A Review of Dave Chappelle’s comedy special “The Closer” (audio)
Chappelle is a cultural commentator and a comedian
At this point, Chappelle has surpassed the label of comedian and is just as much a cultural commentator. For the politically correct hegemony, he’s the heretic du jour. But for those who love comedy, Chappelle continues to be impossible to ignore.
The Closer was filmed in Detroit and is available on Netflix
Usually, when a comedian makes the headlines, it’s because of something they did off stage. Chappelle’s The Closer has been a constant in the news since its debut on October 5, 2021. Directed by Stan Lathan, it’s his sixth and final Netflix special for the foreseeable future. When a comedian walks off the stage, whether figuratively or actually, silence is never desired. Chappelle went off that stage in Detroit with a ruckus. It’s still echoing now.
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Phyllis Floyd Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Phyllis Floyd Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
Hello ladies and gentlemen, it's The Paul Leslie Hour! This episode is very special to say the least. You could say this interview you're about to hear goes back to the birth of Paul's broadcasting career. You're going to be hearing an interview with pianist Phyllis Floyd. A talented musician, Phyllis was a witness to the production of pretty much every radio show from the early couple of years. She is also the mother of renowned musician and entertainer Jeff Pike. This is a rare interview with Phyllis, one that was and continues to be treasured by Paul and many others.
One of the things we're proud of and are delighted to present to you is a vast catalogue of interviews, and it's all made possible with the cooperation of our listeners. You can help the mission by going to thepaulleslie.com and clicking on Support the show. Thanks to everyone who is contributing!
Well, I see no reason in delaying. Let's hear the tape. Here is Paul Leslie and Phyllis Floyd in conversation. You will surely enjoy. Ladies and gentlemen, the charming one-of-a-kind Phyllis.
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Wesley Cook Interview and Performance on The Paul Leslie Hour.
On this episode we feature an in-studio interview and musical performances with singer-songwriter, performing and recording artist Wesley Cook. Rolling Stone Magazine had this to say: “Upbeat positivity is a Wes constant, in his music and his attitude.” You may concur after you listen to this enjoyable show with talk and recorded live music.
One of the great things about The Paul Leslie Hour is the archives. We’re getting each and every interview made available on all of the listening platforms, from Apple to Spotify, iHeartRadio to Audible. It’s a lot of work, digitizing and mastering all of the content. It’s made possible by people like you. That’s right, the listeners. You can help by going to http://www.thepaulleslie.com and clicking on "Support the Show." Thank you to everyone who is contributing.
Now, let’s hear what these crazy kids did, several years back in the studio. Take it away, Paul Leslie and the lovable, darling Wesley Cook. Hey, it’s right here on The Paul Leslie Hour!
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Tab Laven Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Tab Laven Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
This episode features an interview Paul had with Tab Laven, a guitarist and also a singer-songwriter and recording artist. His album "Cranberry Red Balloon" is unique in that it can be enjoyed by children and adults. He also tours as the guitar accompanist of Art Garfunkel. It seems Tab Laven's guitar and Art Garfunkel's voice is a match made in heaven. By the way, happy 80th birthday to Art Garfunkel!
Hey, did you know that The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by people like you. That's right, these 18 years and counting of interviews are being made available on a variety of listening platforms through the support of the listeners. Just go to thepaulleslie.com and click on Support the show. Thanks to everyone who is contributing!
So, here we are! Ready to start another show. Here is Tab Laven, only on The Paul Leslie Hour.
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.
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Jerry McCollum Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
The Jerry McCollum Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
This episode features an interview with parodist Jerry McCollum of the defunct band Vertical Smile. Reverend Jerry is the man of a thousand parodies. He joined Paul Leslie for an in-studio chat about the parody songs he creates.
There is a lot of history recorded on The Paul Leslie Hour. We like to make it available to all of you around the world. It wouldn’t be possible without you, the listeners. You can help by going here. Thank you to everyone who is contributing.
So, let’s get this show going. Paul Leslie. Jerry McCollum. Take it away.
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Matt Hall Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
The Matt Hall Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
We’ve got an interview from the archives that was originally broadcast on the radio. This interview featured an in-studio guest: it was singer-songwriter and guitarist Matt Hall. He sat down with Paul Leslie after returning from Jamaica to talk about his charmed life and the newest chapter in his musical career. Matt had left the band he co-founded, St. Somewhere and was performing as a solo artist.
