Jeff Lynne Interviewed at ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO

www.ascap.com/expo Songwriter, producer, and leader of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) Jeff Lynne has had an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades. At the 2009 ASCAP EXPO he sat for a special interview with ASCAP's Erik Philbrook and talked about his work with ELO, the Traveling Wilburys, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and more.
The ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO puts you in the heart of ASCAP's community of today's most successful music creators for three days of education, networking and inspiration. To register, go to:www.ascap.com/expo
ASCAP's hundreds of thousands of songwriter, composer and music publisher members all have one thing in common: they are driven to create. ASCAP's KZbin content is intended to explore the art and craft of music in all of its facets -- from its creation and development to its use and enjoyment around the world. Any content we feature is intended to educate, highlight, support and celebrate our members and their music, and to help inspire and nurture other music creators in their own evolution as artists.
If you are a music creator and want to join ASCAP, go to: www.ascap.com/join

[@jimmerhardy]

My god, Jeff Lynne plays by ear, not able to read music. Now I'm even more impressed.

[@whatzerface929]

please...just let us jump inside our monitors to give this man a hand shake and a hug

[@trinasmith7530]

Been a fan forever and had never heard him actually speak. What a cool guy - I'm with 1musicfan2, Jeff's intelligence, self-effacing humour and sense of perspective made me proud to be a fan.

[@Jalapablo]

Jeff Lynne is a genius. And he comes across as such a nice guy too, which is awesome. Very approachable, very affable, very down to earth, egoless and transparent. Quite rare for someone so extraordinary talented. Love ELO

[@1musicfan2]

His appearance gives the wrong impression about him. Whereas he always wears those sunglasses, you think that he'd have a real Hollywood attitude, but I find he is quite the opposite. Very humble and down to earth man. Someone that I'm proud to have been a fan of for so long.

[@gemini2012100]

I don't know if this is true, but I had read somewhere that the reason he wears sunglasses is because he's a shy person and it's his way of hiding on stage.

[@Ferntendo]

gemini2012100 I heard that It was supposedly a member of his family, his mom I think, she said he had gotten bags under his eyes that were black and he allegedly got insecure about It.

[@anitahuie1145]

He wears the glasses because the glare really hurts his eyes which are very sensitive. He said on a interview that the only time he takes his glasses off, is if someone accidentally knocks them off.

[@magneto7930]

@@gemini2012100 Shy is correct. I've heard him say that was the reason.

[@donaquinilator4959]

He’s a working class guy from Birmingham, hard working people.

[@divisioneight]

It is so remarkable that this man, who never read music at all, learned to play so many instruments by "sound" only. Amazing!

[@steve537]

So modest for a genius

[@RFazor]

But seriously, one more thing - besides his great songwriting and producing: Jeff (along with Brian Wilson) has one of the greatest rock falsetto voices of all time!

[@unrulyjulie4382]

It seems so effortless for him to change between chest voice and head voice (falsetto).

[@RFazor]

@@unrulyjulie4382 Yiz

[@robyncook7422]

I saw them in '78 in Atlanta with the spaceship! I am so glad after hearing this interview that Atllanta happened to get the ship!! It was the absolutely best show I've ever seen! That ship as it was "landing" with the loud rocket engine setting down on the stage was unbelievably loud and such an awesome sight to hear and see. I've seen a lot of bands through the years and I can positively say that ELO is still at the top of the list on a level no other band has come close to, including the Floyd. Jeff Lynne is a genius on so many levels but remains grounded, as you can tell in this interview with his little humorous stories along the way. There's no one else like him. He's the best!

[@magneto7930]

I could listen to Jeff talk all day!

[@rebeccamcdaniel1033]

Me too. I love listening to intelligent people who don't have a "big head" after hearing so many less than smart people who think they know everything.

[@magneto7930]

@rebeccamcdaniel1033 Absolutely!!! 👍 👍 👍

[@unrulyjulie4382]

Jeff has a great sense of humor. Eric Idle of Monty Python is one of his best friends.

[@JeffLynnesELO2024Tour]

Jeff Lynne is the very best of the last 2 centuries period!

[@ritasmith5377]

Jeff is such a sweet guy..

[@ourtvchannel]

I love his music but having heard him talk over the past years I realise that the guy is just a great guy full stop. I am sure this is one of the reasons so many people want to work with him. So modest considering his huge output of truly great songs.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Jeff is a lot like Roy Orbison, one his idols. Both are soft spoken, humble, kind, and music geniuses! Jeff was devastated when Roy died.

[@MikeMaxwell1961]

What a wonderful, spot-on comment.

