In this episode, Mike guides us through the career of Wisconsin native, Bunny Berigan. Although his life was tragically short, he quickly established himself as one of the leading trumpeters of the swing era.

Visit fourseasonstheatre.com for more information and podcast guides. Check out the companion playlist on Spotify.

In this episode, similar to our previous episode on "Stardust," we take a deep dive on a single song. "I Got Rhythm," written by George and Ira Gershwin, not only inspired countless performances and recordings, but also created a harmonic structure used for endless jazz compositions and improvisations. We hope you enjoy hearing all the different takes on this American classic. 

Welcome to the Listening with Leckrone Podcast, a pop and jazz music history show hosted by the legendary music educator and former director of th University of Wisconsin marching band, Mike Leckrone. I'm Sam Taylor, the producer of the podcast. In this episode, we spotlight three unique singers, Jimmy Rushing, Helen Humes, and Joe Williams, who all spent time as vocalists for the Count Basie Orchestra. We hope you enjoy. 

For an episode guide for this and other episodes, visit fourseasonstheatre.com

In today's episode, we compare the careers of Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw, bandleaders and renowned clarinetists of the Big Band era. For more information on this episode, and to check out Four Seasons Theatre's 2024-2025 season announcement, visit fourseasonstheatre.com.

In this episode, Mike explores the illustrious life and career of one of music's greatest entertainers, Cab Calloway. Check out more information, including podcast guides, at https://fourseasonstheatre.com/onstage_on_air/listening-with-leckrone/

In this episode, Mike spotlights big band leaders Bennie Moten and Jimmie Lunceford. Though they may not be household names, we hope this episode will inspire you to listen to more from these swinging orchestras and perhaps make new discoveries within the Big Band Era. 

Happy Holidays! To offset the same old holiday songs playing through your head, Mike has curated a playlist of Holiday Hits you may not have heard before. Enjoy arrangements from Fats Waller, Harry James, Stan Kenton, and more!

Find transcripts and podcast guides at fourseasonstheatre.com.

In this episode, Mike explores the career and music of Wisconsin's own Les Paul, legendary guitarist and inventor. In addition to having an impact on the industry through his musicianship, he also greatly influenced physical guitar models and recording techniques through his own inventions and explorations. Whether you are listening to his early jazz trio, his collaborations with Mary Ford or Chet Atkins, or his country roots, Les Paul's personality and love for his instrument always shines through. 

For a transcript of this episode, along with a podcast guide, visit fourseasonstheatre.com.

In today's episode we explore the music of Jack Teagarden, a trombonist and vocalist whose superior technique and relaxed singing style found him playing with the biggest band leaders of the day. Check out fourseasonstheatre.com for more info and a transcript of this episode.

In this episode of Listening with Leckrone, Mike focuses in on one of Jazz's most charismatic and skillful pianists, Fats Waller. From his infamous playing style