Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Emmy-winning screenwriter, the divine Ken Levine, was today’s guilty, not guilty pleasure. Rushing off for a next-to-last dress rehearsal before tomorrow’s sole preview, we got a good, healthy dose of the funny, as Ken is wont to do. Guilty Pleasures, his 10th published full-length play, opens this Friday at the Westchester Theatre in Los Angeles for a four-week run. An adult entertainment, no, not that kind, the show’s disclaimer says, “Please note this play is intended for mature audiences, as it contains strong language and sexual content.” Ken adds, no nudity, but I know from experience it’ll be loaded with laughs. Bonus, my pal, Marshall McCabe, is one of the four stars. One of the most successful humans I know, cross-genre, Ken is a multi-award-winning writer of such shows as Cheers, MASH, Frasier, The Simpsons, and Wings. He’s directed over 60 TV episodes and has co-written the movie, VOLUNTEERS, starring Tom Hanks and John Candy; he’s been a radio DJ and the play-by-play voice of the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres. Ken’s hosted Dodger Talk for eight seasons, has hosted his own successful podcast, and wrote one of the 25 BEST blogs, as says Time Magazine. Currently, Ken’s a contributing cartoonist to the New Yorker Magazine and a globally successful playwright. Guilty Pleasures has been enjoying a two-year run in Prague! Why is he focused on the stage instead of the screen when clearly the financial benefits of the latter so greatly surpass the former? Ken tells it. As always, Ken reminded me how wonderful it is to laugh. A much-needed break from the current madness. I could sure use some more. I’ll be heading to the Westchester Theatre this weekend to indulge in some of Ken’s Guilty Pleasures (link in the comments). I’ll be using code Heywestchester for a $5 discount on the $25 tkts. Hell, it’s cheaper than a movie with real live actors making magic just feet away. There’s nothing like Live theatre. Except ballet and opera, but don’t tell Timothée Chalamet. Ken Levine Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson ***Wed, March 11th, 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET*** Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL8RAHvWdfQ

Nobu was the brainchild of Drew Nieprorent by Vicki Abelson

Despite his decades-long fantastical work in Trapper John, MD, Falcon Crest, Razorback, Logan's Run, Sisters, One Tree Hill, The M Word (the film we did together), recurring roles in 9-1 -1, and General Hospital, as well as scores more, we talked pretty much NONE of that. We talked REAL talk, the hard stuff. The very hard stuff. His sexual molestation at the age of 9 by Johnny Cortes, YES, he named him, for the first time, realizing that, especially now, it’s so very important. Gregory spoke of the toll it took on his psyche for years, and how he enlisted a modicum of “revenge.” But there is no justice when a child is violated by a pedophile. Do you hear that, Congress? Drinking and sexing at 11, self-supporting with a job and an apartment of his own at 14, the first non-religious conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, whose true intention was driven by motives it took Gregory years to realize. There was a suicide attempt, cocaine addiction that almost cost him everything, how he got sober, was betrayed, and miraculously turned that into a win. The spiritual awakening (realized as we spoke) that led to shedding another lifelong addiction, more insidious and perhaps even more dangerous, in a fashion. After years of shame, self-loathing, and damage done, Gregory resurrected his marriage; he and Randi celebrate 44 years and counting, his career, he’s doing some of his best work, 2025 brought him his first Emmy nod and he’s soon to be seen in Grace Period, a feature written and starring his daughter, Lily, directed by her partner, Peter Facinelli. What a family! Speaking of family, Gregory and Randi have 4 children, three grandchildren, and a new puppy named Henry. An avid activist, strong humanitarian, and a caring, loyal friend, Gregory is beloved by everyone who knows him. Including me. 

