The Voices Of Russ Ballard Podcast

Ian and Sven present the last of our three Podcasts with very special guest Leo Sayer and we are joined by Russ Ballard himself for a long awaited catch up with Leo.

The boys talk about Russ’s musical contributions on “Silverbird” and his production of “Another Year” for Leo as well as both providing fascinating anecdotes from their multi million selling recording careers.

To date the duo have unfortunately never written any songs together but following this Podcast, that might be about to change…..

"I wanted to write songs with Leo in 1976"

Russ Ballard on Leo Sayer

“Great talking to Russ again, he’s a wonderful man”

Leo Sayer on Russ Ballard

Ian and Sven follow up their highly acclaimed Podcast featuring Leo Sayer with part 2 of the chat which focuses on some amazing stories, told the only way Leo can.

These include how he became (after falling 25 feet off the stage), the last person to speak to Elvis before the King passed. Expect also to hear about sitting in British Airways First Class where he and Mohammed Ali became close friends and how Leo taught him and other famous boxers, how to to sing…..

We also discuss his latest releases “Selfie” and “Northern Songs” as well some fun “desert island” questions.

Elvis Presley (to Leo Sayer)

“This is Elvis Aaron Presley and you Make Me Feel Like Dancing “

Muhammad Ali (to Leo Sayer)

“I love you Leo”

We have an outstanding start to 2023 thanks to an extra special guest on the Voices of Russ Ballard Podcast with Ian and Sven, the one and only Leo Sayer who just celebrated 50 years in the music business.

This is part 1 of two Podcasts with Leo himself before we feature a fascinating conversation with Leo and Russ in the final episode.

We start here with the early years and many of Leo’s hits are featured, as well as recollections of his first taste of fame thanks to Roger Daltrey recording his songs. Hear Leo describe his career in detail playing with amazing musicians in LA (Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton, Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate, Leland Sklar, David Paich and Tom Scott to name but a few) when he was at his peak as a household name and “TV personality”. And with Leo there are always some great stories to tell.

The Podcast finishes with a Voices of Russ Ballard exclusive……is it true that Toto asked Leo to be their lead singer even before their first album was released?

Join us and find out!

Roger Daltrey (talking about Leo Sayer) “You wait until you hear this guy, he’s a better singer than me….”

Leo Sayer (on Russ Ballard) “He not only plays guitar but also mind-blowing piano. He’s very wise and very cool”

Ian and Sven complete their conversation with Steve Rodford with a Podcast dedicated to the life of his father, Jim Rodford. This coincides with the publication of a book about his life called “Jim Rodford Sideman, The Jim Rodford Story”.

Enjoy some brilliant anecdotes along the way as well as an exciting exclusive…..Steve reveals a lost track he recently found by the GB Blues Company featuring the Argent rhythm section (Jim and Bob Henrit) and the Mike Cotton Sound Horn Section. It’s called “ No Place” and you can hear it here for the first time anywhere in the world.

“I’d like to think that Dad was a big part of bringing rock and roll back to the Kinks” - Steve Rodford speaking about Jim Rodford.

“It”s What I do” - Jim Rodford on himself playing live gigs.

Following on from Chris White, Ian & Sven continue the Zombies theme and are in conversation with Steve Rodford, a fine drummer and musician in his own right but also the son of the legendry Bass Player Jim Rodford (Argent, Kinks, Zombies). Enjoy lots of great music from Argent, The Zombies, Frida from Abba, John Verity and much more.

“Growing up with my Dad in Argent I can’t tell you just looking back, how amazing that was and what an influence that was”.

Steve Rodford

“I was so proud of him”

Steve Rodford (talking about having a rock star father and parents evening!)

“You’re wasting your money Mum, I want to be a drummer”

Steve Rodford to his mother Jean when she arranged piano lessons

Ian and Sven return with part two of their fascinating conversation with original Zombie bass player and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Chris White.

Did you know Chris was responsible for the original Dire Straits demos?

Did you know The Zombies were responsible for introducing Tom Petty to rock and roll?

Which version of “celebration” do you prefer, Argent or Sparrow? (Talking of which, the newly released Sparrow album is also featured).

The new podcast answers all these questions and more!

Stop Press….Listen carefully for an excerpt from a brand new Russ Ballard track.

“I just wanted to say how much you affected Queen”

Brian May speaking to Chris White backstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony

After a short summer break, Ian and Sven are proud to present their latest guest on the Podcast Original Zombies Bass player and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Chris White.

In part one (of two), Chris tells us how the Zombies met and we go on the incredible journey towards their masterpiece, “Odessey & Oracle”.

Learn how the Zombies producer is carried out of the recording studio, Chris starts production and writing for Argent and Colin Blunstone in the early 70s and much, much more….

Songs featured “She’s Not There”, Beechwood Park, Hung Up On a Dream, “Time of the Season” “A Girl Like That”, Russ Ballard hit medley.

“Rod Argent called me many years later and told me how great my playing was on the original Zombies recordings”

Chris White

He’s one of the greatest English songwriters of all time”

Chris White talking about Russ Ballard

In Podcast Number Eleven, Ian and Sven conclude their conversation with the legendary Bob Henrit so stand by to hear even more humorous stories together with related music from Bob’s career including The Kinks, Genesis, Ringo Starr, The Who, Mike and The Mechanics and….The Bay City Rollers!

Learn the story of the two Ivor’s (Novello and Arbiter), what the Queen of England said to Bob (and apparently always says) when she met him, what Keith Moon offered him in the back of his Rolls Royce and much, much more…..

“Russell’s always been a year younger than me!”

Bob talking about Russ Ballard

‘Sound good Man!”

BB King (whilst cradling Lucille, his Gibson guitar) on hearing Argent play live