You know the song

867-5309/Jenny is a ubiquitous icon of the 80's -- ranking number four on VH1's Hits of the 80's.

Now let’s hear the story of the song’s writer: Alex Call

On today’s episode, we’ll hear about his songwriting process for Jenny – and his live acoustic performance of 867-5309, plus three other hits that made the Billboard Hot 100

Power of Love and Perfect World, (written for Huey Lewis and the News)

And Mr. Moon by Elvis Costello

Alex Call has been a hit recording artist and songwriter for over thirty years. His muse is legendary in the industry, and his songs have become musical icons of American pop culture.

I met Alex at a small café several years ago, and had the chance to record our conversation. He shared highlights of his career as told in his book, “867-5309: The Song That Saved Me.”

I didn’t know then that I’d have a podcast on the creative process, so I feel fortunate to have captured this story.

Alex Call was lead singer in the San Francisco cult-fave Country-rock band Clover, along with Huey Lewis and John McFee, now lead guitarist, Doobie Brothers

Clover was the band on Elvis Costello's first hit album, “My Aim is True.” In the introduction to the book, Elvis Costello says, “You've written a vivid, honest feeling memoir Alex and his Clover colleagues were once almost-mythical figures on a record sleeve to me. This book fills in the human story between those photographs and the guys I got to know at the very start of my career and those I am still happy to call my friends. Read this and you'll realize, music has been a passport, an occasional alibi and something to catch you when you fall.”

Alex has been a recording artist for Arista Records, Mercury Records, and Fantasy Records.

Let’s listen to Alex start at the beginning of the story of what became “Jenny, Jenny”…. Including that famous guitar hook

So, as Alex said, he felt he had all the pieces of a hit song. Here’s how it came together…. 

All of the culminated in the song you can’t get out of your head now -- 867-5309/Jenny recorded by Tommy Tutone

This and his songs are featured in movies and TV, and have served as branding for numerous national ad campaigns.

Finally, as promised, let’s listen to acoustic coffee shop performances of 3 other songs from Alex Call

Thanks for listening to this episode featuring Alex Call; his book is “867-5309: The Song That Saved Me.”

and come back again next time for more creative inspiration. I’m Mark Stinson – and we’re Unlocking your world of creativity.

Music tracks are copyrighted and used under fair use for critique