Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville

Steve Cohen, Emmy award-winning producer and Billy Joel's longtime creative director, guides us through the creation of HBO's powerful new documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," premiering July 18th and 25th as a landmark two-part film exploring the Piano Man's extraordinary life and music. • Billy Joel initially resisted documentary proposals for years, believing "his life is in his music" until recently deciding the time was right • The project came together when filmmaker Susan Lacey (...

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Eric Dahl, host of the nationally syndicated Rock and Review with Eric Dahl TV show, shares his fascinating journey from accidentally purchasing BB King's stolen guitar to becoming a respected music interviewer reaching millions of viewers nationwide. • Started in television at age 19 in the mid-80s • Accidentally bought BB King's stolen Lucille guitar in Las Vegas and returned it to him • Transitioned from Vegas to Nashville in 2011 to better raise his daughter • Has expanded his show from ...

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Grammy-nominated jazz pianist, R&B singer, and record producer Patrice Rushen shares her journey through the entertainment industry. She offers wisdom about musical versatility, artistic growth, and prioritizing musical excellence over fame-seeking. • Currently working on an orchestral commission for Juilliard Prep School and Interlochen while balancing performing and teaching • Grew up in Los Angeles with diverse musical influences including jazz, Latin, gospel, and reggae • Earth...

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

Mike Batt shares his fascinating journey from writing Wombles hits to collaborating with Justin Haywood of the Moody Blues on their new orchestral cover of "Like in a Northern Town." His career spans decades of evolution as a songwriter, producer, composer, and arranger working with everyone from Art Garfunkel to the London Philharmonic Orchestra. • Collaborated with Justin Haywood on a new recording using the London Philharmonic Orchestra • First gained fame writing songs for The Womb...

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Rufus Wainwright, acclaimed by The New York Times for his genuine originality, shares updates on his diverse musical projects and reflects on his artistic journey spanning pop, classical, and collaborative work. • Currently promoting "Dream Requiem" featuring narrators including Meryl Streep and Jane Fonda • Preparing his second opera "Hadrian" for Italy's Spoleto Festival in June • Scheduled to perform for King Charles of England • Working on his 11th studio album, planning to begin recordi...

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Peter Samuelson shares how his transition from successful film producer to nonprofit founder has led to his greatest happiness and inspired his new book "Finding Happy." • Produced iconic films like "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Wild" • Co-founded Starlight with Steven Spielberg to help seriously ill children • Created First Star to propel foster youth to college success • Started EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof) providing mobile shelters for homeless individuals • New book "Finding Happy" comb...

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Michael Webb of Cimarron 615 shares the band's origin story and their deep connections to legendary country rock band Poco. The Nashville-based quartet brings harmony-driven California country rock to life with their unique blend of musical expertise and collaborative spirit. • Band name combines "Cimarron" from Rusty Young's classic Poco song with "615," Nashville's area code • Members Michael Webb, Jack Sundred, Rick Lono, and Ronnie Guilbeau connected through Poco and the Flying Bur...

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Billy Corgan, frontman of Smashing Pumpkins, shares his journey from rock star to wrestling promoter while reflecting on music industry transformations. Through conversations about his current projects and upcoming tours, Corgan reveals how he's maintained creative control and relevance over a four-decade career spanning 600+ songs. • Working on Melancholy 30th anniversary recordings and preparing for special shows at Chicago's Lyric Opera • Planning multiple tours including solo shows under...

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

John Paycheck, son of outlaw country legend Johnny Paycheck, joins us to share his journey as a country music artist balancing his father's legacy with his own unique sound and style. We explore the surprising complexity behind Johnny Paycheck's public image, getting an insider perspective on the man behind the music while learning how John is forging his own path in today's challenging music landscape. • Carrying the legacy of a famous father while managing public perception • Creatin...

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Alison Arngrim takes us on a journey through her remarkable life in Hollywood, from her iconic role as Nellie Olsen on Little House on the Prairie to her current career as an author, stand-up comedian, and advocate for abuse survivors. • Growing up in an entertainment dynasty with a mother who voiced Casper the Friendly Ghost and a father who managed Liberace • Learning the entertainment business from the inside as a child, witnessing how cartoons were made and celebrities were promoted • Pl...

