363 - Mike Stoller

Every now and then I get a bit nervous because of the reverence I have for the person I am about to speak to. This interview with Mike Stoller was originally broadcast on FM radio. Mike Stoller is a composer and record producer. The interview took place a short while after the passing of his partner lyricist Jerry Leiber of Leiber & Stoller.
Leiber & Stoller were the songwriters who brought many classic songs to the world, including "Hound Dog" (Elvis Presley) "Stand By Me" (Ben E. King), "On Broadway" (The Drifters) "Yakety Yak" (The Coasters) and many others.

#362 - Clarence "Frogman" Henry Jan 29, 2020

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362 - Clarence "Frogman" Henry

Clarence "Frogman" Henry is one of the legendary New Orleans figures of Rhythm & Blues. A singer, recording artist, songwriter and pianist, he is known for such iconic songs as "I Don't Know Why (But I Do)" as well as "You Always Hurt the One You Love," "Troubles Troubles" and the million selling "Ain't Got No Home." He performed on the Bourbon Street strip in New Orleans for 19 years and opened for the Beatles 18 times in 1964. He's shared the stage with just about everyone: James Brown, Elton John, Dr. John and Little Richard. He is also reference in Jimmy Buffett's song "Saxophones." This interview was recorded in his home in New Orleans back in 2010. It was my second interview with "The Frog."

#361 - Walter Breuning Jan 27, 2020

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361 - Walter Breuning

When I interviewed Walter Breuning he was 113 years old, just a few weeks away from being 114. At the time he was the oldest living man in the world. I found him to be incredibly sharp. He said the secret to his longevity was keeping the weight off and helping people in life when you have a chance. How do you think he arrived upon these conclusions?

#360 - Buzz Cason Jan 24, 2020

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360 - Buzz Cason

Buzz Cason is the verifiable Who's Who of Music. He co-wrote the song "Everlasting Love," as well as "Love's the Only House" recorded by Martina McBride. The songs of Buzz Cason have been recorded or performed by everyone from Brenda Lee, U2, Gloria Estefan, The Oakridge Boys, Alan Jackson, Mel Tillis and even The Beatles. Cason sang back-up vocals for Elvis Presley and is also credited as one of the people who discovered Jimmy Buffett. He wrote an autobiography entitled "Living the Rock and Roll Dream." In this interview we delved into several topics including his solo album entitled simply "Passion."

#359 - Keith Sykes Jan 22, 2020

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359 - Keith Sykes

Singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer Keith Sykes was a guest on my radio show and it was a pretty in-depth interview. Keith Sykes is someone who has had a lifelong pursuit of being and artist. I remember a past guest saying that a book needed to be written about all of the people whose path crossed with Keith Sykes. Some very fascinating characters who play a part in his story include Jerry Jeff Walker, John Prine, Guy Clark, Jimmy Buffett, Roseanne Cash, Roger Cook and others…most of whom have written songs with him. In the world of Jimmy Buffett, Keith Sykes is known as the writer of Coast of Marseille and the Last Line as well as a co-writer of the song Volcano. He was a touring member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band in 1979.

Sykes has released a number of high quality albums that have drawn positive reactions from fans and also his peers. More than 100 of his songs have been recorded by other artists ranging from John Prine, George Thorogood, The Judds, Rodney Crowell, Sunny Sweeney and the aforementioned Jimmy Buffett. The Recording Industry Association of America has certified recordings of his songs have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. It's a great honor to present this interview with the great Keith Sykes, right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

#358 - Janie Fricke Jan 20, 2020

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358 - Janie Fricke

In this interview taped and broadcast from "the radio days," Janie Fricke shares insight into her fascinating life in country music. Fricke is known as one of the most revered country music vocalists. She recorded duets with some of the all time legends: Ray Charles, George Jones and Merle Haggard and was the first female voice heard in outer space. This interview also discusses her bluegrass interpretations of some of her songs. It's all here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

#357 - Jim Ed Brown Jan 17, 2020

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357 - Jim Ed Brown

“Country music is the poetry of the American spirit.” -Steve Maraboli

This is an interview I recorded with country music singer and recording artist Jim Ed Brown. A recent visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum reminded me of this interview where Jim Ed Brown talked about his first album in 30 years, entitled “In Style Again.” The year of the album being released, Mr. Brown was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He passed away June 11, 2015.

