Since 2003, Paul Leslie has shared interviews with some of the world’s most gifted artists on his radio program, appropriately named “The Paul Leslie Hour.” Recently added to the list of his impressive guests, which includes Maya Angelou, Woody Allen, and Michael McDonald, are Enoch Anderson and Marty Panzer, two talented lyricists who have collaborated with Barry Manilow since the early 70s, setting words to Barry’s gorgeous music.
When not busy with his radio show, Paul is involved with all sorts of ventures. A self-proclaimed movie fanatic, he hosts a podcast called Jabber where he and two others discuss movies—most new, but they reserve the right to bring up older ones too! This past April, Paul ran across the coast of Alabama—from Bayou La Batre to the Florida Coast—raising money for the Alabama Coastal Foundation in a tribute to the 25th Anniversary of the publication of Winston Groom’s novel, Forrest Gump.
And, he’s writing a book with Jason Burge chronicling the story of how a Fats Domino song inspired him to head out for a sixteen-day walk, covering four states, to raise money for the “Make It Right Foundation,” a non-profit working on rebuilding the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, still in disrepair five years after Hurricane Katrina.
Take a breath, and relax for him, because this is one busy guy. But I’m happy to say today we’ve turned the tables on the interviewer. Taking some time from his very full life, Paul becomes the interviewee as he shares some details about the man behind the mic.
Helen Holdun: Paul, I’m honored to speak with you today. Thanks to your insightful interviews with Mr. Anderson and Mr. Panzer, you’ve acquired quite a number of new fans who admire Barry Manilow, myself included. I often mention how my admiration for Barry has broadened my appreciation of other artists; you’ve been added to that list. Your accomplishments are daunting, especially for a man who’s not even 30.
What inspired you to begin this journey of interviewing some of the most creative geniuses in the arts?
Paul Leslie: First of all, the pleasure is all mine. I am honored to talk to someone so passionate. I suppose my decision to start interviewing people came as a result of my love for the arts. I appreciate all kinds of canvases—films, literature, paintings, sculptures, plays, watching a skilled dancer…but I suppose music will always be my biggest love. I don’t like music…I LOVE music.
My love for interviewing first began when I started writing. I’ve always been a writer. I don’t think I am a particularly good writer, but I try. My first published piece happened when I was in the first grade. I wrote an illustrated piece which was published in the Bucks County Courier Times in Pennsylvania. I was living in New Jersey for a while. I got my picture taken in the newspaper and my grandparents came to the house for punch and cake. In my mind I was now big time. I felt a kinship with Marty Panzer when he talked about getting published in the newspaper as a youngster.
Fast forwarding years later, I started interviewing a lot of musicians and writing pieces about them when I was about 20 years old. Although I like writing, I realized I liked the interviewing part most of all. Robert Frost once said he was more fascinated with the way people talk than in the person themselves. Now, I’m not going to go that far, but I can say I am fascinated with the way people talk. Everyone has their own unique way of speech. I can easily mimic people’s way of speaking because I find it so fascinating. This interest in speaking coupled with a massive music collection and a deep interest for the details—from the studio musicians who play on albums to the lyricists and composers who write the songs—laid the groundwork for “The Paul Leslie Hour.”
I believe I am telling the story of music and furthermore, a lot of the interviews I have done have been with people who, despite their enormous contribution to the arts, have never had their story told or their voice recorded. Enoch Anderson remarked that he had never done a radio interview. I believe my archives are a very important musical artifact. One of the biggest compliments has been when authors or learning institutions have cited or used my interviews in their published work. It’s inspired me to attempt to eventually have all of my interviews transcribed so people can read them, as a kind of public resource.
Lovely memory of your first published work. It’s wonderful that you’re giving attention to those talents who are brilliant and yet, because their contributions are not breaking news, remain obscure.
How did it evolve into a successful radio show?
One of the people I interviewed for a print article was Steve Huntington, a longtime program director who I idolized. I decided I wanted a radio program which would feature lots of music as well as interviews with people I found fascinating. Fortunately for me, I find a lot of people fascinating, so I have never run out of guests. Steve Huntington’s radio station is owned by a very famous musician and I started the radio program “Time After Island Time.” It was basically the same concept as “The Paul Leslie Hour,” but I obviously played a lot of music influenced by the Hawaiian islands and the Caribbean. I still love a good calypso to this day.
