1776. HEARTBREAK 💔

[@rbcrbc7913]

The morning following Carole King's concert at Indiana University in 1976, I was a percussion student and managed to find the band's hotel. I knocked on Russ's door and Leah answered. Russ was asleep, but she took me down to the restaurant and we had breakfast while she checked me out. At one point she said, "Just a minute" and went to a house phone near us. I heard this, "Russ, wake up and come down to the restaurant. There's someone here you need to meet." Russ duly arrived. She introduced us and left us to have coffee. I was so pleased and inspired to meet Russ, a very nice guy. Leah was so cool. I've never forgotten...and never will.

[@frankflstf]

WOW what a kind hearted soul ❤

[@speedfreakjive8843]

Thank you so much for sharing❤

[@briangarrett6510]

From Stephen Bishop: "I met her at my pal James Lee Stanley’s concert at McCabe’s. I was late and sat down next to an empty seat. I turned to the woman on my right and asked “Has he played any Stephen Bishop songs yet?” She smiled and said, “No Stephen, not yet.” It was Leah Kunkel. We always laughed about that moment, the first time we met. Leah helped to give me my big break by giving a tape of my songs to Art Garfunkel. She always championed my music"

[@splashesin8]

I just binged on some Bish a less than a week ago now. Had a craving. Went to itunes. ❤

[@briangarrett6510]

Trivia question. Who played guitar on one of his biggest hits, 'Save It For A Rainy Day'? No Googling the answer! 😊 ​@@splashesin8

[@MissingMars]

Save It For A Rainy Day -my fav Bish tune!

[@bryanveal741]

Lee, the pain shows in your eyes and I’m so sorry for your loss. You are such an amazing and inspiring human. Healing for your loss and many beautiful days ahead is my hope for you.❤

[@kimnaef9339]

We’re transitioning at a very quick pace, these days. Here is a preparatory dialog about leaving our bodies and transitioning - and we don’t need to be buddhists to benefit from knowledge. Namaste and thank you for sharing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqGoqqtmqJylbtksi=GJ4Bb-z34OAZcfAz

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

🙏

[@diegobalbona9171]

Sorry for your loss Leland. Best wishes always!

[@GaryBook]

I am so sad for you. Losing people who we are close to is the greatest sorrow we have to endure. They make our lives so rich and the emptiness from their absence never goes away

[@jlg9292]

I have been reluctant to listen to her work these past several days, as I my heart is broken and I haven't been sure I could manage hearing her voice. Leah was wonderful, witty, insightful, gifted and talented, grounded, fun to be with, utterly one of a kind. I can't believe I'm writing in the past tense. My friend M.G. introduced me to Leah at a time when I needed a place to live, a center of gravity, a community-- and Leah provided all of those, plus the blazing light of her brilliance set against the depths of her introspection. And laughs, and soul-searing music, always. Thank you for this lovely tribute.

[@bodichair]

Thanks Lee for sharing the information on the two lovely souls passing. I always feel privileged to hear yours stories and you playing these wonderful tunes. I have to mention the many times ive had the privilege to hear you play live. Blessing to you from a fellow journey man. 🙏

[@killereverb3928]

Great stuff Lee. That first song is an instant chestnut for the ages. Haunting and positively captivating.

[@TonySchopp]

Incredibly moving tribute, Lee. Important people in our lives help shape us, sometimes in profound ways and I’m sorry they’ve both passed. Thanks for sharing your passion and sorrow with us. It’s good to get this off your chest. Big hugs, brother.

[@davidmaine2366]

What a wonderful tribute to Leah, Leland! Condolences on the loss of Leah. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thank you for this channel! You do great work here!

[@umich79]

One of the best things about watching your videos is discovering music I had no idea I needed to add to my collection! Thank you! I’m so sorry to hear of the deaths of your two friends. Singing with the angels now. 🪽🪽Grace and peace to you today and every day.

[@LukeMaynard]

I'm so sad for you, and in this case for all of us: I first heard her singing over your own bass line, backing up James Taylor on the "JT" album. I never had the honour of meeting her, but she's been a small but beloved presence in my listening library for years. Since 2020 or so, a lot of the talented musicians I love have left us. I am already in mourning as a listener, and can't imagine how much greater the loss and grief must be for you, when you've actually come to know these talented people as your friends. Please extend our condolences to Russ as well. He's not quite as social-mediable as you are, but he's in my thoughts too.

[@gregm6652]

You have a lot to be grateful for, we're grateful that you share with us. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@steven_scattergood]

I am lost for words but I send my thoughts and prayers and love to everyone feeling this sadness. Growing older is not easy and my heart goes out to you Lee and to Russ and family.🙏🙏

[@johnjump1104]

So many wonderful qualities present in her voice. The music is fantastic! Thanks for sharing!! I'll have to listen to more of that record, for sure. Don't know how I've lived to be 57 and never heard that.

[@Lat41]

Thankful for you paying tribute to Leah and James. You’re a kind and thoughtful person. Sorry for your loss.

[@TheNotMeTube]

Unfortunately the longer we remain the more we lose the ones we love. So sorry for your double loss yesterday. I remember when you covered Leah in #409 a few years ago. Happy Thanksgiving! ❤

[@jorunnfloberg]

Dear Lee! I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing these lovely tunes! With love from Norway❤️🌻🇳🇴

[@fernandoperezsousa3779]

Sorry for your loss. Their spirits be with you for ever in their music and in your memories.

[@zzettecarla]

Thank you for acknowledging your fellow artists and I'm blown away by Leah's voice. Oh the talent in her family.

[@jazztheorytrumpet]

Thank you Leland, going to listen to the entire album now! So much great stuff out there

[@MusicLiberates]

James Gilmer was a easy going, very nice man. I toured on saxophone with James and Lyle from about 1989 to 2012. James’ percussion touches were groovy and he helped us all a lot when he functioned as the road manager. RIP, James.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

🙏 Amen

[@SoundsFair--M-and-J]

We have been enjoying her on KZbin. What an exceptional voice! Hope everybody has a good Thanksgiving.

[@docdurdin]

How apropos that song remains and such a brite voice. I try to remember that the creators leave us, but the creations remain forever. Happy Thanksgiving, Leland. Thanks for sharing your gems.

[@paulmccarthy2032]

Leland..your face showing love for her music and great sorrow for her passing..thats a memory that will live forever..blessings thoughts and prayers to you

[@MikeFromNashville]

Beautiful tribute. I’m sorry for your loss. Beautiful song. I’ve never heard it before.

[@jefferysmith9320]

Thanks, and my condolences to all those grieving their lost loved ones.

[@geoffreybaldwin4308]

Thanks so much for sharing some really great songs and a wonderful singer. Appreciate it Leland.

[@cavetroll666]

salute from Canada sorry to hear for your loss thanks for turning me onto Dinwal Bass's love my D roc 5 string.

[@kennonmoen4424]

Oh, Lee, I’m so sorry for your losses. Sending warm vibes of comfort your way. I hope your many memories bring you plenty of reasons to be thankful for tomorrow.

[@RockandRollWoman]

What Kennon said.

[@beckyevepete]

Thank you for sharing with us. So much talent gone but they will live on with their music! Leah's voice is beautiful, as are her lyrics & the band excellent! This is the most difficult part of aging, losing so many we love. Sending hugs & love.☮💔

[@Ian-Steele]

Sending deep sympathy to all Leah’s family and friends at this sad time 💔

[@jackiewilliams4854]

What an absolutely beautiful song (souvenir). I’ve never heard her music before so this was a real treat. My condolences to her friends and family.

[@cynthiaspear-duncan7661]

I am sorry for the loss of your friends. Leah sounds like an amazing person.

[@jimmycocopop]

Stay strong brother! Much love to you, Maureen and the boys xx

[@carlosandreas6119]

Sorry for your loss, but thanks for sharing her exceptional vocal talent!❤❤😢

[@stevethornton5076]

So sorry for such a loss. Thank you Leland for irreplaceable work and continued contributions.

[@brucejones1867]

The power of music. I have never played at anywhere close to the level that Leland and other musical giants have but still have many good memories of making music with some great friends that have now passed on. Mr. Sklar kept his emotions in check, but the nostalgia and sorrow were quite evident as he listened to the cuts from his friends who passed. Precious Memories is the title and a tag line in a great old gospel song. The passage of time leaves us with that very thing. Memories that are precious because they are all that we have left. God bless.

[@BOOMNERD51]

I am so sorry for your deeply personal losses, Lee! 💔😢 You had such rich experiences and memories of these two close friends! ❤🙏 May they rest in peace.

[@82lube]

THANK YOU SO Much for Honoring Leah, what a beautiful lady we were all BLESSED when she opened up & SHARED her Magnificent Talents. Much LOVE Brother

[@tm502010]

Thank you for your wonderful, soulful channel… ❤

[@judgem666]

Sorry for your loss Lee and thank you for sharing this beautiful music. They will never be forgotten when the music keeps being played 🙏

[@mercse]

Deepest condolences, Leland. So sorry for your loss.

