

The Singers Talk
Jason Thomas Gordon
Welcome to The Singers Talk podcast based on my book of the same name. I’m Jason Thomas Gordon (singer/drummer of the Los Angeles rock band Kingsize), and when I first started singing for my band, I couldn’t believe there was no resource to find out how singers do this brutal job night after night. For something that seems easy, it can be truly dangerous, often embarrassing, and when you’re lucky… absolutely glorious. So, this is me, reaching out to some of the greatest, most iconic singers of our time, discussing the one the thing they’re never asked about: their voices! Never thinking this was going to be a podcast, most of the interviews you’re going to hear are the intimate conversations, as I write the actual book… If you’re a music fan, you’ll get a backstage look at how your favorite vocalists approach what they do onstage and in the studio. Packed with amazing stories you’ve never heard before, you’ll also find vulnerable sides of their personalities you might never have expected. And if you’re a singer, trying to train, help, heal, or even find your voice — you’ll learn how the best in their field keep their vocal cords in shape, how they protect themselves on the road, and countless other tricks, strategies, and philosophies…Not a technical podcast in any way, The Singers Talk celebrates the people who stand up in front of that mic, reach down into their guts, and give everything they’ve got for the sake of the song. Sometimes it’s bloody. And sometimes it’s bloody hilarious.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 4, 2024 • 3min
Laura Davidson (Shure Microphones)
A bonus, filmed episode of The Singers Talk that you can watch now on Volume.com. This special episode features a conversation with Laura Davidson from Shure Microphones. Shure is not only our partner, but they’re the mic company I use onstage and for this podcast. But why? Well, Laura is not only a microphone rep, she’s a singer as well. So she gonna tell us why, and take you through a tour of all that Shure has to offer for every type of voice.

Nov 27, 2024 • 3min
Kerri Kasem (Volume.com Video Exclusive)
Welcome to “The Top Five!” A bonus, filmed episode of The Singers Talk that you can watch now on Volume.com. This little sideshow allows me to speak with some of my favorite people about their top five favorite singers of all time. I’m interested in seeing what voices they gravitate towards, and what that may reveal about their own personalities. My guest today is Kerri Kasem, my sister from another mister. And that mister is the iconic DJ Casey Kasem. Just like her father, Kerri has spent most her life in radio. Currently hosting the Rock Sugar Magic Podcast, Kerri has had me on almost show she’s ever done. So today, it’s payback!

Nov 21, 2024 • 2min
David Deluise (Volume.com Video Exclusive)
Welcome to “The Top Five!” A bonus, filmed episode of The Singers Talk that you can watch now on Volume.com. This little sideshow allows me to speak with some of my favorite people about their top five favorite singers of all time. I’m interested on seeing what voices they gravitate towards, and what that may reveal about their own personalities. My guest today is one of my best friends in the world, actor David DeLuise! Son of comedy legend Dom DeLuise. Selena Gomez’ father on Wizards of Waverly Place. And a guy who has been to way too many Grateful Dead shows.

Oct 30, 2024 • 4min
Dionne Warwick (Volume.com Video Exclusive)
Welcome to The Singers Talk Podcast based on my book of the same name. This episode has been filmed and can only be viewed over at Volume.com, where you’ll see my conversation with the legendary six-time Grammy Award Winner and recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee who has sold over 100 million records…Ms. Dionne Warwick!Volume.com/thesingersIn this exclusive filmed episode, Dionne talks to us about her working relationship with songwriters Hal David and Burt Bacharach, singing with Whitney Houston, Barry Gibb, recording "We Are The World," her incredible duet with Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Gladys Knight on “That’s What Friends Are For,” and how it saved lives. All this and much more over at Volume.com.All my writer’s royalties from sales of the book benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign. So I’d love for you to grab yourself a copy. And be sure to check out every episode of the podcast, our livestreams, and more at Volume.com/thesingers talk. And if you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite streaming platforms to make sure you hear every new episode. Volume.com is the destination for live music fans, where you can watch live and on-demand performances, see exclusive artist content, listen to music podcasts, and check out live music streams from your favorite artists, venues, and Hosts.Get The Singers Talk book at:Thesingerstalk.comDonate to St. Jude at:Musicgives.orgYou can find JTG @KingsizethebandKingsizetheband.com

