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:

#843 - Bobby Wood Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

#843 - Bobby Wood

Bobby Wood is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour!

Are you here? Yes! Why, Yes, you are! Thank you for tuning in to a brand new episode of The Paul Leslie Hour.

We’re honored to welcome Bobby Wood. A highly skilled pianist, songwriter and recording artist, Bobby Wood hails from Mississippi, and became known as a member of “The Memphis Boys,” a group of studio musicians who worked with many great recording artists including Elvis Presley.

Bobby Wood has a long association with the touring and recording artist dynamo Garth Brooks. In fact, Bobby played on every single Garth Brooks album.

There’s even a book you can get your hands on: Walking Among Giants: From Elvis to Garth: The Bobby Wood Story.

We want to thank our friend, singer-songwriter, artist and business woman Amanda Colleen Williams for helping make this interview with Bobby Wood possible. We’d also like to thank Dickey Lee for his hospitality.

If you enjoy our content and we hope you do, please subscribe to the Paul Leslie YouTube channel. It ensures you won’t miss any of our exclusive content.

And now, I think it’s time for Bobby Wood. Let’s listen together.

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.

#842 - Don Black Feb 22, 2023

Show notes

#842 - Don Black

Are you here? Let’s all take in a deep breath. Now, let’s all exhale. Go ahead, you’ll thank me. Now that we’ve all shared a moment of quiet, let’s begin another episode of The Paul Leslie Hour. Welcome!

We’ve got an interview from the archives with Sir Don Black. There are so many great talks out there and it is our goal to make them available on as many platforms as possible.

Sir Don Black is a lyricist and inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame who has written songs with some of the most celebrated composers in history: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Quincy Jones, John Barry, Michel Legrand, Henry Mancini, Michael Jackson, Marvin Hamlisch, and Charles Strouse, just to name a few.

In addition to being a lyricist, Black has worked as a stand-up comedian, song plugger, radio personality and personal manager to the late Matt Monro. It was a great pleasure for Paul to interview him. We think you’ll enjoy listening.

We thank each and everyone for listening to the show. We also like to give extra thanks to everyone who supports independent media by going to thepaulleslie.com/support We thank every single person who contributes.

And now folks, we have nothing left to do but sit back and listen to this interview with lyricist Don Black. Let’s listen together.

#841 - Billy Vera Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

#841 - Billy Vera

The Billy Vera Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? Coming at you from the coast of Carolina, this is The Paul Leslie Hour. Wherever you are: north, south, east or west, we want to welcome each and everyone one of you to another episode.

Throughout 19 years of interviews, there is quite a sizable archive. This episode features a telephone interview with the great Billy Vera. Yes, that Billy Vera. You may know Billy Vera & The Beaters and their supremely successful song “At this Moment.” Billy Vera, of course, wrote that song. It’s gone on to be recorded by everyone from Michael Bublé, Wayne Newton and Tom Jones.

Billy Vera is a musician, singer, songwriter, actor, author and music historian. This interview took place surrounding the release of his album “Big Band Jazz.” It’s an exceptionally cool album, check it out folks.

Oh, oh, right! Thank you all of the new people who subscribed to The Paul Leslie YouTube channel. We’re getting close to 100 subscriptions since the new year began.

Okay, there’s really no reason to delay. It is indeed time for the Billy Vera interview. Let’s hear that tape.

#840 - Louisa Kendrick Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

#840 - Louisa Kendrick

The Louisa Kendrick Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? Are you here….now? If you’re here, and you’re here now, then that means it’s happening. That means you’re listening to The Paul Leslie Hour. For that, we give our heartfelt thanks.

What we’ve got for you all is an interview from the archives. It’s one of those short and sweet ones from the radio days.

Actress, dancer, and writer Louisa Kendrick joined The Paul Leslie Hour to talk about her adventures in film, on the Broadway stage, television and as a dancer with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band.

Louisa Kendrick is a lovely woman. You’ll get that from this fun chat. Now, if we could have your attention for one moment.