Gregory Harrison’s story begs to be told. I’m begging him to write it. Gregory Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, February 25th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Live With Danny Kortchmar - Don Henley, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt Kootch tells the story of how his and Don Henley’s monster hit, Dirty Laundry was born, how his and Jackson Browne’s, Somebody’s Baby was birthed, and how Running On Empty was recorded Live. This legendary guitar hero, songwriter, and producer, who’s been integral to more hits with more iconic artists than just about anyone I can think of, shared about all of them… James (or Jamie as he calls him), Taylor, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, the aforementioned Don Henley, and Jackson Browne. Kootch talked about his first producing gig - Louise Goffin, and the killer band he put together for her, which included Steve Lukather and Kenny Aaronoff, saying he learned from observing Peter Asher, who produced so many of the albums Kootch played on. He talked about producing Jon Bon Jovi, Toto, and Billy Joel, and the controversy that surrounded that gig. We got a few of his favorite memories through the years, and his shattering heartbreak, losing Lisa Roy, the love of his life, the sad for fans, and the boys themselves, seeming end of his dream band, The Immediate Family, both leading to his leaving LA and relocating to Rhode Island to be near his blood family. We got the hows and whys with little hope of resurrection. We also got his newfound joy playing with his new band, The Back Burners, whom I can’t wait to hear. The band features frontman Rocco DeRosa, Marty Ballou on bass, Vinny Pagano on drums, and Joel Latulippe on harmonica. A departure for Danny, it’s groove-driven soul and blues. Playing small clubs in the thriving local music scene and preparing to record, Kootch is feeling at home with his new band and his new digs. I've been blessed to know Kootch for some years. Thanks to Steve Postell, Danny played at my book launch for Don’t Jump almost a decade ago. He was a pretty serious man of few words for most of the time I knew him. Thanks to Lisa and the bliss of banding with Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkle, his fellow mates of The Section, 50 or so years in the playing, and Waddy Wachtel, whom he’s gigged with for almost as long, as well as Steve Postell, with whom he’s done innumerable projects in more recent years, and appearing in the Denny Tedesco award-winning documentary about them, Kootch was lighter, brighter, and happier than I’d seen him. I hope this move eases recent losses and brings creative and personal fulfillment. I also hold hope that we’ll see Kootch, Lee, Russ, Waddy, and Steve reunited, someday in some way. Danny, thanks for your enormous contribution to the soundtrack of my youth. Danny Kortchmar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, February 18th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Following his triumphant return to Dancing With The Stars and this week’s Hollywood Squares, this marks Tom Bergeron’s return to Game Changers. One of our first and most oft-recurring guests, Tom, remains one of my favorite humans. What a joy to spend time in his good company. We got the moment-to-moment behind the scenes of Tom’s return to DWTS, with Tom and me, and I’m guessing most watching, getting emotional all over again. The response from the audience and all present for the taping of the 20th Anniversary Show was love and goosebumps all around. Tom recounted what caused his demise at the show, gave us info that the powers that be didn’t have, his surprising reunion with Sean Spicer, his about-to-be reunion with Bobby Bones, and how Tom contributed to his returning his Mirrorball trophy, Tom’s thoughts on the current hosts, the celebrities, and what he thinks about the current format. For my money, bring the guy back! Leaning young is one thing. No one has come close to being as entertaining. Tom also gave us the skinny on his Hollywood Squares reunion and how he at first led the contestant to defeat, ultimately bringing her to victory and getting his amazing Gilbert Gottfried impression in. He told us about his long relationship with Whoopi, rekindled recently on The View as if no time had passed, and a warning from dear friend, Carl Reiner, to be careful about Whoopi’s beau. We touched on the current Reiner family horror and how fortunate Carl missed it. There were fabulous stories about his great friendship with “Bill” Shatner, Dick Van Dyke, Larry Fine, Moe Howard, his disastrous Emmy gig, his triumphant Emmy wins, and the ongoing philanthropy that led to the Critics’ Choice Association awarding him the first Sam Rubin award. Tom’s been pivotal in my world for the past 17 years. We touched on the when, where, and whys through the years. As with this show, all the ones before, and pretty much everything he’s ever done, Tom’s downright delightful, warm, and hysterically funny. It’s impossible not to adore the man. In these insanely troubled times, Tom’s the antidote. Tom Bergeron Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 2/4/26, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET https://youtube.com/live/k5_GV2j-lHo