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

Russell Watson and Helen Jane Long share the story behind their new collaborative album "Shine," blending Watson's powerful tenor with Long's evocative compositions to create music that uplifts and inspires audiences. • Multi-platinum tenor Russell Watson and billion-stream pianist Helen Jane Long met after Helen had admired Russell's voice for over 20 years • Helen specifically wrote the entire album for Russell's voice—a first in his 25-year career • Recording at Abbey Road Studios with wo...

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Jeff Dayton shares his journey from early musical beginnings to becoming Glen Campbell's band leader for 15 years and his current projects honoring Campbell's legacy. His remarkable career trajectory includes opening for major acts across the country, traveling internationally, and developing a deep connection with the Campbell family. • Discovered his love for guitar at age 10 after finding his father's instrument in a closet • Balanced formal music education with performing in bands ...

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Tony Mantor welcomes rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull to discuss the band's remarkable 56-year journey and their ongoing musical evolution since forming in 1967. • The real story behind the Jethro Tull band name: named after an 18th century agriculturist by a booking agent • How several band members from Anderson's high school days eventually reunited in Jethro Tull between 1969-1972 • George Martin's influential advice to Anderson that he could produce his own records • Anderson's pr...

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Tony Mantor sits down with Anson Williams, the unforgettable star from Happy Days, for a fascinating journey through his multifaceted career in entertainment and the stories that shaped his path to success. • Started as a passionate singer with no formal acting training before landing his role on Happy Days • Entrepreneurially introduced music into Happy Days, leading to record deals and $17,000 per night concert gigs • Encountered John Lennon and his son Julian who crashed the Happy Days se...

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

In a world where music often serves as a bridge between generations, Cousins Gibb share their poignant story of family, heritage, and creativity. Join Nick Endicott Gibb and Deborah McLean as they take us on an emotional journey, revealing how their familial ties have influenced their musical path. This episode dives deep into Nick's incredible discovery of his identity as the son of Maurice Gibb, enriching his connection to music and family. Listeners will hear about the challen...

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

Ever wondered how a classically trained pianist ends up playing alongside rock legends? We had the pleasure of sitting down with the inimitable Felix Cavalieri, a cornerstone of the 1960s music scene and the soulful force behind the Rascals. In our latest episode, Felix takes us through an extraordinary journey that began in Pelham, New York, under the influence of Beethoven and Bach, and unexpectedly swerved into the limelight of rock and roll, spurred by an unforgettable Beatles...

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

Discover the extraordinary journey of Dave Pomeroy, a quintessential figure in the music industry, as he reveals how a British military upbringing and an expired visa ultimately led him to the heart of Nashville's vibrant music scene. With anecdotes that include spontaneously jamming with legends like Sleepy LaBeef and witnessing Neil Young in casual settings, Dave's story is a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating path of a musician. Join us as we explore his captivatin...

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Have you ever wondered how a rock opera becomes a timeless classic? Join me, Tony Mantor, as I sit down with the legendary Jeff Wayne, the genius composer behind the 1978 rock opera adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." In this episode, Jeff opens up about his fascinating transition from an aspiring journalist to a renowned musician, revealing how his childhood piano lessons ignited a passion that would shape his future. We explore his early music industry experiences...

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

Ever wondered what it's like to grow up with some of the most famous parents in Hollywood? Join us as we chat with Jason Gould, son of Barbra Streisand and Elliot Gould, as he opens up about his life under the spotlight. Jason shares his journey from his early interest in filmmaking to his eventual passion for music, navigating the complexities of fame with a discerning eye. Despite the pressure of living up to his parents' legacies, Jason reveals how he found his own path and the pivot...

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

PP Arnold, a legendary American soul singer with a voice that echoes through the annals of music history, joins us for an intimate conversation on Almost Live Nashville. From her early days singing gospel in her Aunt Catherine's living room to her unexpected rise to fame with the Ike and Tina Turner Review, PP shares a deeply personal and inspiring story of resilience. She reflects on the challenges she faced, including a challenging marriage and the daring leap into the 60s UK ro...

