Legendary multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Leon Sylvers III talks about the secrets of his craft, helping Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis get their start and producing acts like The Whispers, Shalomar, Dynasty and more.

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Legendary multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Leon Sylvers III talks about the secrets of his craft, helping Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis get their start and producing acts like The Whispers, Shalomar, Dynasty and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir &ldquo;Questlove&rdquo; Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected &mdash; from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest&rsquo;s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It&rsquo;s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source &mdash; a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

The Questlove Show

Legendary multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Leon Sylvers III talks about the secrets of his craft and producing acts like The Whispers, Shalomar, Dynasty and more.

QLS Classic: Leon Sylvers III

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b35cbcb0-8f39-4f3a-9f86-ae320085b1fc/transcript

In this Classic episode of Questlove Supreme, you will hear about the state of Black television, the lifecycle of a script and working on shows like Master of None and The Chi.

 

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In this Classic episode of Questlove Supreme, you will hear about the state of Black television, the lifecycle of a script and working on shows like Master of None and The Chi.
&nbsp;
Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Hear about the state of black television, the lifecycle of a script and working on shows like Master of None and The Chi.

QLS Classic: Lena Waithe

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f40d4c1e-e78e-45a8-aa30-ae3200a1a929/transcript

In a bonus clip from James Alexander’s two-part conversation, he recalls witnessing The O'Jays and The Temptations go toe-to-toe musically on stage in Cleveland in December 1967. That showdown—shared amid Alexander’s reflections on Otis Redding’s final days—led into a previously unreleased account of how his band, The Bar-Kays, developed a rivalry with Larry Blackmon's Cameo—a situation rooted in showmanship and cash. Steel sharpens steel...

In a bonus clip from James Alexander&rsquo;s two-part conversation, he recalls witnessing The O'Jays and The Temptations go toe-to-toe musically on stage in Cleveland in December 1967. That showdown&mdash;shared amid Alexander&rsquo;s reflections on Otis Redding&rsquo;s final days&mdash;led into a previously unreleased account of how his band, The Bar-Kays, developed a rivalry with Larry Blackmon's Cameo&mdash;a situation rooted in showmanship and cash. Steel sharpens steel...

BONUS: James Alexander on The Bar-Kays' Rivalry With Cameo

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b18945fd-de78-44b3-ae5d-b3f8011a393d/transcript

James Alexander returns to The Questlove Show for a revealing deep dive into the rebirth and evolution of The Bar-Kays after tragedy, sharing how he rebuilt the group with vocalist Larry Dodson and crafted a louder, more aggressive funk-rock sound that pushed them into a new era. He reflects on becoming a go-to rhythm section for Stax Records and beyond, playing on classics for Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers, and others, and revisits the making and lasting impact of “Holy Ghost,” their showstopping performance at Wattstax, the wild realities of 1970s touring and stagecraft, and the band’s constant reinvention through the 1980s. The Bar-Kays remain active today, and Alexander’s spirited storytelling makes clear why their legacy endures.

James Alexander returns to The Questlove Show for a revealing deep dive into the rebirth and evolution of The Bar-Kays after tragedy, sharing how he rebuilt the group with vocalist Larry Dodson and crafted a louder, more aggressive funk-rock sound that pushed them into a new era. He reflects on becoming a go-to rhythm section for Stax Records and beyond, playing on classics for Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers, and others, and revisits the making and lasting impact of &ldquo;Holy Ghost,&rdquo; their showstopping performance at Wattstax, the wild realities of 1970s touring and stagecraft, and the band&rsquo;s constant reinvention through the 1980s. The Bar-Kays remain active today, and Alexander&rsquo;s spirited storytelling makes clear why their legacy endures.

James Alexander of The Bar-Kays Part 2 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a19dc090-d95c-4bd8-a57f-b3f2015e8a82/transcript

QLS Classic: Leon Sylvers III

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