For those of you who saw a Matt Hall concert or the great concerts St. Somewhere put on, you’ll enjoy this interview.
Did you know that the extensive archive of The Paul Leslie Hour is being made available to people around the globe? It’s true. It’s a lot of work, but it’s made possible by people like you. Just go here. Thank you to everyone who contributes and all of you who listen.
So, let’s start the interview. Here is Paul Leslie and Matt Hall. You’re hearing it on The Paul Leslie Hour.
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Eric Jennings Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Eric Jennings Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
This episode presents an interview with Eric Jennings of the bands Geisha Hit Squad and Black Lion Reggae. As you’ll soon here, Eric sat down with Paul Leslie in the back of J's Cigars and Coffee for an in-depth conversation. Eric is a deep and caring person who happens to be a very talented musical artist.
While I have your attention, did you know The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible through listeners like you? That’s right. It’s easy, just go to http://www.thepaulleslie.com and click on Support the Show. That’s it. Thanks to everyone who is contributing.
I think it’s time to get the interview playing. We promised you Eric Jennings and now it’s time to meet the man himself.
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Deborah Tranelli Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Deborah Tranelli Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
The Paul Leslie Hour is the home of quality interviews with some of the most interesting people for 18 years and counting. This time around, we present an interview with Deborah Tranelli.
To many people, actress Deborah Tranelli is best known as “Phyllis,” the assistant of Bobby Ewing on Dallas. Along with her many screen and television appearances, Deborah Tranelli is also a singer and performer of music theatre.
She appeared in the stage musical “Hereafter” and also released an album on the label PS Classics entitled A Lot of Livin’. In recent news, that album was re-released by the label on most digital and streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Be sure to check it out!
Speaking of all the listening platforms out there, did you know that The Paul Leslie Hour is involved in an ongoing mission to get all of the 18 years of recorded interviews digitized and available for free to listeners everywhere? We want to make these interviews available to you, but it’s a lot of work. This project and the continuation of The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by viewers and listeners like you. Just click here.Thank you to everyone who is contributing.
Now, let’s get into the interview. Here is Paul Leslie and the lovely Deborah Tranelli.
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Mose Allison Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
Thanks for dropping in on The Paul Leslie Hour, we’re always glad to have you tuning in.
Throughout the last 18 years, Paul has been honored to welcome some truly legendary artists. On this episode we have a short interview with Mose Allison. Mose Allison was born in Mississippi in 1927 and passed away in Hilton Head Island in 2016. He was a man more concerned with the present than the past.
Most was a jazz and blues pianist and singer, as well as songwriter and recording artist. In fact, Mose Allison was called “one of the finest songwriters in 20th-Century Blues.”
There are a lot of these interviews that we want to get out there and into the world. You can help in this mission, the mission of “helping people tell their stories,” by going to thepaulleslie.com and then click on “Support the Show,” Thanks to everyone who contributes or tells a friend about The Paul Leslie Hour.
Well, let’s start the interview shall we? Ladies and gentlemen, the Mose Allison interview.
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Cleto Escobedo III Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
The Cleto Escobedo III Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
On this episode we present an interview Paul had with Cleto Escobedo III, a saxophonist and vocalist as well as bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones. Some of you may recognize Cleto and the Cletones as the house band on the ABC late night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Music is in Cleto’s blood. His father, Cleto Escobedo, Jr. is a saxophonist and both father and son can be seen and heard five nights a week nationwide on national television.
Did you know one of the things that keeps these interviews going? It’s you— the listeners and viewers! You can help by spreading the word! Tell someone you know about the show and you an also contribute by going here.Thanks to everyone who is contributing.
And now it’s time to get this show going. In this interview we meet the humble man Cleto Escobedo III.
Here ye ready, Paul? Happy listening folks!
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Tall Paul Returns Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
The Tall Paul Returns Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
On this episode, we present a tale of two Pauls, or something like that... This is a recording originally broadcast over the radio. The legendary performer, singer-songwriter and entertainer Tall Paul asked the Paul of The Paul Leslie Hour to go into the studio and spend an hour telling stories and to sing and play some great songs. Needless to say, Paul accepted and considered himself lucky to be in the presence of Tall Paul. It was a lot of fun. This was one of the very early broadcasts, now available to anyone for streaming or download.
