Best Alan Leeds Podcasts (2024)

1
Purple Rain Panel - Jerome Benton, Hucky Austin, Craig Rice, Gilbert Davison, Damon D & Alan Leeds 2:15:12

23d ago2:15:12

2:15:12

We welcome a TREASURE TROVE of purple professionals for the ultimate Purple Rain Round Table with Jerome Benton, Craig Rice, Gilbert Davison, Hucky Austin, Damon Dickson, and surprise guest Alan Leeds. It's a wealth of purple stories on Purple Rain including deleted rape scenes, insanity at the Purple Rain premiere, money splurging, and tons of lau…

1
Interview: Paul Peterson and Jerry Hubbard (40 Years Of Ice Cream Castle) 2:19:19

2d ago2:19:19

2:19:19

We sit down with St. Paul Peterson and Jerry Hubbard to discuss the 40th anniversary of The Time's Ice Cream Castle and share TONS of stories. We discuss how they were brought in to replace Monte Moir, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who had just been fired from The Time by Prince. We reflect on the insanity of it all as Paul Peterson, Jerry Hubbard …

1
Interview: Taj Farrant 49:53

2d ago49:53

49:53

We sit down with 15 year old guitar phenom Taj Farrant to discuss his journey from his viral worldwide appearance on Australia's Got Talent performing rock melodies and Prince's Purple Rain to sharing the stage with Kingfish, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Orianthe, Kiss, and so many more. Here's his travels so far and what we can expect in the future …

1
Interview: Mark Cardenas (The Time, Jesse Johnson) 52:02

2d ago52:02

52:02

Mr. Christopher sits down with Mark Cardenas from the Ice Cream Castle era of Morris Day and The Time. Mark was brought in with Paul Peterson, and Rocky Harris (who would be replaced by Jerry Hubbard) to take the place of Monte Moir, and also Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who got trapped in an Atlanta snow storm and missed a show. The new members found…

1
Prince Celebration 2024 - The Recap 2:49:04

15d ago2:49:04

2:49:04

Mr. Christopher and Jeff Paige discuss the 2024 Prince Celebration at Paisley Park in Minnesota. A coverage of each day, the events, the music, the challenges, and more.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Andrea Swensson And Duane Tudahl 2:30:19

16d ago2:30:19

2:30:19

We celebrate 40 years of Purple Rain on the day it was officially released. We're joined by Andrea Swensson (Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years) and Duane Tudahl (Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions, 1983-1984) to discuss all things Purple Rain including talking about each track on Prince's masterpiece.…

1
06-04-2024 - Prince Birthday Events w/ DuJuan Elliott, Craig Alexander, Damon D, Gilbert Davison, 2:16:18

23d ago2:16:18

2:16:18

We discuss Prince birthday events in Texas and Minnesota welcoming guests Gilbert Davison, Damon Dickson, Craig Alexander, and a video from BrownMark. PLUS, we welcome DuJuan Elliott of the Blackshires to share his brand new single No Grease and reminisce a bit with Mr. Christopher.By Funkatopia

1
05-28-2024 Free 4 All with Mayte 1:49:52

1M ago1:49:52

1:49:52

We discuss more purple news including new Celebration details, and a visit from Mayte. PLUS we unbox Andrea Swensson's new book (which doesn't make for great audio, but we did it!).By Funkatopia

1
05-22-2024 - Free 4 All - Purple PLUS 1:53:17

2M ago1:53:17

1:53:17

Your latest dose of purple news. Construction near Paisley Park, the demolition of Chanhassen Cinema, Prince's birthday weekend, bowling with Mayte, and more!By Funkatopia

1
Interview - Marva King 2:27:11

2M ago2:27:11

2:27:11

We sit down with a beautiful vocalist and muse, Marva King. Her voice has supported renowned artists including Prince, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, George Howard, Phil Collins, Chaka Khan, Prince, Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Michael McDonald, Gap Band, Anita Baker, Ron…

1
In part 2 we talk chemistry and spiritual connection, touring the US with Prince as her guitar player. Lost album Milk & Honey, an enduring friendship and exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. "I'm not gonna ... 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

