Profiles With Maggie LePique

Maggie LePique

Profiles with Maggie LePique is a look into the music, artistry, lives and legacies of the musicians and artists who defined a uniquely creative era by breaking boundaries and finding new influences. While they not only ushered in social, as well as political change, they also created immensely popular legacies that have truly stood the test of time.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/maggielepique

  1. APR 13

    Interview With The Iconic Les Paul from April 2008 At The Iridium Jazz Club In New York City (Rare Archival Recording)

    The interview with Les Paul (1915-2009) took place in April 2008, coordinated from Los Angeles, I flew to New York just to have the opportunity to speak with the Les Paul earlier in the day before his  performance that evening at the Iridium. Les typically played two shows every Monday night (8:00 PM and 10:00 PM). He performed with the Les Paul Trio, which often included Lou Pallo on guitar and Nicki Parrott on bass. His shows were famous for surprise appearances by guitar icons like Slash, Steve Miller, and Paul McCartney. Les Paul continued this Monday night tradition until his final performance on June 1, 2009, just months before he passed away in August 2009. Les Paul’s accomplishments are so vast that he is often called the "Father of Modern Music". He is uniquely recognized as the only person inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Musical Inventions & Technology include, Solid-Body Electric Guitar: In 1941, he built "The Log," one of the first solid-body electric guitars, which eventually led to the iconic Gibson Les Paul model. Multitrack Recording: He pioneered the technique of recording separate tracks and layering them, effectively inventing the modern studio process. Studio Effects: He is credited with developing overdubbing (sound-on-sound), tape delay, phasing, and reverb. 8-Track Tape Recorder: He commissioned the first 8-track "Octopus" recorder from Ampex, allowing for even more complex arrangements. The Paulverizer: A device attached to his guitar that allowed him to control recording and playback loops live on stage. He also achieved Chart-Topping Hits: Alongside his wife, Mary Ford, he had numerous #1 hits in the 1950s, including "How High the Moon" and "Vaya Con Dios". Les was a  virtuoso guitarist: Known for his "brassy" playing style and lightning-fast runs, he influenced generations of guitarists from Eric Clapton to Slash.  Les Paul won multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award (1983) and a Technical Grammy (2001). National Medal of Arts: Awarded in 2007 by the National Endowment for the Arts for his contributions to American culture. Emmy Award: Received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Engineering in 2004. KPFK Music Director Maggie LePique interviewed then-92 year old Les Paul before his weekly performance at the Iridium Club in New York City on April 7th, 2008. On a chilly Monday afternoon before his first set, Les was in great form: what started out as a friendly conversation becomes a whirlwind overview of this legendary guitar player and inventor. From his early hard body electric guitar invention to the Les Pulverizer to his first ever multi-track recording to his blistering guitar technique, Les Paul is the original Guitar Hero. ENJOY!!  Source:  https://www.les-paul.com/ Source: https://lespaulverizer.com/ Host Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994. Send us Fan Mail Support the show @profileswithmaggielepique @maggielepique

    57 min
  2. JAN 20

    Stanley Clarke Discusses His Upcoming Box Set Last Train To Sanity And His Amazing Journey Of Musical Innovation

    Host Maggie LePique & Stanley Clarke discuss the new release "Last Train to Sanity," a major project featuring new music, classic jazz-fusion remakes, and a significant autobiographical book, arriving as a 2-LP/CD set with a deluxe edition containing extra goodies, including a book called Notes From The Journey, "which is a book that goes from eight years old up until today,” Clarke says. “It has as much stuff as we could fit in there." Its available to pre-order January 26 2026, with the "4EVER" band supporting. Maggie & Stanley also discuss musicians who have had a life long and meaningful influence on the Four-time Grammy Award winner. “The 4EVER band includes drummer Jeremiah Collier, Colin Cook on guitar, Emilio Modeste on tenor sax and clarinet and Jahari Stampley on piano and keyboard. Special guest appearances throughout include a thrilling bass duet with Cameroonian bassist, Armand Sabal-Lecco, a beautiful reimagining of Clarke’s piece “Tradition” with Ruslan Sirota on piano and a duet between Stanley and Salar Nader, one of the most sought-after young tabla players.” Stanley Clarke is one of the most celebrated acoustic and electric bass players in the world. He is equally gifted as a recording artist, performer, composer, conductor, arranger, producer, and film score composer. A true pioneer in jazz and jazz-fusion, Clarke is particularly known for his ferocious bass dexterity and consummate musicality. An accomplished film and TV composer of more than 70 projects, Clarke's credits include the Academy Award®-nominated Boyz N The Hood, the Tina Turner biopic What's Love Got To Do With It, and Barbershop: The Next Cut. Stanley remains as driven today as the teen prodigy from Philly with big dreams, and now, a lifetime of legendary accomplishments and contributions. Stanley Clarke and the 4EVER band will be performing Thurs. January 22-Sunday January 25, 2026 at the Blue Note Los Angeles in Hollywood. 2 shows nightly at 7pm and 9:30pm  Source: https://www.bluenotejazz.com/la/shows/?calendar_view Source: https://stanleyclarke.com/ Host Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994. Send us Fan Mail Support the show @profileswithmaggielepique @maggielepique

