Interviews | Posted by TV Time Machine 26.04.11
Do you like this story?

In this edition of TV Time Machine, host Jim Benson interviews musician Adam Chester, author of the hilarious book S’mother: The Story of a Man, His Mom, and the Thousands of Altogether Insane Letters She’s Mailed Him.

On this voyage of the TV Time Machine, we take a little detour with our magical transport, and explore a unique family love story. We, all of us, would not be here were it not for our beloved Mothers. However, sometimes a Mother’s love can manifest itself in such ineffable possessiveness; it can only be understood by reading our very special guest’s book.  

Climbing on board the TV Time Machine is Adam Chester, entertainer, composer, singer/songwriter, and author of the new book S’Mother, The Story of a Man, His Mom, and the Thousands of Altogether Insane Letters She’s Mailed Him. Mr. Chester has provided his musical talents to a wide variety of media, and is the official “Surrogate Elton John,” sitting in as the great musician while rehearsing the Elton John Band for various concerts and appearances.   

Over the next few segments, Adam and I pore over thirty years of his mothers’ loving, but insane letters, which provided the inspiration for his hilarious new book, not to mention the need for ever more intense therapy. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to dry the dishes, feel free to get a tetanus shot, as we slip from the restraints of the present, and enter a smothering past!

Adam Chester Audio Segment One-

In this segment, TV Time Machine host Jim Benson talks to Adam Chester about his early years growing up in New Jersey and Florida, his trek to sunny California, breaking into show business, his stint as musical director on What’s My Line? Live on Stage, and blowing away legendary musician Paul Williams, with a single song.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.


Click above to play audio embedded on this page.


Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)

Adam Chester Audio Segment Two-

For the second segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Adam Chester his role as the official “Surrogate Elton John,” sitting in as the great musician while rehearsing the Elton John Band for various concerts and appearances.  Jim and Adam then respond to Adam’s Mother’s letters (read by the legendary Mrs. Chester in her own voice), including Mom’s admonishments to Adam to make sure to dry his dishes, not to clean toilets in college with a toothbrush, what will happen financially if Adam’s Mom’s plane crashes, and the most important thing to do with Savings Bonds. 

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.


Click above to play audio embedded on this page.


Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)

Adam Chester Audio Segment Three-

For the final segment, host Jim Benson and Musician Adam Chester discuss the momentous events in his life that took place in his life during the 2000’s, and how 9/11 impacted his impending marriage to his beloved fiancee’, Maria. In the meantime, Mom reads her letters to Adam including missives regarding  wills, insurance policies, and the perfect Mothers Day gift for maria and family. Finally, Adam runs down a rather long list of terrible things that NEVER happened to him!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.


Click above to play audio embedded on this page.


Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)

  • Faithnamdlog

    Dear Adam, Love your book – am presenting it for our book club in February and would like some direction as to the questions I should propose. Tahnks, Faith Goldman