique Bubble Top creations was "THE FORCASTA" !

   IF YOU'VE SEEN BO HUFF'S "ROCKABILLY HOUND DOG" in-person at Darryl Starbird's Rod & Custom Show in Tulsa, at the KKOA 32nd Annual Lead Sled in Salina, or, in it's Feature Spread in Ol' Skool Rodz #55...you know it's a machine with, what Bo calls: " 'tude": An old school "hoodlum-based" Bad Attitude !

***SPECIAL NOTICE:  OUR FRIEND, NORM GRABOWSKI, PASSED AWAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2012***

    PROBABLY THE MOST FAMOUS SONG EVER written about a car was "The Little Deuce Coupe" by the Beach Boys. 

    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 ? 

 THE LEGENDARY JOE BAILON  not only built one of  the most iconic customs of all-time (Miss Elegance), but created "Candy Apple Red"...one of the most unique paint colors ever !  In fact, my INVICTA that you see in the upper left hand corner of these Pages IS painted Candy Apple Red !!

  HE'S BECOME ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC Rod & Custom Builders of the last decade, and is now in THREE Rod & Custom Halls of Fame.  The latest Induction was at the 32nd Annual Kustom Kemps of America Leadsled Spectacular in Salina, Kansas.

   HE GREW UP WORKING BESIDE HIS DAD, DICK DEAN, but KEITH "KID" DEAN has come into his own, is a Hall Of Famer, and has created some of the most beautiful customs you've ever seen in the last few years.

      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'LL ALSO SEE some pix and get some great History concerning the Alexander Brothers ground-breaking Concept Custom the DEORA !  Simply click-on here to listen.  

     THE LEGENDARY NORM GRABOWSKI IS known WorldWide as the "inventor of the T-Bucket" with his iconic "Kookie Kar"...BUT, did you know that Norm also had a career as an Actor in both TV & Movies ?

In this rare Interview we did a number of years ago at the KKOA Lead Sled in Salina, Norm told me how it all started, how he got into the Screen Extras Guild, and, how he went from being an "extra" to getting speaking roles & being cast as an Actor !

Norm is battling some health issues at this time, and I wanted  to let you hear this Special Interview...when Norm Grabowski was in his prime !   Simply click-on here to Listen...and, ENJOY !  JK

   HE'S THE "KING OF THE KUSTOMIZERS"...and has been for over 65 years, but GEORGE BARRIS also had fun and Street Raced in the 40's & early 50's and that lead to police chases,  bullet holes, and, building cars for the Movies & TV !

  MARK MORIARITY: BUILDING THE "FUTURIAN" !  Mark has restored some of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's cars, built his own cars, has some cool customs, some legendary customs, and, is always on-the-move looking for more cars to add to his collection !

    DARRYL STARBIRD has been known as the Bubble Top King since his landmark custom, The Predicta, debuted in 1960.   But Darryl's largest Bubble Top in those days was created a couple of year's later.

  THE LEGENDARY GENE WINFIELD has become a WorldWide Traveler over the last few years painting & customing cars, giving seminars & talks, and, appearing as a Featured Guest. His travels have taken him to New Zeland, Canada, Sweden, Australia, and many other locations.

     JOHN D'AGOSTINO,  and the story of Gene Autry's '57 Caddy Seville Kustom !  One of the most Legendary of all Western Movie/Radio/TV Stars, GENE AUTRY, the #1 Singing Cowboy of all-time, had purchased this car new for his then-wife at Christmas, 1957. 

 THE BETTIE PAGE TRIBUTE...

  GEORGE BARRIS : BUILDING THE BATMOBILE !

  ONE OF THE B-E-S-T OF THE NEW BREED of Kustomizers working today is BRAD MASTERSON.

   HE DID 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. 