[@tonymurphy8774]

I'm from Shard End in Birmingham, lived not far from Jeff, and saw him in all his early bands, but didn't know him personally. When Idle Race played locally, we knew he had something special, but never thought he'd be world famous. His dad said to him "don't get big headed" he hasn't. Thanks for the music mate.

[@classicrockfan8034]

The best overall Musician ever! Jeff Lynne is a Music God!

[@bleebloe]

God i love that guys voice!

[@Dina6279]

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Jeff Lynne!!!

[@lindaredden6651]

ME TOO AND Iam 65 YEARS OLD !!!! AND STILL LOVE HIM AND GOING TO SEE HIM AUG 24TH IN PHILADELPHIA P.A. CANT WAIT !!!

[@jemsmom04]

I love Jeff! He is bloody brilliant!!!

[@sarahmcpherson3666]

Absolutely the best singer, song writer and producer to grace the airways. I have been listening to ELO/Jeff Lynne for 40 years and to this day I am awed by the mass amount of talent this man possesses.

[@awildirishrose4ever]

I love Jeff Lynne, he is such a great musician, lyricist, and humble man. Can't wait to see him tour in 2018. The best Jeff Lynne and ELO!! 😊✌

[@mr.blue7357]

Stay Humble, Be Like Jeff

[@anitahuie1145]

I avant garde a clue either, some days, Jeff. That was so funny. 🍷cheers. !

[@The5Leeses]

I love Jeff Lynne! Saw him 4 times in the last 5 years!

[@shaundavenport621]

Lucky you Lisa.Been a huge fan since I was a kid in the 70,s.I can't go and see them now I'm scared I would walk away disappointed. For me ELO was Bevan,Kaminski Hughie Grocutt etc.but good luck to you.Enjoy!!😁😁

[@jaybrown3953]

greatest song writer of our time

[@chopinrachliszt]

He really is the greatest song writer. I can't get over his music....the melodies, chord progressions, arrangements, etc.

[@scottieboy102]

Jeff is such a down to earth guy for top notch artist, when is the new album coming, cant wait for something new ffrom this brilliant talent.

[@paulhymans2354]

Jeff Lynne - pure genius !

[@AndyAndTheEchoes]

Jeff Lynne, What a bloody clever chap!!!!

[@Brendanmthekid]

This guy is a genius, and unfortunately, he'll only get his due after he's passed. I hope that is in 100 more years, because he is still making great music.

[@metafis2490]

His recent tours have shown he is still appreciated. Huge success!.

[@RFazor]

I say he's getting his due now and then some! Jeff Lynne's ELO is one the hottest tours in the world today!

[@RFazor]

@@TJ-Dives precisely TJ, precisely

[@markbrock4427]

Saw Jeff Lynne's ELO last week,one of the best shows ever.

[@DBURNZTV]

i look up to this man so much. I love almost every song he has done. Its crazy to think back in the day you could buy an album and love every song. now days your lucky if a band has 2 or more you like

[@anitahuie1145]

I love his smile.

[@unrulyjulie4382]

I love his voice, smile, sunglasses and even his hair!

[@TheFryderyk1]

Jeff Lynne is one and only

[@whatzerface929]

very well said!!! love this man's talent!

[@gigsandbusking8959]

Jeff Lynne is a musical genius, as John Lennon said "he carried on from 'I am a Walrus" because that is what Jeff said he was aiming for and surpassed it, his music can take you somewhere else like to another dimension.

[@nev7711]

A great interview. Lovely, honest, funny man and so talented through hard work. So good that he is still going strong.

[@ryancastro8684]

Watching him is like anytime he could compose a song instantly. He's a real music genius.

[@RFazor]

Jeff is the only human being that made "unassuming" very very cool

[@sarahloughlin3724]

You're so right about that.

[@Marelim18]

Fantastic musician. I love his music.

[@tonymurphy528]

As someone who lived around the corner from Jeff in Shard End growing up, and watched Idle Race many times in Birmingham the 60's, I can tell anyone who's interested, he hasn't changed, still got the same Birmingham accent, he could walk into any pub in Birmingham and fit in, minus the shades of course!

[@rajrammbbs]

Please come back to the USA. I missed you this year.

[@davidk2189]

Rajesh Ramaswamy I know this comment is a little old now but Incase you haven’t heard he’s coming back to the us

[@JeffLynnesELO2024Tour]

2019 Summer Tour in the US and Canada...Long live Jeff Lynne's ELO!!!

[@robubc]

Great interview. Thanks so much for uploading it.

[@Jenjenilou]

We had a 'posh' front room as well that no-one went into. If important visitors came then it was used but other than that, it was out of bounds. I remember when I was little and poorly, the doctor was called and I was moved onto the couch in the posh front room for the doctor's visit, then moved back to the bedroom I shared with my sister when he left. It wasn't locked but it was understood that none of us would go in there and we never did.