    39 min
  3. JAN 3

    Actor John C. Reilly IS Mr. Romantic - A Candid Discussion: What's Not To Love

    Maggie & John C. Reilly discuss “What’s Not to Love?” Mister Romantic’s debut album out now on Eternal Magic Recordings is a collection of beloved songs from the American Songbook reimagined by Reilly and his Grammy-winning band.  “What’s Not To Love?” was recorded in 2024 in Los Angeles at Nest Recorders and was co-produced by Reilly and Davíd Garza. In addition to Garza on piano and guitar, the band also includes Gabe Witcher on violin, Sebastian Steinberg on bass, and Charles De Castro on accordion and cornet.  CREATED BY JOHN C. REILLY “I looked at our weary world a few years ago and tried to think of a way I could spread love and empathy. I decided the most fun way to do that was through performing and singing and telling people I love them…so the emotional vaudeville show Mister Romantic was born, out of both hope and despair.” From studying theater as a kid growing up in Chicago, to amateur clowning as a teen and studying acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University, to his Oscar-nominated role starring in the film adaptation of Chicago and beloved performance starring in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, to his TONY-nominated performance in Sam Shepard’s True West, and more, theater and music have been pillars of John’s career.  What’s Not To Love? is a collection of gorgeous renditions of songs from the Great American Songbook backed by a band of multiple GRAMMY®-winners.  On lead single “Dream” Reilly delivers a gentle, dreamy sea-side cover of the 1944 Johnny Mercer song, which has previously been recorded by Frank Sinatra and Roy Orbison. The album was recorded in 2024 in Los Angeles at Nest Recorders and was co-produced by Reilly and Davíd Garza (Fiona Apple, Sharon Van Etten). In addition to Garza on piano and guitar, the band also includes Gabe Witcher on violin (Punch Brothers, Rosanne Cash), Sebastian Steinberg on bass (Fiona Apple, Phoebe Bridgers), and Charles De Castro on accordion and cornet (Keb’ Mo’).  The 13 tracks include a pair of Irving Berlin songs, a trio of Tom Waits songs and many songs made famous by Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford and more. Reilly and this special band reimagine and re-embrace these beloved tunes and bring them again to another generation. About the Live Show: Prepare to be captivated by the incomparable John C. Reilly in Mister Romantic, a vaudeville show that has already garnered critical acclaim and captured the public’s imagination. The New York Times calls the show "wryly funny, sometimes tender and sad, but always sincere" and Vanity Fair describes it as “fiercely funny” and says "John C. Reilly is one hell of a singer." Mister Romantic asks you to open your heart to the love all around you and marks a new chapter in Reilly’s acclaimed career.  Source: https://www.misterromantic.com/ Source: https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/2025-26/mister-romantic/ Source: https://www.misterromantic.com/music Host Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994. Send us Fan Mail Support the show @profileswithmaggielepique @maggielepique

    34 min
  4. 11/26/2025

    President Of Sinatra Enterprises Charlie Pignone Discusses Sinatra Double Vinyl Set "The Giants Of Jazz"

