Legacy Podcasts

Bill Withers 4

Legacy Recordings — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:43:06 +0000

Sam Cooke 4

Legacy Recordings — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:47:05 +0000

Sam Cooke’s popularity didn’t stop him from trying to improve himself and his music, from an intellectual standpoint. Having started with traditional hymns and adding new lyrics, he had attained success and kept challenging himself intellectually, reading everything from Aristotle to James Baldwin. In this podcast, author Peter Guralnick, Sam’s brother LC Cooke and musicians Bobby Womack and Hal Blaine describe the man’s motivations as he created Night Beat, the blues recording literally recorded in the middle of the night. Recording engineer Al Schmitt, who worked on some of Cooke’s best known music: “He was really hands on in the studio… just amazing.”

Songs included: “What A Wonderful World” “For Sentimental Reasons” “Trouble Blues” “Fool’s Paradise” and “Bring it on Home to Me”

Producer: Joyride Media

Love Train 4

Legacy Recordings — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:32:33 +0000

In this episode, PIR artist Jean Carne describes the Philly sound as one that made you want to dance with its grooves, and was filled with positive lyrical messages as well.

“If you sing with emotion, the better the audience will love you. And I wanted to be loved” – Bunny “Mr. Emotions” Sigler, who Gamble and Huff found in their now exhaustive talent-search. As the label worked with an ever increasing number of artists, its songwriters now included Linda Creed and Thom Bell, and Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, who kept the love train rolling along with in its distinctive style of great music and positive messages.

Songs Included: ”TSOP” (MFSB); “Picture Us” (Bunny Sigler); “Sunshine” (The O’Jays); “Bad Luck” (Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes)

Producer: Joyride Media

Ashford and Simpson 4

Legacy Recordings — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:35:23 +0000

“I look cool but on the inside I’m a nervous wreck” – Nick Ashford. As they began their career as performers, Nick and Valerie found some challenges in appearing on stage, as Nick details in this podcast. ”In the early years, I was just uncomfortable. They would put towels around me I’d sweat so much before I’d even go on.” But they also found they enjoyed meeting most anyone could help with songwriting, as Nick explains “I get inspiration from the people I meet. Seems like everybody’s got a story. What people are feeling, that’s what we want to write about.” Their longevity and success may be built on this simple idea, and may be why President Barack Obama has a special version of one of their songs. As Nick says, “You can do it, if you have the energy and the will to do it.”

Songs included: “Found A Cure” “I’m Every Woman” “Solid (as Barack)”

Producer: Joyride Media

Bill Withers 3

Legacy Recordings — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:42:01 +0000

The story of Bill Withers continues with the artist, himself, thinking back to the the making of his debut album. The record was produced by legendary R&B keyboardist Booker T Jones. In an odd twist, the backing band was most of the Booker T & the MGs, but with Steven Stills subbing for Steve Cropper. The combination was perfect for Bill Wither’s acoustic soul. Critic Anthony DeCurtis adds some of his own insights about these sessions.

Producer: Joyride Media

Reccomended: Bill Withers catalog

Sam Cooke 3

Legacy Recordings — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:45:57 +0000

Producer: Joyride Media

Love Train 3

Legacy Recordings — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:31:12 +0000

Philadelphia International takes over the airwaves of the 70s: the incredible O’Jays are featured in this podcast, with founding member Walter WIlliams, who talks about growing up with Eddie Levert in Ohio, where they were REQUIRED to sing gospel. After an encounter with Gamble and Huff during and Intruders show at the Apollo Theatre, The O’Jays joined Philadelphia International as the label hit its creative and commercial peak. Gamble and Huff showed their prowess with established artists (The Spinners, Lou Rawls and Denice Williams) and with new groups such as The Three Degrees, as part of a Motown-like string of hits.
Songs included in this podcast:

“For the love of Money” “Backstabbers” (O’Jays) “Then Came You” (The Spinners featuring Dionne Warwick) “Gonna Take a Miracle” (Denice Williams) “Enjoy Yourself” (The Jacksons) “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” “When Will I See You Again?” (The Three Degrees)

Producer: Joyride Media

Ashford and Simpson 3

Legacy Recordings — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:34:21 +0000

Nick and Valerie describe their years as songwriters with Motown, and the moment when they asked Berry Gordy for a “divorce,” so they could become artists themselves. It turned out to be the best of both worlds, as they would frequently return to work with various Motown artists, while continuing to grow as performers themselves. Valerie Simpson maintains a generous point of view on writing for others: “I wear the hat of a songwriter when I’m writing. That’s the idea — for some great artist to sing your song. I’m really happy when I hear Diana Ross sing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — I could not have done that better!” Reflecting on the countless covers of that most famous composition, she says, “the song belongs to everyone.”Songs included: “I’m Every Woman” “Your Precious Love” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand”

Producer: Joyride Media

Bill Withers 2

Legacy Recordings — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:40:39 +0000

The music of Bill Withers can definitely speak for itself as a timeless collection of songs, perfect for 1971 with it’s mix of gritty southern R&B, introspective and politically charged lyrics, and even a touch of Woodstock hippie vibes. But his debut album, “Just as I Am” has a very underrated role in the history of landmark albums by DIY artists who circumvented the major label system. Bill discusses how he was put off by the LA star machine and wound up landing at Clarence Avant’s startup indie label, Sussex Records.

