Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Eric Alper takes you inside that year and the business habit almost nobody in the audience ever noticed.

On stage, she looked like the kind woman who would watch your dog. What she kept sitting on top of her piano every night tells a very different story about how she did business.

Find out why her whoop and holler never lands the same for anyone else, and why a gospel singer from Detroit faced zero pushback joining a rock institution. Plus the 1987 duet that ended a twenty-year wait.

Topics: Aretha Franklin, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1987 music, gospel music, George Michael

GUEST: Eric Alper | thatericalper.com | @thatericalper

Originally aired on 2026-10-08

Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Eric Alper takes you inside that year and the business habit almost nobody in the audience ever noticed.
On stage, she looked like the kind woman who would watch your dog. What she kept sitting on top of her piano every night tells a very different story about how she did business.
Find out why her whoop and holler never lands the same for anyone else, and why a gospel singer from Detroit faced zero pushback joining a rock institution. Plus the 1987 duet that ended a twenty-year wait.
Topics: Aretha Franklin, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1987 music, gospel music, George Michael
GUEST: Eric Alper | thatericalper.com | @thatericalper
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-10-08

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.