Best of Ben's Bigger Breakfast

Behind The Hit: ABBA - "Dancing Queen" 1976

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:21:53 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this disco-pop anthem, the song that captured youthful freedom and became one of the most beloved global party classics of all time

Behind The Hit: Madonna - "Material Girl" 1984

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:20:24 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this iconic pop anthem, the song that blended glamour and satire and helped cement Madonna as a global superstar

Behind The Hit: Rupert Holmes - "Escape" 1979

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:19:05 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this storytelling soft-rock anthem, the song that mixed humour and romance and became a timeless singalong favourite

Behind The Hit: Outkast - "Hey Ya!" 2003

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:17:32 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this genre-bending anthem, the song that fused funk, hip-hop, and pop into a global party phenomenon

Behind The Hit: Ricky Martin - "Livin La Vida Loca" 1999

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:15:45 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this explosive Latin pop anthem, the song that sparked a worldwide music movement and became a global sensation

Behind The Hit: Santana - "Smooth" 1999

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:13:53 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this Latin-rock anthem, the song that blended fiery guitar riffs and pop melodies into a global radio favourite

Behind The Hit: Briteny Spears - "Toxic" 2003

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:28:34 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this provocative pop anthem, the song that blended electronic beats and bold storytelling with Toxic by Britney Spears in 2003 and became a global chart-topping phenomenon

Behind The Hit: A-Ha - "Take Me On" 1985

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:24:16 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this soaring synth-pop anthem, the song that paired groundbreaking animation with Take On Me by a-ha in 1985 and became a timeless global pop classic

Behind The Hit: Len - "Steal My Sunshine" 1999

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:21:13 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this carefree alt-pop anthem, the song that captured laid-back summer vibes with Steal My Sunshine by Len in 1999 and became a feel-good global favourite

Behind The Hit: Dead or Alive - " You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" 1984

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 06 May 2026 16:56:44 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this electrifying dance anthem, the song that fused synth-pop and hi-NRG with You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive in 1984 and became a global club classic.

Behind The Hit: Vanessa Carlton - "Thousand Miles" 2002

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 06 May 2026 16:54:58 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this piano-driven pop anthem, the song that captured heartfelt longing with A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton in 2002 and became a timeless global singalong

Behind the Hit: Jamiroquai - "Virtual Reality" 1996

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 06 May 2026 16:52:42 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this forward-thinking funk anthem, the song that blended acid jazz and pop with Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai in 1996 and became a visually iconic global classic

Behind The Hit: Spice Girls - "Say You'll Be There" 1996

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this bold pop anthem, the song that launched Spice Girls’ girl‑power era with Say You’ll Be There in 1996 and became a defining soundtrack of ‘90s pop confidence and friendship

Behind The Hit: Sixpence None The Richer - "Kiss Me" 1998

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this dreamy pop ballad, the song that captured late ‘90s romance with Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer in 1998 and became a timeless global love song

Behind The Hit: U2 - "Beautiful Day" 2000

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:56:02 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this uplifting rock classic, the song that marked U2’s triumphant return with Beautiful Day in 2000 and became a life‑affirming global anthem of hope and renewal

Behind The Hit: Kelly Clarkson - "Since U Been Gone" 2004

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this powerhouse pop-rock anthem, the song that redefined Kelly Clarkson’s sound with Since U Been Gone in 2004 and became a global breakup classic

Behind The Hit: Train - "Drops of Jupiter" 2001

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this heartfelt rock anthem, the song that blended storytelling and melody with Drops of Jupiter by Train in 2001 and became a global radio favourite

Behind The Hit: Kool & The Gang - "Celebrations" 1980

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this uplifting funk anthem, the song that fused disco and soul in 1980 and went on to become a timeless global party favourite

Behind The Hit: Lenny Kravitz - "Fly Away" 1998

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:37:58 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this electrifying rock anthem, the song that reignited classic ‘70s-inspired rock for a new generation and became a global radio favourite

Behind The Hit: Right Said Fred - "I'm Too Sexy" 1991

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:24:49 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this cheeky anthem, the song that turned confidence into pop culture and became a global dance-floor favourite

Behind The Hit: Blondie - "Tide is High" 1980

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:41:29 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this genre-blending classic that showed Blondie’s power to reinvent pop and top the charts worldwide.