We talked about this one-on-one done at Darryl Starbird's 14th Annual HOF Induction Ceremonies. ADDED ATTRACTION:  Lot's of Cool Pix on this page !  Simplyclick-on right here and enjoy this great story !   JK

  ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED CREATORS of truly beautiful & rare kustom cars, JOHN D'AGOSTINO , has once again raised the bar with his soon-to-be debuted 1940 Cadillac Sixty Two Coupe !  It's called "Sophia" in honor of the beautiful Academy Award winning Italian actress Sophia Loren.

John's not only an excellent designer/owner of these finely crafted machines, he's also one of the nicest guys you'll ever run into, and every year at the KKOA Lead Sled in Salina, John - along with the Legendary GEORGE BARRIS - joins me in an Exclusive Interview session.  This year I wanted an update on that Caddy, and John gave me the final version of the car's build.

"Sophia" is scheduled for its debut at the 2012 GNRS, SO here's your chance to check-out a "sneak peek" of this gorgeous kustom, and hear from the man who got it all put together.

LISTEN UP as John & George share the mike on a Sunday Morning in Salina...AND, they also surprise me with some very kind comments.    It all starts as soon as you click-on right here !     JK

(PS: The Cool Concept Art shown here is by Finnish artist JANNE KUTJA.)

  FROM THE HALL OF FAME LEGENDS ARCHIVES:

 HALL OF FAME MEMBER MARK MORIARITY owns some great cars, has restored some rare cars, and, has built some cool Bubble Tops.  But, how do you build a "Bubble Top" ?  Well, that's just one of the questions I posed to Mark in this Interview, and his answers were all on-target !

  DICK "MAGOO" MEGUGORAC'S career as a Street Rod Builder goes back to the mid-40's, he's built, literally hundreds of cars since then and has always been one of the Industries most-respected members. One of his biggest challenges came in the late-1970's when he was tapped to build not-just-a-32-Hi Boy, but a '32 powered by a V-12 Ferrari engine !

   NORM GRABOWSKI'S LEGENDARY "KOOKIE KAR", has been a Rod & Custom icon since its was first seen back in 1957.  But a few years ago Norm had a dream about building a new version...and thus was born "KOOKIE II" !

   FOR MY FRIEND, AND FELLOW ST. LOUISAN, legendary Hall Of Fame Artist & Illustrator, STEVE STANFORD, it all began simply enough with the October, 1963 Issue of Hot Rod Magazine.  From there it turned into a passion & career that has given him World Wide recognition in the Rod & Custom Industry.

   SINCE THE FALL OF 2010, our friend BO HUFF has spent many hours & days at the Huntsman Cancer Instittute (shown here) in Salt Lake City, Utah, being treated for Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma.  This is a severe form of cancer that attacks the blood cells and bone marrow, and requires chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, medication, and many other avenues of approach to help contain it.

    MURPHY'S "EL MATADOR STORY": PART 2... DUE TO THE FANTASTIC RESPONSE OF PART 1 of HAROLD MURPHY'S "El Matador Story", I worked overtime to finish PART 2 so that I could share it with all of you as soon as possible.

      ONE OF THE FUNNIEST GUYS in the Rod & Custom Industry is the one-and-only NORM GRABOWSKI !

    THE BARRIS CRESTS ADORNED  SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC KUSTOMS of All-Time and one of those belonged to DAVE BUGARIN of San Pedro, California and it's simply referred to as THE BUGARIN MERC.

GEORGE BARRIS & I hadn't talked about this car before, so it was on my list when we met-up for our yearly Sunday Morning Session at the KKOA Leadsled in Salina, Kansas. This is a very neat story, and, to prove a point, George gave some rare info on a legendary singing duo that he also did cars for.   This you DON'T want to miss !!

Just click-on right here,  relax and listen to one of the longest-running Pioneers in the History of Rods & Kustoms:  GEORGE BARRIS !   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.  Dick was one of THE best.  Period.  Just Click-On-This-Link  listen, and enjoy the info & stories about this true R&C Legend.   JK

THE STORY OF "THE VOODOO IDOL, PT. 2".  In Part 1, well-known builder VOODOO LARRY  filled me in on the basics of putting this iconic ultra-kustom together.   It started life as a '46 Ford Coupe, and almost has more mods than you can count !