    In late September 2025, UMe, in conjunction with Frank Sinatra Enterprises, announced a new exclusive double-vinyl collection from Frank Sinatra, featuring his historic collaborations with Count Basie and Duke Ellington, entitled The Giants Of Jazz. This special release includes a pair of timeless albums—It Might As Well Be Swing with Count Basie and His Orchestra and Francis A. & Edward K. with Duke Ellington—newly remastered from the archival recordings. The package includes a new gatefold jacket design that incorporates rare photographs as well as the original artwork. Comprising seminal performances from Sinatra, Basie, and Ellington, the title The Giants Of Jazz couldn’t be more apropos. Maggie & Charlie discuss each of these legendary recordings starting with 1964's  It Might As Well Be Swing with Sinatra accompanied by Basie in tandem with his orchestra on ten tracks for the second time following 1962’s Sinatra-Basie, and it was Sinatra’s first studio album arranged by Quincy Jones. We discuss the magic created by Quincy Jones and the beautiful lifelong friendship which began during this musically fruitful period in Sinatra's recording career. Then secondly, we discuss the genius of Duke Ellington and how the 2 came together. Sinatra was instrumental in bringing Ellington's orchestra to his Reprise Records label, creating the opportunity for them to work together on the album Francis A. & Edward K., which was recorded on Sinatra's 52nd birthday, December 12, 1967.  CHARLES PIGNONE is a producer and writer. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Sinatra Treasures and also The Copa, The Sinatra Family Photo Album and Sinatra 100. He has produced over 50 albums including “Sinatra: Nothing But The Best” and “Ultimate Sinatra.” Charles also co-produced Seth MacFarlene's most recent album Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements. He also co-produced the television specials “Sinatra Sings,’ HBO documentary 'Sinatra: All Or Nothing At All’ and CBS’s ‘Sinatra 100’ Grammy special.  Mr. Pignone began his association with Frank Sinatra in 1984 and is the president of Frank Sinatra Enterprises. Source: https://www.sinatra.com/ume-release-new-frank-sinatra-double-vinyl-set-the-giants-of-jazz/ Source: https://www.sinatra.com/ Host Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994. Send us Fan Mail Support the show @profileswithmaggielepique @maggielepique

    33 min
  5. 09/15/2025

    Rita Wilde Discusses The New Bruce Springsteen Tracks II: The Lost Albums Featuring 7 Never Heard, Full-Length Records

    One of the most remarkable and unusual box sets “Tracks II: The Lost Albums, seven previously-unheard Bruce Springsteen records have been released as a nine LP or seven CD collection. Spanning 83 songs - 74 of which have never been released in any form - Tracks II: The Lost Albums offers an unprecedented look into more than three prolific decades of Springsteen’s life and work as an artist. Maggie's guest for this conversation is veteran Rock DJ Rita Wilde who shares her insights into the iconic Mr. Springsteen and this amazing release of his music. Seven previously-unheard Bruce Springsteen records will be released for the first time this summer on the widely-rumored and long-anticipated “Tracks II: The Lost Albums,” coming June 27 via Sony Music. A set spanning 83 songs, "The Lost Albums" fill in rich chapters of Springsteen’s expansive career timeline — while offering invaluable insight into his life and work as an artist. “'The Lost Albums' were full records, some of them even to the point of being mixed and not released,” said Springsteen. “I’ve played this music to myself and often close friends for years now. I’m glad you’ll get a chance to finally hear them. I hope you enjoy them.” From the lo-fi exploration of “LA Garage Sessions ’83” — serving as a crucial link between “Nebraska” and “Born in the U.S.A.” — to the drum loop and synthesizer sounds of “Streets of Philadelphia Sessions,” “The Lost Albums” offer unprecedented context into 35 prolific years (1983-2018) of Springsteen’s songwriting and home recording. “The ability to record at home whenever I wanted allowed me to go into a wide variety of different musical directions,” Springsteen explained. Throughout the set, that sonic experimentation takes the form of film soundtrack work (for a movie that was never made) on “Faithless,” country combos with pedal steel on “Somewhere North of Nashville,” richly-woven border tales on “Inyo” and orchestra-driven, mid-century noir on “Twilight Hours.” Alongside the announcement of “The Lost Albums,” a first look at the collection also arrives today with “Rain In The River” — which comes from the lost album “Perfect World,” and encapsulates that project’s arena-ready E Street flavor. We also dedicate our time together to our mutual friend, the iconic Jim Ladd.  James William Ladd (January 17, 1948 – December 17, 2023) was an American disc jockey, radio producer and writer. He was one of the last notable remaining freeform rock DJs in United States commercial radio. We LOVE you Jim! ❤️ Host Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994. Source: https://www.rockgodzhalloffame.com/photos/rita-wilde/ Source: https://brucespringsteen.net/news/2025/bruce-springsteens-tracks-ii-the-lost-albums-featuring-7-never-heard-full-length-records/ Source: https://www.jimladdrocks.com/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show @profileswithmaggielepique @maggielepique

    40 min
  6. Don Randi & Denny Tedesco Discuss Wrecking Crew Stories and The Magnificent Legacy Of Brian Wilson!

