Tom Scott’s Podcast Express

Tom sits down with talented bluesman, guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, actor and 5-time Grammy winner Keb' Mo'.  Keb' shares his inspiring story from his beginnings in South Central Los Angeles to working his way into the famed A&M Studios to finding the blues to making it and beyond.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of witnessing Chris Matthews prepare for his popular Hardball show on MSNBC. I never forgot the intense energy that was apparent in the studio as he and his staff prepared for the show. In a way, Chris and his staff reminded me of playing jazz in the moment. Recently, I had a chance to talk with Chris about a variety of topics ranging from his beginnings, the Peace Corps, writing, hosting Hardball and much more. His latest book “This Country: My Life in Politics and History” is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it. It’s Hardball on the Podcast Express ...well, sort of!

Tom’s friendship with songwriting legend and actor Paul Williams dates back to 1971. On this Podcast Express episode, the two old friends talk about memorable times and tie it all into the present. There is no shortage of music legend discussed here.

After playing the saxophone for over 50 years, Tom wanted to dedicate an episode to discuss the sax with a few of his colleagues who have mastered the instrument but have also built careers entertaining audiences with their playing. Dave Koz, Grace Kelly and Gerald Albright sit down with Tom on a special Podcast Express roundtable.

On this episode of the Podcast Express, Tom visits with entertainment icon Lou Adler. From Sam Cooke to Carole King to the Rocky Horror Picture Show to Up In Smoke to the Monterey Pop Festival, Tom and Lou discuss these legendary topics and much much more. This episode is simply historic.

Tom and his longtime friend Dave Grusin sit down and discuss the remarkable (and historic) career of the composer, arranger, producer, pianist and co-founder of GRP Records. From Dave’s early career with Andy Williams to scoring “The Graduate” and "Heaven Can Wait" to building a hugely successful record label to being the subject of a documentary and more.

Drummer, singer, songwriter, author, humanitarian, and icon Sheila E. joins Tom on the Podcast Express. Topics explored range from growing up in a musical family in the Bay Area to Sammy Davis Jr. to Marvin Gaye to Prince to songwriting and much more.

Tom sits down with political commentator, former RNC Chairperson and former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Michael Steele. The two discuss a wide range of topics including Michael’s upbringing, stint as a DJ, musical theater, the band Yes, joining the seminary, and winding up in politics.

Tom sits down with three amazing drummers: Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd and Nate Smith. The trio discuss their personal stories into music, playing the instrument, share in career highlights and a few stories along the way. The result is an action packed Podcast Express episode not to be missed.

Celebrated actor Malcolm McDowell joins Tom on the Podcast Express. The two friends discuss Malcolm’s brilliant career with an emphasis on wonderful accounts with legends Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud and Stanley Kubrick. Penthouse magazine founder Bob Guccione and the film "Caligula" hysterically find their  way into the conversation and much more.

Actor, comedian and cannabis farmer Jim Belushi is Tom's guest on the Podcast Express. The two friends actually go back a long way when Tom played with Jim's brother John in the infamous Blues Brothers band. Tom and Jim discuss that classic concert, Jim's beginnings into acting, tender moments with brother John, Julie Newmar and the cannabis business.

Tom and longtime friend Anjelica Huston discuss the Academy Award-winner’s  upbringing with her famed family. They also discuss Anjelica’s beginnings into music, acting, and their first meeting at a hipster party in the early 1970’s following a Carole King concert and much more.

The amazingly talented Ray Parker Jr. visits with Tom on the Podcast Express. The two old friends talk about Ray’s beginnings in Detroit, arriving in Los Angeles and breaking into the studio system, musical influences, songwriting and succeeding. As you will hear, Ray’s journey is truly fascinating.

Tom visits with the late Al Schmitt one of the most prolific recording engineers in music history. The two discuss Al’s beginnings of his career, recording Duke Ellington, moving to Los Angeles, sessions with Hank Mancini, the lost art of mic placement and the greatest power of music.

Tom and musician, writer, actor, director Billy Bob Thornton have a spirited conversation about musical passions, Elvis, recording, acting, mutual friends and chasing your dreams. 

Tom visits with lobbyist (and friend) Jim Free who worked in President Carter’s White House as Special Assistant to the President for Congressional Affairs. Jim is also an environmental issues advocate, long term supporter of The Carter Center’s programs focused on peace and health. Jim was instrumental securing songwriting rights on behalf of BMI in Washington and is a passionate music fan and was honored by the Country Music Association for his tireless efforts supporting the music of his roots.

Tom talks with the hugely talented vocalist and guitarist Becca Stevens. Becca shares in her upbringing in a musical family, how she found her way into jazz, songwriting with David Crosby and what's on tap in 2021.

The legendary Herb Alpert visits with Tom. The two friends discuss Herb’s start into the music business, songwriting, Sam Cooke, the evolution of the Tijuana Brass, that famous cover featuring whipped cream, A&M Studios, and the power of music as it pertains to life.

Tom visits with the multi-talented Vanessa Williams. The two friends cover a wide range of topics in their conversation including listening to WRBR, playing french horn, becoming the first African American Miss America, chart topping pop music success,  Broadway fame, Covid 19, selling fashion from a living room to Black Theater United and the recording of the single "Stand For Change."

PREVIEW EPISODE: Tom Scott talks with country artist Eric Church about his musical influences, the start of his career, songwriting, Cannabis and why he agreed to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.