Podcasts

A multi-genre musical icon who has been recording since 1953, Candi Staton has the unique distinction of achieving success in the gospel, R&B, pop and dance music over six decades.

In this extensive conversation with SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan (who first interviewed Candi in 1977), the multi-award winning singer/songwriter and performer talks about the different stages of her career, the fascinating story behind her 1976 recording of the now-classic “Young Hearts Run Free,” personal health challenges and a revival in popularity thanks to another anthem, “You Got The Love.”

The Isley Brothers have been making their mark as pioneers for five decades and their recent induction into the Lifetime Achievement category of The SoulMusic Hall Of Fame by popular vote online is recognition of their incredible contribution to contemporary music.

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss some of The Isleys’ classic recordings including “That Lady,” “Fight The Power,” “Harvest For The World” and “Footsteps In The Dark” and share about the group’s impact as funky groove makers and romantic balladeers of the first order.

Released in 1973, Donny Hathaway’s Extension Of A Man was a musical showcase for his artistry as a composer, musician and vocalist with tracks like the timeless and ever-relevant “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” the much-loved instrumental “Valdez In The Country” and his achingly soulful cover of “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know.” SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan (who interviewed Donny about the LP in London shortly after its release) and music industry veteran Michael Lewis discuss the album as well as Donny’s enduring influence on a whole generation of singers and musicians.

Released in 1981, the best-selling album What Cha' Gonna Do for Me by the iconic Chaka Khan gave her ever-expanding global audience an opportunity to hear her musical diversity with the jazz standout "And the Melody Still Lingers On (A Night in Tunisia," the dance music classic "I Know You, I Live You" and the Grammy-nominated title track.

Her third solo LP with multi-talented producer and arranger Arif Mardin, What Cha' Gonna Do for Me featured all-star musicians including members of the Average White Band among others.

As SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and music industry veteran Michael Lewis discuss, the album is still considered by many as an artistic milestone in Chaka's enduring career.

The creators of such ‘70s classics as “Don’t Cost You Nothing,” “Send It,” “Over & Over” and “Stay Free,” the dynamic duo of Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson can assuredly be considered soul music trendsetters and pioneers through their unparalleled legacy as multi-talented producers, songwriters and performers.

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan – who conducted his first interview in the US with Nick & Val in 1974 - discusses the couple’s cultural impact, distinctive imaging, live performances and personal favourites from ‘The Hits, Rarities & Remixes’ collection.

Originally released in 1991, the million-selling-plus “Private Line” album was the launching pad for soul man the late Gerald Levert’s solo career following his success with the group Levert. SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss Gerald’s heritage as the son of Eddie Levert of The O’Jays, his appeal to the loyal female audience he built as a solo artist and the legacy of great soul music he left.

A recent inductee into The SoulMusic Hall Of Fame, Sylvester played a pioneering role as a black and openly gay artist in the late ‘70s, contributing such classics as “You Make Me Feel Mighty Real” and “Over & Over.”   SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and acclaimed performer, producer, journalist and the founding faculty member at New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, Jason King discuss Sylvester’s influence on popular culture and his groundbreaking work that opened the doors for some of today’s ‘out and proud’ artists and performers.