Dan Ashley: From News Anchor to Rock Star – The Story Behind ‘Outside Looking In’

📢 Dan Ashley: From News Anchor to Rock Star – The Story Behind ‘Outside Looking In’ 🎸

Dan Ashley has spent nearly 30 years as a news anchor at ABC7 in San Francisco—but did you know he’s also a rock musician who’s opened for legends like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, and Eddie Money?

In this episode of Come And Pick It, Dan sits down with Anthony Bonnette to talk about:
🎤 How he balances broadcast journalism and a thriving music career
🎶 The story behind his latest single, “Outside Looking In”
🔥 What it’s like performing on stage with music icons
📝 His songwriting process and collaborating with Bill Bentley
🎸 The power of storytelling in both music and news

📢 FOLLOW DAN ASHLEY:
🌎 Website → www.danashleymusic.com
📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@DanAshleyMusic
🐦 X (Twitter) → https://twitter.com/DanAshleyMusic
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/danashleymusic
🎵 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/artist/4cVwoNjVVoOzFWX4wBlk4p
🍏 Apple Music → https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dan-ashley/1476495977

🎧 TUNE IN & SUBSCRIBE:
🔊 Listen on Spotify → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/comeandpickit
📺 Watch More Episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-QfPDLZKsBJ4hgYTAVbE8jCT6E3BTaxL

📲 FOLLOW ANTHONY BONNETTE & COME AND PICK IT:
🌎 Follow Anthony Bonnette: https://www.anthonybonnette.com/socials
🎙️ Follow Come And Pick It: https://www.anthonybonnette.com/comeandpickit
📩 Stay Connected: https://www.anthonybonnette.com/signup

Timestamps:
(00:00) Authenticity in Music & Staying True to Your Style
(00:36) Welcome to Come And Pick It – Featuring Dan Ashley
(01:27) Dan Ashley’s Musical Roots & Early Influences
(03:33) How Growing Up in North Carolina Shaped His Sound
(05:09) From Choir & Musicals to Fronting a Band
(07:48) How Dan Became a Lead Singer (By Accident!)
(09:36) Gigging from Dive Bars to 4,000-Person Shows
(13:32) Balancing a 30-Year TV Career with Music
(16:33) Storytelling in Journalism vs. Songwriting
(18:22) The Power of Music & Emotional Connection
(21:25) Does News Focus Too Much on the Negative?
(25:38) Performing on Stage vs. Delivering the News
(30:06) The Meaning Behind ‘Outside Looking In’
(33:09) Songwriting Process & Co-Writing with Bill Bentley
(36:19) Would Dan Ever Quit TV for a Full-Time Music Career?
(40:25) Musical Influences & Songwriting Inspiration
(48:32) Sharing the Stage with Rock Legends
(52:05) Dan’s Thoughts on Being Called an ‘Old-Fashioned Storyteller’
(55:10) Small Venue Shows & Connecting with Fans
(56:24) The Role of Social Media in Music Today
(58:19) What’s Next for Dan Ashley?
(59:48) Where to Follow & Listen to Dan’s Music
(01:00:23) How Dan Describes His Music in One Sentence
(01:01:04) Closing Remarks & Show Wrap-Up

⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
This content may include paid partnerships, sponsorships, or affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the channel and allow us to bring you more content. Thank you for your support!