The Dylan Whisperer Rob Stoner and I have been in the same city, on the same street, in the same club where I was promoting and he was playing, at the same time, over and over, and somehow we never met. Until tonight. He was worth waiting for. What a fun edutainment! We talked about his heroes, Chuck Berry to Jerry Lee Lewis, Rob’s famous photographer father, who, like Rob’s later boss, Bob Dylan, used art to change our thinking, to his own early days playing with Pete Seeger and Tim Hardin. From high school bands playing keyboards, guitar, and then bass, great story there as to why he picked it up, to his first session with Pete Seeger, another important mind-shaper, to Tim Hardin, and Don Mclean, with his first ill-fated named first album, Tapestry, to his second album and the session which bore his first #1 hit, American Pie. Rob tells the tale, from soup to platinum single. The session with Robert Gordon and Link Wray, recording a not-yet-wildly famous Bruce Springsteen’s first recording of his soon-to-be monster hit, Fire. Where a young Rob Stoner came up with the iconic bass line that Bruce would soon “borrow.” Rob had his own record deal in ’73, meeting Dylan a year later, Bob telling Rob he’d come to call, and how Rob’s band became the backup band for Dylan’s album Desire when he finally did call about a decade later. Rolling Thunder, Rob, the musical director, for Dylan’s long-held dream to put together a traveling carnival show. How it worked, all the moving parts, and the one erratic member. Dylan. Rob told us about their relationship, never knowing if this gig would be his last, and how, thanks to Robert Gordon (and Link Wray), whom Rob would play with for over 40 years, helped Rob to end it on his terms. We talked the pandemic and how Zoom changed the game for Rob (and me, and many of us), who grew his teaching practice and extended his reach globally. His daily Facebook videos, doing what he loves, playing music that he loves, which receive millions of views. A massive Dylan fan since the 60s and enthusiast of most of the artists Rob has played with, it was a thrill to get his take on the Complete Unknown, what it was like for Baez to play with Dylan, why Robert Gordon and Link Wray eventually split up… and so much more. Rob’s been there, done that, and charmingly shares the tales. Loved every moment! Rob Stoner Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 1/28/26, ***6 PM PT/ 9 PM ET*** Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Eddie Bayers-First Drummer EVER in the Country Music Hall of Fame by Vicki Abelson

Jerry Douglas - King of the Dobro- 16 Grammys, 3 CMAs, 3 AMAs, a Million Stories! 16-time Grammy Winner, three-time CMA Musician of the Year award recipient, Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship award winner, Artist in Residence for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Jerry Douglas, is such an underachiever! What is a dobro? Uninformed minds wanted to know. Jerry schooled us, but as your fun favorite professor would. Why a dobro? We got that education too. From his bluegrass-playing steelworker band on the side, father, Flatt and Scruggs obsessed little kid, to professional musician at 16, playing Avery Fischer Hall with headliner David Bromberg, to winning his first Grammy at 19, to playing with James Taylor, John Prine, Steve Goodman, Mumford & Sons, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Alison Krauss, to Eric Clapton. We got the skinny on all of them, plus Jerry’s chance meeting with Sir Paul, a seemingly scary Ry Cooder, recording in Abby Road, dinner with Clapton and Ron Wood, how he met his bride of 17 years, parenting 4, grandparenting 7, loving all of them, all of it, except the night of extreme excess that led to his sobriety. Bonus, he also played us out, as only dobro master, Jerry Douglas, could. I knew when Snuffy and I spent an evening in Nashville recently with Jerry and Jill that he’d be a great guest, as with his playing, he exceeded all expectations. Jerry Douglas Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 1/14/26, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET

Tommy James & The Shondells have sold over 110 million records, had 32 Billboard Hot 100 hits, 23 Gold Singles, 9 Platinum Albums, and been awarded a BMI Five Million-Air Award! Their music has been featured in over 200 films, TV shows (like Breaking Bad & The Simpsons), and commercials. To date, over 300 musicians have recorded covers of their music, including Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Prince, R.E.M., Kelly Clarkson, Bruce Springsteen, and The Boston Pops, and yet, they didn’t see a penny of their royalties! Enter mobster, Morris Levy, of Roulette Records. It’s a story for the books, and Tommy James wrote it. Me, The Mob, and The Music, soon to be a streaming series on a television near you. It’s a thrill ride read, what a tale, and Tommy shares some highs and lows, complete with impressions, right here. Tommy James of TJ & The Shondells Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson THURSDAY, 1/8/26, ** Special Time 2 PM PT, 5 PM ET** Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube https://bit.ly/49eCSb4 https://www.youtube.com/live/W6myTrGMvcU

