Listening with Leckrone

Four Seasons Theatre
  • 5.0 (34)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Listening with Leckrone, a new podcast in collaboration with Four Seasons Theatre! In each episode, our host, Mike Leckrone, legendary music educator and former director of the University of Wisconsin-Marching Band, will explore moments in popular music history, pairing musical samples with historical context and anecdotes. Visit fourseasonstheatre.com for podcast guides and more information about other Four Seasons Theatre productions.

  1. 11/11/2025

    Tony Bennett

    In this episode, Mike guides us through the life and career of legendary crooner, Tony Bennett. For a podcast guide and other episodes, visit fourseasonstheatre.com. Thanks for listening!

    31 min

  2. 04/02/2025

    Bunny Berigan, Wisconsin's Own

    In this episode, Mike guides us through the career of Wisconsin native, Bunny Berigan. Although his life was tragically short, he quickly established himself as one of the leading trumpeters of the swing era. Visit fourseasonstheatre.com for more information and podcast guides. Check out the companion playlist on Spotify.

    27 min

  3. 02/28/2025

    Mike's Got Rhythm!

    In this episode, similar to our previous episode on "Stardust," we take a deep dive on a single song. "I Got Rhythm," written by George and Ira Gershwin, not only inspired countless performances and recordings, but also created a harmonic structure used for endless jazz compositions and improvisations. We hope you enjoy hearing all the different takes on this American classic.

    35 min

  4. 12/18/2024

    Count Basie Singers

    Welcome to the Listening with Leckrone Podcast, a pop and jazz music history show hosted by the legendary music educator and former director of th University of Wisconsin marching band, Mike Leckrone. I'm Sam Taylor, the producer of the podcast. In this episode, we spotlight three unique singers, Jimmy Rushing, Helen Humes, and Joe Williams, who all spent time as vocalists for the Count Basie Orchestra. We hope you enjoy.  For an episode guide for this and other episodes, visit fourseasonstheatre.com

    29 min

  5. 09/06/2024

    Clash of the Clarinets: Benny Goodman & Artie Shaw

    In today's episode, we compare the careers of Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw, bandleaders and renowned clarinetists of the Big Band era. For more information on this episode, and to check out Four Seasons Theatre's 2024-2025 season announcement, visit fourseasonstheatre.com.

    30 min

  6. 07/16/2024

    Mr. Hi De Ho - Cab Calloway

    In this episode, Mike explores the illustrious life and career of one of music's greatest entertainers, Cab Calloway. Check out more information, including podcast guides, at https://fourseasonstheatre.com/onstage_on_air/listening-with-leckrone/

    34 min

  7. 06/09/2024

    Moten & Lunceford

    In this episode, Mike spotlights big band leaders Bennie Moten and Jimmie Lunceford. Though they may not be household names, we hope this episode will inspire you to listen to more from these swinging orchestras and perhaps make new discoveries within the Big Band Era.

    32 min
  8. Holiday Hits

    12/18/2023

    Holiday Hits

    Happy Holidays! To offset the same old holiday songs playing through your head, Mike has curated a playlist of Holiday Hits you may not have heard before. Enjoy arrangements from Fats Waller, Harry James, Stan Kenton, and more! Find transcripts and podcast guides at fourseasonstheatre.com.

    45 min
See All (18)

5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Welcome to Listening with Leckrone, a new podcast in collaboration with Four Seasons Theatre! In each episode, our host, Mike Leckrone, legendary music educator and former director of the University of Wisconsin-Marching Band, will explore moments in popular music history, pairing musical samples with historical context and anecdotes. Visit fourseasonstheatre.com for podcast guides and more information about other Four Seasons Theatre productions.

Information

  • Creator
    Four Seasons Theatre
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Listening with Leckrone