Podcasts

With an incredible career as an ‘A’ list musician, songwriter, producer, film composer and recording artist in his own right, Marcus Miller has worked with some of the true legends and icons within contemporary music including Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, David Sanborn and many others.

In this extensive conversation with SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan (who first met Marcus in 1981 when Luther Vandross was on the verge of jump-starting his solo career), the multi-award winner recalls just a few of the many highlights of his career to date from his days of playing on a non-stop round of studio sessions in the late ‘70s to co-writing the 1982 now-classic Jump To It with Luther for Aretha and producing the Miles Davis breakthrough album, Tutu.

Released in 1975, We Got By, Al Jarreau’s major label debut LP, received critical acclaim and heralded the arrival of a totally unique artist. Defying categorization, the album showcased Al’s distinctive vocal style and his skills as a poetic songwriter.

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss how We Got By was the launching pad for a distinguished four-decade-long career that established Al Jarreau as a one-of-a-kind artist with global appeal.

Released in 1992, In the Storm was the third solo album by El DeBarge, who had risen to prominence as the primary lead singer for the family group DeBarge at Motown. The first of two LPs El recorded for Warner Brothers, In the Storm presented the soulful vocalist and songwriter in diverse musical settings, with production by the legendary Maurice White (of Earth, Wind Fire fame) and Prince’s Paisley Park team.

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss El DeBarge’s trademark falsetto vocal style and his place in the lineage of sensual soul singers such as Marvin Gaye.

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.