[@lesliegmn3927]

Always a pleasure to hear what you have to say, on any subject, Leland, as well as to note that I’m always tickled when you “like” the same things that I do, here and at Instagram! Leah Kunkel’s death is a great loss, speaking as someone who knew her only from her work, and how she stepped up to the plate to raise her orphaned niece, Owen. The past month I’ve been savoring, “The Immediate Family” film-at last! I’m one of the zillions of music fans who knew you, Peter Asher, Kunkel, Kootsch, Waddy, and all of your gang starting from the liner notes. May Leah’s memory continue to endure as a blessing.

[@marcelosiciliano9365]

Leland !!! Greetings from Argentina !!! I´m so sorry about your friends that passed .... , I send you blessings for them and specially to you !!! I remember that Russell Kunkel used to play with you and James Taylor many years ago, of which I´m a Huge Fan of JT! , I´ll be 60 years old and I started listening JT Music since Sweet Baby James !!!

[@muficchannel]

Thanks for turning me on to a great singer I somehow missed all these years. I think I’ll order her music for my 14 year old granddaughter and get my own copy by buying one for my wife. Sorry for your loss. God bless you Leland.

[@janechapman6448]

What an accomplished woman. I hear a familial sound. Pretty voice. Condolences and great memories ❤

[@Papermac]

I first heard Leah Kunkel in her duet with Art Garfunkel, a stunning rendition of “I have a love”.
I had never heard such an incredible female voice.
 Thank you very much, Leland for your beautiful tribute to her.
 🙏

[@kwinslow1]

Sympathy and condolences to you on the loss of your friends. Nice tribute. Thank you for sharing.

[@watchingtelevision]

So sad Lee, my deepest condolences for these two losses. Stay strong. A hug from me to you, Maureen and the boys.

[@DerHouston]

I'm sorry for your losses, Leland-san. Peace be with you. Wishing you and Maureen and the puppy dogs a Happy Thanksgiving.

[@marecl]

My heartfelt condolences to you and the families of both of your dear friends. 🙌🕊⚘😔💔 Ms Kunkel had such a beautiful voice. Thank you for sharing those wonderful tracks. 💖 Wishing you peaceful holidays & bright new year 🙏💖😎

[@rkoblues24]

These are great songs.

[@guyschryer5232]

Beautiful song. Very sorry for your loss.

[@davidmarais1048]

Sending so much love and positive energy your way, Lee - my deepest condolences on the loss of your friends.

[@stukim99]

In 1988, Livingston Taylor and Leah Kunkel recorded “Lovin’ Arms”, which appeared on Liv’s “Life Is Good” LP.

[@kellythompson3865]

Thanks Leland! Peace.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Comfort and peace to Russ, to you, and others who are bereft today. 💙🙏💙

[@47heritage]

I sent you a FB message about this very early this morning Lee. My condolences to you, Russ and Nathaniel. Bob Love

[@schumann1152]

My condolences to you Leland for your loss…it’s so sad 💔😢🙏

[@dbassman27]

Sorry for your losses Lee. Happy Thanksgiving my friend and take care.

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

My deepest condolences in the loss of your friends , what a talented bunch- and what beauty of a music

[@glennandadriansrocktalk]

Sorry for your losses, Lee.

[@rkoblues24]

Thank you for the heartfelt tribute, Lee.

[@TheBassmanv]

Sorry for your loss . To lose someone dear is hard , we lose but we also gain all the heartfelt loving memories ❤

[@ILuvMeezers]

You can hear mama cass' voice in her sisters singing, too. Shame she didn't get the fame this quality of music deserves.

[@judykeeler5051]

I agree

[@BrooksysBassCorner]

So sorry to hear your news, Lee. Love and best wishes from London. x

[@kc0lif]

happy Thanksgiving Leland thanks for video. my condolences to your friends.

[@phreezown2862]

Thank you Leland for sharing ❤️ So very sorry for your loss. I'm so incredibly grateful for all the beautiful music you create and share. You are an amazing inspiration! 🙏

[@ManBoo55]

Sorry for your loss brother. Such a blessing she is. Beautiful. God speed.

[@carmenmonroe2921]

Leland, I wish I knew her work before this sad news. So many great artists we do not know. I will be listening to her from now on.

[@jeffkinney3342]

Sorry for your loss , Leland. But what beautiful music.

[@olekristianbendiksen]

Sorry for your loss. We feel the pain with you . Take care ♥

[@TheJonCarrollMusic]

Condolences, Leland...I had seen Leah last Spring at a function here in Easthampton. Shortly after my wife Meredith and I moved here to Western MA from DC area in 2013 I gave Leah a call and she was so warm, vibrant and welcoming, I was so touched. We've now many mutual friends and acquaintances here. I was jarred with the news that she was ill and even more sadly so to learn of her passing. Stay well, bud...we're so lucky to have you and to have the wondrous artful world to be there for our purpose and grace.

[@loranelson67]

So sorry for your loss 🙏 Prayers for all of her family, friends and loved ones 🙏❤️

[@fiddlinero]

Just great! Thanks for shining a light on this amazing talent.....

[@mrs.awhiggins450]

I hear all of Cass Elliot's timbre in Leah's voice. Thank you for bringing this to me.

[@stevemartin7096]

So sorry to hear about these profound losses for you Lee. 😔 Thanks for trusting this very personal information to your online community.

[@mrblue8439]

Our condolences Leland

[@c.howard1869]

My condolences to you and the families. Hope you and your family have a good Thanksgiving. I am thankful for you and those like you who have shared so much of your experiences and thoughts.

[@mousejustmouse]

Blessings and forever peace to James and Leah and many thanks for their musical legacy. ♥️ Sorry for your loss.

[@emb749]

😢 What a double punch to the heart, head and soul.💔Thank you for sharing the beautiful melodies and memories. 🦃 Happiest Thanksgiving to you, yours and the boys🐾🐾🫶🐾🐾.

[@bradsimpson7369]

Sorry to hear of your loss, Leland. All the best to you!

[@andrewwinters8467]

Lovely song, with some nice fills by yourself. As always, there is quality in whatever you do. QEPD.

[@keithsaulsbury4304]

I'm very sorry to hear about your friends Lee. my sincere condolences.

[@barrywaples8150]

Evening Lee and all Greetings from Epping Uk Cheers Barry 🎸

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Greetings, Barry, from Alberta, Canada! 🖐✌️

[@m1nn1s]

Evening Barry, Epping 🌳 🇬🇧 🏍️ Andy, Whitstable 🛥️ ⛵ 🧙🏼‍♂️🇬🇧

[@dwaynewladyka577]

​@@m1nn1sHello Andy! 🖐✌️

[@barrywaples8150]

@m1nn1s Andy 🍻

[@barrywaples8150]

@@dwaynewladyka577 Dwayne 🍻

[@rca6576]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Something we really aren't prepared for as we age is the loss of our dear friends. I've started to experience it and my lost my dearest friend two years ago. Knew him from age 14 till I was 63 years old. I guess the only thing I can say is that you know and I know nothing can ever take away the things we carry in our hearts that these people brought to our lives. That's always there and so in so many ways they really can't be gone as long as you have your memories. What a great thing for you to have known two such incredible people. You are so loved, Lee.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

👉♥️ lovely comment.. im 54 now.. i think we gotta live each day to the fullest and tell those we love how we feel about them.

[@stevepreskitt283]

I'm so sorry for your losses, Leland, and my condolences go out to you and their families.

[@stixbryant9902]

Sorry to hear this Lee….Sending lots of Love and Hugs Brother!!!

[@elenbrandt290]

My deepest condolences, there are never the right words when we lose someone we love.

[@teresaschneeman2188]

Blessings be to you and Russ in this time of loss

[@michaelstusiak5902]

Thank you for this tribute.

[@vtjmproductionsusa2390]

She had a phenomenal voice, Thank you Lee. May She rest in peace. 🙏

[@rkoblues24]

I had heard of Leah's loss last night and read a little of her, and she had quite a legacy and was a beautiful woman. A very sad loss and my heart goes out to you and her family during this difficult time!

[@SentientBeingMusic]

Sorry for your Brother! Much respect and love for you. One of my all-time favs. As a bass player, you always had the groove and a very tight pocket. I adore both of those things about any bass player. You are the best at both! Thoughts and prayers for your loss!

[@enidsnarb]

Leahs vocals are full of realness ! Thank You As Always !

[@kristoffer-helle]

So sad to hear about people pass way. So great to have the music to have their legacy live on, Such wonderful songs!

[@steven_scattergood]

🇦🇺🇦🇺🙏

[@Anton680x]

Gobble Gobble.. Jim is awesome and so are you. Happy Thanksgiving :)

[@christianlarsen6747]

God bless you , Leland ❤😔

[@RockandRollWoman]

I'm so sorry for this one-two punch of loss, Lee. Hard times are upon us all, but these direct losses are the hardest to bear. I would have known that was you on bass on Leah's work. That bass line is so Leland!