Now, in PART 2, we cover how those '49  Plymouth Tail Lights got there, how Larry's idol - Gene Winfield - figured in on the paint job, and what Larry's feelings are on the outcome of the build.  To hear the story of "THE VOODOO IDOL, PT. 2" simply turn-up your speakers, click-on here,  listen & enjoy !    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 !   Simply click-on here to listen !!

    PROLIFIC ROD & CUSTOM DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR, STEVE STANFORD, created a Phantom 3-Window Ford Shoebox in an early-1990's magazine showcase.  Rod & Custom Legend, Billy F Gibbons, took the idea seriously and had Pete Chapouris & his crew build him one !  It became one of the most talked-about cars in the Industry.

    Texas-based Hall Of Famer GARY HOWARD has 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 ! 

     YOU'VE READ ABOUT THE FANTASTIC CARS of  NorCal Legend & Multi-Hall Of Famer FRANK LIVINGSTON for 6 Decades ! 

   ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST  FAMOUS Kustoms of All-Time the HIROHATA MERC stands alone in its uniqueness, its styling, and, its ground-breaking form & shape.   Accordingly, when GEORGE BARRIS and I got together for this Interview, the Hirohata was one of the main subjects I wanted to cover.

   JEFF MYERS IS ONE OF THE PREMIRE builders & kustomizers in the mid-west.  A few years back he began work on a true kustomizing masterpiece: a '57 Cadillac Eldorado Seville Hardtop !   Before it was completely finished, and at the upholsterer's having a futuristic, out-of-this-world interior installed, Jeff & I got together for an in-depth Interview at the KKOA in Salina.

    IT'S ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC kustoms to ever come out of GEORGE BARRIS' shop.   It's been seen worldwide in so many magazines through the years that most everyone's lost count !

BUT, for the very first time here on the Hall Of Fame Legends WebSite, you can hear the "King Of The Kustomizers" George Barris, tell the story of how the car came together after the devasting shop fire that left it as the lone vehicle that was saved, and, George's personal feelings about the superb restoration done by Roy Brizio's shop...so that the car could make its 50th Anniversary appearance at the 2008 GNRS. 

This is truly a story ALL R&C fans will want to hear more than once !   Just click-on here , listen, and enjoy:   GEORGE BARRIS and "THE ALA KART STORY" JK

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

 If  you missed this story the first time around...here's your chance to catch-up ! And all you do to listen is just click-on right here  !   JK

  LEGENDARY PIONEER BUILDER GENE WINFIELD has not only created some of the most beautiful customs of all-time but he's also built many Specialized Vehicles that have been featured in Movies & TV !   In this Interview, I wanted to know what Gene's favorites were...in a career that goes back 6 Decades.  

SO, get ready for some interesting conversation, some eye-popping rides, and the thoughts & memories of one of the R&C Industries most revered Hall Of Fame Members: Gene Winfield !     It all starts right here:Gene Winfield's Favorite Cars !   JK

NOTE:  YES !   That is Captain James T. Kirk, home on-leave from his duties on the Starship Enterprise,  gettng ready to blast off in Gene's "Reactor" Land Cruiser !!  

    THE ROD & CUSTOM INDUSTRY continues to expand year-by-year 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, this year, their Overseas Trip brought together for the first time these THREE Legendary Customizers from the 50's :  GEORGE BARRIS, GENE WINFIELD, AND, DARRYL STARBIRD ...along with JOHN D'AGOSTINO and a few surprises that you'll find out about !  They were all off to one of the Countries that perpetuates this special, unique Art Form: SWEDEN !   Just click-on here for this fascinating story !!  

     A FEW YEARS BACK, the Legendary DARRYL STARBIRD, along with one of the Hottest Midwest Kustomizers, JEFF MYERS, worked together with a super-crew on the"MONSTER GARAGE"show. 