Jeff Bridges, her boyfriend, Jeff Beck, a fan boy, Roger Daltrey, the boy next door, and OJ & Nicole, her party guests. She can prove it. She’s got Polaroids of all of them, and so many more. They’re all in her new book, Tight Heads, available here at allnight-menu.com just in time for the holidays. It was great to sit down and catch up with my pal, Candy Clark. We used to run around BC (before COVID) and shared a bunch of Hollywood adventures, and bumped into each other at a concert or two. It’s been way too long and more Zoom than not since the whole pandemic thing. Candy never stopped making the scene; I’ve barely dipped a toe. Time to change that. And with whom better than this exuberant, energetic, indefatigable beauty? We talked Candy’s life change from Texas receptionist to New York model with $10 and a business card in her pocket. How she parlayed that to hooking up with American film royalty, an Academy Award nomination, co-starring with a rockstar, and partying with everybody, everywhere, all at once. Love this amazing woman who refuses to age or grow up. Thank God! Great stories, and she’s so damn easy on the eyes. Candy Clark on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson- SWEET! Wednesday, 11/19/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Tim Pierce cracked the YouTube code and is such a masterful teacher, after 15 years, I finally get it! So what if he’s a world renowned session guitarist who’s played on the Goo Goo Dolls’ Iris, which has over 5 billion streams, on Michael Jackson’s Black or White and his work was left intact, did 5 albums with Joe Cocker, Bon Jovi’s first hit single, toured with Rick Springfield for four years when he was the biggest rockstar on the planet… so what! The man has made the internet his oyster and managed to make it work for him to unheard of success. He lives every day his way, helping scores of musicians be better guitarists, and is educating me on how to finally thrive on YouTube! We talked Tim’s miraculous 42 marriage, years of sobriety, how he got started, the choices he made along the way bringing him to this day… his daily routine, his incredible focus, determination, intelliegence, and talent that’s brought him success beyond dreams without leaving his home, except when he chooses, all while being of service to others hungry for his tutelage, including my own Snuffy, a longtime hero of Tim’s. I’m so fired up to implement what he taught me about videos. I might borrow one of Snuff’s acoustics and tune into Tim’s beginner's classes, and try my long-taloned fingers on the strings for the first time in a gazillion years. Tim’s such a patient and gifted teacher I might strum out a tune or two. You could too. I’ll meet you here https://www.youtube.com/user/timpierceguitar Tim Pierce on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 11/12/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET Streaming Live on my FB & YouTube FB Replay https://bit.ly/43VK20E YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoRm5iYnReo&t=1194s

Billy Joel, John Fogerty, Bassist David Santos Kills Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson I was so looking forward to catching up with bassist David Santos after almost 40 years. Insane in itself! The sit-down stunningly exceeded my expectations. What crazy fun! David regaled us with story after story… starting with gigging for me on Bleecker Street, doing weddings, The Ringo AllStar Band, sans Ringo, with Billy Preston, Lou Gramm, Mark Farner, Felix Cavaliere, Liberty DeVito, Mark Rivera, Randy Bachman, and a backup singer named Wendy Moten who would change and share his life. They’re a rare rock n’ roll romance success story, today, 30+ years later. David took us through his 3ish years with Billy Joel, how he got the gig, and how he lost it, 13 years with John Fogerty, how he got it and then lost it, Melissa Etheridge, 7 years, how it got it and lost it, Fleetwood Mac, 1 day, how he got it, lost it, 5 yrs with Crosby, Stills, & Nash, getting it, losing it - does there seem to be a pattern here... yup, hysterically summed up each time. Sure, it’s funny now, in retrospect, as David has great perspective, self-awareness, good humor, and humility. He’s amassed wisdom to add to his formidable talent, perseverance, and ambition. And he always lands bass up! Unlike me, who literally did an unintended mic drop. As was pointed out, this meaty conversation had comedy, drama, romance, intrigue, horror, heart, and life lessons galore. I could have talked to David all night and still have wanted more. And more, I’ll get. We have a face-to-face reunion in the reals with Wendy and Snuffy in Nashville coming up. Can you imagine the music those three could make? Don’t know if that’s on the menu, but do know we’ll be seeing Wendy at the Grand Ole Opry, and sharing great local eats! What a way to ring in my next year! David Santos Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 10/8/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube Links in the Comments Replay here: http://bit.ly/46TQ3M4 and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGNYDGbnpE4&t=3s