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

Can you imagine the whirlwind of emotions tied to a 60-year musical legacy? This episode of Almost Live Nashville brings you an intimate conversation with Barbara Hawkins of the Dixie Cups. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of their timeless hit "Chapel of Love," Barbara recounts the electrifying events in New Orleans, including performances at Loyola University and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. She shares the honor of being featured on the festival poster...

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

Ever wondered how a hit song changes the trajectory of a band's career overnight? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Tony Scalzo of Fastball as he takes us through his musical journey, from his early days learning multiple instruments to the roller-coaster ride of fame with their smash hit "The Way." Tony reveals the band's creative process, the rejuvenation of their sound through his return to bass playing, and the relentless work behind sustaining success in the ever-evo...

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

Ever wondered what it was like to work side-by-side with legends like John Lennon and Paul McCartney? Join us as we sit down with the iconic Billy J Kramer, who shares the riveting story behind his stage name, a suggestion from Lennon himself. Discover the fascinating behind-the-scenes tales of recording songs written by the Beatles exclusively for him, including his hit single "Little Children," which marked a pivotal moment in his career. Kramer also opens up about the thrill of...

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

Do you ever wonder what it was like to be part of the pioneering girl group, the Shirelles? Join us as Beverly Lee takes us on a nostalgic journey back to 1957, sharing how the group's harmonic beginnings led to the creation of their first hit, "I Met Him on Sunday." Discover the serendipitous moment they were discovered by Florence Greenberg of Tiara Records, their brief departure to DECCA, and their triumphant return to Scepter Records. Beverly also recounts their historic...

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

Ever wondered how a left-handed guitar enthusiast transforms into a right-handed rock star? Join us as Mark Bryan, the founding member and guitarist of Hootie and the Blowfish, shares his captivating journey. Mark opens up about how early lessons and a love for ACDC's "TNT" ignited his passion for music, and how he drew inspiration from legends like Pete Townsend and Bruce Springsteen. Listen as Mark reveals his unique approach to songwriting and the creative process behind the in...

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

What happens when a teenage musician swaps the Catskill nightclubs for the glitzy sets of Hollywood? Don Most, beloved for his role as Ralph Malph on "Happy Days," shares his enthralling journey from an aspiring singer in New York to a celebrated actor in Los Angeles. This episode of "Almost Live Nashville" captures his transition from music to acting, inspired by the vibrant filmmaking scene of the late 60s, and the unexpected turn that led him to stay in LA and pursue a full-tim...

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

Have you ever wondered how music and faith can transform a life bound by addiction? On this inspiring episode of Almost Live Nashville, we sit down with Whey Jennings as he opens up about his harrowing battle with drug addiction and his remarkable journey to redemption. Whey shares the pivotal moments that shaped his recovery, including the profound personal loss that spurred him to change and the unwavering support system that held him together. His latest projects, the EP ...

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

Discover the secrets behind the legendary career of guitarist Steve Hackett. From the moment a pivotal call from Peter Gabriel changed his life, to the exhilarating highs of performing at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, Hackett shares the trials and triumphs of his journey with Genesis. Hear firsthand how influential figures like Segovia and Hank Marvin helped shape his unique sound, and enjoy personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of mastering difficult ins...

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024

Ever wondered what it takes to transform from a budding artist in New York to a global music sensation? Join us as the iconic Taylor Dayne shares her incredible journey, revealing the heartfelt moments that shaped her career and her determination to stay grounded amidst her monumental success. Taylor takes us back to her early days, reminiscing about the golden era of radio and the eclectic mix of 70s music that fueled her passion. Her stories provide an authentic glimpse in...

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2024

The vision behind this podcast is to share stories of individuals who have achieved success in the entertainment industry, both here in the U.S. and internationally. Our conversations will highlight the experiences of not just the talent, but also the behind the scenes personnel who contribute to the success of the industry. We will take a journey through the stories of these individuals. Get ready to be inspired by their journeys and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to achieve su...

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2024