I wanted to find out from both of them how that experience affected them, and what there feelings were after it was over.  SO, what you'll hear covers BOTH Interviews with two teriffic builders !   Ready to listen ?  Okay !  Click-on here and you're on your way !   JK

"THE ROD & CUSTOM DREAM TRUCK SAGA", PT.2:  Due to the many eMails and calls I've received on PART 1 of the R&C Dream Truck Saga, for the very first time on the HOF Legends Series, I'm adding PART 2 RIGHT NOW so that you can hear BOTH Pt. 1 & Pt. 2...the complete story without having to wait...and,  later on,  I'll leave them on the Front Page in case you, or someone else, may have missed hearing this fantastic piece of R&C History.

NOW, in PART 2, SPENCE MURRAY continues his tale of having sold the body of the truck, how sometime after that the search as to where the R&C Dream Truck ended up began,  who restored it,  and who owns it today !

PLUS,  the Legendary GEORGE BARRIS was one of the original Master Builders of the R&C Dream Truck, and in an Exclusive Interview that I did with George, he tells me what he first felt when the truck was brought back to his shop after the crash.   THIS YOU GOTTA HEAR !  

READY ?  OKAY, it all starts when you click-on right here !! JK

(NOTE:  That's a pic of Spence above that I took as he drove the restored Dream Truck onto the Show Field at Darryl's Starbird's National Rod & Custom Hall of Fame property in Oklahoma in 2007. )

   READ MY REVIEW OF "HOT ROD" by Henry Gregor Felsen !   After 60 years it's now back in print and you can find out "how" & "why"...plus who did it !   Just click-on right here,  right now !!   JK

  YOU KNOW HIM AS "JOHN MILNER" one of the Stars of  the ultra-classic "AMERICAN GRAFITTI", but the real-life exploits of PAUL LeMAT have often outshone what you've seen on the Screen.  Paul's had a truly exciting life, traveled around the World, and is not only a decorated Vietnam Vet, but was a winning Welterweight Boxer !

   THE SPACE AGE WAS UNDERWAY !   Sabre Jets flying overhead, Darryl Starbird's "Predicta" flying low-to-the-ground,  Astronaut Alan B. Shephard, as a part of  NASA's Project Mercury, was preparing to be America's first man in space by piloting the Freedom 7 spacecraft, and GEORGE BARRIS' "XPAK 400" was hovering above-land at car shows all over the Country !

  THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED: FEBRUARY 3, 1959.

ONE OF THE MOST TRAGIC EVENTS in the History of Rock & Roll happened on that fateful day.  BUDDY HOLLY,  RICHIE VALENS, and, J.P. RICHARDSON ("The Big Bopper"), were killed in a plane crash...trying to get from one Concert to the next.

Teenagers and young adults mourned the trio, and radio stations played their songs...knowing that the History of Rock & Roll Radio would never be the same.  How many times have you Cruised to "Maybe Baby", "La Bamba", or, "Chantilly Lace"...and never thought about the tragedy involved with each of the singers of those songs ?

Well, number of years ago I acquired an Historic News Bulletin of that event from February 3, 1959, and I've pulled it out of my Archives to share with all of you.  I've also added some music from Buddy Holly & Richie Valens so that you could once again hear their voices connected to this Historic Broadcast, PLUS, the voice of The Big Bopper with his legendary Intro to start things off.   

 HE'S BEEN A LIFELONG "CAR GUY", like most of us, but MARK MORIARITY has taken it a number of steps further: He's a restorer, customizer, builds original cars, and is in TWO Hall Of Fames !  I've known Mark for many years, and in this early Interview, he told me how it all started for him.

     WHEN THEY WERE FINISHED WITH IT it sure didn't look anything like a '55 Chevrolet Convertible...but such was the fate of  "THE AZTEC",  owned by Bill Carr,  when it rolled out of the Barris Shop ! 

This is a car that is on the Legendary List of the Top Ten Customs Of All-Time, and when GEORGE BARRIS,  JOHN D'AGOSTINO, and I got together for our yearly Sunday Morning Session in Salina at the 30th Annual KKOA Lead Sled, The Aztec is one car that I had never talked to George about, and I definitely wanted the story of the build.

