The Bob Lefsetz Podcast

W. David Marx is the author of the new book: "Status and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Rank Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change." He posits the dearth of quality new music comes down to status. We discuss this and other implications of status in society. Put your thinking cap on!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Paich is the primary songwriter, keyboardist and a vocalist in Toto. He also co-wrote Boz Scaggs's "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle," and worked on Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and too many other records to count. David talks about what it was like growing up the son of legendary Hollywood arranger Marty Paich, what it's like working your way up in the business, on the road with Sonny & Cher and in the studio, and the success of Toto. Paich has just released his first solo album, "Forgotten Toys," we talk about the record and so much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The one and only.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"New York Times" reporter Joe Coscarelli's "Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story" is the definitive book on today's rap scene. Whether you're a fan of rap or not, you need to read "Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story" to understand the culture, not only where the rappers come from, but how they make their impact and cash. This is the story of what is happening now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer/actor Harvey Fierstein is a charismatic raconteur you can't help but love. Listen to this podcast whether you know him or not, because embedded in his tales is so much wisdom, it's changed my life already!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio talk show host Thom Hartmann reaches 7 million people a week. We discuss the status of both the Republicans and the Democrats and investigate the state of talk radio today. Thom is erudite and insightful, prepare to be stimulated! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From high school dropout to EMI to Abbey Road to Pink Floyd to the Alan Parsons Project and the new album...we cover it all!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guitarist/singer/songwriter Marcus King is so open and honest it will blow your mind!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Hanna has been in every iteration of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, from "Mr. Bojangles" to "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" to "Fishin' in the Dark" to their just released album "Dirt Does Dylan." We discuss all of these eras!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Island, who has a new autobiography, "The Islander: My Life in Music and Beyond."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Logan Ury is a behavioral scientist turned dating coach, and the author of the book "How To Not Die Alone." As the Director of Relationship Science at the dating app Hinge, she leads a research team dedicated to helping people find love. After studying psychology at Harvard, Logan ran Google’s behavioral science team—the Irrational Lab. Her work has appeared in "The New York Times," "The Atlantic," "TIME," "The Washington Post," "GQ," "Glamour," "Vice," and on HBO and the BBC. If you're looking for love, or just interested in relationships, you'll be riveted and inspired to take action. Do you know how to fill out your dating profile? Do you know your profile photo can change an empty inbox into a full one? Are you wondering whether to continue or end a relationship and how to do it? Logan is the expert, you'll love listening to her!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Momsen fronts the band The Pretty Reckless. Listen to how she quit "Gossip Girl" to become the lead singer and songwriter of an act that has charted seven number one Mainstream Rock tracks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Gold owns Recordmecca, the premier site for buying and selling music memorabilia. Jeff discovered 149 unknown Bob Dylan acetates and was also the co-appraiser of the Bob Dylan Archive in Tulsa. We discuss collecting and selling as well as Jeff's journey from Rhino Records' first employee to executive positions at A&M and Warner Bros.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Etheridge is open, honest and forthcoming, nothing is off limits. We discuss her music, her relationships, her upbringing, her sexuality, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, the Oscars... It's like talking with a friend!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We cover it all, from Florida to L.A. to Denny Cordell to Jimmy Iovine to Jeff Lynne to George Drakoulias to the Dirty Knobs and Don Henley. You’re gonna dig this Heartbreaker’s testimony!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The one and only.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"New York Times" reporter David Gelles is the author of the best-selling book about Jack Welch entitled "The Man Who Broke Capitalism." In addition to going deep into the Chairman and CEO of General Electric, we discuss Boeing and the climate, Gelles's beats too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's right, Mr. Simple Minds! We cover everything from Bowie to Iovine to Hynde to his hotel in Sicily... Jim is a charismatic raconteur, you're gonna dig this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Haines is the lead singer, keyboard player and one of the songwriters in the band Metric. Metric is 100% independent, the band has done it all itself and as a result follows its own muse and answers to no one. This is Emily's story, her journey from the hinterlands to a worldwide fan base. Emily opines in depth about what it's like to be an artist in today's environment, you'll want to hear what she has to say.