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 14min
Billy Squier
Welcome to The Singers Talk Podcast based on my book of the same name. This week you’ll hear my conversation with Platinum Selling Artist Billy Squier. You heard right! One of the great singers of the MTV generation of rock! And I get to ask him where the hell he’s been… and tell him how much he’s missed. In this episode you’re gonna hear us talk about some pretty powerful stuff, like taking on your personal demons, and what it takes to keep your confidence up. On what Billy had to do to become a front man. We’ll talk about his incredible friendship with Freddie Mercury, and hear how Freddie once saved Billy’s life from beyond the grave, and much much more… All my writer’s royalties from sales of the book benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign. So I’d love for you to grab yourself a copy. And be sure to check out every episode of the podcast, our livestreams, and more at Volume.com/thesingers talk. And if you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite streaming platforms to make sure you hear every newepisode. Volume.com is the destination for live music fans, where you can watch live and on-demand performances, see exclusive artist content, listen to music podcasts, and check out live music streams from your favorite artists, venues, and hosts. Get The Singers Talk book at:Thesingerstalk.com Donate to St. Jude at:Musicgives.org You can find JTG @KingsizethebandKingsizetheband.com Jason Thomas Gordon is the lead singer/drummer of the Los Angeles rock band Kingsize, a screenwriter, author, and creator of Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a campaign that raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through music-based initiatives. St. Jude was founded by Jason’s grandfather, entertainer, Danny Thomas, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. Jason also serves as a National Committee member of the hospital’s board.

Sep 25, 2024 • 49min
Geddy Lee
Welcome to The Singers Talk Podcast based on my book of the same name. This week you’ll hear my conversation with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Geddy Lee from Rush. Have you ever tried to sing with blood gushing from your nose, down your face, in front of 20,00 people? Well, Geddy’s gonna tell you all about it. In this episode you’re gonna hear us break down what it takes to be the guy who had the Herculean task of playing all those insane bass parts, while singing all demanding vocals, plus memorizing all the lyrics written by Neil Peart. We speak about how Geddy and the band meticulously prepared for shows, how he became a full blown germaphobe, how he survived all those nights on the road playing three hours sets, how his voice has changed throughout the years, the importance of what key you’re singing in… and how it felt to say goodbye to the band and their fans on the night of their final show as Rush. All that and much more… All my writer’s royalties from sales of the book benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign. So I’d love for you to grab yourself a copy. And be sure to check out every episode of the podcast, our livestreams, and more at Volume.com/thesingers talk. And if you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite streaming platforms to make sure you hear every newepisode. Volume.com is the destination for live music fans, where you can watch live and on-demand performances, see exclusive artist content, listen to music podcasts, and check out live music streams from your favorite artists, venues, and hosts. Get The Singers Talk book at:Thesingerstalk.com Donate to St. Jude at:Musicgives.org You can find JTG @KingsizethebandKingsizetheband.comJason Thomas Gordon is the lead singer/drummer of the Los Angeles rock band Kingsize, a screenwriter, author, and creator of Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a campaign that raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through music-based initiatives. St. Jude was founded by Jason’s grandfather, entertainer, Danny Thomas, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. Jason also serves as a National Committee member of the hospital’s board.

Sep 18, 2024 • 53min
Johnny Rzeznik
Welcome to The Singers Talk Podcast based on my book of the same name. This week you’ll hear my conversation with Johnny Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls. Johnny and (bassist/vocalist) Robby Takac formed Goo Goo Dolls in Buffalo, New York in 1986, and since then, they’ve had 19 top ten singles on various charts, and wrote some of the biggest hits you’ve ever heard with songs like “Name – Broadway – Slide - Black Balloon - and Iris,” which held the number one spot for 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay… In this episode you’re gonna hear us talk about how John grew enough confidence, persistence, and defiance to eventually become the lead singer for the band, the importance of vulnerability and gratitude, the beauty of longevity, how he keeps his voice in shape, making an emotional connection with the audience, and much much more… All my writer’s royalties from sales of the book benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign. So I’d love for you to grab yourself a copy. And be sure to check out every episode of the podcast, our livestreams, and more at Volume.com/thesingers talk. And if you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite streaming platforms to make sure you hear every newepisode. Volume.com is the destination for live music fans, where you can watch live and on-demand performances, see exclusive artist content, listen to music podcasts, and check out live music streams from your favorite artists, venues, and hosts. Get The Singers Talk book at:Thesingerstalk.com Donate to St. Jude at:Musicgives.org You can find JTG @KingsizethebandKingsizetheband.comJason Thomas Gordon is the lead singer/drummer of the Los Angeles rock band Kingsize, a screenwriter, author, and creator of Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a campaign that raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through music-based initiatives. St. Jude was founded by Jason’s grandfather, entertainer, Danny Thomas, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. Jason also serves as a National Committee member of the hospital’s board.