George always gives credit where it's due, and shows how the family of Kustomizers in the R&C Industry can all work in harmony on such a massive project as this was.  To hear all of the details Click-On Here  !

PS:  ALSO INCLUDED...a link to the legend of "THE CURSE OF THE AZTEC"

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

  VOODOO LARRY'S landmark "Voodoo Idol" is a multiple-award winner, a magazine & book Feature Car, and is one of  the wildest rides put together in this Millenium !  The "how-and-why" of its beginning is what I wanted to find out, and Larry didn't disappoint me. 

He's a craftsman of the highest level, and it shows in ALL of his work.  But this car is somethin' special...and so is the reason it was called "Idol".  To find out all of the facts & figures, just listen as Larry tells the story of "THE VOODOO IDOL, Pt. 1",  listen by just clicking-on this link !  

  FOR ALMOST FIVE DECADES BO HUFF  has been one of the most ambitious & creative builders in the country. 

      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 !  If you click-on here right now you'll hear 'em !!    JK

    PROBABLY THE MOST DEVASTATING shop fire in Rod & Custom History happened on the nite of  December 7th, 1957.  It happened at BARRIS KUSTOMS in Lynwood, California, and in the intervening 53 years has become a legendary topic of discussion, and has been written-up in more magazine & newspaper articles than you could ever count.

When GEORGE BARRIS and I sat down for this particular Interview,  I wanted to personally hear the story from him so that I could Feature it for you here on the Hall Of Fame Legends Series.   It's truly a story of "triumph over tragedy" that I know you will enjoy.  Just click-on here to listen !  JK

   EVERY LEGENDARY R & C BUILDER has one special ride that set him "apart from the pack" and gave him the prominence that he deserved to give his career a major boost.  With Darryl Starbird it was "The Predicta", for the Barris Brothers "The Hirohata Merc", Chuck Miller created "The Fire Truck", and, GENE WINFIELD did it with "The Jade Idol".  

    CRUSIN' HOLLWOOD IN 1957 !   That's what old pal JERRY WEESNER, and, the long-time "Kookie Kar" Crusier, NORM GRABOWSKI, were able to do back at the dawning of  R&C crusing in the 50's & 60's.  So it's great to hear their "first hand" info of how it was "back in the day".  Both tell great stories, and this is one you don't want to miss !   Just click-on here  to listen right now !    JK

JOHN D'AGOSTINO, GEORGE BARRIS, AND, MANY other members of the Rod & Custom Industry, sometimes travel Overseas on a yearly basis for various shows around the World. And many, like John & George, take some of their special cars along to show the people in the Countries they visit.

But, for a long time, I've  wondered how they got those beautifully crafted Rods & Customs Overseas in the first place:  by plane, by boat ?   Not by rail or by land that's for sure !  And, driving a rodded Amphicar for that entire distance is definetely out of the question !!

SO, in this Interview that I did with JOHN D'AGOSTINO at the KKOA Lead Sled in Salina, John  gave me the whole story, cleared-up all of my questions, and now you can find out the answers too !  Just click-on here,  listen & learn !    JK

  ONE OF THE TRUE PIONEERS OF STREET RODDING as we know it today was DICK "MAGOO" MEGUGORAC .  Dick wasn't just a "pioneer" he was a Street Racer, a Builder, a Businessman, and, an Innovator, at a time when "home built" rides were in their prime.  He then became one of most respected Owner/Builder's in the Industry with every Rod he put on the streets being able to be driven as far as you wanted !

THE LARRY WATSON TRIBUTE PAGE :  A Rod & Custom Legend, the iconic painter,  stylist , and innovator of some of the 50's & 60's most legendary cars was LARRY WATSON.   Sadly, on July 20, 2010,  just days before the KKOA 30th Anniversary Lead Sled Spectacular in Salina, Kansas, Larry passed away.  It was a shock to us all, and I wanted to do Larry justice by putting together a true &  respectful Tribute here on the HOF Legends Site, covering the Tribute with some information that might not be generally avaliable...like the great story STEVE STANFORD told me regarding his painting that fantastic poster of the "Bellflower Clock Drive-In" for Larry.

