Paul Rodgers has a distinctive voice. Many classic rockers remember him from the 1970 hit, “All Right Now,” by Free. He also sang for Queen after Freddie Mercury died, and fronted the super-group, The Firm, with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. But it is Rodgers’ work with Bad Company that recently earned him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
We spoke with the 75-year-old last month about his RRHOF accolade and other things music, including his work with Adopt The Arts, a program designed to give students a real-world music experience beyond the classroom. Despite having had a number of strokes – the first of which was in 2016 – Rodgers still performs and was quite animated during our interview. His longtime wife, Cynthia Kereluk, was also on the phone call.
Following are edited excerpts from a longer conversation. This is Part 1 of a multi-part interview series with Rodgers.
Jim Clash: Were you surprised when you finally made it to the RRHOF?
Paul Rodgers: Surprised? I don’t know. The fans had been wanting it for a long time. We’re very philosophical about it. We said, “Well, whatever.” As long as we were making good music was the important thing. It’s good timing for Bad Company, though, because [guitarist] Mick [Ralphs] is still with us, although he can’t physically be there [at the induction ceremony]. Believe it or not, there’s a “tribute to Bad Company” album coming out. It hasn’t been released yet – it will be in the Fall – but it has lots of great musicians covering our songs.
Clash: Let’s go back. Do you remember the first time you heard yourself on the radio?
Rodgers: It was “All Right Now,” I think, and I still get a thrill when I hear it played. I believe I was at my sister Tina’s house. John Peel, a BBC DJ at the time, had a radio show [Peel Sessions], and we went in and recorded three or four songs for it. One was, “Walk In My Shadows,” one I co-wrote. I did know the songs were going to be on the radio, though, so it wasn’t really a surprise.
Clash: I’ve always been curious about the band’s name and your first hit – both are called Bad Company. Which came first, the band name or the tune?
Rodgers: I started to write the song at my cottage in England. It’s a real western kind of thing, but written in the heart of the English countryside. But there we are [laughs]. A number of things happened at the same time. [Drummer] Simon [Kirke] came round to help me with the lyrics. At the same moment, I called Mick and said to him, “Bad Company,” and he said, “That’s it, the name of the band!” I said “Well, that’s actually a song,” to which he replied, “No, no, we have to call the band Bad Company.” And that’s what we did. So really, the song came first.
Clash: What are your thoughts on the super-group Cream and, in particular, drummer Ginger Baker. They were a little ahead of your time.
Rodgers: I remember seeing Cream in Northeast England, just outside of Middlesbrough. They hadn’t exploded on the scene yet, and were just grooving. I was 14, and stood right in front of the stage while Ginger did his solo. Fantastic! I also saw [Eric] Clapton lean over and say, “Get on with it, man” [laughs].
Clash: You are part of Adopt The Arts, a music program for kids. You helped some music students, The Changels honor choir, record one of your songs, “Rock & Roll Fantasy.” Why pick that particular organization to devote your time to?
Rodgers: It was a joy to help and become involved with kids. It was almost impossible to refuse. Some are from economically challenged families, and I can identify with that. We weren’t very well off growing up. It was a bit of a struggle.
It only takes a word or two to inspire people, especially with music. It’s such a rewarding experience spiritually. In fact, you can actually make a living at it [laughs]. I gave them each a $20 bill after we finished recording, and their faces lit up. I told them they were now professional musicians because they had been paid [laughs].
Clash: Can you give me a funny anecdote from one of your tours?
Rodgers: There are so many. You put me on the spot [laughs]. This is more a beautiful thing than a funny one. We were playing in Spain to a really fantastic crowd. There were four girls standing at the front of the stage so into the music. I tried to make eye contact with them, and just could not do it. Afterwards, I walked out to the crowd outside, and these girls were there. It turns out that they were blind! I spoke to them, held their hands and hugged them. All of the people around clapped, as they obviously knew that the girls were blind. It was beautiful.