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The Best Episodes of Soundstage

Every episode of Soundstage ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Soundstage!

WTTW’s legendary and groundbreaking music series filmed in the intimate Grainger Studio presents spectacular performances that make you feel like you’re in the front row.
Network:PBS

Best Episodes Summary

"Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers part 1" is the best rated episode of "Soundstage". It scored 9.1/10 based on 46 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 1/10/2007. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Idina Menzel".

  • Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers part 1
    9.1/1046 votes
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    #1 - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers part 1

    Season 6 Episode 1 - Aired 1/10/2007

    Catch Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in this special two-part Soundstage performance as they return to Gainesville, Florida where it all started, to play their first hometown show in 13 years.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Idina Menzel
    9.0/106 votes
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    #2 - Idina Menzel

    Season 7 Episode 2 - Aired 1/15/2009

    Idina Menzel reached superstardom on Broadway in two career-defining roles—her Tony Award winning performance in the musical blockbuster "Wicked" and in the revolutionary "Rent." Idina’s debut album, I Stand is a powerful collection of new songs. With Idina’s voice and the talent of legendary Grammy winning producer Glen Ballard, the final outcome is an album filled with pop tunes and heartfelt ballads—intimate yet universal stories of life, its challenges, relationships and of course - the subject of love.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Seal
    8.8/109 votes
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    #3 - Seal

    Season 7 Episode 6 - Aired 2/12/2009

    Seal’s one-of-a-kind soaring, husky baritone is perfect for any genre. He’s delighted fans and earned critical acclaim while staying true to classic, honest songwriting in his remarkable two-decade career. And now, he’s done it again with the release of his exceptional sixth studio album Soul. Together with legendary music producer David Foster, Seal adds his signature touch to some of the best soul songs ever created.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Heart (1)
    8.6/106 votes
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    #4 - Heart (1)

    Season 3 Episode 5 - Aired 7/28/2005

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers part 2
    8.6/1023 votes
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    #5 - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers part 2

    Season 6 Episode 2 - Aired 1/17/2008

    For Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and fans alike, Live from Gatorville is an emotional and electrifying evening.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Chris Isaak
    8.5/106 votes
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    #6 - Chris Isaak

    Season 3 Episode 9 - Aired 8/25/2005

    Broadcast Dancin’ Let Me Down Easy Wicked Game Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing Solitary Man Western Stars Can’t Do A Thing (To Stop Me) Only The Lonely Wrong To Love You American Boy Notice The Ring Think of Tomorrow

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Heart (2)
    8.4/106 votes
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    #7 - Heart (2)

    Season 3 Episode 6 - Aired 8/4/2005

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Lyle Lovett, Randy Newman, and Mark Isham
    8.2/1025 votes
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    #8 - Lyle Lovett, Randy Newman, and Mark Isham

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 6/3/2003

    Straighten up and Fly Right, Smile, Summerwind, Walking Tall, You’ve Got a Friend in Me, Political Science, I Thinks it’s Going to Rain Today, If I Had a Boat, That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas), What do you do, Church, What’d I Say, I’m Gonna Wait

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • John Fogerty Pt. 2
    8.2/105 votes
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    #9 - John Fogerty Pt. 2

    Season 6 Episode 6 - Aired 2/14/2008

    The second half of this two-part episode continues on as John Fogerty delivers the timeless essence of his music with an electrifying stage presence and resonating energy. A genuine showman, Fogerty weaves new songs “River Is Waiting” and “Gunslinger” with classics “Green River,” “Centerfield,” “Down on the Corner” and the show-closer “Fortunate Son,” resulting in an unbelievable performance you will not want to miss.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Stevie Nicks Pt.1
    8.2/1014 votes
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    #10 - Stevie Nicks Pt.1

    Season 6 Episode 10 - Aired 7/17/2008

    In this episode, Soundstage captures a radiant Stevie Nicks in her first filmed solo performance since 1987. Clad in her trademark look of high heels and lace, Stevie boldly kicks off the night with “Stand Back.” Don’t miss a second as she performs songs from her comprehensive career retrospective album, Crystal Visions. Throughout the evening, Stevie elegantly showcases her vocal abilities on “Fall From Grace,” and follows a stunning performance of “How Still My Love” with a cover of Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash Into Me” interpreted through the eyes of a woman. Stevie also beautifully performs “Sara,” a song rarely performed without Fleetwood Mac, before finishing up the hour with an amazing cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” (#1510, 7/17/08, 2200-2300, HDTV, Dolby Stereo)

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Lindsey Buckingham with Stevie Nicks
    8.1/1020 votes
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    #11 - Lindsey Buckingham with Stevie Nicks

    Season 3 Episode 10 - Aired 9/8/2005

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Toby Keith
    8.1/107 votes
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    #12 - Toby Keith

    Season 9 Episode 1 - Aired 4/28/2016

    The voice behind the ultimate party song, “Red Solo Cup,” as well as countless other hits, Toby Keith has dominated the country industry with his signature honkytonk singing and songwriting skills. Cowboy hats and boots flood Grainger Studio as "Soundstage" goes country when Toby Keith brings the house down! One thing’s for sure: He still is "as good as he once was!"