INTRO 2mins30secs - Tamar's chemistry with Prince 'It was like a student following a teacher...[but] you can't work with that kind of greatness and take mediocre...' 6mins30s - Prince going on tour with Tamar, playing guitar on her U.S. shows 7mins45s - Will we ever get to hear her album 'Milk & Honey'? Her collaborative project with Prince. 8mins3…

1
Celebration 2024 Special - w/ Special Guests Mayte Garcia and Michael Bland 2:23:05

3M ago2:23:05

2:23:05

We discuss all of the details we have for the Prince Celebration in June 20-24, 2024 including events, hotels, flights, and more. PLUS we welcome Mayte Garcia (1:20:25) to chat about the Live4Love Charities Bowling event on June 6, and also Michael Bland (1:52:30) with a post 2gether concert review and feedback on their historic concert where he jo…

1
Interview: Jill Jones 1:56:01

3M ago1:56:01

1:56:01

We interview the legendary Jill Jones to not only discuss her times with Prince, but also visit stories of Teena Marie, being a member of the Gordy family, her new album The London Sessions, the memories it stirred up, and so much more. We've waited forever for this special guest. Enjoy.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Scottie Baldwin 2:18:27

3M ago2:18:27

2:18:27

We sit down with sound engineer Scottie Baldwin that has run sound for Prince, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and so many more. Listen to the stories and challenges of working with some of the greatest artists of our timeBy Funkatopia

1
Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor and Entrepreneur. And her life was forever changed by Prince. This is her story. 24:36

3M ago24:36

24:36

INTRO - Just coming back in late from London, and Houston... 3mins - the elevator pitch on Tamar, '...how would you describe yourself?' 4mins30s - Finding your tribe online 5mins - Tamar's passion as an educator 7mins - Were your parents or your family musical? Where did you inherit your talent from? 8mins - The original line up for Destiny's Child…

1
In part 2 we field fan Qs to Owen, he reflects on Prince's demands in the early days, and working with other MPLS artists. Meeting fans on his recent book tour and his feeling on the Purple One's incredible ... 37:59

4M ago37:59

37:59

INTRO 2mins - Fan Questions: what happened at the Rio in Las Vegas? 3mins30s - Early, and unreasonable demands from Prince. Mentors and moving on without malice... 6mins30s - What was it like managing other artists vs managing Prince? Working with Andre Cymone and Jesse Johnson. 9mins30s - Working with the Prince Estate on a potential 'For You' Del…

1
Interviews Lawrence LAW Worrell & Martin Kember 3:06:59

4M ago3:06:59

3:06:59

We sit down with Lawrence L*A*W Worrell (Amy Winehouse, Rick James, Chaka Khan) and Martin Kember (AZ-1, Color Me Badd) to talk about their Prince-centric performances and their undeniable music resumes.By Funkatopia

1
Celebration 2024 Discussion (Early Bird Special) 1:16:35

4M ago1:16:35

1:16:35

The early bird sale was released for Celebration 2024 at Prince's Paisley Park and the date and talent was also announced which include The Revolution, New Power Generation, and Morris Day with special guests. We talk about the pricing, the acts playing, and all that we know so far.By Funkatopia

1
319 Special w/ Michael Bland, Sonny T & Brown Mark - Part 2 2:41:02

4M ago2:41:02

2:41:02

On the iconic date of 3/19, we get the blessing of a 2nd visit from Michael Bland and Sonny T to answer more deep probing questions. And we also welcome special guest BrownMark as he checks in to let us know about his special Houston event with Prince Day Houston and Craig Alexander.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Rick James' Stone City Band 2:11:55

4M ago2:11:55

2:11:55

We sit down with Rick James' Stone City Band including Levi Ruffin, Tom McDermott, Nathaniel Hughes, and Lanise Hughes. We debunk the rumors about Prince and Rick James working together including stolen keyboards, forced drinking, and so much more. It's a funk filled fiesta.Note: There were some audio issues with Levi's connection that caused echoe…