To that end, I also asked my good friends GEORGE BARRIS & JOHN D'AGOSTINO, who had both known Larry for many, many years,  to record some of their memories of him during our yearly Sunday Morning Interview Session in Salina, and I've added my own personal connection to the Watson story.  What you'll hear, read, and, see on this Special Tribute Page is a true testament to the life & times of one of the Industries most respected Hall Of Fame Legends:   LARRY WATSON  Simply click-on here to listen !  JK

   CHUCK MILLER is one of the longest-running, most talented R&C Professionals in the Industry.  And, to further add to his credentials, there's his recently released biography:  "STYLINE CUSTOMS...CHUCK MILLER". 

    EVERYBODY'S "Fan Favorite"  from the legendary coming-of-age/ Crusin'-In-California flick AMERICAN GRAFFITI, Paul LeMat ("John Milner"), is asked to travel to Rod & Custom shows all over the World to meet up with fans of all ages.  But Paul is constantly working on other projects when he has time, and recently has starred in a  new Sci-Fi / Biker Babe film entitled "CYBORG CONQUEST", and also found time to write a book that's partly autobiographical: "HASTEN DOWN THE WIND".

     ONE OF THE ELITE MEMBERS chosen for the KKOA Hall Of Fame in 2010: LOU CALASIBETTA.   LOU and his crew at the Old Stillwater Garage in Stillwater, New Jersey, have been responsible for some of the most unique Rods & Restorations for almost 4 Decades.  Lou's stories have been on the Hall Of  Fame Legends Site since the beginning, documenting his great career, BUT in a Special Interview we did shortly after his KKOA HOF Induction, Lou gave me his feelings and thoughts about this prestigious honor.

Lou's a real gentleman, as well as an expert craftsman , and I was glad I was at the KKOA 30th Anniversary Ceremonies to witness the Inductions first hand.  Simply click-on here to listen to Lou's story.            

(NEW HOF INDUCTEE'S  FOR 2010 were BOB METZ (posthumously), MURPHY & THE STRIPER, and, LOU CALASIBETTA.)

 VOODOO LARRY is in the vanguard of kustomizers that not only build some great old school rides, but live the lifestyle at the same time.   His cars include the Voodoo Kreeper, Voodoo Diablo, and, the knock-out Voodoo Idol.  In this first installment of stories from Larry,  I wanted to find out what shifted his focus into cars in the beginning, AND into building kustoms as cool as he does.   Larry's got a great future ahead in our Industry, and is definetly one of the new breed of builders to  watch !    Click-On here and listen !    JK

   HE'S A HALL OF FAMER who works on his own in his shop located just outside of Austin, Texas, and GARY HOWARD has one of the best reputations in the Industry.  In 1994 he began work on Mike Young's '60 Impala Hardtop.  Mike's a friend of Jimmie Vaughan's, and the early concept was just "...lower the car & take off the door handles." Well, we all know how that goes !

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 !!  Ready ?  Click-On Here Now  !!  JK

   THE NUCLEUS OF THE IDEA for Posies "DRIVEN DIRTY TOUR" began at SEMA in 2005.  Since that time it's become a legendary event that leaves it's homebase in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, and heads to Las Vegas every year with KEN "Posies" FENICAL, himself, leading the pack of drivers for a few days of fun, trailblazing,  and, pure "hot rodding" at its finest level.

The 2011 DDT began at Posie's on October, 22nd, ended up in Vegas October 30th...but there's a lot of Crusin' between those two points !

So, okay, I wanted to know how this whole thing started and Ken filled me in totally & completely.  Ken not only knows his cars, works on his rides, and drives 'em...but he is an EXCELLENT story teller !   Ken & his crew have given much help & support to this Site over the years, and I sincerely appreciate it.   JK

JUST CLICK-ON HERE AND YOU'LL HEAR THE WHOLE STORY !

