The Bob Lefsetz Podcast

"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.

Paul Carrack wrote and sang the classic "How Long" for his band Ace, and sang "Tempted" for Squeeze and "Silent Running" and "The Living Years" for Mike and the Mechanics. Carrack also played keys on such varied albums as Roxy Music's "Avalon," the Pretenders' "Learning to Crawl" and Elton John's "Made in England." He's part of Eric Clapton's touring band and is on the road doing solo shows. Listen to how a boy from Sheffield makes a life in music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You'll like Donny Osmond after listening to this podcast, he's definitely not a bad apple! We talk about growing up in Southern California, the Osmonds, the Donny & Marie TV show, as well as Vegas and his new album. Donny talks about being broke and needing to resuscitate his career, he's fully aware of his public image. And who inspired his comeback, none other than PETER GABRIEL! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You're gonna love this. Chris Kimsey, producer and engineer for the Rolling Stones, Peter Frampton, Duran Duran and more, not only opines on those records, he also goes deep into equipment, technique and Dolby Atmos. If you have any interest in the studio, this is right up your alley. And even if not, you'll dig the stories. Amazing! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Baltimore docks to the Hollywood Bowl... Gina Schock is the drummer of the Go-Go's, a songwriter for Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez and the author of a new photo book about her band. Tune in to hear how a woman with a passion for rock made it to the top. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stevie Van Zandt, aka "Miami Steve," aka "Little Steven," aka "Silvio Dante," has written an autobiography, "Unrequited Infatuations." We dig into the process of writing the book, and we also cover the landscape from New Jersey...back to New Jersey! Growing up with the radio, the greatness of the Beatles, struggling in Asbury Park, failing to make the E Street Band, going straight and doing construction, playing the oldies circuit, making the E Street Band, going solo, returning to the E Street Band and appearing in "The Sopranos" and... Steven says he's not good with money, but he's had a jam-packed career, his life is rich with experiences, listen as we go deep! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Katz produced every Steely Dan album from "Can't Buy a Thrill" to "Gaucho" as well as Donald Fagen's "Nightfly." Listen as we chart Gary's career from Brooklyn to Hollywood, from Bobby Darin to Warner Brothers, with ABC/Dunhill in between. I guarantee you'll learn something about Steely Dan you didn't know! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lovin' Spoonful, need I say more? From Mugwumps to Woodstock to "Kotter," this is an in-depth exploration of John's life, who he is and how he made it. From Greenwich Village to the "Ed Sullivan Show" to the world! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dennis Arfa is CEO of Artist Group International where he is the agent for Billy Joel, Metallica, Def Leppard and many more. Arfa is a student of the game who knows where all the dollars in a deal are buried. We cover everything from the role of the agent in the world of overall touring deals to the duties of an agent to the evolution of Arfa's company and his career. This is a must listen for those interested in the touring business, it includes up to date information you'll want to know! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McMurtry has a great new album "The Horses and the Hounds" that addresses the world from an adult perspective. We discuss the life of a modern troubadour, releasing music to generate publicity and ticket sales, for McMurtry it's all about the live show. Despite being self-deprecating, James oozes with insight. This is a chance to get into the head of one of our foremost singer-songwiters. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fat Rat is the king of gaming music. He's got over 5.5 million YouTube subscribers and over 2 billion streams on YouTube and Spotify. Find out how a musician from a small city in Germany conquered the music business, going from Berlin to America and ultimately back again, signing to Universal and then leaving, finding he makes more money independently and can do whatever he chooses artistically. Want to know how to make it today? LISTEN! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Anka is a raconteur who tells us not only about his new album, but his writing process and 60+ years in the business, from bus tours with Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers to the Copa to Vegas to writing the theme song for "The Tonight Show" and "My Way" for Frank Sinatra. This is history come alive, with a lot of insight baked in, you'll dig this. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzi Quatro is a trip! You're gonna dig this podcast even if you've never heard any of her hit singles or seen her on "Happy Days" or read any of her books or seen her on stage or listened to her radio show... Suzi is open and honest about everything, displaying her Detroit roots despite living in the U.K. for decades. Suzi needed to make it, and she's still out there doing it. It was a blast talking to her! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Hall had hit records with his band Orleans, was voted Ski Instructor of the Year at Hunter Mountain, and ultimately was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms...and in between he was one of the driving forces behind No Nukes! We discuss John's activism as well as his musical history, how he moved to New York City and after a number of record deals ultimately struck it rich on Asylum with "Dance With Me" and "Still the One." We go deep into the details of what it takes to not only have a hit record, but to get elected to Congress. Meanwhile, John's still at it, he's got a new album entitled "Reclaiming My Time." You will thoroughly enjoy your time listening to Hall tell stories of his life and career! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ann Wilson, vocalist extraordinaire, is the lead singer of Heart. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know food luminary Andrew Zimmern from TV shows like "Bizarre Foods" on the Travel Channel and "What's Eating America" on MSNBC. Here we address all the issues in today's food world, from the pay of restaurant help to the quality of ingredients to the ability of food to heal our nation. Plus, we get Andrew's personal story, his interest in the culinary world from a young age, his descent into drugs, alcohol and homelessness, his rejuvenation in rehab in Minnesota and his journey back from dishwasher to chef to radio and TV personality. Andrew puts the food world in perspective, it's much larger and more significant than you think. And he can tell the tale! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rod Argent started out in the Zombies, for which he wrote the classics "She's Not There," "Tell Her No" and "Time of the Season." After the band broke up Argent formed a group under his own name and with Chris White composed their Top Five hit "Hold Your Head Up." Then with partner Peter Van Hooke he produced Tanita Tikaram's multi-platinum album "Ancient Heart" with its MTV staple "Twist in My Sobriety." And now he's in the Zombies once again! Not only does Rod tell the stories of the acts and the hits, he details what it was like growing up in the U.K. in the days of shortages, when the world was still in black and white. Argent is an amazing raconteur, you'll love hearing his stories! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.