The man who engineered “Time After Island Time” and continues to work with me on “The Paul Leslie Hour” is an enormously talented singer, guitarist, songwriter, entertainer, and pianist named Jeff Pike. I suppose our collaboration may be unusual to some. Jeff Pike is 50 years old, but our love of great music has fueled an interesting friendship. That’s the beauty of music; it knows not age, gender, or race. It’s for everybody. One of the things Jeff Pike and I have in common is a deep love for the musical styling of Barry Manilow.
We both have a huge collection of Manilow vinyl records. In addition to composing his own music, Jeff knows most of Barry Manilow’s songs. I’ve wondered if one day they may work together in some capacity. Through the years, despite facing a lot of obstacles, I always kept my eyes on my dream. I knew the music I was playing made a difference to people. Maybe this is youthful optimism, but I believe I will be hosting “The Paul Leslie Hour” until I am a very old man…that is, if, Lord willing, I live to be an old man.
Who was your first interview?
My first radio interview was with a gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist named Koney Ferrell. He wrote an excellent song called “Stand Alone,” among others, and plays mandolin, bass, and a variety of instruments. I am proud to say I am still friends with the very first guest after all of these years. One thing that has been unique about my experience in interviewing is the deep friendships I have developed with my guests.
It’s interesting you mentioned forming friendships with your guests. After my first interview was complete, I felt a twinge of sadness that the relationship would be over. But in the process of getting to know the person, from initial draft to finished product, I too have forged friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.
In the list of those you’ve spoken to, does one stand out as your WOW! moment? The one when you knew the dream became a reality?
There are too many to list! First of all, I have enjoyed all of my interview guests. I have interviewed a lot of icons that I was honored to speak with. I love Woody Allen films, so it was fantastic to interview him in great detail and to meet him as well. Jeff Bridges is one of those people who has the talents of a dozen people—he acts, paints, sculpts, writes songs and makes records…I still hear from him once in a while.
I am a huge David Letterman fan, and I’ve had the opportunity to interview all of the musicians in the CBS Orchestra as well as Alan Kalter and Eddie Brill. I’m a big Seinfeld fan and was delighted the other day to interview Liz Sheridan, who played Helen Seinfeld (Jerry’s mother). She wrote a book, Dizzy & Jimmy, about the romance she had with James Dean in her youth. She is an incredibly sweet and classy woman. To me, George and Jerry’s parents on Seinfeld were some of the most realistic depictions I have ever seen. Seinfeld is sacred to me.
I also had the chance to interview my biggest influences in radio, Elliot Mintz, in his own home. He’s become a friend of mine and he means a lot to me. He hosted “The Lost Lennon Tapes,” a radio program documenting recordings of both songs and interviews of John Lennon. After a prolific career in radio and television, Elliot Mintz is a publicist who has represented Bob Dylan, Yoko Ono, Paris Hilton, Don Johnson, and the list goes on and on. However, I think more than anything, Elliot is a person who is trying to create a greater understanding of all people. That’s why I admire him.
John B. Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful was a pleasure and poet Maya Angelou was surreal. John Goodwin is, in my opinion, one of the most gifted songwriters. He has several songs on Jeff Bridges’s forthcoming self-titled album. I’ve interviewed John Goodwin several times. Then there’s Kodac Harrison, a great poet and songwriter in Atlanta who has quite a fan base in Europe. As you can see, I could go on and on.
However, if I had to pick one—it would be Fats Domino. This was the man who changed music. As much as I love Elvis Presley, Fats Domino is far more responsible for the beginning of rock ‘n roll than anybody. Fats has it all—he could write songs, sing them, and he was a great performer. If I never get another interview, I can’t complain. For a man who could sing rock ‘n roll as much as he could a standard like “My Blue Heaven,” and has sold millions and millions of records, he is as humble as they come. Yet, he is rock ‘n roll royalty. Not only did I get to interview Fats Domino, but I was invited to his house. We had a beer together and we even sang one line from a song. Fats will always be my guy. Plus, he’s a piano player! Piano players tend to be my favorite musicians.
Your bio says that Harry Belafonte, Art Garfunkel, Smokey Robinson, Gene Wilder, and Paul McCartney are on your bucket list of people to speak with in the future. Is there anyone else you’ve added?
As a young guy who has been blessed so much, one of the people on that bucket list is already crossed off. I had the opportunity to have a long interview with Gene Wilder. Furthermore, Smokey Robinson and Harry Belafonte are scheduled guests for the Fall. Art Garfunkel and Paul McCartney may happen soon enough. In fact, you’ll be hearing more about a Paul McCartney project in September, but that’s a story for another day.
