Podcasts

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.

Originally released in 1980, “Give Me The Night” provided the multi-talented George Benson with a new level of global success. Produced by Quincy Jones, the LP included timeless dance floor classics such as the hypnotic title cut and “Love X Love.”  As SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and music industry veteran Michael Lewis discuss, the multi-million-selling album showcased George’s artistry as a musician and vocalist appealing to R&B, jazz and pop audiences worldwide.

Originally released in 1983, Stompin’ At The Savoy represented the end of an era for groundbreaking group Rufus with the iconic Chaka Khan.  As SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and longtime colleague Michael Lewis discuss, the LP captured the band’s dynamic energy and Chaka’s fiery vocals and also gave us the timeless anthem, “Ain’t Nobody".

Join SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and music industry veteran Michael Lewis as they discuss the role that black music pioneers such as Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder and others have played in creating timeless songs that have empowered, uplifted and inspired generations globally in the quest for equal rights, justice and freedom.