The Paul Leslie Hour is made possibly by listeners like you. We depend on people to listen to the show, but also some folks have been kind enough to be patrons of the spoken word. To do that, you just go right here.

And with that announcement out of the way, I’ll go ahead and give Paul the thumbs up, which he always knows means “Roll tape, buddy.” Let’s listen…together.

#839 - Michael Utley Returns Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

#839 - Michael Utley Returns

The Michael Utley Returns Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? What do you say we get this rolling? Oh, as the announcer I should tell you that this is The Paul Leslie Hour. It’s an interview show. Been going for 19 years. If it’s your first time: welcome. Thank you for tuning in.

So, this is a very brief interview. It’s an impromptu episode with returning guest Michael Utley. Michael Utley has been the musical director and keyboardist with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band since 1973. He’s far too humble to admit this, but he’s an authority on Jimmy Buffett. He played on every single album since A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean.

Mr. Utley also happens to be an incredibly nice man. That’s just the way it is.

So, it can be a strange thing that reunites people. In this case, Utley called Paul to comment about the country song “When the Wild Life Betrays Me,” that he co-wrote with Jimmy Buffett and Will Jennings. It appeared on Buffett’s 1984 album “Riddles in the Sand.”

Utley was just about to do a sound check. You see, the evening of this interview he was just about to take the stage with Jimmy and the band in Key West, Florida. They talk about that and a little more.

We’re really working on growing the Paul Leslie YouTube channel. Please subscribe for more exclusive content like this. Yes, folks. It’s free and quick. And we thank you.

Let’s get right into it with a masterful musician, Mr. Michael Utley.

#838 - Marshall Chapman - Third Interview Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

#838 - Marshall Chapman - Third Interview

Marshall Chapman Third Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? Oh! Now, where are you? Some of you are in Key West, no doubt about it. Some of you are … somewhere else. Wherever you are, welcome to The Paul Leslie Hour.

We’ve got a really quick somewhat impromptu interview with singer-songwriter, author, actor and spoken word artist Marshall Chapman. Now, this is the third interview on this show with Marshall Chapman.

Paul called her up to talk about her time with Jimmy Buffett. The catalyst was the somewhat obscure, but brilliant song she co-wrote “Beyond the End,” from Buffett’s album Last Mango in Paris.

They didn’t waste any time getting into the question and answer. You’re going to love this casual talk with Miz Marshall. Check out her website would you? It’s tallgirl.com

Oh and please keep in mind folks, The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by viewers and listeners like you. Just go here. And we thank you for being a patron of stories and the spoken word.

Okay, let’s listen together. If you wonder what they talked about, you’re about to find out.

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

#837 - Baayork Lee Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

#837 - Baayork Lee

The Baayork Lee Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? I mean, really here? Like are you with us. I see Paul motioning for me to get on with it. Alright, alright. Just trying to welcome the listeners to The Paul Leslie Hour. Sheesh. We are proud to present an interview form the archives with a real star of theater.

Baayork Lee has lived a life in the performing arts that many could only dream of. Born in New York City’s Chinatown, Baayork has performed as a singer, dancer and actress. Behind the scenes she has worn the hats of choreographer and theatre director.

Baayork Lee made her debut as a dancer on Broadway at the age of five in the 1951 production of The King and I. She met the legendary dancer Michael Bennett at the High School for Performing Arts. Her creative relationship with Michael Bennett endured throughout his life.

In 1975, Baayork Lee was invited by Michael Bennett to participate in the workshops which resulted in the famed musical A Chorus Line, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban and Book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante. The original Broadway production ran for 6,137 performances. The role of “Connie Wong” was based on Baayork Lee.

Baayork Lee has been one of the loudest voices in the enduring legacy of Michael Bennett’s work. With encouragement from Michael Bennett, Baayork Lee turned to choreography. She has directed many national and international theatrical companies. Ever active, Baayork Lee serves on the Board of Directors of the National Asian Arts Project (NAAP). Not long ago, Baayork Lee choreographed a performance of OLIVER! at the Pershing Square Signature Center.