As for whom else I’d like to interview—I can tell you Bill Murray is one of my favorite actors and an intriguing guy. A friend of his has been working on making that happen. I like to interview other interviewers, and hope to one day sit down with Larry King, Charlie Rose and especially Bob Edwards. As for musicians, I hope to interview a lot of them… Don McLean, Roberta Flack, Joni Mitchell, Dick Holler, David Lee Roth, Pat Metheny, Tony Bennett, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Elton John, Billy Joel, Chuck Mangione, Sean Lennon, Rod McKuen, Dionne Warwick, and Enya are a few I hope to sit down with. Then of course there is the one and only Clive Davis.
How’s that for variety? Of course, I’d love to interview Barry Manilow. We came pretty close recently, but unfortunately it didn’t happen.
Personally, I’m appalled by journalists who steer their interviews from a celebrity’s public life, or current project, into areas of the private life we have no business knowing. I’ve sworn never to do that, and will stick to that promise at all cost. I’ve noticed by way of your interviews, you seem to be of the same philosophy. In a time when sensationalism sells, do you worry about the affect that integrity will have on your success?
No. I can remember a very popular syndicated radio personality welcoming a celebrity with a very personal question about her sex life. Literally, it was the first question asked. As far as I am concerned, there is only one radio personality who has a right to ask a question like that—Howard Stern. People going on Stern’s show know what they’re getting into.
Personally, I don’t care who Léa Seydoux is dating—unless she is dating me. (Léa, call me!) There will always be intelligent people who want to hear interviews about meaningful topics with people who have contributed culturally. Unfortunately, there are more interviewers who want to ask personal questions about people’s personal lives in a very crass way. However, there will always be people who want to learn more about the world around them and have a true interest in the arts. Therefore, the Charlie Roses and Helen Holduns of the world will always have a place…and I hope the Paul Leslies too.
Thank you for placing me in such great company, Paul. I’m a huge fan of Charlie Rose. I agree, thought-provoking interviews will win out over crass.
What journalists have influenced you?
Definitely Elliot Mintz has influenced me the most, and I would have to credit him for upping my confidence from 95% to 100%. His interviewing style was in-depth and he asked questions that were sometimes simple, but could reveal a lot about a person. He interviewed a lot of people—from John Lennon and Bob Dylan to Salvador Dalí! Like me, a lot of his interviews were longer. He is my biggest influence, so you can imagine how much of an honor it was to travel out to Beverly Hills and interview him in his home.
I learned a lot about myself on that trip and it further cemented in my mind that I am heading in the right direction. Elliot called me afterwards and told me he believed I could go the distance and then some—if that’s what I really wanted to do.
Of the current active interviewers, I like Charlie Rose, Bob Edwards, and Howard Stern the most. Yes, Howard Stern. He is a talented interviewer. I also like Larry King and although his style is short, I think David Letterman is one of the most underrated interviewers of all time. David Letterman can get to the meat of a person’s true personality in five minutes. I love and respect Mr. Letterman.
Most interviews I’ve done have been in print, giving the subject time to answer questions or not as they choose. Do you find it difficult to get people to open up on the spot?
Not usually, although most interviews hit a point where the guest relaxes and really gets into the conversation. I think the key is to really be listening, which I am. I’m so interested in what my guests have to say.
Have you encountered an interview that went bad, or have you asked a question you wish you hadn’t?
There was one guest I’d like to believe was stoned. As for a question I wish I hadn’t asked…that’s never been a problem. People always relax around me and I suppose most people think of me as being a conduit for what they believe.
That statement speaks volumes, and is a compliment to your abilities, Paul.
Are there any funny behind-the-scenes moments you’d like to share?
The one and only Todd Snider drank two bottles of wine before doing an interview. That will go down in history as one Todd and I will not forget.
I can remember a moment when Harry Connick, Jr. and I were scuffling backstage, in the spirit of good fun. Harry saying “Try to overpower me!” while onlookers snapped photographs. By the way, he is very strong—I couldn’t. There are some behind-the-scenes moments I will probably take to the grave.
Great story. Not many people can say they not only hung out with Harry Connick, Jr., but lost a fun battle to him!
Let’s talk for a moment about your obvious appreciation of Barry Manilow’s dynamic music. When were you first introduced to his music?
I have heard Barry Manilow’s music my whole life. I grew up in part in the Philippine Islands. My mother is a huge fan of Barry Manilow, and her sister is as well. Both of them would say Barry Manilow is their favorite singer. I have heard these songs my whole life and have always loved them. I can remember my mother holding my baby sister Sarah in her arms and she would dance in the kitchen to “Daybreak” from the cassette of his greatest hits. I think Barry Manilow has recorded some of the greatest songs ever written. The melodies evoke a lot of emotion and the lyrics are all beautiful poetry.
