In 1977, the SANFORD-TOWNSEND band’s “Smoke from a Distant Fire” raced up the charts, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. They seemed to come from out of nowhere, and just as suddenly, they seemed to disappear; the band was never again to have a Top 40 hit. But as my interview with co-founder JOHNNY TOWNSEND reveals, they had paid their dues for more than a decade before they reached that pinnacle of success in ’77, and both Townsend and Sanford have been far from inactive since.

For anyone who doesn’t know, The Sanford Townsend Band was an American rock group that formed in 1976. The band consisted of singer and keyboardist Ed Sanford and singer and guitarist John Townsend, who were both previously members of the band, The Heartsfield. The band’s sound was characterised by a mix of rock, pop, and soul influences, and their music often featured complex harmonies and lush instrumentation. In addition to “Smoke from a Distant Fire,” the band had several other minor hits. Despite their early success, the Sanford Townsend Band disbanded in 1980 after the release of their second album, “Nail Me to the Wall.” Following the breakup, both Ed Sanford and John Townsend continued to pursue music careers as solo artists and songwriters. In the years since their breakup, the Sanford Townsend Band has gained a reputation as a cult favourite among fans of 1970s rock music. Their music has been featured in films and television shows, and their Legacy continues to influence modern rock acts.

Today Ed Sanford and Johnny Townsend are back making music together. Johnny says during our interview that it’s been an interesting journey, to say the least, but one he wouldn’t swap for anything. He talks about his experiences growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and then moving to Los Angeles to further his career. He regales us with stories around how that career defining song ‘Smoke on the Water’ came to be and he tells us what life is like for him today.

I hope you’ll enjoy the episode. If you’d like to learn more about Johnny Townsend check out his facebook page and his website

To connect with me head to my website: www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

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Sandy Kaye Sandy Kaye

Hello, I’m Sandy Kaye. A freelance broadcaster, journalist and producer who has spent more than 35 years on both sides of radio and television microphones. I’ve worked with every TV network in Australia, have produced and presented for countless radio stations around the country and have hosted my own commercial radio talk-back show. I’ve even held the distinction of being Sydney’s first female newsreader on radio – way back when!

Today my passion is A Breath of Fresh Air which allows me to immerse myself in one of my favourite things – music. I just love all kinds of music and am fascinated by the people who make it. In particular, it’s the music of the '60s '70s and '80s that takes me back to my youth and means so much to me.

As a journalist, I’m all about digging deep into the classic hits of our time.
I bring you intimate, warm, fireside chats with the artists who tell us about their lives both then and now.
We learn about what makes them tick, who they are in their professional and private lives and how they went about making the soundtrack to our lives.

'A Breath of Fresh Air’ is exceptional - exceptional not because of me, but rather because of the stories that some of the best-known musical artists choose to share with me.

I created this podcast to honour them. It’s all about THEIR lives, THEIR stories, THEIR music, told now, in THEIR voices, before they’re lost forever.

I see my podcast as a personal labour of love, but also as an archival legacy for music fans and practitioners alike, both current and future, who otherwise might never know of the amazing people who helped build the industry.

I really hope you enjoy each and every episode of A Breath of Fresh Air.