Nestor Carbonell Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Nestor Carbonell has it all. A beautiful wife, great kids, a wildly successful career spanning three plus decades, which is hotter than ever, with two hit shows streaming (The Morning Show on Apple TV, and Pulse on Netflix), a brand new film in theatres (Motherland), a sparkling Emmy award (for Shōgun), his first feature about to be cast, an episode of Law & Order to direct, and a beard being grown for a greenlit new movie he’s soon to shoot. That’s just part of the story. What he also has in abundance is humility, accessibility, warmth, kindness, sweetness, and he’s hotter than ever to gaze upon, too. Those insanely dark-rimmed eyes, which he swears are natural, sans “paint” (my new favorite word for make-up), thank you, Nestor, are awfully fun to feast upon, too. He’s the whole enchilada, and I say that with all due respect, and the Harvard grad is due a lot! We’ve been having a Nestor Carbonell film festival over here for the past week, and barely scratched the surface. Last night alone, we watched Motherland, also available to rent at home, The Dark Knight, which I hadn’t seen since it dropped, what a star-studded extravaganza that is, with a brilliant Heath Ledger in his final film, and, the latest episode of The Morning Show, where Nestor’s Yanko continues to evolve before our eyes, as does the show. Tonight we’ll get back to our Lost binge; we haven’t even gotten to Nestor’s run yet. I’m exhausted just watching the guy. How the hell does he manage it all? This conversation spoke to Nestor’s easy, self-effacing generosity of spirit. We touched on his parents, his background, early education, that crazy college, finding acting, how he broke in and through, the work, some tricks of his trade, meeting his bride of two decades, Shannon Kenny, her talents, can’t wait to read her All Is Not Lost (on order!), managing career and kids, the sacrifices, getting through the pandemic, how it’s changed him, the work, and the world, and, at each turn, he asked about me––quite a guy. As versatile and compelling as he is on screen, is as focused and charming as he is in life. Nestor’s an anomaly. The total package. If something’s missing, I missed it. How fun to keep watching and looking. Nestor Carbonell Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 10/1/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube http://bit.ly/48cr1dw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIWkX8ksNhk

The Blues Magoos Peppy Castro Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson There’s fun, and then there’s spending two hours with The Blues Magoos Peppy Castro! He’s lived a rockers’ life to covet and then some! The Who, Hendrix, Dylan, Jefferson Airplane, JOHN LENNON for Gd’s sake! Stories, stories, stories, one better than the next. He drove a Beatle in a Beetle! Who can say that? Skipping school and playing the Night Owl in the village when he was 14. 14! When Jimi used to stop in and jam, when Bob would roam the streets with his guitar, when Richie Havens would just wander in… doing the Jack Benny Show with Henny Youngman and Morey Amsterdam firing schtick in the green room, doing The Smother’s Brother’s Comedy Hour with Tommy trying to join the band, touring with The Who and Herman’s Hermits and The Who were the middle act! An insane story about Micheal Botlon, about getting the role in the original production of Hair on Broadway, doing jingle after jingle - with one I’m still singing… we talked Phoebe Snow, Laura Branigan, Buzzy Linhardt, Jay & The Americans, The Turtles with beloved Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, Tommy James, Lou Cristie, Joan Jett, on and on, and on! FAB! FAB! FAB! Forty years in the making - we could’ve screamed across the street at each other in the 80s. I did visit his penthouse once, but thought it was elsewhere. There may or may not have been a lotta pot involved. The antidote to today’s latest crazy… this thing right here. Just hit play. It’s the joy button. Promise! The Blues Magoos Peppy Castro Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 9/17/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube Replay: http://bit.ly/46d9CA0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI5Mbp2uy8U&t=2169s