Hey, did you all hear about Tall Paul and his wife Kristie being part of the Entertainment Lineup for Parrothead Cruise 2022? Sounds like a lot of folks are going to be having a lot of fun exploring the Caribbean and doing some good while they’re at it. You can go to http://www.parrotheadcruise.com to find out more, but you’ll want to hurry. That ship is going to fill up!
And did you know The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible through listeners like you? That’s right. It’s easy, just go to http://www.thepaulleslie.com and click on Support the Show. That’s it. Thanks to everyone who is contributing.
Now, let’s go back to that recording studio where Tall Paul and Paul Leslie went inside and came out an hour later. Take it away, Pauls….happy listening.
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.
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Tony Butala of The Lettermen Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
The Tony Butala of The Lettermen Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
This episode features a free-form interview Paul had with vocalist Tony Butala. Butala has been the lead singer for The Lettermen since 1958. Tony is now the sole founding, original member. As you’ll hear in this interview, Tony Butala has a unique outlook on life. You’re going to enjoy listening!
Hey, did you know that you can help keep The Paul Leslie Hour going? There’s a lot that goes into perpetuating and archiving all of these many interviews. You can keep the show going by going to
thepaulleslie.com
and then click on “Support the Show,” Thanks to everyone who is contributing!
Now let’s get into the interview. Here’s Paul Leslie with the legendary Tony Butala of The Lettermen.
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Bob Gaudio Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Bob Gaudio Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
On this episode, we present an interview with Bob Gaudio, Hall of Fame songwriter and founding member of the Four Seasons. Bob is one of America’s most successful and celebrated songwriters. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame has said that “The Four Seasons” were the most popular rock ‘n roll band before The Beatles.
Gaudio is also a record producer, and former keyboard player and vocalist, but he’s perhaps best known for his songwriting. He wrote “Sherry” the first #1 hit for The Four Seasons, along with “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and many others.
Through the years, Bob Gaudio’s songs have been recorded by other artists like Nina Simone, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, Barry Manilow, The Temptations, Diana Ross and Frank Sinatra.
Did you know The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by listeners just like you? Want to help keep these interviews going? Go to http://www.thepaulleslie.com and click on "support the show." Thank you to everyone who is contributing.
Now, let's get into the interview right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.
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Amanda Colleen Williams, an “Appalachia Kid”— the album review (audio)
The music of America’s Appalachia region has influenced almost every genre: blues, rock and roll, and especially country music. Stemming from the tradition of Scottish, Irish, and English ballad singing, Appalachian music is strongly evident in bluegrass, Americana, and old-time music.
In this great music, you can feel the lives of the singers and writers. In the past and to this day, there is great joy and sorrow in the songs of this region.
Amanda Colleen Williams is a singer-songwriter from the Appalachian region with a strong understanding of this “Hillbilly” culture. Whether she’s on stage or a record, Amanda Colleen Williams always means it. Affecting the heart is what she does, and it’s never been more true than on her new record Appalachia Kid.
You can also read the review:
https://www.thepaulleslie.com/amanda-colleen-williams-an-appalachia-kid-the-album-review/
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Herb Reed of the Platters Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Herb Reed of The Platters Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
We dug through the archives to pull out an interview that was thrilling. This is an interview with Herb Reed, founding member of the legendary vocal group: The Platters. They just don’t make groups like that anymore. Herb Reed was born in 1928 and passed away in 2012, but in those years he took the stage to sing for countless people. And the records made by The Platters stand the test of time.
Did you know what makes the broadcast of these precious interviews a reality? Well, it’s folks just like you. Go to thepaulleslie.com and click on support the show. Thanks to everyone who is contributing.
And now we take you back to that day, when Paul was honored and humbled to speak with Mr. Herb Reed, the man who helped found and named…The Platters.
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.
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Jimmie Vaughan Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
Jimmie Vaughan is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.
Jimmie Vaughan is one of the blues leading purveyors, practitioners and players. He's one of the foremost guitarists, a one of a kind singer, a gifted songwriter and recording artist.