1
As his first Manager, Owen Husney remembers Prince Rogers Nelson. "This was 1976. He was just a guy from North Minneapolis...he took the bus to my house, that's the Prince I loved." 33:09

4M ago33:09

33:09

INTRO 2mins20s - Life experiences, in preparation for meeting Prince, working with stars and the need to avoid being a fan. 8mins - Is there anything you couldn't protect Prince from? No entourage, before the layers of fame and celebrity. 'He took the bus to my house...that's the Prince I loved.' 11mins - 'He was just a guy from North Minneapolis..…

1
Interview: Michael Bland & Sonny T 2:22:58

4M ago2:22:58

2:22:58

We sit down with two music legends Sonny Thompson and Michael Bland. Both of them have shared the stage with Prince's New Power Generation, but they have plenty of stories of their own becoming legends in their own right. We talk about musical history in Minneapolis before Prince became a household name, Michael's work with Soul Asylum, dispelling …

1
Funkatopia Live Free 4 All 2:09:05

4M ago2:09:05

2:09:05

We dish about great funk events happening around the world and entertainment news covering Sinead O'Connor's Estate vs. Trump, P Diddy vs. Everyone, Rihanna's $6 million show, purple news, and so much more.By Funkatopia

1
In part 2 of our interview with PhD candidate Casci Ritchie we discuss that Trench, punk periods, Prince becoming Prince, Lovesexy and a purple fashion legacy. Don't miss it. 36:46

4M ago36:46

36:46

INTRO 2mins - The Dirty Mind era, the Prince persona begins to form, riding the New Wave...and that Trench Coat! 3mins - The 1979 period and working with costume designers... 7mins30s - The second punk period: Slave and the 1990s 10mins - Veils and Masking - the Exodus Has Begun... 11mins30s - Count The Days, style signifiers and finely tuned 'unco…

1
Casci Ritchie is a PhD candidate and associate lecturer studying Prince, fashion, and fandom at Northumbria University. So how did this come to be a life's work? Join us to find out more...just don't ask ... 34:18

5M ago34:18

34:18

INTRO 2mins - First memories of Prince, and standing next to the TV...feeling the static from Gett Off! Listening to Prince's Hits cassette in the Green Mondeo. 4mins - Born in the year of Lovesexy! 5mins - When did you realise that Prince's work could become a lifetime pursuit? "First and foremost I'm a fan...". Obsessed with John Waters, Pee Wee …

1
Interview: Marcus Thompson - Timex Social Club 1:34:18

5M ago1:34:18

1:34:18

We interview Timex Social Club's Marcus Thompson as we discuss the rise and fall of their success, the Club Noveau controversy, the identities of the characters named in Rumors, touring with Run DMC, and much more.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Steve Parke 2:35:38

5M ago2:35:38

2:35:38

We interview artist, photographer Steve Parke as we dive into his incredible work with Prince from album covers, photo shoots, wall murals, t-shirts and the stories behind them. Note: This was a very visual show, but there were dozens of stories to warrant the audio. Watch the video on youtube.com/funkatopia.…

1
Purple Rain on Broadway & Prince Estate Court Cases 2:01:45

6M ago2:01:45

2:01:45

Mr. Christopher discusses public feedback (and Jill Jones) about the Purple Rain Broadway and how it's being altered to be more "woke". Then he goes into deep detail about the court case filed by Londell McMillan and Charles Spicer against Prince's heirs as they hire attorneys in an attempt to oust the duo and take control of the Prince Estate.…

1
Interview: Danny A Thomas of Con Funk Shun 1:16:38

7M ago1:16:38

1:16:38

We interview Danny A Thomas of Con Funk Shun to discuss the beginnings of legendary funk band Con Funk Shun, its roots as Project Soul, playing to 100,000 people at Wattstax with Rufus Thomas and so much more. We also welcome special guest Mark Anthony of the Upscale Band who is playing the backing band for Danny's Con Funk Shun Revue.…

1
Interview: The Wooten Brothers (Victor, Regi, Roy, Joseph) 2:22:32

9M ago2:22:32

2:22:32

We sit down with The Wooten Brothers (Victor, Roy, Joseph, and Regi) to discuss their work with Steve Miller Band, Dave Matthews Band, Prince, Chick Corea, and many others. While Rgi was not there for the majority of the interview, stay tuned at the end when Regi drops in to answer questions about his career, share more Prince stories, and how it w…