Through the years, my love for Barry Manilow has only grown. I am a great fan of the Tin Pan Alley songwriters who wrote those fantastic songs that will be around forever: Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, E. Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Hoagy Carmichael, Irving Berlin, Johnny Mercer, Harry M. Woods, and Fats Waller are some of my favorites. I believe if Barry Manilow, Bruce Sussman, Jack Feldman, Marty Panzer, Adrienne Anderson, Richard Kerr, Will Jennings, and Enoch Anderson had been writing songs in the 1920s, they would have been listed among these classic greats.
Manilow’s composing is a throwback to that time, and that is why his melodies endure. The same thing goes for the lyrics—the words will last because they’ll always be true! To me, Barry Manilow’s recordings are some of the finest examples of the marriage between words and music. I am proud to be a lifelong devotee of Barry Manilow. Look at the songs. For most of them, I cannot decide whether I like the melody or the lyrics more. A lot of the songs, take for instance his rendition of “Somewhere in the Night,” to my ears, are unfathomably beautiful.
Do you have a favorite Manilow song?
This is a very difficult question. I love so many of these songs. I think my choice will surprise some as it is not one of the most famous. I absolutely love “Where Does the Time Go?” from the album Singin’ with the Big Bands. The melody is hauntingly beautiful and reminiscent of the old love songs written during the Big Band era. Barry does an amazingly beautiful vocal. My reason for liking this song is the lyrics by Bruce H. Sussman. They will never not be true, even in 1000 years. I listen to the last lines and the end of the album and I must close my eyes…
Oh where ever the time goes
I will see you there
Must we let it end
And where, where go the echoes
Of our laughter ringing the air
Oh where ever the time goes
I will see you there
I will see you thereThe lyrics are emotional and deep. I think the song is about the beauty of a moment you do not wish to end and that we will always be able to return to it in our mind and that the laughter is echoing somewhere. I can think of other meanings as well. I remember the smiles of people I have loved and the fact that time is fleeting. It’s a melancholy song and it fits me to a T. The lyrics are so beautiful; they stand on their own as poetry. However, thankfully, Barry provided a beautiful melody as well.
I also love “Even Now,” and his cover of Ian Hunter’s “Ships.” This is a very hard question to ask. There is a wealth of stunning material, but my choice is “Where Does the Time Go?”
If I were asked that question, I’d have the same problem. The music of Manilow is so diverse in its ability to touch so many emotions, choosing one often depends on my particular mood at the moment. For me, the top one is always “Could It Be Magic,” as it was the intro and music that began the catalyst of his music changing my life. The song you chose is beautiful and always has me teary. The lyric is so poignant in its truth of remembering the beautiful moments of our life. The music combined with Barry’s blissful, hopeful, and powerfully emotional delivery creates a masterpiece.
I hope one day you see Barry perform “Even Now” live. It’s a phenomenal moment that’s hard to put into words, but showcases everything that makes him an icon in the music industry.
Do you have a favorite Manilow album?
I am going to cheat here and list two—one album of original music and one of his cover albums. I think Singin’ with the Big Bands is an incredible, amazing album of big band classics. The two original songs are perfect complements and the big band songs are some of my favorite pieces of music and Barry sang them magnificently. The arrangements are superb. His rendition of “And the Angels Sing” is just fantastic.
As for his original albums, it’s hard to pick between albums like 15 Minutes, <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/Here-at-Mayflower-Barry-Manilow/dp/B00005QB5W?tag=itcobema-20”>Here at the Mayflower, and <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/One-Voice-Exp-Barry-Manilow/dp/B00160ANJ6/ref=sr_1_1?tag=itcobema-20”>One Voice, but as you can see from my personal tastes, it shouldn’t come as a big surprise that <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/2-00-AM-Paradise-Cafe/dp/B000002VSF?tag=itcobema-20”>2:00 AM Paradise Café is my favorite original album. I think 15 Minutes is going to mark a new era of Manilow…a return to his songwriting. Let’s be honest, he’s a fantastic composer. I’ll look forward to him hopefully using his main lyricists again to create more magic.
Have you seen him perform live?
I have. I’d like to share my first “Manilow in concert” experience. It was very exciting and in many ways lead to my mother and I becoming close again. I had lost touch with her, sadly. I went to the concert with a friend of mine, Ben. He told me he had a great time seeing me experience such joy. As I listened to Barry sing “Looks Like We Made It,” written by Richard Kerr and Will Jennings, I took the words to heart. We were both happy, yet apart. I wrote her a small note and asked her how she had been. She wrote me back and we met at a Mexican restaurant. I don’t lose touch with her now. Music can really bring people together, and I could argue Barry’s music especially.