Jim Ed Brown recorded with his sisters Maxine and Bonnie in their trio “The Browns,” and had hit songs like “million selling “The Three Bells.” In a duo with Helen Cornelius, Brown recorded songs that would become classic country recordings, like “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You” and “Lying in Love With You.” Jim Ed Brown also recorded as a solo artist with songs like “Southern Loving,” “Morning” and his signature song “Pop a Top,” which Alan Jackson also went on to record. On his first album in 30 years, Jim Ed Brown also recorded duets with Vince Gill, the vocal group The Whites, and even reunited with Helen Cornelius on one song. “In Style Again” was produced by Don Cusic and the title track was produced by country music artist Bobby Bare. In addition to his career as a singer, Jim Ed Brown was also a radio personality. He hosted “Country Music Greats Radio Show” and the daily short format “Country Music Greats Radio Minute” which were heard on over 300 radio stations as well as online. Jim Ed Brown was a frequent performer on the Grand Ole Opry, and was a member since 1963.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to speak with this great man. I hope you'll listen to the interview and then some of his great music.

#356 - Frankie Keane Jan 15, 2020

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356 - Frankie Keane

Seeing a theatrical or musical performance is a shared experience. As Jacques said in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.” We all experience a birth and a passing – a beginning and an end. Or maybe it doesn’t really end after all? “Hereafter” is a musical that brings to the stage an exploration of what happens after that inevitable final curtain call.

In the Big Apple, along comes an artist named Frankie Keane. Within her was an intense desire to sing, write songs and act. Where else could you go, but the city that never sleeps? Eventually she met Vinne Favale, whom she helped in the creative process of writing the musical “Hereafter.” In addition to being a part of the creative team, Frankie Keane is a cast member playing the role of “Anita.”

In our interview with Frankie Keane, we encounter someone passionate and open, with a desire to bring her heart to the stage and into the lyric and melody of the songs she writes and sings.

Let’s meet Frankie Keane.

#355 - Vinnie Favale Jan 13, 2020

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355 - Vinnie Favale

Shakespeare once said “the earth has music for those who listen.” Someone who has heard the music of life…and loss is Vinnie Favale. As you will hear in this conversation, his interests are diverse. A Brooklyn boy, Vinnie Favale always loved music and began his career in radio at WNBC. His path first crossed with David Letterman, who in years to come would be known as one of the biggest stars in television. Many years later, his path would cross with Letterman again. In 1996 he joined CBS as the Vice President of Late Night Programming. He produced over 50 editions of the “Live on Letterman” concert series with everyone from Paul McCartney to Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters. He has been a guest on Howard Stern many times and it would appear that all of this would mean a lifetime of stories.

True…but, what gets Vinnie Favale especially passionate is his musical “Hereafter.” Favale is the book-writer, lyricist and composer for “Hereafter,” a musical that explores the question of what happens after we leave the world of the living. Written with his creative partner Frankie Keane, Favale hopes to bring closure to all who have lost someone. Audiences of “Hereafter” have left the theatre in tears, but not tears of sorrow–tears of relief.

Let’s meet Vinnie Favale.

#354 - Rafe Van Hoy Jan 10, 2020

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354 - Rafe Van Hoy

On this episode of The Paul Leslie Hour we're joined by a remarkable singer, songwriter, musician and record producer: Rafe Van Hoy. Rafe has been a successful songwriter for four decades now. Some of the songs he wrote include the George Jones and Tammy Wynette classic "Golden Ring" as well as "What's Forever For" recorded by the duo "England Dan & John Ford Coley" as well ashy Michael Martin Murphey. Other artists to record his work would include Kenny Rogers, John Conlee, Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire, Isaac Hayes, Fleetwood Mac, the Oakridge Boys and Diana Ross. On this show we get to know Rafe Van Hoy quite well, and he plays a couple of songs for you too. It's an interesting, lighthearted and entertaining exchange and you are invited to it.