His 5-CD box set "The Jimmie Vaughan Story" is out now, and contains a great variety of material. Check it out on
lastmusic.co.uk
and on
jimmievaughan.com
It's great to get some of the Jimmie Vaughan story on this episode... directly from Jimmie Vaughan himself!
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.
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Oleg Frish Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Oleg Frish Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
Oleg Frish is a unique personality. He is a TV and Radio host, a singer, a journalist and a peppy, sunny, positive man. Oleg was born in the former Soviet Union and during his childhood fell in love with American music.
20 years ago he came to the United States to embark on a career in television and radio. He started his TV show “Time Out” on NTV, a leading Russian TV channel headquartered in the United States. Through the years he interviewed the likes of James Brown, B.B. King, Connie Francis, Engelbert Humperdinck, Paul Anka, Al Martino, John Kander, Petula Clark, Whoopie Goldberg and Gloria Gaynor.
Many of his program’s guests noted his passion for singing and encouraged him to record an album. Backed by the Patrick Williams Big Band, his album BRING ME SUNSHINE is a collection of songs from the great American Songbook. Patrick Williams arranged and conducted both of Frank Sinatra’s Duets albums. The album was recorded at the Capitol Studios in LA.
We invite you to listen to our interview with Oleg Frish, right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.
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Jack Jones, Blues Singer: “Every Other Day I Have the Blues”— the album review (audio)
Jack Jones, Blues Singer
Every Other Day I Have the Blues— the album review
Reviewer: Paul Leslie
A great composer and musician explained to me that a real musician is able to perform in any and every style. It’s been a few years since that man, the universally respected Ralph MacDonald passed away, but I was reminded of his comment while listening to the latest offering from Jack Jones, one of the world’s legendary vocalists.
Jack Jones is the very definition of singer, and arguably one of the ultimate recording artists of all time. It’s been more than 60 years since his debut record. Ever since, he’s recorded an impressive assortment of material. Jones has released more than 60 studio albums, covering everything from classics, to pop and country music. He continues to perform live, appearing at intimate jazz clubs to the grandest and most prestigious stages around the world. The New York Times accurately described him as “arguably the most technically accomplished male pop singer.”
Jack Jones — blues singer
These days, Jones has ensconced himself in the world of blues. His latest album Every Other Day I Have The Blues is pure listening enjoyment. Some may consider interpreting the blues as a departure for Jack Jones. After all, he’s considered the last of the great crooners: singers like Frank Sinatra and the officially retired Tony Bennett.
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Jim Collins Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
Jim Collins is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.
The guest on this episode of The Paul Leslie Hour is one of country music's top songwriters. Jim Collins is a Nashville based, Texas born hit songwriter. Collins is a singer, live performer and recording artist, but is perhaps best known for the songs he wrote that were recorded by other artists. You may recognize some of Jim Collins' wildly successful songs.
Kenny Chesney recorded "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven," "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy," among others. Collins co-wrote "It Just Comes Natural," the title track of George Strait's album. Collins wrote "Big Green Tractor" recorded by Jason Aldean, "Yes for Chad Brock.
Some of the other artists to record his songs include Gretchen Wilson, Terri Clark, Montgomery Gentry, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers, Dwight Yoakam, Don Williams, Ronnie Milsap and so many others. This episode is a great look at a writer of some truly remarkable songs.
Jim Collins is right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.
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.
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Charles Pope of the Tams Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Charles Pope of the Tams interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
The Tams are one of the greatest vocal groups of all-time! Known for their hit songs like “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy”, “What Kind of Fool”, and “I’ve Been Hurt,” the group was founded in Atlanta, Georgia more than 50 years ago.
This interview with founding member Charles Pope was originally broadcast over the radio. It was recorded at the Pilgreen's restaurant, just south of Atlanta. The interview documents his career and life in music with the fabulous Tams.
Charles Pope passed away in 2013. The interview has been remastered for your listening enjoyment. Thank you for listening.
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.
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“How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies” by Will Witt— the book review
I’ve always admired not only what Will Witt does, but how he does it. He pounds the pavement to “uncover perspectives on life, relationship and politics,” by asking people deceivingly simple questions, The people he has dialogue with come from all walks of life and have all kinds of viewpoints, but oftentimes are young people. With microphone in hand, Witt really wants to know what they think.