    07/21/2025

    Don Randi & Denny Tedesco Discuss Wrecking Crew Stories and The Magnificent Legacy Of Brian Wilson!

    Don Randi is a keyboard player, songwriter, arranger, bandleader and one of the most prolific session musicians in history. Don was born in New York City but raised in the Catskill Mountains where he studied classical music. He moved to Los Angeles in 1954 and, by the early 60s, Don was leading his own groups and working with a who's who of now legendary artists. Don is also the founder and owner of the long-standing L.A. nightclub the Baked Potato which he opened way back in 1970.  Denny Tedesco is a film producer known for the documentaries "Immediate Family" and "The Wrecking Crew" although Mr. Tedesco has worked on films over the years as a set director, lighting technician, grip and location producer. Maggie, Don & Denny discuss the revolving cast of musical characters we now know as The Wrecking Crew and later we discuss the extraordinary musical legacy of Brian Wilson who passed away June 11, 2025 at the age of 82.  Brian Douglas Wilson was an American musician, songwriter, singer, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. He was born on June 20, 1942, at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, California and passed away on June 11, 2025 at the age of 82 in Beverly Hills.  Brian Wilson has been frequently called a genius for his compositions and recording techniques and is regarded as one of the most significant songwriters in popular music. His best-known work is distinguished by high production values, complex harmonies, orchestrations and vocal layering. In 1961, Brian began his professional career as a member of the Beach Boys, serving as the band's songwriter, producer, co-lead vocalist, bassist, keyboardist, and de facto leader. After signing with Capitol Records in 1962, he became the first pop musician credited for writing, arranging, producing, and performing his own material. By the mid-1960s he had written or co-written more than two dozen American Top 40 hits, including the #1 hits "Surf City" (1963), "I Get Around" (1964), "Help Me, Rhonda" (1965), and "Good Vibrations" (1966). He is considered among the first music producer auteurs and one of the first rock producers to use the studio as an instrument. We dedicate the show to Brian Wilson, there will never be another so bright and so brilliant!  Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Randi Source: https://www.wreckingcrewfilm.com/ Source: https://www.brianwilson.com/ Source: https://thebeachboys.com/ Host Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994. Send us Fan Mail Support the show @profileswithmaggielepique @maggielepique

    1h 17m
  7. 05/29/2025

    Robby Krieger Discusses The 60th Anniversary Of The Doors in 2025 + A Series Of Whisky a Go Go Shows!

    Maggie speaks with legendary guitarist, songwriter and founded member of The Doors about The Doors 60th Anniversary this year (2025) and all the exciting events and releases that are happening and will be happening.  Robby Krieger is the guitarist for the legendary rock band The Doors and the songwriter behind some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Love Me Two Times,” “Touch Me,” “Love Her Madly,” and their #1 smash, “Light My Fire.” The Doors have sold over a hundred million albums worldwide, inspired a major feature film, been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy®, and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Robby, meanwhile, has also become a Grammy®-nominated solo artist, and was listed among the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” by Rolling Stone. He is also an accomplished painter and the co-founder of the annual Medlock-Krieger Rock & Roll Golf Classic & All-Star Concert. Source: https://robbykrieger.com/#x-content-band-3 Source: https://whiskyagogo.com/calendar/ Source: https://thedoors.com/ Source: https://www.artforacause.net/ Source: https://www.genesis-publications.com/book/9781905662883/night-divides-the-day Host Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994. Send us Fan Mail Support the show @profileswithmaggielepique @maggielepique

    43 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Profiles with Maggie LePique is a look into the music, artistry, lives and legacies of the musicians and artists who defined a uniquely creative era by breaking boundaries and finding new influences. While they not only ushered in social, as well as political change, they also created immensely popular legacies that have truly stood the test of time.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/maggielepique