Another nod to the abilities of “feeling” that only Barry Manilow can put forth via song.
You spoke in great detail with Enoch Anderson about his writing the lyrics for Barry’s new, original, concept album 15 Minutes, which tells the story of the perils of fame as seen through the eyes of a young performer who struggles to make it, reaches success, then loses it all, starting over to rise to the top again. The thought-provoking and timely album has reached number one on the Internet charts in just four weeks. What’s your take on the album?
It’s brilliant and captivating! It tells a fascinating story we see take place every day in so many facets of our culture. Barry Manilow and Enoch Anderson did their job. They told the human story. You can look at the album from the fame angle, but 15 Minutes can be comparable to anyone’s life and what can happen to us when we get what we want…or what we think we want.
I agree, Paul. Though the the concept is about fame, the story applies to everyone who has ever struggled to achieve anything in life, which is just about all of us.
I’m also curious as to what you think of the new Manilow lyrics and sound being guitar-based, with more rock than romance?
I like the experimentation. I think we’ll see more of it. Look, I love romantic songs. However, Manilow proved he could do it. I don’t speak for Mr. Manilow, but I believe we’ll see him experimenting more now that he is on his own independent Stiletto label. I can see him doing instrumental albums. Barry continues to evolve as an artist. I’m just glad we get to hear the evolution. I wonder if he’ll do albums exploring the writing process with some of his other collaborators—an album of Marty Panzer songs, Adrienne Anderson, Bruce Sussman, etc. You’ll notice the uniqueness of each lyricist. They all have a different style. Again, the material is all so strong and there is a lot of it! We’re very lucky!
As was shared in your interviews, Enoch also wrote many of Barry’s songs going back to the 70s, and four for his last original album, Here at the Mayflower. Marty has also written some of Barry’s most-beloved songs. It’s fascinating to hear them both share the process of collaborating with a musician like Barry. Can we look forward to more interviews with others who have hand a hand in creating Barry’s songs?
Can you ever! My decision to begin interviewing Barry Manilow’s lyricists came as a result of a shift in the direction of my program to include more ballad-oriented artists, crooners, and jazz musicians. There are several record labels and publicists who have gone to me to interview their artists and have found that my listeners like very emotional and romantic music, as do I.
I’ll always interview a great variety of creative people, but I have recently interviewed longtime Manilow lyricist Adrienne Anderson. I hope to interview Jack Feldman and have recently gotten in touch with John Bettis. Other lyricists and composers I hope to interview include Gino Cunico, Will Jennings, and Scott English. Beyond Barry’s songwriters, I recently interviewed Melissa Manchester and Diane Schuur. I have forthcoming shows with Barbara Cook, Richard Kerr, Ron Dante, and Michael Lloyd.
You all can look for those radio specials soon. All of these people have been very, very interesting to research and learn about. With that said, I am all over the place and will continue to interview a great variety of creative people. I like so many genres of music: a cappella, showtunes, bluegrass, rock, country-western, jazz, bebop, funk, calypso, and world music. My show is about music appreciation.
Through his tremendous talents, Barry Manilow is cultivating a new generation of listeners. Obviously you’re among that younger group. What do you think is the appeal of his music and the reason for his longevity?
A good lyric and melody are timeless. It just so happens Barry Manilow has an ear for both. Good songs go on and on. Last night I went to see the Four Tops and the Temptations perform at Chastain Park. The Four Tops have been around for 57 years and the Temptations have been around for 50. I looked out at the crowd and it was 50/50 young people and older people. I realized that these are great songs because everyone can relate to them.
Barry Manilow creates high quality songs for people with high standards. Here is a musician who selects songs with beautiful, interesting lyrics, coupled with great melodies…his voice is unique. It doesn’t get much better and there is not much more you could ask for in a song.
How do you personally encourage peers to take notice of his talent?
I don’t. People with good taste will like him. It’s that simple and I apologize for being so direct. With that said, I have had people who claimed they didn’t like his music become overcome emotionally by it. They ask, “who is this?” I tell them: Barry Manilow.
Speaking of music, you have a sophisticated taste in artists and genres that surpass most guys your age. What do you credit that to?
