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:

#523 - Bill Boggs Returns Feb 08, 2021

Show notes

#523 - Bill Boggs Returns

The Second Interview with Bill Boggs on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Not long ago I got an email from Bill Boggs... he was nice enough to write and it reminded me of our mutual love of Frank Sinatra and this interview we did in 2016. This was broadcast on the radio in Charleston, South Carolina and has not been available as a podcast. I wanted to get this out there.

To tell you a little bit more about the man, Bill Boggs is a four-time Emmy award winning television host, interviewer and author. As a broadcast journalist, Bill Boggs interviewed many famous figures, but perhaps none as legendary as singer and actor Frank Sinatra. The historic first ever TV talk show interview with Frank Sinatra was hosted by Bill Boggs. Boggs once said “much of my life has been intertwined with Frank Sinatra’s.” He was kind enough to join me for a second time on The Paul Leslie Hour where we took a close look at Frank Sinatra, who has been called one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by listeners and viewers like you. Go to https://www.thepaulleslie.com/support-the-show-2/ it is most appreciated.

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.

#522 - Floating Collective Feb 05, 2021

Show notes

#522 - Floating Collective

Mick Utley, Erin McAnally and Brendan Mayer of the Floating Collective are special guests on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Mailboat Records musicians and recording artists, the Floating Collective have recently released their debut single, entitled "On the Run." Inspired by the "Laurel Canyon" sound, the band combines evocative lyrics and great harmonies. It's an exhilarating song.

These three musicians and songwriters grew up the children of accomplished musicians. Their fathers are songwriters, skilled instrumentalists and recording artists and are all longtime members of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band.

What is immediately observable is the fondness and respect the members of the Floating Collective have for one another. It made for a very comfortable, relaxing interview. The goal seemed to be communication without ego.

The Floating Collective undoubtedly has great music in store for us, sure to captivate music fans. Whether on recordings or in concert, the Floating Collective is certain to get your attention and imagination. They're right here on The Paul Leslie Hour, and I couldn't be happier.

The Paul Leslie Hour - Helping People Tell Their Stories is a talk show with new episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.

#521 - Bruce Channel Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

#521 - Bruce Channel

Bruce Channel is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

The pop classic "Hey! Baby" celebrates 60 years in 2021. Recorded, co-produced and co-written by Bruce Channel, the song is an enduring favorite. It's one of those tunes that just about everybody knows.

It has surpassed national borders, ages and has had countless spins on the radio, but is just as likely to be heard at a sporting event. "Hey! Baby," has been featured on television shows and can be heard in the movie soundtrack of movies like "Dirty Dancing."

The song has also been covered by many recording artists, including Anne Murray, Johnny Hallyday, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, Ringo Starr, and the groups Alabama as well as Paul and Paula.

The song "Hey! Baby" was written by Bruce Channel along with Margaret Cobb. It's such an honor to welcome Bruce Channel for an interview. He's a man full of enthusiasm and appreciation. Tune in and meet the man who wrote and sang one of the most instantly recognizable songs ever.

#520 - Conal Fowkes - Third Interview Feb 01, 2021

Show notes

#520 Conal Fowkes (Third Interview)

It's Conal Fowkes third interview on The Paul Leslie Hour!

There are certain people I've interviewed on this show who have won my heart and mind. Conal Fowkes is a superior all-around musician: a pianist, double bassist, singer, performer, recording artist, and a wealth of information about a variety of types of music.

This exclusive interview is available in video format for your viewing and listening enjoyment. A number of topics are touched upon: what Mr. Fowkes has been up to in 2021, contributing to Woody Allen soundtracks, the Great British Songbook, and his favorite pianists and vocalists.

Conal also shares his memories and emotions of the late Eddy Davis, and whether Woody Allen and company will return to performing live jazz music in Manhattan and beyond.

An interview with Conal Fowkes is most enjoyable, and on this episode he also performs a song for the viewing audience, which is a most welcome treat!

#519 - Bill Charlap Jan 29, 2021

Show notes

#519 - Bill Charlap

Bill Charlap is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

It's a great pleasure and honor to present this interview with one of the most celebrated jazz pianists of our time, the talented Bill Charlap. A Grammy award-winning artist, his recordings have been released to great critical and fan acclaim.