       ARTIST AT LARGE, DENNIS McPHAIL,  is one of THE BEST !   Art, Tattoos, Sculptures, Kustoms...Dennis puts it all together everyday of his life. SO, when we did this Interview awhile back, I wanted to know about his early years, and what set him onto this lifelong course that he's pursued, and excelled at, for so many years.

DENNIS McPHAIL   is one of the nicest and most talented people I know, and whether you know him or not, once you hear this story you'll learn why he's so well-respected in the Industry.   Listen to Dennis' story by clicking-on here  !    JK

     STEVE FRISBIE  (Steve's Auto Restorations, Portland, Oregon) has one of the busiest & best shops in the R&C Industry !  Steve honed his talents by first doing restorations on true, award-winning Classics, and later sequed into Rods, Customs, and, many, many more awards in the process.

IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, done on  the day Steve was inducted into Darryl Starbird's National Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame, Steve & I discuss his early career as a restorer, AND, how he co-ordinates the builds done for his customers, with the superb craftsmanship of his crew,  to turn out "Drivable Dreams" !   Just click-on here and listen !   JK

   THE LIMITED EDITION "HALL OF FAME LEGENDS" SERIES Custom-Burned, Gold Colored, 1st & 2nd Anniversary CD's are available once again ! We have a small quantity for those who may not have gotten them yet.  I can sincerely use your help in  keeping the HOFL Series On-Line with a small Donation.  For complete lists, info, and , instructions on how to get your personal copy,  PLUS a Super Cool, Personally Autographed Freebie, please just go to the Special Page  that I've set-up for all of our faithful visitors to the Site.  AND, thank you in advance for your help & support.   JK

    HE'S CONSIDERED ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST Guitarists' AND he also owns some of the coolest rides on the Planet !   JIMMIE VAUGHAN'S '63 Riviera, built by his friend Gary Howard, was an Award Winning Custom from the day it hit the streets...with an oh-so-subtle chop.  In addition, Jimmie's a 4-time Grammy Award Winner: so I wanted to know about both the Riv AND those Grammies !   Jimmie did not disappoint me as you'll hear in this Exclusive Interview done at Darryl Starbird's National Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame.   Jimmie knows what he wants in a car, and his insight is remarkable !  JK

        HIS PAL'S CALL HIM "FASTBACK FRANK", because NorCal's FRANK LIVINGSTON has probably owned & customized more Chevy Fastback's than anyone.  And, there was one very special '49 that was dubbed "The Crown  Jewel" which had a very unusual feature to its Howdy Ledbetter-upholstered interior.  I wanted to find out how it got that way, and you'll love Frank's reason for doing it, or, maybe you should  just ask his wife, Kathy !  Listen & Learn !    Enjoy !   JK

   FOR CLOSE TO SIX DECADES DARRYL STARBIRD has crafted some of the rarest, most-acclaimed Rods & Customs that the Industry has ever seen.  And, in this Exclusive never-before-heard Interview on the Hall Of Fame Legends Series, I wanted to know where that "drive" to create came from, why Darryl moved from his lifelong home in Kansas to Oklahoma, and, in addition, what his thoughts were on the resurgence of the pioneers of the Rod & Custom Industry.

His thoughts and words on these subjects will truly give you new insight and respect for this Legendary "King Of The Bubble Tops" AND  the man behind the machines: Darryl Starbird .  (PLUS, from my Personal Archives, get a sneak-peek at Darryl's newest ultra-rare ride, and a never-before-seen pic of the "Starbird" Darryl's yacht ! )   JK

    INDUSTRY LEGENDS, ELDEN TITUS & GEORGE BARRIS  had teamed-up to bring you the ground-breaking "VIBRASONIC ROADSTER" .  Sadly, Elden passed away in October of 2008 and work on the Project was halted at that time. Then, at the end of 2009, Elden's widow, Tammy, knew the car had to be completed according to Elden's wishes and was determined to see the car finished.  SO, the VIBRASONIC ROADSTER PROJECT is back in action ! And, the build-up in CKD is once again on schedule. (See CKD #40 )