I don’t know how sophisticated my tastes are, but I suppose my tastes are the result of being a true lover of music. I listen to a lot of it and I judge it critically. I like a lot of jazz and classical music, which are deemed by some as sophisticated types of music. All I know is that at one time jazz was considered the music of the lower class. I like what I like, but to me, listening to a well-constructed song, performed by a great singer or instrumentalist, is one of the greatest pleasures we have as people. I do think people’s musical standards were higher in yesteryear. With that said, I like some of the pop music of today. A lot of people may be surprised to know I think Justin Bieber is an immensely talented young man. I don’t like to categorize music in boxes unless I have to.
In your opinion, what makes today’s music different than that of yesteryear?
The story has become less important in today’s music. I think people’s attention spans are not what they used to be. I believe the music of even 20 years ago had a lot more soul to it, also. I don’t usually like sequencers. I don’t like over-produced vocals. Furthermore, I wish more albums would be recorded as a band in the studio. A lot of music is missing that “human element.” The times they are a-changing.
Who of today’s talents will stand the test of time?
I believe Katy Perry is going to be the pop artist of today that will be around for a long time. Her songs are well-produced and I think she works hard. I think she deserves credit for her work. I think Beyoncé has some really incredible songs. I was interviewed a while back by someone who thought it was interesting that I like so much old music—some from 80 or 90 years ago. He asked if I thought any pop songs were good and I paused and pondered. I told him I thought Beyoncé’s song “Halo” is one of the most stunning examples of pop music today. It’s a mesmerizing song—the piano parts sound as epic as her vocals do. In some ways, it reminds me of classical music.
Is there a genre of modern music you’d say is your preference?
I like some pop music, but I’m a fan of some “lounge” or “chill” records. I’ve recently fallen deeply in love with a series of CDs—Man Ray, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3. They’re like a blend of the house, trip-hop, jazz and chill genres. The CDs were named after a restaurant-bar “Man Ray” in Paris, France owned by Johnny Depp, Sean Penn, and John Malkovich. I believe they had a New York City location as well. Really incredible records…worth listening to. Those records and some wine could make for a great evening. I’m just sayin’.
I’ve stated often the music of Manilow was the catalyst to changing my life four years ago. What’s your take on the effect of music on the psyche?
What a great question! I think music can make you do things you wouldn’t normally. It can be a catalyst for falling in love, traveling, and in my case, following your dreams. I wonder how many people moved away from their parents house when “Anthony’s Song (I’m Movin’ Out)” by Billy Joel came out? There is nothing in this world quite like music. As Bruce Johnston wrote, it can “give you spirit to take a chance.” Music can inspire us to ask someone to dance…it makes us want to love. It’s beautiful and it is a part of what makes us human. Now, you’re talking to a guy who has lived his life like a song. It did, after all, inspire me to walk over 300 miles to New Orleans!
I believe, more and more, we need to explore the powerful affect of music on the mind.
Moving to another topic, the Internet and social networking has opened the door of recognition for many, especially those in show business. No doubt you’ve felt the effects yourself via Facebook and Twitter. Would you elaborate on this phenomenon that’s sweeping the world?
It can do some amazing things—it brings us together and it helps us reach people we normally haven’t. However, like most things, it has a downside. Mostly it’s good, but we can forget sometimes to communicate with the people right in front of us. We need to talk face to face. We need hugs. Sometimes I am guilty of looking at a cell phone screen when I could be conversing. I think in some ways it is robbing us of one of our greatest needs—personal communication. With that said, it has exposed what I do to a great number of people from around the globe. It is wonderful for networking.
Yes, it is wonderful, and has created opportunities for me, personally, exceeding anything I dreamed possible.
How much fun are you having interacting with your fans and getting immediate feedback to everything you broadcast?
My listeners are some of the nicest people in the world. I love hearing from people who listen and it provides me with a great deal of inspiration and encouragement. I can say that Barry Manilow fans are especially inspiring. They love music so much, not just Barry’s. They are true music fans. Furthermore, I think because of what Barry sings about, we are dealing with a lot of people who want to be nice to one another. When I listen to “I Can’t Smile Without You,” I want to be nice to someone.
When you get to talk to people like Marty Panzer, Enoch Anderson and Adrienne Anderson, you can understand a little bit about who Barry Manilow is. You can see that this is music that brings joy. It brings us together. It builds and doesn’t tear down. I want to hear music that makes me smile and makes me want to be kind to someone. I want music that offers up hope. I’m glad my listeners do too. It’s an honor to communicate with people from all over the world who share my feelings. Marty Panzer shared with me a link to a Manilow message board and I was really honored by all of the comments. I thank you all sincerely for listening.
How, in your opinion, is the internet changing the way we listen to radio, purchase music, and watch TV and movies?