Will Witt’s short conversations dubbed “Man on the Street,” are documented on video and continue to be viewed by multitudes. They’re free to watch on the PragerU YouTube channel and on prageru.com.
Author Will Witt is a contemporary phenomenon
Will Witt’s boss is Dennis Prager, the renowned author and radio personality and founder of PragerU. Prager remarked, “When I travel around America giving lectures, one of the most frequent questions young people ask me is, ‘Do you know Will?’ Will Witt is a contemporary phenomenon—a largely self-educated man who has become a major thought leader.”
Each of Witt’s videos are based on a question. Examples include “What is a Woman?” and “Do You Support the USA in the Olympics?” They are entertaining and always thought-provoking. Sometimes they’re downright funny.
At the center of these pedestrian chats is Will Witt, the man. You couldn’t pick a better guy to do this. Witt is cordial, respectful, just a bit soft-spoken and a great listener. He never argues with someone or belittles their opinion.
How to Win Friends and Influence People is rooted in his dialogues
You couldn’t put a price on the perspectives one would gain from connecting one-on-one with so many people. If you have seen his video series or had the opportunity to hear him speak publicly, you’d probably get enjoyment from his new book. How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies: Taking on Liberal Arguments with Logic and Humor from Center Street, an imprint of Hatchette Book Group is a straightforward book about difficult political questions. Many of these issues are the definition of controversial.
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Otis Williams of The Temptations Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
Episode #624 – Otis Williams of The Temptations
The Otis Williams special is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
Dr. Otis Williams is the sole surviving founding member of the world famous vocal group The Temptations. The Temptations are a huge part of American music, now celebrating 60 years. They’re still going strong!
With legendary performances and some of the most recognizable records ever, the Temptations are always a thrill. This year is now exception. Otis Williams and Smokey Robinson recently joined forces on the terrific single “Is It Gonna Be Yes or No.” Check it out, it’s fantastic.
This interview was originally broadcast on the radio prior to The Temptations and the Four Tops performing in concert in Atlanta, Georgia. I’ll never forget being able to interview this legendary artist. Enjoy the interview!
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Heidi Hyatt Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
Heidi Hyatt is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.
It's a great honor to welcome Heidi Hyatt on The Paul Leslie Hour. She keeps the legacy of her husband the late Walter Hyatt going, through King Tears Music which she heads. She manages the catalog of Walter Hyatt and his influential Uncle Walt's Band.
Uncle Walt's Band included Walter Hyatt, Champ Hood and David Ball. They made some truly exceptional recordings with unique songs and influenced some renowned artists: Marcia Ball, Lucinda Williams and some of our past guests: Lyle Lovett, Willis Alan Ramsey and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
Walter Hyatt sadly passed away in 1996 and the following year Austin City Limits broadcast a tribute featuring Lyle Lovett, Willis Alan Ramsey, David Ball, Champ Hood, Marcia Ball, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Junior Brown, David Halley, Allison Moorer and Shawn Colvin.
On October 1, 2021 Omnivore Records is releasing the 11 songs from that ACL broadcast on CD and digital. Also included will be songs that didn't get aired and some previously unreleased Walter Hyatt recordings. The release is entitled "Mighty Fine: An Austin City Limits Tribute to Walter Hyatt."
Heidi Hyatt makes a great interview, and we hope you enjoy. Do yourself a favor and check out the album. You'll be very glad you did.
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Ben E. King Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour
The Ben E. King interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
This interview with the late Ben E. King was originally broadcast on the radio. King is best known for being the singer and co-writer of "Stand By Me," one of the greatest popular songs. He was also the lead singer of the legendary vocal group The Drifters.
This interview with Ben E. King was originally broadcast on the radio. He discussed his very last album "Heart & Soul," which is a collection of jazz standards. We talked about the album and other subjects.
September 28, 1938 was Ben E. King's birthday, which is part of the reason I'm publicizing this interview. Enjoy!
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.
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Tony Trischka Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour (audio)
The Tony Trischka Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.
It was a great pleasure to talk to five-string banjo player Tony Trischka. This was broadcast on the radio shortly after the release “Great Big World.” A banjo player and teacher, recording artist and producer, Tony Trischka talked about his lucky life and his love for the banjo.
You won’t want to miss Tony Trischka right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.
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