Bette Sussman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Keyboardist, composer, musical director, Emmy winner, Bette Sussman, is a dear friend, a Scorpio almost twin sista, crazy talented, grows her food, cooks delectably, rocks hard, leans left, which is right, cares about humans and other living things… what more could you want in a person? What fun to talk about life, the day to day, how it’s changed, how we’ve changed, the passions that remain, new hobbies, new music… a gig next Tues, 9/16 doing the music of Burt Bacharat with loads of other brilliant musicians, and a just dropped yesterday doc about the vocalists and music behind Chaka Khan, you can catch Crafting The Sound on YouTube. We dished the genius of Cissy Houston, Bette was her MD for five or so years, with a young backup singer named Whitney, who came into her own and took Bette with her in her heyday, for 11 plus years, before the fall, and segued with an intro from Marc Shaiman to 11 plus years with another Bette. Midler. Close with all of her musical collaborators, but especially this one, until a nasty fight in Vegas. Our Bette tells it, as well as the redemption and sweet closeness they again share, as recently as last week. Great story there. We hear about Cyndi, friends, but not so easy, and a really rough and awful end with Patti LuPone. 

We talked about sessions, industrials, touring, and mutual friends Will Lee, Steve Ferrone, and Keb Mo. Bette’s played with loads more. I have little doubt we could have talked for another 1:45 and not gotten to all of them. Reminiscent of pre-pandemic days, I was so relaxed and cozy, it felt like we were sitting in Bette’s kitchen together. I could almost taste her perfect homegrown heirloom tomato and smell the sauce she cooked from its harvest. Next visit at Bette’s place, and we feast! Can’t wait! Bette Sussman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 9/10/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube http://bit.ly/3VIud93 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpXhSh3Ula8

Liberty DeVitto Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Sitting down with iconic Billy Joel drummer, Liberty DeVitto, after a too-long three-year hiatus was fantastical! Friends since the 80s, I never get enough of Lib’s stories and his spectacular storytelling. Hot off the heels of being a major player in the current HBO/MAX Billy Joel doc, And So It Goes, Lib caught us up and filled in the blanks. Over the course of five interviews spanning the last decade, pieces of the story have been uncovered; today, Liberty put them all together. How did Billy’s once fierce loyalty wane, replaced with a detached coldness? The reasons stated in the doc, only part of the story. We got the deets, including turning down George Martin in favor of his band, refusing a ride to McCartney’s 911 recording session when there wasn’t room for Lib in the car, and to an ill-shared secret spilled by Lib’s then wife to Billy’s then wife, Christie. Liberty’s sobriety sobering, and a joy killer to Billy. How the end came down without a word to their longtime bandmates, Russell Javors and Doug Stegmeyer, perhaps responsible for the latter’s demise. And how, sometime later, the same fate awaited Liberty. The truth about his lawsuit and why he fought. Elizabeth Weber, Billy’s first wife and manager’s support, and why she finally chose to speak up and set the record straight. Lib talked about his and Billy’s 15-year silence following their 30-year collaboration, their reconciliation, and their ongoing renewed friendship, as Billy faces serious health issues. We got the scoop on his meeting Beatles, Ringo and Paul, playing with them - full circle from their inspiring his life’s path. Karen Carpenter, Carly Simon, The Beach Boys, Phoebe Snow, Ronnie Spector, just a few he’s shared a studio and or a stage with. How, with Billy’s blessing, the original Billy Joel Band, Liberty, Richie Cannata (gratefully recovered from a life-threatening aortic dissection), and Russell Javors, carry on as The Lords of 52nd Street, and how his Slim Kings are amassing a huge following, dropping a new record, and readying to tour. He’s got a gorgeous wife, a happy marriage, four thriving daughters, and two grandchildren; he’s sober. Life is good! Mine’s better with Liberty in it. Adore the man! Liberty Devitto Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 8/27/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube http://bit.ly/4mV01nn https://www.youtube.com/live/9q2bOQD6ZuM