In celebration of the performances, Baayork Lee talked with Paul. You’re about to hear this very spirited conversation and we hope you can find her enthusiasm as inspiring as we do.

Paul’s trying to get my attention. Hold on a sec. Oh! Right. Oh yeah, we had 75 new subscribers to The Paul Leslie Hour YouTube channel. Right. Thank you all. So please people, if you have it in your heart, subscribe to the channel to keep plugged in with all of our videos. We thank you.

Okay, it’s the Baaylork Lee interview. Let’s listen together.

#836 - Peter Mayer - Songs for the Birds Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

#836 - Peter Mayer - Songs for the Birds

Peter Mayer is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Singer-songwriter and recording artist Peter Mayer is a recurring guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

For this interview, with a few musical performances, Peter is interviewed in the most domestic of places, his home. He was kind enough to join The Paul Leslie Hour for a talk about "Songs for the Birds," the latest album on the Little Flock Music label.

We'd be most honored if you could join us. Audio or video version is available and always free. You can also be a patron of the spoken word by going right here, and we thank you.

We hope you enjoy the show. Please consider sharing this interview to help spread the word.

#835 - John Goodwin - Third Interview Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

#835 - John Goodwin - Third Interview

The John Goodwin Third Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? Believe it or not, I already knew you were here. Believe me, I knew you had tuned in to The Paul Leslie Hour.

Would you believe Paul took a little four day trip to Nashville, Tennessee. You better believe it. One of the activities Paul found himself enjoying was having a burger and fries at Brown’s Diner. He said it was exceptional, maybe even unbelievable.

One of the highlights of the trip was to spend time with the clever, very witty John Goodwin. It made Paul recall this archival interview recorded telephonically many years back.

John Goodwin is really an incredible singer-songwriter. At the time of the interview, he had released his album entitled “Goodwin.” That unbelievable record featured a new direction for John with solo acoustic performances and duets with Jessica Andrews, Michael McDonald and Jeff Bridges.

John Goodwin is also a visual artist–a painter and photographer. Please check out goodwinartgallery.com to see some of his work.

Another interesting fact about John. His songs have been featured in several major motion pictures including Crazy Heart, Surf’s Up, The Amateurs, and Tideland.

We’d be so honored and pleased if you’d subscribe to Paul Leslie’s YouTube channel. We’re really trying to push the channel as it helps us in our pursuit of our mission. What mission is that? Helping people tell their stories. Please believe in us and subscribe.

Okay, let’s hear this third interview with John Goodwin from the archives. It’s got that kind of “telephone” sound to it, but you’ll be able to understand. Transcript is on the website for your convenience and reading pleasure.

I believe it’s time to start this one.

#834 - Michael John LaChiusa Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

#834 - Michael John LaChiusa

The Michael John LaChiusa Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? Okay, I need and want to tell you a little bit more. What you’re listening to is an interview show. It’s a show that features interviews. We call it The Paul Leslie Hour, because that’s what it’s named.

Each episode has a guest. That guest has to answer questions. Well, they don’t have to, but so far all of them have been willing to talk.

On this episode we present an interview from our archives with 5-time Tony award winner Michael John LaChiusa.

In the world of musical theatre, Michael John LaChiusa is well known for his shows including “Hello Again,” “Marie Christine,” “The Wild Party,” and “See What I Wanna See.” He is respected as a composer, lyricist, and librettist. In addition to Michael John LaChiusa’s work in theatre and opera, he is also a performer of his own work at concert and cabaret venues.

So, in this interview, LaChiusa will be talking to Paul E. Leslie about his influences, history and his creative work.

We’ve got so many interviews we want to get out there to the masses. Our show is made possible by people like you, or, we should say the supporters. Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support - we thank you for listening and supporting.

And now, it’s time for the Michael John LaChiusa interview. Let’s listen together.