1
Nik West visited Prince at Paisley Park to work with him, before his untimely passing in 2016. She tells us what she thought of the purple one and discusses his legacy. 39:05

9M ago39:05

39:05

PART 2: Talking Prince.... INTRO - Can you remember the first track of Prince that you heard...? 3mins - Rhonda Smith, and inspiration from female bass players 7mins - Nik West's Favourite Prince bass line? 8mins30s - Alphabet Street & This Is Not Music, This Is A Trip... 11mins - Daisy Chain: Prince and Larry Graham 14mins - Paisley Park, practici…

1
Diamonds and Pearls Celebration w/ Tony M, Robia Scott, Scott McCullough and Damon D 2:08:27

9M ago2:08:27

2:08:27

We celebrate the upcoming release of Prince's Diamonds & Pearls Super Deluxe with Tony M (NPG), Robia Scott (Pearl), Scott McCullough Director of many Diamonds and Pearl videos), and Damon D (New Power Generation). It's nothing but wall to wall stories of the days of the creation of this epic album.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Mayte Garcia (with Kirk Johnson and Gilbert Davison) 1:13:53

9M ago1:13:53

1:13:53

We sit down with Mayte Garcia to discuss the new movie, more Prince questions, and the Live 4 Love charity where we also welcome Gilbert Davison (Prince and Paisley Park Management), and Kirk Johnson (Prince and NPG drummer, producer, choreographer, and dancer) into the mix.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Macy Gray 15:28

9M ago15:28

15:28

Mr. Christopher sits down for a short interview with the legendary Macy Gray to discuss her past work, her brand new album The Reset and tour, and the best advice she ever received from Prince.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: T.C. Ellis 2:03:39

9M ago2:03:39

2:03:39

We sit down with rapper, actor, producer David "TC" Ellis to discuss his time with Prince, his family (including sister Sue Ann Carwell), and how he found his calling with the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA).By Funkatopia

1
Raised on the Gospel music of the Clark Sisters, Nik West played the class clown at school, but discovered Prince, and became Rolling Stone magazine's Queen of bassists. Listen in to her Purple, and Cotton ... 35:13

9M ago35:13

35:13

INTRO 2mins - Nik talks about her Cotton Candy World Tour and playing at The Jazz Cafe in London 4mins - Shredding with lead guitarist Joey and why chemistry is so important to the band dynamic 5mins30s - learning guitar from her Dad at an early age 6mins45s - Playing gospel music by the Clark Sisters 9mins30s - Use of bright colours, a distinct vi…

1
Interview: Scott McCullough 2:15:11

10M ago2:15:11

2:15:11

We welcome Scott McCullough who worked on dozens of videos with Prince in the era of Diamonds and Pearls and beyond including Violet the Organ Grinder, Sexy MF, Gangsta Glam, Call the Law, Daddy Pop. My Name is Prince and many others including the upcoming Glam Slam concert that will be included in the Diamonds and Pearls Super Deluxe. We talk abou…

1
Interview: Nik West 1:39:37

10M ago1:39:37

1:39:37

We interview bassist phenom Nik West who shares stories about working with everyone from Prince to John Mayer. Stories of her tour, her journey and much more.By Funkatopia

1
09-05-2023 Purple News Explosion 2:32:56

10M ago2:32:56

2:32:56

We talk about lots of purple news including more details on the release of Diamonds and Pearls Super Deluxe, Prince auctions, the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain and what we should expect or wish for, scenes deleted from Purple Rain, and much more purple amazingness.By Funkatopia

1
Back 2 School Free 4 All - August 01, 2023 2:01:25

12M ago2:01:25

2:01:25

Mr, Christopher and Jeff Paige discuss many topics including Cardi B, Sinead O'Connor, Paul Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman), Travis Scott, and much more including crazy commercials and conflicting events in the purple world.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Mark Webster 53:25