I think the internet allows us to fine-tune and be more selective. You can have very specific interests and find someone out there who shares them. I’m sometimes puzzled by the fact that there can be hundreds of television channels utterly filled with content I care NOTHING about, but with the beauty of Netflix, for example, I can watch any number of comedies, documentaries or classics. I like old school calypso from Trinidad. I can find a very rare old vinyl of the Mighty Sparrow or Lord Invader that someone is selling on Amazon for a penny. And as for radio—wow. Internet radio is changing the world. I can listen to my favorite station, WBCX 89.1 FM, if I am visiting Los Angeles or London, England. I just click “play.”
I mentioned the book you’re writing, and the humanitarian efforts you’ve undertaken. Again, very impressive. Tell us more about what inspired you to do these things, and what the book is about. Is there a release date set for publication?
We hope to finish the book by the end of the year. We have some interest from a publisher, but a publication date is not known. The book is entitled Walking to New Orleans. It is about a 300-mile walk I did from Panama City Beach, Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana in tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Fats Domino song, “Walking to New Orleans.” I was raising money and awareness for the Make It Right Foundation, working to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, which is where Fats is from. I loved Fats and was so honored to interview him. I thought I would pay him back by helping his neighborhood. I raised over $5,000 by walking for 16 days. Although grueling and at times emotionally trying, I left with some incredible stories. It may sound cliché, but it really did change my life.
I wanted to write an article about the experience and wrote the tale down and took it to Jason Burge, a very accomplished writer and extremely intelligent man. He advised me that what I had on my hands was not an article, but a book. All of the little stories along the way were stranger than fiction, so to speak. When the book is published, I hope to further my efforts in helping New Orleans by donating some of the proceeds to the city.
The next year, after the Gulf coast oil disaster happened, everyone was asking me to walk again to benefit the coast. I decided I had already walked and wanted to run. I was telling a friend on the phone that I was thinking about running while flipping television channels. Forrest Gump was on and it was the scene where Jenny is making out in her car with the windows fogged up. Forrest pulls the guy out of the car and gives him a beating. The song playing during that scene is “I Don’t Know Why I Love You (But I Do)” by the legendary Clarence “Frogman” Henry, a New Orleans legend. I had been in Clarence’s house and had interviewed him on my last trip to New Orleans. He was the guest on my show that week. “I Don’t Know Why I Love You (But I Do)” was written by…Bobby Charles, the same man who co-wrote “Walking to New Orleans.” I felt I was meant to run, like Forrest Gump did in the book. So I did. This year my run benefited the Alabama Coastal Foundation. You want to talk about a wonderful group of people. I could never forget them!
I do these journeys because I have the ability to. I think helping our fellow man is our duty. Furthermore, I believe to love one another is a part of what it means to be human. The first walk was a walk of love. It’s a real honor to do it and raise awareness for causes I believe are important. Lastly, I like the adventure. An uncle of mine said, “He has to do these things. He goes away, he has his adventure and then he can come back into regular society.” I guess you could say I’m a little weird. I am retired from walking and running though, but I don’t think the adventures are over. I have ideas of things that I will do in the future and I hope you all will be with me in spirit.
So true: our duty in life is to help our fellow man. If only that becomes the mantra of more. Not weird at all. Through these experiences, you’ve enhanced the richness of your life as well as doing much good for others. I’m sure your future adventures will be amazing.
And your podcast, “Jabber;” how did that come to be? You say you’re a movie fanatic. Do you have a favorite style? Favorite actor?
The Jabber podcast came after talking to a friend of mine, Kyle Prater. Kyle is a gifted conversationalist and a great poet. He’s actually working on a compilation of his poems, which should be out at some point. Kyle noticed that we could sometimes analyze why a film is good or brilliant and then what it all means. We took a film class together and decided to start doing this podcast where we simply talk about selected movies. It’s available on iTunes and all of the information is on thepaulleslie.com. I do most of my podcasts with Jason Burge, but I hope one day the three of us can “Jabber” together.
As for my favorite style—I am a huge fan of Woody Allen films, but I tend to like movies that have elements of a variety of genres. Sometimes a comedy is perfect and sometimes a drama. Some movies have both, and I like those types of movies. Just like real life, some moments are humorous and some are dramatic.
As for favorite actors, I really love Sean Penn. What a brilliant actor! I also think Russell Crowe is great and somewhat underrated. Jeff Bridges is always great—John Malkovich, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti.
I am also nuts about documentaries. Give me a good documentary any day.