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • REO Speedwagon
    8.0/106 votes
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    #13 - REO Speedwagon

    Season 6 Episode 8 - Aired 7/3/2008

    REO Speedwagon - Kevin Cronin (lead vocals, guitar), Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Dave Amato (lead guitar) and Bryan Hitt (drums) - rolled into 2007 full throttle with their brand new album Find Your Way Home, their first studio collection of new material in more than a decade.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation
    7.8/1012 votes
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    #14 - Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation

    Season 4 Episode 1 - Aired 6/29/2006

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • New York Dolls
    7.6/107 votes
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    #15 - New York Dolls

    Season 4 Episode 9 - Aired 2/1/2007

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • John Fogerty Pt.1
    7.5/108 votes
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    #16 - John Fogerty Pt.1

    Season 6 Episode 5 - Aired 2/7/2008

    Best known as the lead singer/songwriter and guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival, rock legend and Grammy winner John Fogerty has made a phenomenal contribution to American music for decades. CCR released 13 hit singles in just five years and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. On his newest solo release, Revival, Fogerty incorporates all the best elements of an unforgettable career of authentic rock and roll. Revival features Fogerty’s signature southern growl and blistering guitar work. On this episode of Soundstage, Fogerty presents fan favorites “Bad Moon Rising,” “Born on the Bayou” and “Proud Mary.”

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Billy Idol
    7.5/1024 votes
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    #17 - Billy Idol

    Season 7 Episode 11 - Aired 7/16/2009

    Rock icon Billy Idol hits the stage to belt out his classic hits, including Rebel Yell, Dancing With Myself and White Wedding.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Peter Frampton
    7.2/106 votes
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    #18 - Peter Frampton

    Season 4 Episode 7 - Aired 1/18/2007

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Bill Laswell Axiom Sound System Musical Freezone
    6.8/105 votes
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    #19 - Bill Laswell Axiom Sound System Musical Freezone

    Season 4 Episode 3 - Aired 7/13/2006

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Stevie Nicks Pt.2
    6.8/1010 votes
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    #20 - Stevie Nicks Pt.2

    Season 6 Episode 11 - Aired 7/24/2008

    Stevie Nicks knows how to put on a show. Part Two of this theatrical evening continues with a perfect mix of favorites like “Landslide” and “Gold Dust Woman” that will leave you yearning for more. During this intimate show, Stevie shares poignant personal memories and the origins of her songs. In long, dripping sleeves and trademark shawl, she breaks into her signature slow twirls, exuding a sensuous stage presence. The hour starts off with a riveting version of “Rhiannon” and ends with an epic rendition of “Edge of Seventeen.” If that’s not enough, Vanessa Carlton joins Stevie on stage for a special duet of Bonnie Raitt’s “Circle Dance,” as well as “The One,” a cut from Vanessa’s latest album. Tune in to watch one of the most prolific and influential women in rock music history at her best! (#1511, 7/24/08, 2200-2300, HDTV, Dolby Stereo)

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Peter Frampton (2)
    6.6/105 votes
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    #21 - Peter Frampton (2)

    Season 4 Episode 8 - Aired 1/25/2007

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Counting Crows
    6.6/105 votes
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    #22 - Counting Crows

    Season 7 Episode 1 - Aired 1/8/2009

    Counting Crows have been a huge presence in the music world for over a decade; from their initial hit single “Mr. Jones” to the 2005 Academy Award, Grammy, and Golden Globe nominated “Accidentally In Love.” Headed by the enigmatic Adam Duritz, the San Francisco Bay area band is a global phenomenon, having sold over 20 million albums worldwide.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Part 1
    NaN/100 votes
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    #23 - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Part 1

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 7/3/2003

    Baby Please Don’t Go, Crawlin Back To You, Handle With Care, I Won’t Back Down, I’m Cryin’, Angel Dream, Melinda, Born In Chicago, Red Rooster, Carol, Refugee

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Farm Aid 2003
    NaN/100 votes
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    #24 - Farm Aid 2003

    Season 1 Episode 14 - Aired 11/1/2003

    Billy Bob Thornton -- Desperate One :: Brooks & Dunn -- Red Dirt Road, My Maria, Only In America :: Dave Matthews -- Too Much, Gravedigger, Save Me, Everyday, So Damn Lucky :: Emmy Lou Harris -- Pancho And Lefty :: Hootie & The Blowfish -- Only Wanna Be With You :: John Mellencamp -- Death Letter, Stones In My Passway, Pink Houses :: Los Lonely Boys -- Heaven :: Neil Young with Crazy Horse -- Hey, Hey, My, My, (Into The Black) :: Sheryl Crow -- Steve McQueen, The First Cut Is The Deepest :: Trick Pony -- Pour Me :: Willie Nelson -- Good Hearted Woman, If You’ve Got The Money, I’ve Got The Time, Beer For My Horses, Whiskey River

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Michael McDonald with Billy Preston, Toni Braxton, Take 6 and India.Arie
    NaN/100 votes
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    #25 - Michael McDonald with Billy Preston, Toni Braxton, Take 6 and India.Arie

    Season 3 Episode 1 - Aired 6/30/2005

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A