The Cowsills Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson What’s better than sitting down with your old friend and childhood hero, Bob Cowsill? Being surprised when Paul and Susan Cowsill join him. Us. What fun! The Cowsills (Hair, The Rain, The Park, and Other Things, We Can Fly), currently out on The Happy Together Tour, are the real-life Partridge Family, upon whom the show was based. A fan since the 60s, they adorned my walls and turntable. I love them. Bob Cowsill holds the distinction of having the most viewed video on my YouTube channel, over 203K views and counting, daily, years after its release. Bob's Women Who Write appearance, middling for the late, great Ed Asner, with incredible opener, James Morrison, of 24, was a KILLER! It was an instant classic, timeless, not to be missed! It'll make you happy, happy, happy, as no doubt this 4th sitdown with the always ridiculously entertaining, funny man and the second with the lot of 'em will. We talked about their watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan, and the impact they had on Bob and Bill, their first two failed record deals, some oddly named group, Simon & Garfunkel, who bested them. The third deal was the charm with The Rain, The Park & Other Things written for them. How Mom, Paul & Susan each joined the brothers. How Hair came to them, thank you, Carl Reiner...how pleasing their fans, whether on The Happy Together Tour, which they've opened for 11 years, or on The Flower Power cruise, which they do annually, is their primary purpose. They always play their hits and love doing so. We talked about their new releases, Rhythm of the World, Global, and the upcoming The Cocaine Drain, and their long-awaited a cappella album. If you're lucky enough to catch one of their bi-monthly Cowsills gigs, you might get to hear Is Your Love Alive, or other previously unreleased gems. But you can bet you'll hear their classics and some great covers. They are now and have always been crowd pleasers, and that includes sitting down with them. They're open, fun, clearly love each other, and have infectious enthusiasm for what they do and life in general. As always, whether at one of their shows or chatting, I had a ball. I trust you will, too. The Cowsills Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 8/20/25, **2 PM PT, 5 PM ET** Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube http://bit.ly/3JpW8rB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcTbAcaLw1Q

Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson It was a sweet reunion when 3 x Emmy-winner Bradley Whitford of The West Wing was surprised and serenaded by composer Snuffy Walden, with the show’s Emmy-winning theme. They share quite a bit of history, having also done Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Last night Snuff and I binged the pilot episodes of both shows and were astounded by how timely they still are. Bradley and I discussed his storyline in that first West Wing, which could’ve been ripped out of today’s headlines. We also talked about Studio 60 and the irony of Danny Trip’s confession to Matt Albie, played by Matthew Perry, about his drug slip. Bradley’s emotional remembrance of the show, its cast, and specifically Matthew’s comedic brilliance, and the pocket of sobriety for Matt that allowed for some of his best work. Bradley ain’t no Hollywood fluffernutter. Of progressive Quaker stock, his father, who worked at an insurance company, was the local president of Planned Parenthood before it was political, his mother was an outspoken advocate, and his brother, a conscientious objector. Talk about an unusual childhood, he has an 85-year-old sister. Bradley came from a loving, functional home, and still became an actor. Now that’s an anomaly right there. We did a deep dive into the state of the union. Thoughtful, passionate, and in solution, Bradley puts his activism where his mouth is. We talked Trump, Musk, Kennedy, gender affirming care, Biden, Kamala, Hillary, Iran, immigration, how art will not save us, only politics will. And yet much of Bradley’s art is political. We spoke about The Handmaid’s Tale from innumerable angles. For me, arguably perhaps the greatest show ever on television, and his Commander Lawrence, is probably the most layered, complex character he’s portrayed. We talked about Elisabeth and their earlier connection in The West Wing, Anne Dowd, and how her spectacular performance inspired Margaret Atwood’s writing, The Testaments, for her. Bradley was far more interested in talking about current affairs and how essential it is that we do more than talk than he was in talking about his work. But we did squeeze in some time to discuss For Worse, the indie feature his bride, Amy Landecker, wrote, directed, and stars in alongside Bradley. His respect, love, and admiration to Amy are adorable to behold. Making the festival circuit and winning awards along the way, I can’t wait to see the film loosely based on their romance. I’m a fan. A great, big avid Bradley Whitford fan. The last time we met, it was at a big Hollywood soiree. He was equally as open, personable, unaffected, opinionated, and accessible as he was this day. As much as I adore his work, I’m grateful as hell for his humanity and advocacy. I hope to consider “What would Bradley do” a whole lot more moving forward. And speaking of hope, he has it in abundance… mix that with some fun, his learned recipe’s secret sauce, and there’s good reason to trust that there are better days ahead. It’s up to us, all of us, to make it so. This should be essential viewing for anyone in fear and despair. Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/25/25, 2 PM PT, 5 PM ET Streamed Live FB Replay http://bit.ly/4lv7rfX & YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFMXr8g9yyY&t=187s

