logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2021
27m 24s

Big Band Orchestra Leader

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

During the heyday of live jazz music, the charismatic and ambitious one who kept it all together was the Big Band Orchestra Leader. Helen and Matt explore how the occupation gave rise to the birth of the modern pop singer.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Jan 2022
Executioner
When we think of people carrying out death sentences today, we think of low-key affairs where the media is not invited. However, the Professional Public Executioner was a true showman when he carried out death sentences in front of thousands of people. But that’s not how he made ... Show More
27m 32s
Dec 2021
Scribe
You might want to write this episode down. Helen and Matt look at one of the most important occupations in human history, the Scribe, and we only know about this job because they were so helpful as to write down what they did. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihear ... Show More
28m 13s
Dec 2021
Vaudevillian
From the local small-town stage to New York’s Palace Theater, vaudeville was an essential part of every community. In this episode, Helen and Matt learn about the Vaudevillians, the ones who kept Americans entertained when there wasn’t much to do for fun.  Learn more about your a ... Show More
29m 3s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2020
Kenny Gamble
This week on Questlove Supreme, a living legend joins the show. Kenny Gamble is considered one of the greatest composers, producers and music businessmen of all time. The cofounder of Black Music Month, he and his partner Leon Huff literally crafted The Sound Of Philadelphia. So ... Show More
1h 54m
Sep 2021
Ridiculous Live: The Humor and the Heavy
Recently, Ben and Noel traveled to Podcast Movement to explore a fascinating, at-times difficult subject: How do you explore a heavy story in an approachable way, while still being honest, accurate and human? They're joined once again with Eli and Diana Banks, the hosts of Ridicu ... Show More
57m 15s
Jan 2022
QLS Classic: Bernard Purdie & Chuck Rainey
Questlove sits down with legendary musicians Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdie to talk through how they influenced and, in some cases, invented the ubiquitous groove that’s become the music of our lives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee om ... Show More
1h 28m
Jun 2
QLS Classic: Maya Rudolph
Actress, musician and comedian Maya Rudolph shares some revealing stories about her famous parents, her musical ambitions, her time on SNL and much more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
2h 1m
Oct 2013
The Maestras of Classical Music
In fall 2013, a Russian orchestra conductor sparked international controversy when he said that women cut out for conducting. Cristen and Caroline look at the male-dominated world of classical music and the women like Marin Alsop who are challenging the maestro stereotype. Learn ... Show More
33m 14s
Mar 2021
Sissieretta Jones
Sissieretta Jones was a Black operatic and popular music singer in the early 20th century. And she was famous in her day, but then kind of vanished from the papers when she retired. Her last years were lived in relative obscurity.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www. ... Show More
44m 5s
Oct 2021
QLS Classic: Jack White
Musician, songwriter and producer Jack White talks about how music kept him from the priesthood, his love of analog recording technology and the Amy Whinehouse duet that never was. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener ... Show More
1h 35m
Mar 2020
QLS Classic: Alan Leeds (Part 1)
Music executive, producer and award-winning writer Alan Leeds talks about his life and what it was like managing tours for artists like James Brown, Prince, KISS and Chris Rock. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener fo ... Show More
2h 44m
Dec 2020
QLS Classic: Jason Flom
Music industry exec and activist Jason Flom talks about the couplet that got him fired from Atlantic, signing monster acts like Twisted Sister, Kid Rock and Lorde (to name a few) and everything you need to know if you ever come up against the United States justice system. Learn m ... Show More
1h 48m