Producer: Joyride Media

Reccomended: Bill Withers catalog

Sam Cooke 2

Legacy Recordings — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:44:35 +0000

The legendary track “Cupid” kicks off our second Sam Cooke feature. As soon as you hear his voice, it’s undeniable that this is what Sam Cooke was born to do. His brother, LC Cooke, talks here about the moment Sam knew that he was going to be pro very early in life. Even as a kid, he used to perform for popsicle sticks representing his audience to prepare for a life free of the 9-5 grind. Click the big play button for more.

Producer: Joyride Media

Recommended: The Best of Sam Cooke

Love Train 2

Legacy Recordings — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:28:53 +0000

As introduced by the host, Jeff Foxx, Philly International’s biggest hits were filled with lush strings and beautiful horns from their house orchestra, MFSB. Gamble & Huff recall what they remember about the arrangements, and call out many of the people who were responsible for these recordings. Members of the Delfonics discuss Thom Bell’s arrangements of their early hits like “Ready or Not” and “La La La La La Means I love You.” We also hear from Russel Tompkins, Jr of the Stylistics.

Producer: Joyride Media

Ashford and Simpson 2

Legacy Recordings — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:33:06 +0000

For part 2, Ashford and Simpson discuss how they first got introduced at Motown. They almost ran out before the meeting started, so thank got they stuck around. This piece includes bits of Nickolas and Valerie’s own performances of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You’re All I Need to Get By” from their new live CD/DVD release The Real Thing.

Producer: Joyride Media

Bill Withers 1

Legacy Recordings — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:30:53 +0000

Every Friday in February, find out why Bill Withers is just as he is. In a rare interview, Bill discusses his career as a groundbreaking singer/songwriter. He mostly focuses on his 1971 debut “Just as I am” – a classic album that features hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands.” His low-key mix of folk, funk and gospel is evident on those two hits and throughout the album.

Producer: Joyride Media

Reccomended: Bill Withers catalog

Sam Cooke 1

Legacy Recordings — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:42:30 +0000

Legacy Podcasts’ Black History Month series continues with a four-part look at the highly influential career of Sam Cooke. You’ll hear music from throughout his career that displays the great bredth of his talent before his tragic death in 1964 at the age of 33 – from his gospel roots to his upbeat classic hits, and from his high energy live concerts to his recordings of late-night mood pieces. Interview subjects include R&B legend Bobby Womack, Sam’s brother L.C. Cooke, and drummer Hal Blaine.

Look for updates every Wednesday all February!

Producer: Joyride Media

Love Train 1

Legacy Recordings — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:28:49 +0000

Our Black History Month series continues with the first of four pieces on the great artists of Philly International Records.

Producer: Joyride Media

Ashford and Simpson 1

Legacy Recordings — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:16:58 +0000

We launch our 28 days of Black History series with the first of four segments on legendary songwriting duo Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. These two have been responsible for many of the biggest r&b hits of the last 40 years – including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” “I’m Every Woman,” and their own classic “Solid.”

The Real Thing – their new live album is in stores now on CD and DVD, featuring brand-new performances of these classic songs and many more.

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To Be Free – The Nina Simone Story 3

Andy Cahn — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:47:20 +0000

Part 3 of the Nina Simone podcast series takes an in-depth look at how Nina’s career was affected by the civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s. The injustices of racism inspired the songs she wrote and performed, but her public stances on these issues did not endear her to the establishment. Nina’s friend, poet Camille Yarbrough, will always remember three phone calls from the FBI (including one at 3am), asking what she knew about Nina’s “business.” Her response is priceless.

This episode also includes pieces of some of Nina’s best-known original songs – “Backlash Blues,” “Mississippi God Damn,” and “Revolution” (credited as a Nina Simone composition, though clearly borrowing from The Beatles). These and other songs can be heard with the Rhapsody Playlist link below.

Recommended: To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story

Producer: Joyride Media

Nina Simone Rhapsody Playlist

To Be Free – The Nina Simone Story 2

Andy Cahn — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:45:38 +0000

The Nina Simone podcast series continues with a great story from Nina Simone’s close friend, Vertamae Grosvenor, involving a “to go” plate of home cooking Nina wanted for a flight nearly 20 years ago. This is an excellent example of content about a legendary artist that you can only hear in these Legacy Podcast episodes. After listening to this piece, please browse around the site to hear similar pieces about Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and so many other great musicians.

This segment kicks off with a bit of Nina singing “See Line Woman.” Even if you are new to Nina’s music, you may know this song thanks to recent covers by Feist and Ollabelle, and the Masters at Work Remix on the Verve Remixed collection. You can also click below to compare all these tracks in Rhapsody.

You’ll also hear comments by Patti Smith, as she remembers being inspired by a Nina Simone concert she saw at New York’s long-gone venue, The Village Gate.

Recommended: To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story

Producer: Joyride Media

See Line Woman Rhapsody Playlist

To Be Free – The Nina Simone Story 1

Andy Cahn — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:42:13 +0000

Welcome to the three-part podcast series, To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story.

Nina Simone was as powerful and complex a person as the music she played. In this first episode, Nina’s daughter, known simply as Simone, and journalist David Nathan try their best to define what Nina meant by the concept of “black classical music.” A great example of this mixture of muscical ideas is found in the performance of “Love Me or Leave Me” from the Ed Sullivan Show in 1960.

This piece also features some great comments by folk singer, Odetta, and Nina’s musical director Al Schackman. It also includes music from the new deluxe box set, also titled To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story.

Recommended: To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story

Producer: Joyride Media

Philly International Records Radio Hour Part 3

Legacy Recordings — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:03:43 +0000

Gamble and Huff share their “formula for success” in the music business. According to these industry legends, it all comes down the need to “feel it” and never “force it.” They also discuss how community involvement has always been intergral to their marketing strategies. Teddy Pendergrass, one of the finest voices from the Philly International roster, also chimes in about his experiences with Gamble & Huff.

Producer: Joyride Media

Philly International Records Radio Hour Part 2

Legacy Recordings — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:01:13 +0000

Gamble and Huff explain their songwriting process, and how they decided which artist would perform each would-be hit. As an example, Gamble & Huff and Billy Paul recall the origins of their classic “Me and Mrs. Jones,” how Paul was chosen to sing it, and one of his first experience performing it live. We’ll also hear an excerpt of the MFSB classic “TSOP,” which was originally written as the theme for “Soul Train.”

Producer: Joyride Media

Philly International Records Radio Hour Part 1

Legacy Recordings — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:05:15 +0000

In this segment, we are introduced to 2008 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff as they recount their early days on the Philadelphia music scene and one of their first big national hits as songwriters/producers – “Cowboys to Girls” by The Intruders. Gamble and Huff also discuss their what inspired them to start Philadelphia International Records and how they immediately struck gold with The O’Jays first hits “Love Train” and “For the Love of Money.”

Producer: Joyride Media

Sly & the Family Stone – John Mayer speaks

Legacy Recordings — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:28:04 +0000

Even though Sly and the Family Stone were together for a short period of time, their music continues to influence artists of many styles. Pop star John Mayer tells us about he teamed up with legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy to put a serious edge on Sly’s “You Can Make It If You Try.” Click here to listen.

Sly and the Family Stone (Part 3)

Podmaster — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:03:16 +0000

On our third episode, Chuck D, Rose Stone and Joel Selvin discuss the style and musical complexities of SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE. The hit “Thank You For Letting Me By Myself” is also a point of discussion. Ben Fong-Torres hosts.

RECOMMENDED: Sly and the Family Stone Greatest Hits

ONLINE: SLY STONE music

Sly and the Family Stone (Part 2)

Podmaster — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:43:04 +0000

Enjoy the second podcast episode (of three) on SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE. On this program, we focus on the mega-hit record “Dance To The Music” and dive into the look and sound of the band while also touching upon Sly’s free thinking, peace loving, Bay Area roots. You gotta love these grooves – pure magic!
Ben Fong-Torres, Joel Selvin and band members are featured.

RECOMMENDED: Sly and the Family Stone Greatest Hits

ONLINE: SLY STONE music

Producer: Joyride Media

Sly and the Family Stone (Part 1)

Podmaster — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:52:36 +0000

SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE are credited as one of the first racially integrated bands in music history, belting their message of peace, love and social consciousness through a string of hit anthems that fused R&B, soul, funk and rock n roll. On the first of three podcast episodes, Ben Fong-Torres and a host of others tell the remarkable and historical story of Sly and the Family Stone.

RECOMMENDED: Sly and the Family Stone Greatest Hits

ONLINE: SLY STONE music

Producer: Joyride Media