Decades later, as if no time had passed, bassist Kevin Jenkins came to call. I met Kevin in 1986ish, when he was playing with Cyndi Lauper at the height of her fame. He had stopped in to the Rock ’N Roll Cafe, sat in, and graced our small stage. Big man on campus, he was pop-rock royalty. Girl just wanted to have fun, so with my Cafe cohort, Steve Principe, we headed to The Stone Pony to catch Kevin with Cyndi. About a decade later, I’d meet up with Cyndi as Upper Westside mommies… but I digress. Kevin continued to come around and sit in, most notably with my beloved Phoebe Snow and Matt Sorum from Guns & Roses, at the Cafe Wha. From Tokyo’s Budokan to London’s famous Albert Hall to NYC’s Madison Square Garden - Kevin’s played them all, with the aforementioned Cyndi Lauper, and Enrique Iglesias, Taylor Dayne, Vicki Sue Robinson, Graham Parker, Lamya, Tom Rush, Maxwell, Roberta Flack, Debbie GIbson and, most recently, Grammy® nominated blues queen Shemekia Copeland, who he’s been with 2005. We talked about them all, as well as the music that influenced him, how he got started, how one meeting led to one gig, which led to another. When imbibing started to interfere, Kevin got sober 38 years ago. We discussed that journey, too. We discussed his highlights, opening for Clapton and Michael Jackson, as well as loss, and love. Kevin filled us in on his solo efforts, Step Inside and True Groove, as well as his latest, She:  A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, which will be released in November. Humble and unpretentious to a fault, it was a delightful stroll down memory lane with loads of new info and great stories along the way. Kevin is just as I remember him, except even better. Wisdom, experience, and a clear mind have added to the mix. Adore the man, love his playing, respect his humanity. Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB http://bit.ly/4kG0LeK And YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eup_wy0SJlM&t=2985s

Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Happy Happy Joy Joy, that’s spending time conversing with our good friend, Leland Sklar, who’s made it all about the bass with everybody on everything, from Phil Collins, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Billy Cobham, Carole King, Hall & Oates, Crosby Stills, & Nash, Barbra Streisand, Joe Cocker, Toto, Lyle Lovett, and the list goes on and on, and on, and on… over 2500 + albums worth. I’m exhausted typing this. How the hell does he do it? An activist, Lee’s stood up, spoken out, and paid the price innumerable times. A voice of clarity, passion, and reason, we got into it big time… the LA protests, the insanity surrounding them, the terrifying regime, our hope for Newsom, the unknowing of how to stop it, or how it will ultimately shake out… the fires, the transition back to living post the pandemic. Of course, we did talk music too. Respects to Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, Lee having played with the former, and influenced by the latter… how health has befallen so many heroes, Phil Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond… and the wonder of Leland, currently doing 3 hr concerts with Lyle, still standing. That boy has good genes. Levis. The ongoing and upcoming big tour with Lyle and the sad putting aside, for now, of The Immediate Family. We talked about the lads, his brothers, Russ Kunkel, Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, and Steve Postel, what makes that band so rockin’ special, we talked about James Taylor, Peter Asher, who Lee holds responsible for launching his career, Phil Collins, and his amazingly talented son, Nick, Toto, Stevie Nicks, his book, Everybody Loves Me, which I’m blessed to be in, and Lee’s marriage that has endured for 54 years and counting. Lee’s one of the most universally adored musicians for his playing, his humanity, his humor, and his great big heart. I adore him. Who doesn’t? Well, maybe a couple of fools on Capitol Hill. The man’s a marvel. Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB https://bit.ly/4dZz0Lx And YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU7luUSTrRU&t=22s