He's accompanied some of the greatest jazz artists of all time: Tony Bennett, Phil Woods, Gerry Mulligan, Wynton Marsalis, and many others. Charlap is a relative of past guest Dick Hyman, a very respected pianist and composer.

We talked about many topics, from the Tony Bennett album "The Silver Lining" to the brilliance of Irving Berlin. Bill Charlap is one person I hope returns to The Paul Leslie Hour.

#518 - Nadirah Shakoor Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

#518 - Nadirah Shakoor

The Nadirah Shakoor Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

This interview with Ms. Nadirah Shakoor was originally broadcast on the radio and since then has remained in the archives. Nadirah Shakoor is someone who has used her voice to entertain and inspire music fans for her entire life. From being in the group Arrested Development, to writing and recording her own songs and albums, and then her fame as a vocalist in Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band for 26 years now.

Whatever project she sings on or whomever she performs with—her voice stands out and is unforgettable. In her life she has recorded with a diverse list of the greats— from Ralph MacDonald, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau and many others, as well as every Jimmy Buffett studio and live record since 1996.

In this interview, I attempted to get a foundation. In I asked about the musical history and background of Nadirah Shakoor and wanted to gain more insight into her personal philosophies. She discusses how her songwriting has changed over the years and how she has changed as an artist.

Then she dropped some very big news... the only people who knew were her and Jimmy Buffett. It was as a scoop. She announced she would be recording an album on Mailboat Records, Nod to the Storyteller, which was unprecedented. It was to be a re-interpretations of Jimmy Buffett songs. I've corresponded with Nadirah Shakoor since I was in high school. I wanted to get this interview out there to increase people's awareness of the many facets of her storied and interesting career as an artist. There is only one Nadirah Shakoor. Here she is.

#517 - Randy C. Moore Jan 25, 2021

Show notes

#517 - Randy C. Moore

The Randy C. Moore Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

What the discerning music fan is looking for, is authenticity and soul. For lovers of true singer-songwriters, both of these traits are found in Randy C. Moore. He's been recording since he was 15 years old, and creates an intimate, warm connection when he sings and plays.

The idea to interview Randy C. Moore came about after having the pleasure and honor to watch him perform and entertain. There were many singers and pickers witnessed on that trip to Nashville, but there was one who made a lasting impression. Upon returning home, there was no doubt that there had to be a way to track him down and get his story on tape. Here is the first Randy Moore interview. ..And... Here's hoping there is another.

#516 - Mungo Jerry Jan 22, 2021

Show notes

#516 - Mungo Jerry

Mungo Jerry, a.k.a. Ray Dorset is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour!

Ray Dorset is Mungo Jerry. He is a singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist. A passionate man, he is a most entertaining conversationalist.

Although he has written many songs, he'll forever be synonymous with the international global hit "In the Summertime." Since it's debut more than 50 years ago, it has sold millions and millions of copies and has been featured in countless movie soundtracks, on television and in commercials. It has been recorded and performed by many artists from Elton John to Bob Dylan.

Sometimes on The Paul Leslie Hour, I finish an interview knowing I will speak with that person again. In the case of Mungo Jerry, it's a wish. You're invited to tune into the interview with Ray Dorset...Mungo Jerry. A man who wrote and sang "We're always happy, life's for living, that's our philosophy."

#515 - The Amazing Kreskin Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

#515 - The Amazing Kreskin

The Amazing Kreskin is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

It's the introductory and eye-opening interview with mentalist and entertainer, The Amazing Kreskin. He's traveled millions of miles and sent multitudes into a state of wonder. He was kind enough to drop in on The Paul Leslie Hour. We talked about the issues of the day.

It's the first of hopefully more exchanges with the Amazing Kreskin!

#514 - Lea Salonga Jan 18, 2021

Show notes

#514 - Lea Salonga

The Lea Salonga Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Lea Salonga is a singer and actress from the Philippines. She is well known for her records as well as Broadway and concert performances.

Lea Salonga is known for originating the lead role of Kim in the musical “Miss Saigon.” She is a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theater World award winner. Salonga also provided the singing voice of Jasmine in the Disney animated film “Aladdin” which I just watched… and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” and “Mulan II.” In 2011, Lea Salonga was honored as a Disney Legend. She continues to record and perform in the United States and the Philippines.

She joined me in this interview to talk about her Cabaret album recorded live at the Cafe Carlyle in Manhattan entitled “The Journey So Far.”