Listen Back : The Podcast

During the beginning of the pandemic in 2020,  I had the honor of having  some of the most extraordinary raw unedited conversations with many of my friends. It was so hard for me not to be a fan. I never ask them these questions. So all of this was new to me. Ron left me alone so I had no supervision.  Yes…I annoyed myself getting too excited. (Laughing) Still I’m grateful all of this happened. Season 2 of Listenback The Podcast opens the first episode with Emmy Nominated Actor and Recording Artist Tituss Burgess (UnBreakable Kimmy Schmidt, RESPECT). One special moment he shares is the phone call he had just received during this time, coming off of the heels of his tribute at Carnegie Hall to the late Great Stephen Sondheim. Produced by Ron T. Young and Ledisi Recorded April 21, 2020

It took the world to stop to finally get my birthday twin  Grammy Award Winning Recording Artist/Producer/Songwriter PJ Morton to sit down with me and have a conversation about wearing multiple hats and we went in-depth about our music community, R&B  and so much more. Produced by Ron T. Young and LedisiRecorded April 28, 2020

NAACP Image Award Winner Ms. Loretta Devine (Waiting To Exhale, Grey’s Anatomy, P. Valley) Loretta  is one of the hardest working women in show  business. If Booked and Busy was a person Ms. Devine would be it. In this episode you hear our friendship and double date nights. But you also hear a Devine Master teacher and a wonderful example of what it means to be successful. PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISIRecorded April 22, 2020

Grammy and Emmy Award Winning Producer Gregg Field has been one of my favorite producers because he knows how to work with vocalist.He has believed in me and celebrated my jazz roots more than anyone I know. Gregg has played with Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie Orchestra and Frank Sinatra…so many wonderful stories navigating between genres and working with legends we read about in music books. This is definitely one of my favorite conversations. PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISIRecorded April 22, 2020

When I am with my friend The Legendary Verdine White we don’t talk about music really. We talk about how we are taking care of ourselves on the road or a quick hello to check in. This was the first time we actually talked about some of his musical  journey with Earth Wind Fire and how does it feel contributing to todays Culture.PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISIRecorded May 1, 2020

During the pandemic Ledisi speaks with Golden Globe nominee actress Aunjanue Ellis.  Aunjanue has been a numerous films including IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, KING RICHARD, THE CLARK SISTERS, MEN OF HONOR, RAY and many more.Recorded April 20, 2020

The first time I saw Morgan James was watching her play the role of Teena Marie in Motown The Musical on Broadway. This big soulful sound came out of this little person. I came to the show to see my BFF C.H.E.S.S and I asked him to introduce us after the show . Over the years I watched her find her sound and build her own community. It was great to finally really sit down and talk in depth about her journey and how awesome it is to be the boss. PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISIRecorded April 29, 2020

Robert and I have known one another so long. You can hear that friendship in this conversation. It’s funny I learned more about Robert as a musician and enjoyed the choice in maintaining and developing his soundPRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISI

I have known Kindred The Family Soul before I recorded any music. Watching them for the first time at Joe’s Pub for Black Lilly they became couple goals.🤣 To hear and see them evolve musically, as parents and entrepreneurs It’s really inspiring. I learned so much from them and I am so happy they shared their thoughts, the importance of family and community. So inspiring! PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISIRecorded April 2020https://www.kindredthefamilysoul.com/

First Lady Erica Campbell is so down to earth you forget she’s an icon of Contemporary Gospel Music. There’s nothing she can’t do. She wears so many hats. Even in our conversation she was being mom while pouring so many gems of wisdom in our conversation. Every red carpet she doesn’t play fair. Always inspiring and supportive of the gospel community. But very aware of what’s happening in the world. I was so thrilled and nervous speaking to this woman of God, a Legend….who never judges and lifts me every-time we speak. PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISI Recorded April 16, 2020

Grammy Award-Winning Songwriter/Singer Gordon Chambers  talked about his songwriting , teaching and working with Legends like Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams and his journey being a journalist to  embracing his light as an artist.PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISI

Grammy Award Winning Songstress Lisa Fischer discuses finding balance in her own spotlight. Recorded in Amsterdam after our performance at Royal Albert Hall.PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISI

There is such a wonderful dynamic when a husband and wife team can be successful in the music industry. Both garnered successful careers in two different genres of music ( Marcus Baylor -Yellow Jackets/Cassandra Wilson/Kenny Garret) (Jean Baylor- from the famous Group Zhane) but decided to come together and release a project. Together they garnered two grammy nominations in jazz and r&b categories. We talked about life together and how they make it work. We talked so much we had to make a Part 1 & Part 2.

There is such a wonderful dynamic when a husband and wife team can be successful in the music industry. Both garnered successful careers in two different genres of music ( Marcus Baylor -Yellow Jackets/Cassandra Wilson/Kenny Garret) (Jean Baylor- from the famous Group Zhane) but decided to come together and release a project. Together they garnered two grammy nominations in jazz and r&b categories. We talked about life together and how they make it work. We talked so much we had to make a Part 1 & Part 2.

Christian McBride is a six-time grammy award winning jazz bassist, composer and arrange. Ledisi and Christian sit down and talk all things music before their first show together at the  St. Lucia Jazz Festival.PRODUCED BY RON T. YOUNG & LEDISI

Recording Artist Lizz Wright and Ledisi talk singer life before their performances for International Jazz Day in Melbourne Australia. 

Dyllon Burnside one of the stars of the hit FX show POSE stops by backstage at the Blue Note NYC. 

Recording Artists Deva Mahal, also the daughter of Taj Mahal, chat it up about her budding career.

Ledisi and the legendary Regina Belle discuss, life and music before their performance at Carnegie Hall.

Grammy Award Winning Recording Artist Dianne Reeves is one of the reasons Ledisi started to sing Jazz. They have a diverse conversation before their performances at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival.