409. Leah Kunkel / 3 songs 

Love Leah's solo album, beautiful underrated singer, just like her awesome sis!

I love Leah Kunkel’s recordings so much. One of my favorite pop voices ever.

1979 . . . I was a disc jockey in Sweetwater, Texas . . . playing Step Right Up so often that I’m surprised they didn’t fire me over it. One of my all-time favorites. Thanks for featuring it, Mr. Sklar!

Step Right Up should have been such a hit…I still love listening to this album today. A classic.

Leah Kunkel, Cass Elliott, Nate Kunkel, Kate Taylor...the lineage is just incredible and means so much to many of us who have adored the sounds of decades.

Leah Kunkel is so wonderful, I still listen to "I run with trouble" album. the clubhouse was super fun yesterday. thanks Lee.

~ She almost sounds like Sister Cass. Lovely voice.

Great interview on the Drum Channel!

Oh wow.....immediately got a Carly Simon vibe in the timbre of her voice.

The answer is always ”more cowbell”, now what’s the question!🤣🤣🤣🤣 .Keep the rare stuff coming Leland, loving it👍

Like Patti Austin, Leah has perfect studio singer chops but can deliver a heartbreaking tone that really touches the listener.

Great music again Lee. I know Leah’s name from seeing it in credits lists of other artist’s albums, but I will definitely follow up on her own work now. See you later at the clubhouse. Anyone who hasn’t joined yet should come on along, you will be very welcome. 😃

Having started with the Staples Sisters joke, Lee, you ended with .... a stapler!! Comedy genius :-)

Hi Lee! There is just something about voices from the same family or bloodline. I hear Leah and I hear Cass. It's like hearing Andy Williams and his brothers (The Williams Brothers), the Bee Gee's, Brian, Carl and Dennis, Tavares just to name a few. These are really nice tunes!! As for the events of the day, you and I are on different sides. But, I am an American and President Biden IS my president and I wish him the most success possible. But, most importantly, our political differences have no place in our friendship. I respect your opinions and I know you respect mine. Nuff said. I know we both only want what is best for our country and that's all that matters. It was a really nice hang yesterday at the clubhouse stream. I am so glad you created that! Have a great day and stay safe. I will listen to the rest of Part 2 of the you and Russ interview and then Part 3. Part 1 was great!

Laurel Canyon in the 70's was...so cool👍😎❤ Remember the swing in my friends bedroom in the hills. Came with the house she purchased. Great times👍😎 More cowbell! 👍😎❤🖖 Love brother

Under The Jamaican Moon. Music by Stephen Bishop, Lyrics by Leah Kunkel.

Such a blend of a very sweet and powerful voice. According to Wikipedia, Leah now resides in Northampton, Massachusetts and has a law practice there, her main focus is on entertainment law.

Lee, your stories are so amazing! I just love hearing about the music business when it was in it’s golden age. And you are the one who’s always been on ground zero. Leah sounds so good. How could she not with all the A players behind her.

Been a follower of all the Kunkels for many years now. I especially enjoy Leah's vocals with Art Garfunkel. All of her work is superb, but the way she blends with Art is really something special. Backing vocals don't get any better than her performance on Scissors Cut. Thanks for your videos, the performances, and the wonderful stories.

I love Leah! I hear the tones of her sister's voice. Did Cass live in the Woodrow Wilson house at that time? In early 1973 I went to Cass's house to invite her to a benefit concert that I was producing for the Simi Valley Free Clinic. I met David Crosby and Graham Nash there that time! I went back there a few times later! She was going to be out of town at the time of the concert and was unable to be there. Later on, my Father bought her 1976 Aston Martin Db-6 Saloon! The MC of this concert was Barry Hansen (Doctor Demento).

I saw Leah in Cincinnati when she opened for Graham Nash at the Palace Theater mid-to late 70s. She was wonderful! Beautiful, clear, smooth voice.

You are putting on the best stuff on RU-vid.

Leah has such a gorgeous voice. She deserved far more acclaim than she ever received. Really enjoyed the Drum Channel interview. Can we see the upright?

Thank you for another treasure trove of excellent music (Leah's voice is gorgeous - pure cream, like Linda Rondstadt's) and stories here - and for another wonderful time at the clubhouse this evening, Lee. Perpetually wonderful.

These stories make me long for the old days as a radio DJ in the 70's... (and 80's and 90's) Reading album covers and credits as the song plays... I thought (and still think) the 70's produced some of the best music. Just my humble opinion... Thanks Lee for these reminiscences... been tuning in to your channel from the start. One of the few good things to come out of a crappy year. Take are everyone, stay safe.

The book has arrived have had a quick look, well impressed and happy , thank you Leland see you later

If I had to pick only five songs that i could listen to for the rest of my life, Don't leave these goodbyes would be number one. Beautiful song. Leah is great. Thanks man.

More stapler! :) Leah's great! Funny that she switched careers and went into Law but then again, being in the biz, one realises eventually that you need 3 extra people on the road with you if possible; A lawyer, a doctor and an accountant! REally enjoyed those tunes, though! Thanks again!

Thanks for sharing, Lee. I really enjoy the diversity of artists you feature. Makes my day, every day!

Nice to hear these personal recollections of Leah. Thanks, lee.

Leah's voice is something really special, something there you can't put your finger on. Love the stapler cowbell!

It was the best time of music.....in terms of Record companies and cranking out in studio albums. I miss just stereo components....old big headphones and Casey Kasem telling me about new albums and songs. Here is number#38 I am all out of love by Airrrrr Supplyyyyy. Bad example but you remember.

Wow Momma Cass... Dream a little dream....Priceless!!!!!......THE VOICE!!!! Her and John Denver Leaving on a jet plane.....Awesome.

So nice to hear Leah Kunkel sing real songs that don’t sound like every other song (like what’s happening right now). Every great singer doesn’t get to be a star, and having a law degree to fall back on (if you’ve got the brains/mojo for it) isn’t the worst thing that could happen. Especially if you can gig on the side. Leah has a bit of Cass’s voice, doesn’t she? Enjoyed this!🙏

Thanks Lee, just paid a small fortune for Leah's album which you turned me on to. Such a great voice and song selections!!!

Happy Tuesday Lee. Thanks for sharing this song with us. Leah certainly has a beautiful voice. Great arrangements too. And of course the bass!

I still have the original LP, I bought quite a few years back. . Had to buy the CD for back up. One of my faves.

There's only two kinds of music. Good and Bad. Thank you for sharing your love. I got myself on the list for the vaccine. 🎶✌❤😷🍏

Leah is doing a little playing,I will be joining her along with 2 other pals soon for an afternoon summer show...she is great!

Your playing defined this golden age as much as anything. I remember buying this album solely because you and Russ were on it.

Penny Nichols! RIP. In High School I had become Folk Club President in my Senior year and I determined to produce TWO Hootenanny's that year. One, the standard Student based event but I got the okay to put on a "Pro Show"! Steve Gillette had just done a special assembly for the school opening for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (Hot off the Uncle Teddy release) - I knew I couldn't get The Dirt Band so I approached Steve by the school lockers as he was leaving - to my surprise he didn't turn me down. Instead he suggested I see him at The Golden Bear with Penny Nichols that weekend and consider her as an opener. I did and they did the show months later. It began a life long friendship with Steve, but I never say Penny until the mid 2000's at a concert by The Refugees (Holland-Waldman-Bullins) up in Newberry Park. I got to say hello and spoke of that hoot. We later we FB friends, but I never saw her again. Great voice and she was one of the first artists I'd ever heard perform a Jackson Browne tune - she did two that evening.

I am quite enamored with your life how it has unfolded for you.The array of talented of musicians put together for the golden era as you said that does not seem to happen much any more.Thanks again for introducing the new artist.Her voice sounds like a young Carly Simon voice.Have a great day, and stay safe .Alternate universe is well put.

Ages since I've heard Stephen Bishop's name. That last song was so evocative of the late 70's with the mid EQ, the warmth... a trip back.

Please, Lee--PLEASE, OH PLEASE, ask Leah to get the original 'Coyote Sisters' album re-released. Such an amazing record; it's too good to just be left to my memories....

Man I just love Leah . Brings back some sweet memories. Great bass on these .

I've got the fever, and the prescription is more stapler.

I love it when the stories & reminisces just flow out of you. The intertwining of names & places is fascinating. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 🌴 📸

Golden indeed. Thanks Leland. This is so cool of you; we're very, very lucky you're doing this. Music is the best.

"When you don't have a cowbell" reminded me of the great interview you did with RK on the Drum Channel. Leah's is a great voice too. Thanks for the show.

Great to see the scars are healing and your energy is up!! Never amazes how the history gets deeper

I'm sure I knew about Leah at one time but this is all new ground for me....

OMG! 3rd song I was dancing by the 3rd note! Fantastic!👍🏻😎😍

Just another great post, mahalo for making my day !!!!

Love the stories and the beautiful voice and music.

My fave album of the early 80s. Listen to it in the dark with Koss headphones

Enjoyed that! Love her voice! Also checked another of my female favorites, Nicolette Larson's albums liner notes to see if you played on some of her stuff, was surprised to see that she was once married to Russ. Small world indeed!

I always forget music is a communal activity. Of course this has the sound of james taylor and carley simon and cass elliot etc. Its not just the times but it was the people.

This is great set to lullaby myself with. Thanks, Lee!

Thanks Leland. I was looking for Leah's song "Hard Feelings " when I stumbled upon this in a search. I love your insights into the music. I was programming music for radio back when both of Leah's earlier albums came out and I fell in love with her work. Beautiful. Thanks again.

These are great! I keep playing my guitar with Stephen Bishop songs since last February. They are go to soothes, before one makes me think of another song that isn't his and I go exploring around playing till I just have to do anything else. ... of course I'm gonna wanna play along with these as well probably tonight. 💜's for the Doctor X like surreal feeling.

It must be difficult for you to listen to these songs in 2021. Not just these artists, but any you have been influenced by or worked with. Must be hard to edit those experiences into this current channel. But I always love hearing old stories, and you are one of the special ones who have worked with many people!

I first learned of her music while she was singing backup for JT and Art - loved the pure, clear sound of her voice and found her album - thanks for featuring some of her musid

Those tunes were beautiful. Thanks again. Loved it. Much appreciated as always 🖕🖕🖕

Just discovered today that Leah is the younger sister of Cass Elliott. Amazing

Received your absolutely fun photo book today. Loved the photo of your folks!

Thank You Lee 👍🏻 saludos 🇲🇽

"Under the Jamaican Moon' was indeed written by Stephen Bishop as well as, Leah.

I remember that album. I liked the bee gee's song. I also remember the coyote sisters.

I love her countermelody to the ending of "From Silver Lake" by Jackson Browne.

Lovely storytelling from the past - and a good talking too. From Miami, FL. a parks service aide. Please be safe folks. Bless

She gives me Carole King/Carly Simon sort of vibe.

Great songs, great tunes. Very nice voice. Ironic that Smidy story. I just tried to imagine what it must have been like. Scary, to say the least.

Hello Leland ! Yes is Stephen Bishop song ! Thank you ! Ciao from milano italy ! Take care

Jamaican Moon appears to have been co-written by Stephen Bishop and Leah Kunkel

Thanks for sharing Lee. All of us benefit from the enlightenment from your history. Thanks for making such varied, beautiful music. Peace n lentils. 😌

I really enjoyed today's selections especially.

Loved the NPE (Near Pants Experience) story at the funeral!

Wow great music! All new to me. Thank you Lee!

Happy Tuesday Leland 🎶✌❤😷🍏

Great show and Club House tonight!!!! Fun night!!

Well, the singing gene runs through her family. Shame she did not hit anywhere near the heights her sister did. That is the business though. Karla Bonhoff another example. Great, sweet voices but....................... Cest la vie as the French say. Stay safe Leland.

Leah kunkel is a lawyer now in massachusetts, and a really good one too.

Agree totally, Laith was FANTASTIC. 👍

This is one of the side effects of being older, is you often outlive those whom you have worked with. It sucks but I wish these sounds could live on forever. :-)

A swingline makes a great cowbell!!!!

Thank you Lee for letting us into your world of music. I have been following your YT-videoblog from the day you started posting these daily blogs. Every morning I enjoy your blog with a cup of coffee in my hand. It’s such a joy, and it’s so amazing to discover a lot of music that is not very well known here in Europe. I’m so gratefull, that every week you present some lovely old stuff, that I have never heard before, allthough I’m 70 years old, and has been an amateur bassist since my teenage days. I hope, that someday when the corona is over and rhe world reopens, that you and Judith Owen once again will pay a visit to Copenhagen, and play a small intimate concert in ‘Paradise Jazz Club’. My wife and I was there when you played a couple of years ago, and it was such a great pleasure. 🙏

All great songs, but I’m going with Jamaican Moon as my favorite of the three-it’s the rhythm. Stay safe and stay well!

Beautiful! 💗😊💜

But as always, great stuff. Love any details I can glean from historical figures like yourself. :-)

It’s credited to Leah and Stephen Bishop Lee. It’s a very SB sounding piece that’s for sure.

My favorite of the moment is Paul Carrack - "Don't Shed A Tear", the BASS is good 😉

Met Ms Kunkel once upon a time ('81-or 2?) - at the Eastern States Exposition, just a lovely lady and I've never forgotten those few pleasant moments talking

Thank you so very much!!!

Such a great video! I absolutely love Leah's debut album from start to finish; not a bad track. I would love to hear Leah's take on the making of her album.

Can't wait to hear Leah.

Howdy, Lee and everybody! That sure is some double-plus good hitting of the button today!

Absolutely AMAZING voice. I’ve always thought that while she sounds like Cass, naturally, her voice is not as brassy as Cass’s, it’s more personal and intimate. You can hear her clearly on James Taylor’s Handy Man. Her solo work is beautiful and the Coyote Sisters was wonderful too. While she does entertainment law she spends most of her time as a public defender working with the down and out in western MA. (And by the way do yourself a favor and check out Penny Nichols music as well. She and Leah were great friends and when they sang together- WOW!)

Keep sharing all these different artists. There shouldn't be a monopoly on only "mainstream" artists you hear on the radio. The world is so much better when there is more variety.

Thanks for sharing! Leah's debut album was and is one of my favorite albums. Her second album was almost as good. And The Coyote Sisters.

Wow, Lee sure can Swingline! 😀