I know it’s a typical question, but still fun. If you were going to an island, and could only take one movie to watch forever, what would it be?
True Romance. The script was written by Quentin Tarantino, but it was before he had become the famous director. It’s directed by Tony Scott. The story is amazing, as is the soundtrack. Don’t be fooled by the title though, it is not just romantic. It has comedy, lots of action, great dialogue, and some great suspense. It has a phenomenal cast— Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Brad Pitt, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gandolfini, Saul Rubinek, and a stellar minor character performance by Bronson Pinchot, who plays Elliot Blitzer, a personal assistant. I felt it was a brilliant character, and Pinchot is a great talent.
Honorable mention goes to The Last Picture Show, Paper Moon, Broadway Danny Rose, and Amélie, which is a great French film. As far as recent films, Woody Allen’s new picture, Midnight in Paris, is just amazing!
Hmmm, in asking that, if you could only pick one album and one piece of literature, what would they be?
The one album question is a toughie for someone who loves music as much as I do. However, I’m tempted to pick Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel, or Watermark by Art Garfunkel, or perhaps Graceland or The Rhythm of the Saints by Paul Simon. Bruce Hornsby’s new live album, Bride of the Noisemakers, is one that has really blown my skirt up. Then I think of the brilliant State of the Artist album released by John Goodwin…AMAZING songwriting and production!
But…this is a deserted island and I only get pick one, right? In the end…I’d have to say Turnstiles by Billy Joel is as close to a flawless album as I have ever heard—and frankly, it has it ALL. I’ve probably listened to that album from beginning to end 400 times!
As for a piece of literature, I have a great fondness for John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. The purity of the story and the perfect portrayal of true friendship has always made this book, although short, my favorite book of all time. It means a lot to me.
You’ve made me want to read Of Mice and Men again. It’s been a long, long time.
Each time I’ve visited Georgia, usually Atlanta and its suburbs, I’ve loved the city and the people. You live in Georgia; are you a born and raised Southern Gentleman?
I’ve lived a lot of places, including overseas, and have made my home here for years. I like the warmer climes, but I am actually a Yankee! I believe I will probably move soon to pursue other experiences. I do like Georgia and think it’s a fine place to call home.
What’s next on the horizon for Paul Leslie? What are some immediate and long term goals?
Well, my immediate goal is to continue working on the book and then I suppose the other exciting thing is that starting in September, the radio program is going to go from once a week to twice a week. I hope to get more of the interviews uploaded to my YouTube channel to expand our reach and to allow the interviews to reach more people. I have also been experimenting with film a little. I’d like to start doing some interviews on film and believe I will.
As for long-term goals, Sirius/XM Satellite Radio has asked to take a closer look at our program. I cannot think of a better venue for our show, given the format and the types of guests we book. I think our show has a right to be heard. I also believe I could continue to schedule high-profile guests, probably having even more ability to speak with truly great artists who are culturally significant. My mother said that she wished for her future to be her present. I thought about that and realized how wonderful it is. A past guest of ours, songwriter and author Marshall Chapman, told me happiness is wanting what you have. For me, I already have what I want. I guess that makes me pretty lucky.
I love your Mother’s quote, and will remember it among the ones I refer to often. I too am at a place in life where I want what I have. There are still goals I hope to achieve, but I feel blessed to say, I’m happy and content with the now.
Thank you so much, Paul, for spending some time with me, and allowing your fans to get to know you a little better. I’m looking forward to your upcoming radio programs and your book, and I wish you luck in all your future endeavors. There’s no doubt you have a great future ahead of you.
Helen, the pleasure is all mine. I don’t know if I will ever get to welcome Barry Manilow on “The Paul Leslie Hour,” but if I do, I know my mom would be listening, and that’s “big time” to me. It would be an honor to be a part of the living legacy that is Barry Manilow’s music, even if just as a footnote. This music brings a lot of joy into the world.
When it’s all said and done, don’t we want to say that we brought some joy and maybe helped one another out a little, even if just a kind word or to spin a tune? It’s an incredible journey we’re all on. My mother always says, “It’s bigger than us.” I agree with her, and as for the ride I have been on, Marty Panzer said it best: it’s a miracle, a true blue spectacle, a miracle come true…
To learn more about Paul Leslie, visit his website, thepaulleslie.com.
janetfauret
Paul, when I listen to your interviews, I get the impression that your guests feel comfortable and at ease. This is because you have a very reassuring manner: you are genuinely interested in what your guest is saying, not just going through the motions. Although your interview with Helen is in print, the same feeling is present, one of mutual trust and true communication. Congratulations to both of you!