Music
**The Paul Leslie Hour**

For 22 years, The Paul Leslie Hour has been about one thing: helping people tell their stories. From legends of arts and entertainment to today’s cultural voices, Paul Leslie brings conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. New episodes every week.

Latest Episodes:

#1,116 - John H. Cunningham Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

#1,116 - John H. Cunningham

John H. Cunningham is a filmmaker, and his debut documentary is Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers.

Are you here?

You’re plugged into episode number 1,116 of The Paul Leslie Hour.

Joining us on this episode is author and filmmaker John H. Cunningham. He’ll be joining Paul to talk about his new film about the early years of Jimmy Buffett’s band and how that early group of musicians would have an effect that resonates to this very day. It’s called Occupational Hazard, and….well, you’ll just have to listen.

It’s starting… in The Now.

REVIEW: Willie Nelson's “Dream Chaser” Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Willie Nelson is a “Dream Chaser” — The Album Review

Hey are you here? It's The Paul Leslie Hour with a review of Willie Nelson's 79th studio album. That's right. Willie Nelson's 79th LP entitled Dream Chaser, released May 29th, 2026, produced by Buddy Cannon. Hey, it's out there now. Some of you have heard it, and some of you haven't. At least not yet.

And again I want this to sink in. Willie Nelson has released 79 solo albums.

What did I think of Dream Chaser? Listen in. But let me know what you think of the album!

#1,115 - Rockin' Dopsie Jr. Returns May 19, 2026

Show notes

#1,115 - Rockin' Dopsie Jr. Returns

What can I say? If you've seen Rockin' Dopsie Jr. perform, you're going to love this interview. If you haven't seen him? You'll still love it!

This is one of the best live performers Paul has ever seen. And the interview covers the whole, exciting experience that Rockin' Dopsie Jr. brings to the people!

Plus, Rockin' Dopsie talks about some of the legends like Fats Domino that he's crossed paths with. He shared his memories of the late, great Jimmy Buffett.

And Paul couldn't resist asking Rockin' Dopsie Jr. about recording with Bob Dylan and producer Daniel Lanois on the album Oh Mercy!

Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and his band are the heart of what this show is about! Really great music, wonderful stories and tremendous heart.

We hope you'll listen and it would be great to know what you think of Dopsie! Thanks!

#1,114 - Melissa Errico Returns May 05, 2026

Show notes

#1,114 - Melissa Errico Returns

After more than a few years, Melissa Errico returns to The Paul Leslie Hour.

It is our great privilege to present Paul’s second interview with TONY® Award–Nominated Broadway Actress, Singer & Writer Melissa Errico. Called a “one of a kind performer” by The Wall Street Journal, the lovely Melissa Errico is as interesting as she is spellbinding.

This is true if we’re talking about her work as a concert and recording artist — Melissa Errico is known as one of the premiere interpreters of Stephen Sondheim, Michel Legrand, and David Shire. But it’s also true if we’re referring to her essays on life in the arts that appear in The New York Times.

You’re going to love this in-depth interview with Melissa Errico, and we invite you to subscribe to Paul’s YouTube channel so you don’t miss great interviews just like this one.

Happy listening.

REVIEW: Rod Stewart, Irma Thomas & Rockin' Dopsie Jr. at Jazz Fest Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Rod Stewart, Irma Thomas, Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters

It was great. Like any day you spend at Jazz Fest of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. It was Sunday, April 26, 2026. Hot, humid and beautiful.

I got to see the tail end of the New Orleans Nightcrawlers set. I really enjoyed hearing them play!

Then I finally got to see Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters live and in person. Dopsie is a performer who channels James Brown with unimaginable energy. He brings a relentless drive to the washboard and managed to keep the crowd in a state of constant motion.

Next, I had the privilege of seeing the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," Irma Thomas once again.

There is a profound sincerity in her voice. There's no one quite like her. She shared a poignant moment with the audience, noting that while she may have never had a million-selling record, but she has millions of fans. We all cherish what she does.

The day concluded with a headline performance by Rod Stewart. Seeing a legend of his stature in the context of the Fair Grounds was something I won't forget.

He delivered a set that felt like both a grand finale and a celebration of showmanship in the classic sense. Rod and his band moved seamlessly from hit to hit. And you could tell he had a genuine appreciation for the festival atmosphere and the city.

I heard a lot of music! From the sounds of Mento and Zydeco to the world-renowned icons on the main stage, the 2026 festival was like all the other days of Jazz Fest I've witnessed. It was a day of phenomenal performances that personified the New Orleans spirit.

The Paul Leslie Hour is a talk show dedicated to “Helping People Tell Their Stories.” Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.

#1,113 - Fred Mollin Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

#1,113 - Fred Mollin

Iconic record producer, songwriter and author Fred Mollin joins The Paul Leslie Hour for an in-depth interview to discuss:

-His incredible book Unplugged: Stories and Secrets from a Life of Making Records, Scoring Film, and Working with the Legends of Music

-The upcoming album from the legendary Jimmy Webb, featuring all original songs.

-Working with legends like Willie Nelson, Art Garfunkel, Johnny Mathis and more.

Fred Mollin doesn't recommend retirement. You'll be glad he feels this way and may take him up on his recommendation.

You won't want to miss Fred Mollin. You'll likely love him as much as we do.

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Bob Dylan at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — The Concert Review Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Bob Dylan at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — The Concert Review

This is one guy's perspective on the Bob Dylan concert in Spartanburg, South Carolina on April 20th, 2026.

I share what I saw and heard, and what I thought. There's a little eavesdropping and recalling past shows of his.

These opinions are just that... opinions.

#1,112 - Dean Pitchford Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

#1,112 - Dean Pitchford

Songwriter, screenwriter, director, actor and author Dean Pitchford joins The Paul Leslie Hour for an in-depth interview to cover:

-His writing process

-"Once Before I Go," the song he co-wrote with Peter Allen appearing on Barry Manilow's final album.

-An analysis of his hit song "Let's Hear It for the Boy."

-The influence of Hawaii on his career.

Dean reveals the importance of human connection in songwriting.

It’s a conversation with one of the best songwriters in popular music, bar none. It’s right here on The Paul Leslie Hour. We’re so pleased to welcome, Hall of Fame Songwriter Dean Pitchford!

Support The Paul Leslie Hour by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-paul-leslie-hour

#1,111 - Buckley Carlson Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

#1,111 - Buckley Carlson

Buckley Carlson joins The Paul Leslie Hour!

Writer, communication expert, political commentator, outdoorsman and patriot Buckley Carlson joins The Paul Leslie Hour for an in-depth interview to cover:

-Growing up in California

-The influence of his father, the late Dick Carlson

-The experience of having political debate on X

-His many passions: reading, writing, music and more.

Buckley also reveals what he always wonders about people he meets.

It’s a conversation that is at times both light-hearted and serious. It's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour. We’re so pleased to welcome... the one some call Buck.

Buckley Carlson, everybody. Follow Buckley on X: @buckleycarlson

Support The Paul Leslie Hour by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-paul-leslie-hour

#1,110 - Hoagy Bix Carmichael Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

#1,110 - Hoagy Bix Carmichael

The Legacy of Hoagy Carmichael with Hoagy Bix Carmichael.

Are you here?

It’s The Paul Leslie Hour, episode number 1,110.

Our guest is Hoagy Bix Carmichael. You may known the name of his father (pause) Hoagy Carmichael. He wrote four of the most recorded songs of all time. Stardust. Georgia On My Mind. The Nearness of You. Heart and Soul. But also “Ole Buttermilk Sky,” “Skylark,” and (chuckles) hundreds of others.