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pat Simmons is the only person who has been in every iteration of the Doobie Brothers. We talk about motorcycles, playing live before the Doobies, hooking up with Tom Johnston, New Orleans...there's a lot of history here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Grand Funk Railroad. Need I say more?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Murphy was one of the new Dylans of 1973, along with his friend Bruce Springsteen. But despite being on three major labels, Murphy never broke through in the States. However, Elliott was big in France, so he moved there in 1989 and has been living the life of the independent troubadour ever since, making records and touring to acclaim all over Europe. Listen to the story of how one man was spit out of the machine but found a way to survive by doing it himself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richie Furay was a member of Buffalo Springfield, Poco and the Souther, Hillman, Furay Band and has a new album of country covers produced by Val Garay. Richie is open and honest and tells a good story. You're gonna dig the insider truth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The one and only. I guarantee you’ll learn something you never knew before.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Browder is the author of "Red Notice" and "Freezing Order," which delineate his investments in Russia and the ultimate death of his attorney Sergei Magnitsky after he refuses to back down on his accusation that Russian government officials fraudulently claimed a $230 million tax refund for Browder's company, Hermitage Capital. We cover Browder's history and ultimate investments in Russia as well as Putin's personal vendetta against him and the status of Russia today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Robinson tour managed Jimi Hendrix and then went on to manage such acts as Van Morrison, Brinsley Schwarz, Graham Parker and Elvis Costello while also starting Stiff Records with his partner Jake Riviera and continuing to run the company after Jake's departure. Dave is an independent thinker who's had great success, this is his story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first half is all about Ukraine/Russia/defense and the second half is all about Skunk's musical career. You may or may not know that Skunk has worked with the defense department for decades. As for his musical endeavors...hear the inside story on Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chart Leo Sayer's career from graphic designer to nervous breakdown to John Lennon to Roger Daltrey to Pierrot to Richard Perry to being ripped-off to moving to Australia to... Leo Sayer is a raconteur and a true artist who is still creating, you'll love hearing his story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Scovill is a front of hall engineer who has worked with everybody from Rush and Def Leppard to Tom Petty and Kenny Chesney. He did the sound for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He's the go-to guy. Listen and you'll hear not only how he got from there to here, but the evolution of equipment, from the desk to the flying speakers... If you've ever wondered what that person standing behind the gear in the middle of the arena is doing...THIS IS THE PLACE!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Stein is the co-founder and guitarist and songwriter for the band Blondie. Chris talks about growing up in Brooklyn, school, trips to San Francisco, Andy Warhol and drugs, as well as Blondie's career. Listen to an intellectual tell the story of the New York scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hayes Carll is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Texas. We discuss how he performed virtually during the pandemic, as well as what it's like to be a touring musician singing his truth today and the tension between needing to have a presence online yet still focus on the work. Hayes also describes what it's like to pursue songwriting excellence as opposed to fame. This is the other side of the music industry, someone who has a presence in the landscape yet has to work for a living, who is known but is not famous enough to survive on recording income and sponsorships. Hayes is authentic, you'll enjoy listening to him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Sanders, aka M. Shadows, is the lead singer of Avenged Sevenfold. We discuss the band, but most of our talk is about crypto and NFTs and the innovative way Avenged Sevenfold is employing them. This is not selling worthless art, this is about empowering the band's hard core fans to evangelize. You'll be fascinated, I guarantee it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dann Huff was a top session musician, then guitarist and singer for the band Giant, and is now an elite record producer in Nashville. Dann goes deep into the practicalities and creative process of making records, and if you're at all involved in the recording process, if you're an act and want to have success, you need to listen to this. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lighting designer Marc Brickman started with Bruce Springsteen and ultimately worked with hundreds of acts, such as Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, John Mayer, Slipknot...and he still works with Neil Young. Brickman worked on the opening ceremonies for the Barcelona and Nagano Olympics and has been involved with many movies, as well as legitimate theatre. And he is also known for lighting the Empire State Building! Learn how Marc started at the bottom of rock and roll and made it to the top and became a legend. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Felix Cavaliere. The Rascal. The legend. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fee Waybill is the lead singer of the Tubes. Listen to how he made it from Arizona to San Francisco, from the country to the city, from roadie to frontman. And get an education on polo to boot! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Macias is the majordomo of Thirty Tigers, a label services company whose clients include Jason Isbell, Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams, Lupe Fiasco, Alanis Morissette, the Avett Brothers and many more. Thirty Tigers provides marketing, distribution and radio promotion and the artist retains the copyright in their work. We discuss how Thirty Tigers works...if you're in the independent sphere, you must listen to this, it's the best explanation of the landscape I've encountered. Also, we go deep into streaming music and SPOTIFY! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producer, songwriter, musician Jeff Bhasker has worked with Kanye West, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones as well as Mark Ronson, for whose album "Uptown Special" he shared the Producer of the Year Grammy. Jeff recounts his journey from New Mexico to Berklee to the road to a song on the Game's album to working with Kanye to being one of the most sought out producers in the world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Rodger manages Paul McCartney, Shania Twain, Andrea Bocelli and more. You're gonna want to listen to this! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Godley was 1/4 of 10cc, then he and Lol Creme left the band to explore their musical invention the Gizmo and then after that the two became cutting edge video directors at the advent of MTV. Kevin and Lol directed the video for Duran Duran's "Girls On Film," the Police's "Every Breath You Take," Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" and many more. Since parting ways with Lol, Kevin has directed videos for U2, Phil Collins, Alabama 3, Paul McCartney... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rickie Lee is so forthright and honest it will astound you. We talk about being on stage, insecurity, relationships...it's like sitting down with your best friend. Amazing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Jethro Tull. A must-listen whether you're a fan of the band or not. Ian Anderson is an erudite, thinking raconteur who weighs in on Covid as well as Indian food, salmon farming, the writing and creation of new music, his habits on the road and so much more. Ian is far from the typical rock star...IN A GOOD WAY! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Pollack ran the leading rock radio consultancy and then pivoted into music documentaries. Chances are the AOR station you listened to in the late eighties and nineties was programmed by Pollack. Jeff simultaneously worked with MTV and other clients. As a documentary producer, Jeff is responsible for "Laurel Canyon" on Epix, Paul McCartney and Rick Rubin on Hulu and more. Listen to how one man's love for music led him from fan to on-air talent to programming radio to ultimately working with such enterprises as Apple, CNN, Red Bull, YouTube, the NFL and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snuffy Walden was a raving madman of a guitar player with his band Stray Dog, opening for the likes of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and then he sobered up and became a composer for television. Not only did Snuffy write the iconic "thirtysomething" theme, he scored "The West Wing," "The Wonder Years," "Once and Again," "Friday Night Lights" and more. Listen to how a dedicated rocker married his background with the craft of television composing and succeeded! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shooter Jennings is not only Jessi Colter and Waylon Jennings's son, he's an artist and producer in his own right. Along with Dave Cobb, Shooter produced the last two Brandi Carlile albums and has a magic touch, helping formulate the songs as well as the sound. A nice, voluble guy, you'll fall in love with Shooter and want him to produce your record! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pat Boone says the Black artists whose songs he covered thanked him for doing so, it meant money in their bank accounts and career opportunities. Pat grew up in Nashville and found his way as a singer, and after ups and downs he got his big break and... Pat went to college, he had a family, he acted in movies...he did it all. You'll enjoy hearing him talk about it! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uber-manager Ken Kragen, who steered the careers of Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Trisha Yearwood, Olivia Newton-John, the Bee Gees, the Smothers Brothers, Travis Tritt, Gallagher and more, sadly just passed at 85. After Kenny Rogers died in 2020, Ken did a podcast with me about Kenny that was never aired. In fact, it's more about Ken than Kenny, so in tribute to him I am posting it now. If you're interested in going deeper, you can listen to my podcast with Ken about his life and career posted on September 12, 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Schools is the bassist for Widespread Panic. We discuss the band, but we also cover the "Get Back" documentary and Dave's personal life and... Dave is quite the raconteur, you will be entertained and edified! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brinsley Schwarz was a king of the pub rock scene with his own band and then became a member of the Rumour, which backed up Graham Parker and ultimately released records under its own moniker. Brinsley went on to work as a guitar tech in a music shop and then reunited with Graham Parker after getting over his fear of flying. Listen to the story of a journeyman who was never a star, but made a life out of music, who has a new album to boot! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy James cut "Hanky Panky" when he was just a teenager, and then he signed with Morris Levy's Roulette Records and ended up with tons of hits, but very little money. Listen to the story of an artist who pushed the limits of the hit single idiom (remember the tremolo effect in "Crimson and Clover"?) and toured with all the stars of the sixties as well as Hubert Humphrey! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.