   IN THIS LAST INTERVIEW that I did with Elden , a few months before his untimely death,  hear his thoughts, ideas & input on the VIBRASONIC, see some rare pix that came to me directly from Elden's Garage, PLUS: Hear George Barris talk about some future projects that he and Elden had planned.  AND, see a "Vibrasonic Surprise" directly from my basement !     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

   "PROJECT RIVIERA" has been a Feature Build in Car Kulture DeLuxe Magazine that has everybody talkin'. Well, we've done our share of "talkin' " with both Brad Masterson, who started building it, and, CKD's ALAN MAYES... the guy that's gonna drive it !  This time it's Alan's turn to fill me in on what it's all about, AND, I tried to get him to spill some of the "secret" Mods that may be involved.  PLUS, let's see if I can finally get on the Cover of the Mag !  JK

 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

 IT WOULD HAVE TO BE the Longest, Lowest '65 Buick LeSabre ever built !  When he put it together over two-decades ago, LEE PRATT , had created a land-locked Rocket Car that even George Jetson would have been proud to own !  Where the idea came from (there were three sources), and how Lee's gas gauge reacted after each successive change is a story for the ages !   It's the story of "The Long, Long LeSabre" on the HOF Legends. Series.   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

     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 !    J

    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" !   A few years ago it was 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" !!

   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.  We talked about 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

  A FEW YEARS BACK, my buddy STEVE STANFORD, put together a special story for HOT ROD MAGAZINE.  It was Steve's "April Fool" Concept about the re-birth of AMC.  Cool Pacers, Hornets, Ambassadors, Javelins, Gremlins...you name it, Steve did it !  In addition, this was also one of the very first stories by Steve that you heard here on the Hall Of Fame Legends WebSite.

WELL, it turned-out to be one of everybody's absolute favorite stories of all-time...and, since many of  you are new to this Site and  have never heard it to begin with, and hundreds have asked for me to run it again, so here it is: the "man" himself STEVE STANFORD  and "THE STORY OF THE NEW AMC" !

  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" !  Simply Click-On-Here to listen !  JK

    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 !  

    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

     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 !

       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 ? 

  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 !   

  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

   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 ! 

  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 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

    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 is revealed !   Just click-on here for the complete story.

    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

  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 !

 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 30 years ago.  It involved a meeting in Wichita, Kansas, a Cadillac Sombrero hubcap, and, 14 hardcore Kustom 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 George doing a "wheelie" !!)   Simply click-on here  and be prepared for a fantastic experience !   JK

  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 !   All you do is click-on here !    JK

      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 ?   You'll find out once you click-on here... you on your way !    JK

 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 !  To hear Spence's story, simply click-on here !    JK

          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 180 Great Pix,  Cool Cars, and even some Special Pix  from my personal archives that I dug out to share with you !  AND, some cool "Old Time Radio" Car Commercials from the 30's, 40's, & 50's  !

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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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 AT THE 31st ANNUAL KKOA LEAD SLED SPECTACULAR IN SALINA, KANSAS, I was honored & privileged to be named "AMERICA'S TOP D.J." and received the "AMERICAN D.J. AWARD".

This is an honor I truly cherish, and receiving it in front my listeners, my friends, and, the Hall Of Fame Legends that have been my Heroes for decades, was an experience I'll never forget. JK

Note: To hear some of my Radio Shows, and read more of my personal history, simply click-on this link:  www.jonnieking.net  

                 (That's me above Crusin' in Salina in the "Custom For Korea" clone !)

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COULD THIS BE THE ONE  OF THE RAREST CARS IN THE WORLD:  THE FIRST REAL "BUBBLE TOP" CAR ?         

It was called the "Hollywood Streak" and was built in 1946 by George Bartell of Detroit.   More on the Hollywood Streak, what it was made from, and, building Bubble Tops right here...click-on right now  !