Behind The Hit: Cher - "Believe" 1998

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:50:26 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of this groundbreaking anthem, the song that ushered auto-tune into the mainstream and became a global dance-floor classic

Behind The Hit: Queen and David Bowie - "Under Pressure" (1981)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:15:25 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Queen and David Bowie’s 1981 masterpiece “Under Pressure,” a powerful, genre-blending collaboration that delivered one of the most iconic basslines and vocal performances in rock history.

Behind The Hit: Lauryn Hill - "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (1998)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 20:26:09 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Lauryn Hill’s 1998 anthem “Doo Wop (That Thing)” a sharp, soulful blend of hip-hop and R&B that showcased her unmatched artistry and made history at the top of the charts

Behind The Hit: Isaac Hayes - "Theme from Shaft" (1971)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:59:47 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Isaac Hayes’ 1971 Theme from Shaft, a groundbreaking blend of funk, soul, and orchestral swagger that redefined movie soundtracks and earned Hayes an Academy Award

Behind The Hit: Hall&Oates - "Private Eyes" (1981)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:38:50 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Hall & Oates’ 1981 smash “Private Eyes” a catchy, upbeat pop-rock classic with an unforgettable hook that helped define the duo’s signature sound

Behind The Hit: Eagles - "Heartache Tonight" (1979)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:34:42 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of the Eagles’ 1979 favorite “Heartache Tonight” a driving, feel-good rock anthem born from a legendary songwriting session and destined to become a fan-favorite classic.

Behind The Hit: The Escape Clube - "Wild Wild West" (1988)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:59:47 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of The Escape Club’s 1988 track “Wild, Wild West” a quirky, high-energy anthem that mixed humor, attitude, and ’80s edge into an unforgettable chart-topping hit

Behind The Hit: Johnny Nash - "I can see clearly now" (1972)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:35:45 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Johnny Nash’s 1972 classic “I Can See Clearly Now” — a bright, uplifting anthem of hope and clarity that continues to inspire generations

Behind The Hit: Belinda Carlisle - "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" (1987)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:10:11 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 classic Heaven Is a Place on Earth. An uplifting anthem of love and optimism that became one of the defining pop hits of the late ’80s

Behind The Hit: Carl Douglas - "Kung Fu Fighting (1974)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:10:35 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Carl Douglas’ 1974 sensation “Kung Fu Fighting” the upbeat, instantly catchy track that turned martial-arts vibes into a global disco phenomenon

Behind The Hit: Michael Jackson - "Bad" (1987)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:51:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Michael Jackson’s 1987 classic Bad. A bold, high-energy anthem that showcased the King of Pop’s edge, confidence, and unmatched creativity

Behind The Hit: Beyonce - "Baby Boy" (2003) ft Sean Paul

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:37:28 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of Beyoncé’s 2003 hit “Baby Boy” a smooth fusion of R&B and dancehall featuring Sean Paul that topped charts worldwide and highlighted Beyoncé’s growing global star power

Behind The Hit: U2 - "Desire" 1988

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:04:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of U2’s 1988 anthem “Desire” — a raw, gritty track that fused rock and blues, capturing the band’s fiery spirit and political edge while marking a bold new era in their sound and earning them their first UK No.1 single.

Behind the Hit: Spicy Girls - " Say You'll Be There" (1996)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell takes you Behind the Hit of the Spice Girls’ 1996 smash “Say You’ll Be There” — a fierce celebration of friendship, fun, and unstoppable girl power that defined a generation and cemented the group’s global pop legacy.

Behind the Hit: The Black Eyed Peas – “Where Is the Love?” (2003)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:01:00 +0000

In 2003, The Black Eyed Peas released “Where Is the Love?” — a socially conscious anthem that marked a turning point in their career. Written in response to global unrest and inspired by the aftermath of 9/11, the song blends hip-hop, pop, and soul to deliver a message of love, tolerance, and hope.

Featuring uncredited vocals by Justin Timberlake, “Where Is the Love?” became the group’s first major hit, reaching No. 1 in over a dozen countries and earning Grammy nominations. Its lyrics still resonate today, asking a question the world continues to face: Where is the love?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYeekQkAdc

Behind the Hit: Rod Stewart – “Maggie May” (1971)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In 1971, Rod Stewart released “Maggie May,” a song inspired by a young man’s whirlwind romance with an older woman — a story drawn from Stewart’s own life. Originally released as the B-side to “Reason to Believe,” the song quickly stole the spotlight with its distinctive mandolin riff and heartfelt storytelling.

