The Paul Leslie Hour

In the world of songwriting there are a handful of giants. Bob McDill is a true example of a songwriting giant. It's a great pleasure and excitement I present the Bob McDill interview. McDill is a legendary figure in songwriting who is now retired. A past guest of ours referred to him as a gentleman and a master songwriter. More than 300 of his songs were recorded through the 70s to the 90s, 31 became #1 hits. As one of Music Row's most respected songwriters, Don Williams, Bobby Bare, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Waylon Jennings, the band Alabama, Keith Whitley have all recorded his songs. Bob McDill has won 37 BMI Awards and 17 ASCAP Awards and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Ladies and gentlemen, it's a great pleasure to welcome one of the hardest working men in songwriting, the great McDill. It's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

On this episode I'm joined by a man whose words and music have found their way into the hearts and minds of people everywhere. Paul Overstreet is a Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter. A native of Mississippi, he's written or co-written more than 2 dozen top ten songs, and some of the most famed artists have recorded his songs: George Jones, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Keith Whitley, Alison Kraus, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and so many others. In 2003, Overstreet was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Some of the songs he wrote / co-wrote include "Forever and Ever Amen," "On the Other Hand," "Some Beach," "When You Say Nothing at All," and countless others. I was honored to talk to singer, songwriter, performing and recording artist Paul Overstreet. It's all here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

My guest Laurence Hobgood has been called "one of the finest jazz pianists out there" by Jazz Times, and a "piano virtuoso" by the New York Times. Pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger, recording artist and performer Laurence Hobgood dropped in on The Paul Leslie Hour to talk about his latest album "Tessetera." Although respected as a composer, Hobgood is also known for his inventive interpretations of the American Songbook- both the Standards, but also the ever expanding new additions. It's a great interview with a master of jazz: Laurence Hobgood. Enjoy.

I was ecstatic to be joined by singer-songwriter, international performing artist and recording artist Paul Brady. He's from Northern Ireland and has been called a favorite songwriter and artist by everyone from Bob Dylan to Bonnie Raitt. His music is spectacular. A number of top recording artists from Santana to Tina Turner have covered his songs. In this interview we taped, he talks about a major American recording artist who may be recording some of his work in the coming year. It's all here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

I had the opportunity to interview one of the distinguished artists of our time. Jim Brickman is a musical force of creativity and inspiration. A hit songwriter, he also holds the unique title of being the best-selling solo pianist of our time. Expression seems to be his forte, whether his live performances, his albums, books, or his syndicated radio program "The Jim Brickman Show," which you can also get as a podcast. It was great to welcome songwriter, pianist, performer, recording artist and broadcaster Jim Brickman on The Paul Leslie Hour. As always, let me know what you think.

Ladies and gentlemen it's with great pleasure we present an interview with Don Schlitz who has been called one of the greatest songwriters ever. His song "The Gambler," recorded by Kenny Rogers was selected to be preserved in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically or artistically significant. A singer, performer and recording artist, he is an inductee in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and our national Songwriters Hall of Fame. Countless artists from Kenny Rogers, Alabama, Randy Travis, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Reba McEntire have recorded his songs.

It's the much anticipated Don Schlitz interview. We are honored to present his story to you.

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The sensational Ruta Lee is an actress, dancer, a Hollywood legend and an icon. She's starred in such films as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Funny Face and a personal favorite: Witness for the Prosecution. Her memoirs should be out soon, proudly entitled Consider Your Ass Kissed. You won't need any caffeine after listening to this interview with Hollywood star Ruta Lee. She really gives you pep and there are plenty laughs to be had. Let Ruta Lee make your day right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

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Here we are. Officially 16 years of hosting a show and it's an honor to welcome one of the most influential, timeless, soulful and lively saxophonists in the world. Lou Donaldson, sometimes called "Sweet Poppa Lou," is an alto saxophonist, composer, recording artist with more than 50 records through the decades, a legendary live performing artist and bandleader. Lou Donaldson has worked with the greats from Jimmy Smith, George Benson, Grant Green and Clifford Brown. Jazz critic and author Will Friedwald remarked "My first impulse is always to describe Lou Donaldson as the greatest alto saxophonist in the world." Donaldson has too many recognitions and hall of fame inductions to list here, but has received the NEA Jazz Master Award and has received widespread critical acclaim. The Paul Leslie Hour welcomes one of music's most exceptional legends: Lou Donaldson.

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An on-location interview with award-winning hit songwriter Jonathan Singleton. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Billy Currington, Gary Allan, Josh Turner, Tim McGraw and Luke Combs to name, but a few. I caught up with him at the 18th annual John Jarrard concert at the Brenau University Front Lawn in Gainesville, Georgia. This was completely off the cuff, raw and with a lot of background noise, but the content is great. It's a real look at the craft from one of the top songwriters in Nashville! The Paul Leslie Hour is honored to present him to you.

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It's an on-location interview with #1 hit songwriter, singer and performer Lee Thomas Miller. He's had songs recorded by Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Terri Clark, Randy Travis, Craig Morgan, Jamey Johnson and others. I caught up with him at the 18th annual John Jarrard Foundation concert at the Brenau University Front Lawn in Gainesville, Georgia. There's a lot of background noise, but you can understand the conversation. It's on The Paul Leslie Hour and I hope you enjoy!

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