Sep 11, 2024 • 47min
Patty Griffin
Welcome to The Singers Talk Podcast based on my book of the same name. This week you’ll hear my conversation with Grammy Award Winner Patty Griffin. One of the few people who can make me cry just by the sound of her voice. In this episode you’re gonna hear us talk about the often lonely, boring life a singer leads if they truly care about their voice. Patty opens up about surviving cancer and having to build her voice back from nothing. But she is living proof that it can be done! We’re gonna hear about what it’s like for Patty to sing with Emmylou Harris, Robert Plant, and much much more. All my writer’s royalties from sales of the book benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign. So I’d love for you to grab yourself a copy. And be sure to check out every episode of the podcast, our livestreams, and more at Volume.com/thesingers talk. And if you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite streaming platforms to make sure you hear every newepisode. Volume.com is the destination for live music fans, where you can watch live and on-demand performances, see exclusive artist content, listen to music podcasts, and check out live music streams from your favorite artists, venues, and hosts. Get The Singers Talk book at:Thesingerstalk.com Donate to St. Jude at:Musicgives.org You can find JTG @KingsizethebandKingsizetheband.com Pang Da Hai Seedhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7lWOa2Qp4MJason Thomas Gordon is the lead singer/drummer of the Los Angeles rock band Kingsize, a screenwriter, author, and creator of Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a campaign that raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through music-based initiatives. St. Jude was founded by Jason’s grandfather, entertainer, Danny Thomas, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. Jason also serves as a National Committee member of the hospital’s board.

Sep 4, 2024 • 57min
Sam Moore
Welcome to The Singers Talk Podcast based on my book of the same name. This week you’ll hear my conversation with the legendary Sam Moore. Sam Moore and the late Dave Prater came together in 1961 and formed one of the greatest vocal duos of all time: Sam & Dave. “Soul man,” Hold On! I’m Comin’,” Wrap it Up,” “I Thank you.” Just listen to their catalog and you’ll know exactly why they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In this episode you’re gonna hear us talk about how Sam and Dave became Sam and Dave, the nerves he struggles with before he goes onstage, the sage advice he received from Moms Mabley, the sneaky thing his manager wife started doing behind his back. You’re gonna hear some stories about his various vocal collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, and something he does with a penny that I will never, ever get over… all that and so much Moore. All my writer’s royalties from sales of the book benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign. So I’d love for you to grab yourself a copy. And be sure to check out every episode of the podcast, our livestreams, and more at Volume.com/thesingers talk. And if you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite streaming platforms to make sure you hear every newepisode. Volume.com is the destination for live music fans, where you can watch live and on-demand performances, see exclusive artist content, listen to music podcasts, and check out live music streams from your favorite artists, venues, and hosts. Get The Singers Talk book at:Thesingerstalk.com Donate to St. Jude at:Musicgives.org You can find JTG @KingsizethebandKingsizetheband.comJason Thomas Gordon is the lead singer/drummer of the Los Angeles rock band Kingsize, a screenwriter, author, and creator of Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a campaign that raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through music-based initiatives. St. Jude was founded by Jason’s grandfather, entertainer, Danny Thomas, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. Jason also serves as a National Committee member of the hospital’s board.

Aug 28, 2024 • 41min
Al Schackman on Nina Simone
Welcome to The Singers Talk Podcast based on my book of the same name. This week you’ll hear my conversation with Al Schackman on Nina Simone. As Nina’s guitarist and musical director, she was more like a sister than anything. But this wasn’t just any sister. This was the mercurial, controversial, enigmatic, “high Priestess of Soul.” And with that comes incredible stories of her immense talent and outrageous temper, her fight for what she believed when it could literally get her killed, and that voice, that voice, that VOICE! All my writer’s royalties from sales of the book benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign. So I’d love for you to grab yourself a copy. And be sure to check out every episode of the podcast, our livestreams, and more at Volume.com/thesingers talk. And if you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite streaming platforms to make sure you hear every newepisode. Volume.com is the destination for live music fans, where you can watch live and on-demand performances, see exclusive artist content, listen to music podcasts, and check out live music streams from your favorite artists, venues, and hosts. Get The Singers Talk book at:Thesingerstalk.com Donate to St. Jude at:Musicgives.org You can find JTG @KingsizethebandKingsizetheband.com Jason Thomas Gordon is the lead singer/drummer of the Los Angeles rock band Kingsize, a screenwriter, author, and creator of Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a campaign that raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through music-based initiatives. St. Jude was founded by Jason’s grandfather, entertainer, Danny Thomas, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. Jason also serves as a National Committee member of the hospital’s board.