12M ago53:25

53:25

We talk with Mark Webster that has known Prince since 1978 and was instrumental in getting the Symbol in front of Paisley Park and also for getting a 7-mile stretch of the highway running in front of Paisley Park to be renamed Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway. We discuss the challenges, the wins, and the journey with Prince.…

1
Interview: Liv Warfield 1:53:57

12M ago1:53:57

1:53:57

Interview with Liv Warfield to discuss everything from working with Prince to her brand new album Edge and we listen to an exclusive world premiere of her new song Maybe They'll Take Ya Picture. Plus we are also joined by her guitarist Ryan Waters who has also performed and even toured with many acts including CeeLo Green, India Arie, Sade, and Fis…

1
Interview - Jamie West-Oram of The Fixx 57:49

1y ago57:49

57:49

Mr Christophers sits down with The Fixx guitarist Jamie West-Oram to discuss four decades of his tenure with the pop rock band and his brand new first-ever solo album.By Funkatopia

1
Sam Jennings worked with Prince for 9 years. In Part 2 we go behind the scenes of the creative process - what was Prince really like to work for? As the Musicology and 3121 eras create a commercial career ... 38:18

1y ago38:18

38:18

INTRO 2min - Do you have a most cherished Prince related possession (from the 9 years you worked together)? "I joke with my friends that I only buy vinyl with my name on it!" 4mins - Biggest 'pinch-me' moments working with Prince...? 3121 era, cherished memories. 6mins30s - Which kind of people engaged Prince best behind the scenes? 7mins30s - Prin…

1
Sam Jennings worked with Prince for 9 years. Growing up in Chicago, he went from throwing fan parties during the 'Wild West' years of the internet in the 1990s, to becoming a very meaningful contributor ... 36:05

1y ago36:05

36:05

INTRO 2mins30s - Growing up in Chicago Illinois 4mins - Pursuing a career in the Web back in the mid 90s..."it was an interesting time, it was kind of like the Wild West" 5mins30s - Nona Gaye & The Beautiful Experience 6mins30s - Finding all of the other Prince fans on the internet via online communities...and organising parties at the Berlin club …

1
Steven Berkoff Funkatopia Bumper for FUNKEDUP 0:39

1y ago0:39

0:39

I was able to get the legendary actor Steven Berkoff to agree to redo the answering machine scene for the FUNKEDUP app. I then edited it into the original scene audio for fun. Steven is now 85 years old, so his voice has changed, but it was an honor that he agreed to do this for me.By Funkatopia

1
Prince - Neon Telephone (Early) 3:29

1y ago3:29

3:29

Prince wrote this song for the band Three O'Clock for their album Vermillion. An interesting twist to the story is that Prince also gave the band the songs Girl O’ My Dreams, We Can Funk, Teacher, Teacher, and Can’t Stop This Feeling I Got, but the band rejected all of the tracks except for Neon Telephone. Had they accepted all of the proposed song…

1
Interview: Lynn Mabry 2:05:31

1+ y ago2:05:31

2:05:31

She has been the voice behind massive artists like Sly and the Family Stone, Sheila E, Parliament Funkadelic, Brides of Funkenstein, Fleetwood Mac, Don Henley, Mick Jagger, George Michael, and tons more. Hear the stories from the woman with a career that is a story of legends.By Funkatopia

1
"It's amazing what you can do if you try..." - join us for part 2 of our interview with Dave Rusan, who made Prince's iconic white cloud guitar for the movie Purple Rain. 35:44

1+ y ago35:44

35:44

Intro 1mins30s - Wishing he could have spoken to Prince during the making of his Cloud guitar, the instrument specs, and making something great instinctually. 3mins30s - Guitar specific questions for Dave on the Cloud guitar and how it was made - how much was stock, and what was bespoke? 5mins - Prince and his heavy strings, and Takumi the guitar t…

1
Prince's Muses and Lovers 1:50:57

1+ y ago1:50:57

1:50:57

A look back at the muses and lovers that inspired Prince's music, and his life, and changed his direction in various ways. A Funkatopia Live Valentine's Day special.By Funkatopia

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