[@revolution51]

Jeff seems unguilded by his fame.

[@timwingham8952]

He is humble about his music, and he is without doubt a genius. But I still feel for the rest of the band- in particular the string players. They were an integral and unique part of the band, and made ELO stand out. Of course the music was absolutely fantastic, but I just wish Jeff would occasionally give a little credit to his band mates, and in particular Mik Hugh and Mel..

[@davidhaney1394]

If you are a musician and you want to strive to be as good as someone .....Jeff Lynne ...say no more .

[@fabfour7397]

Jeff Lynne is a Music God.

[@beatlegreg07]

John Lennon admired ELO in the 70's. Maybe if you listen to some of ELO's albums like Out of the Blue, Eldorado, Time, etc you'd realise the contribution that Jeff and the band made to Rock Music.

[@DaleAmigaman]

Great interview. Thanks for posting that.

[@tventimiglia1]

Jeff Lynne, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Justin Hayward, Pete Townshend in that order of greatness.

[@Helmut83]

Genius! I would have liked him to get more into details on how me wrote the songs though. I mean, it would be great if we could learn more on musical technical aspects from such a talent.

[@CroxleyEducator]

Great interview with the multi-talented Jeff Lynne. By now the list of musical credentials is so long....yet it has never gone to his head. Love his loony humour too...P.S. If you don't know who he is...try watching the interview, derr !

[@classicrockfan8034]

Jeff Lynne is one of the greatest with orchestration, arrangements and harmonies. He created his own sound with Symphonic Rock and Pop. Jeff Lynne (ELO-Traveling Wilburys-The Move-The Idle Race) has received almost all the awards imaginable: 2009: Golden Note Award from the ASCAP 2013: Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee for 2014 induction 2014: Star on the Birmingham Walk of Stars 2014: Honorary doctorate degree from Birmingham City University 2015: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 2015: Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee for 2016 induction 2016: Jeff Lynne's ELO won Band of the Year at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards. 2016: Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee for 2017 induction 2017: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a member of Electric Light Orchestra 2018: Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee for 2019 induction 2019: ASCAP Founders Award from the ASCAP 2020 Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 2023: Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ******Plus add 3 Ivor Novello Awards to the list and all the awards he has had as one of the best producers ever in this world.

[@classicrockfan8034]

From 1972 to 1986 Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra has had more top 40 hits than any other group in the world. More than 50 years later they still play in sold-out Arenas and Stadiums. I saw them in the Summer of 2019 on the North American Tour...( Best Concert of my life) All the reviews agree they are the best live act in the world and Jeff Lynne is a Music Genius. They are in the Rock Hall of Fame. Lynne is on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and Birmingham Walk OF Fame. Jeff Lynne’s ELO won the Best Classic Rock Band plus Lynne won the best songwriter award ( ASCAP ) 2019 for his fantastic contribution over the years. Lynne was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2020 for his incredible contribution to music. He also created the best Super Group of all time with his best friend George Harrison, The Traveling Wilburys. The Legends in the Music Industry call Jeff Lynne the best overall Musician ever and a Producer Extraordinaire. Jeff Lynne has written and produced many hit songs for music legends like George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Joe Walsh, Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Bryan Adams, Aerosmith, Del Shannon, the Everly Brothers, and so many others... Long live Jeff Lynne’s ELO! Please Tour in 2023...

[@andgate2000]

Genius.......rock and roll hall of fame please.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

Really hope Now and Then comes out in 2022..

[@carlitobrigante6304]

I bet Jeff has never had an argument in his down to earth life.

[@ralflinker3911]

Jeff Lynne is the best

[@tadmccully9235]

great interview.

[@pause10two4]

I still want to see the Zoom tour, then I'd love to hear a new album from Jeff It has been too long!

[@ghidrah76]

Sure hope you're around to hear the new one in 2019.. From out of Nowhere.. superb album!!

[@Helmut83]

He's obsessed with Lynne, he's commenting in every ELO video. He must know his work better than many of us because it seems he spends his time listening to him.

[@kathryn8304]

Love his banter 🫠

[@jamesscott1189]

Love Jeff. Love his music ❤❤❤

[@bleebloe]

Am I only one who thinks it almost sounds like he's singing when he talks.

[@danwoodliff7287]

So real person such a genius l am honored to be a fan for 40+ years Jeff your all that. Danny Woodliff

[@andgate2000]

The general public have there fav musos......the musos have there fav idol too.....Jeff have been the master behind British music for decades.

[@inanutshellnmore8927]

Amazing how this all unfolded

[@Helmut83]

Genio absoluto de la música!