Maggie May became Stewart’s breakout hit, topping both the UK and US charts and cementing his status as one of rock’s most distinctive voices. More than five decades later, it remains a timeless anthem of youthful rebellion, love, and regret.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI_awR4CKE

Behind the Hit: John Mellencamp – “Jack and Diane” (1982)

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In 1982, John Mellencamp — then known as John Cougar — released “Jack and Diane,” a coming-of-age anthem that captured the spirit of small-town America. The song tells the story of two kids growing up in the heartland, dreaming big but facing the realities of adulthood.

Despite record label doubts and multiple reworks, “Jack and Diane” became Mellencamp’s biggest hit, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its memorable claps, simple acoustic riff, and nostalgic lyrics about “life going on long after the thrill of living is gone,” the song remains one of the most enduring rock tracks of the 1980s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h04CH9YZcpI

Behind the Hit: Barry White's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe"

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:28:38 +0000

Today, Ben Maxwell took us back to 1974 with Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe.”
A silky-smooth soul hit that topped the charts and cemented Barry White as the King of Love — proving that when it comes to romance, nobody does it quite like Barry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eYiM8Ssaiw&t=1s

Behind the Hit: Exile's “Kiss You All Over”

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Ben Maxwell took us back to 1978 with “Kiss You All Over” by Exile — the soft rock anthem that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks and became one of the decade’s most unforgettable love songs. A timeless tune that proves some hits never fade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdFQjKW0mFE

Behind the Hit: Janet Jackson’s “Miss You Much”

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

On October 1, 1989, Janet Jackson claimed the #1 spot with “Miss You Much,” the breakout single from her groundbreaking Rhythm Nation 1814 album. In this episode, Ben dives into how Janet combined irresistible beats, empowering lyrics, and unforgettable choreography to create one of the defining hits of her career.

Step back into 1989 and relive the moment Janet ruled the charts — and the dance floor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVF0zcqr9Dg&t=52s

Behind the Hit: Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music"

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:54:00 +0000

On September 30, 1976, Wild Cherry funked up the charts with their #1 smash “Play That Funky Music.” In this episode, Ben dives into how a rock band from Ohio blended funk and rock to create one of the most irresistible dance-floor anthems of the ‘70s.

Get ready to relive the groove that still keeps people moving nearly 50 years later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXLNqh593ts&t=35s

Behind the Hit: Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust"

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:28:59 +0000

On September 29, 1980, Queen claimed the #1 spot with their funky, bass-driven anthem “Another One Bites the Dust.” In this episode, Ben dives into how John Deacon’s iconic bassline and Queen’s fearless experimentation created one of their biggest crossover hits — a track that conquered both rock and disco charts.

Relive the moment Queen showed the world their versatility and groove.

Behind the Hit: T. Rex – “Get It On (Bang a Gong)”

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 20:56:46 +0000

On September 25, 1971, T. Rex hit #1 with their glam rock classic “Get It On (Bang a Gong).” In this episode, Ben takes you back to the early ‘70s to explore how Marc Bolan and T. Rex brought swagger, style, and a fresh sound that helped define the glam rock era.

Turn it up and relive the moment this iconic track made its mark on music history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbpeZdR1e5Q&t=12s

Behind the Hit - TLC's "Unpretty"

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

On September 22, 1999, TLC’s empowering ballad “Unpretty” topped the charts at #1. In this episode, Ben takes you behind the hit—unpacking the story, inspiration, and lasting impact of one of TLC’s most powerful songs. Tune in as we revisit the late ‘90s, where music and message came together to create an anthem that still resonates today.

Behind the Hit - David Bowie's "Fame"

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

David Bowie's "Fame" was number 1 on the Billboard Top 100 in 19th September 1975.

Behind the Hit - Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy"

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy" was the number 1 top hit on this day in 1988

Natalie Urqhart on Ben's Bigger Breakfast with Ben Maxwell - 20 May 2025

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Tue, 20 May 2025 20:34:00 +0000

Ben welcomed Natalie into the studio to discuss Cayman Art Week 2025 running from the 20th thru the 25th of May.

Gramps Morgan on Ben's Bigger Breakfast with Ben Maxwell - 28 March 2025

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Cappella Music Festival artist Gramps Morgan wanted to say hi to all the Gold listeners, and Ben was more than willing to indulge this unique and captivating individual and chat about music!

Rik Rok with Ben Maxwell on GOLD

bmaxwell@compassmedia.ky (Ben Maxwell) — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 19:10:00 +0000

The great singer/songwriter Rik Rok joins Ben Maxwell on GOLD for a catch-up