[@markconway1967]

love

[@Helmut83]

The guy is a fucking genius. A yet unknown genius.

[@dvnobles]

very cool interview!

[@melissamartin6121]

Great interview.

[@glasshalffull8471]

My nana and grandad had one of those smart rooms in the fron of their house also, weird we never sat in there either, ELO had some great sings, New World Record's a great album.

[@MikeMaxwell1961]

On top of all his talents, Jeff Lynne is simply a nice and decent person when it all comes down to it.

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

I liked the avangardeaclue material.

[@lindajeffsgirl1]

Fantastic! Thanks for posting!

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

I never knew he way funny.

[@ennylffej]

Interesting to note when he was asked about how the concept of ELO came about he never once mentioned Roy Wood or The Move.

[@raymondbonington9355]

ennylffej if he hadn't have joined a high profile band he might have drifted I think Roy wood deserves at least a mention.

[@nev7711]

Main questioning was about ELO.

[@cbennett196631]

Jeff has a rule in interviews of certain questions that are not allowed asked. Ever notice how there is very little discussion about the members of the Classic ELO lineup...Jeff still holds a grudge against several of his past colleagues...obviously, Richard Tandy excluded..

[@vincenthewlett4329]

@@nev7711 roy wood started ELO after the move...

[@snsnshhhs663]

@@cbennett196631 Where did you hear this from?

[@MissAstorDancer]

"Out of the Blue" with the fully-formed space ship motif, was released on October 3, 1977. Just 45 days later, on November 16, 1977, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was released in theaters. Very interesting timing.

[@winksoda86]

Thanks for this!!!! Get ELO in the hall!!!

[@sheilaphillips2083]

Sir Jeff..... it’s got a 💍 about it ?!?!

[@pjtaylor3566]

I do believe that Richard Tandy (keyboardist) helped with the arrangements. Also, someone who could arrange and write the songs for the 40-piece orchestra and choir was hired for several albums. All the talented ELO band members surely collaborated in the creation of these musical gems.

[@groundhog713]

It was Louis Clark who arranged and conducted the orchestra and choir on the records.

[@ErikDB6]

Yes, peak ELO was much more collaborative then Jeff wants to let on.

[@pjtaylor3566]

Been listening to Eldorado LP (on CD). Great concept album! Thanks for this video--enjoyed the humor. I love the statement, "The trouble with your tunes is there is no tune." Sounds like what I think about some of what my daughter listens to. I still prefer melodic music.

[@beatlesfan464]

"like learning algebra"

[@sal8527]

beatlesfan464 “don’t think I’m gonna bother with that!”

[@sorstudios]

OMG your such a great observer!

[@pjtaylor3566]

Twouselesslegs goes by other names on other Jeff Lynne sites. He's a TROLL. If anyone is curious about Mr. Lynne's long and creative career they should read the Wikipedia article about him. We don't know that Mr. TROLL has done anything of note BUT we know who Jeff Lynne, Richard Tandy, Bev Bevan, etc. are.

[@1Atomtan]

Agree.

[@sabrinanascimento5248]

He is a nice person. Humble and laid back. All bands make it in America. Fiberglass Hamburger 😂

[@joemacaluso4627]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍🏼

[@McPrfctday]

I wish he would answer the questions that are actually being asked :) Never mind - the existence of Out Of The Blue and Time means he can say whatever he likes.

[@cbennett196631]

He never gives credit to all the key members of the Classic ELO lineup either. Sad

[@c1audius]

Thought this was sponsored by ASDA judging by the logo top right

[@Kaspisify]

"Even if you don't like his stuff" I don't understand this bit to be honest. You are talking about an impossibility no?

[@JBofBrisbane]

Men wore sunglasses like this back before you were born.

[@mcurrangamer]

And its Jeff Lynne of Jeff Lym.

[@pause10two4]

Not even one song on that album that I don't like -- great music!

[@ritasmith5377]

Jeff is so talented and funny too....not to mention sexy....

[@raymondbonington9355]

First time he ever got in the charts was with the MOVE and co produced the last 4 hits with Roy wood and they and he don't get a mention ?.

[@bbirdsr71]

Jeff Lynne or ELO!!

[@lucyfoster4082]

What I don’t understand is-if you can do all these other things that he can do, learning to read music would be a piece of cake. People seem to wear it as a badge of honor-there’s no shame in admitting you took guitar lessons, or that you can read music. It’s okay to have been taught something.

[@hadavisjr]

He said, in another interview, that he tried repeatedly, and yet, to no avail. There’s nothing wrong with playing by ear, either.

[@lucyfoster4082]

He didn’t seem to know or want to give credit (or blame) to whoever ordered the spaceship. It wasn’t the art department. Was this Don Arden’s plan?