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 ❤

[@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. 🙏

[@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.

[@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 !!!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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]

🙏

[@judykeeler5051]

It is so sad to lose those who have been with us through our lives. Every day is a gift. May you only hear good news. 😊

[@kwinslow1]

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

[@davidlyons8278]

Leland I am so sorry for your loss…… I am sure you know this ….. as time goes on it gets easier to cope with your loss…. Big big hug…..

[@jorunnfloberg]

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

[@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

[@diegobalbona9171]

Sorry for your loss Leland. Best wishes always!

[@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.
 🙏

[@TheRealDannAlexander]

Condolences Mr. Leland. We lost our youngest cat to cancer last Sunday but we were able to give her the best life possible so trying to find comfort in that, and all the happy memories of her that we have.

[@saltyassassin]

Our cats ARE family members. I lost both my rescue cats last year. One was 25 years old. The other 24. Condolences on your loss.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

possibly maybe think about getting a therapy cat

[@RaincloudmusicTFS6]

Sklar, I heard about Leah.... thought of you, because of your work with Russ. Prayers for y'all. ❤

[@RaincloudmusicTFS6]

Does anyone else hear Cass in Leah's voice!? Definitely can tell they were sisters! Been a hot minute since I've heard these tunes. What a playlist. Thanks, Leland. 👍❤️🙏

[@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

[@killereverb3928]

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

[@susanlewis1875]

I'm so very sorry to learn of your recent losses, Lee. It's never easy. Make sure you tell the people you love how important they are to you. 💔

[@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.🙏🙏

[@carlosandreas6119]

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

[@tm502010]

Thank you for your wonderful, soulful channel… ❤

[@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

[@neilvaneerde9206]

So sorry to hear. May her memory be a blessing. 😢

[@stukim99]

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

[@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.

[@janechapman6448]

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

[@fernandoperezsousa3779]

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

[@SoundsFair--M-and-J]

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

[@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.

[@olekristianbendiksen]

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

[@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.

[@MelissaThompson432]

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

[@DerHouston]

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

[@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!

[@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 💔

[@AlexandraLynch-y5k]

Oh Lee, the loss of beloved friends is the hardest part of aging. I am so sorry for your tender heart.

[@gregm6652]

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

[@kellythompson3865]

Thanks Leland! Peace.

[@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.

[@MikeFromNashville]

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

[@jaymichael7815]

I grieve our losses, bass mate. I wallow in the mire of a sin for which there is no redemption.... How is it I have trekked 72 years and missed Leah's phenomenal heart and soul? My only hopeful resolve is this: While it took a long, long time to finally enjoy her, I must trust in the hope that I am right on time~ Thank you, Lee! Again, grieving the losses!

[@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.

[@neilvaneerde9206]

Beautiful song.

[@keithsaulsbury4304]

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

[@glennandadriansrocktalk]

Sorry for your losses, Lee.

[@rocketpost1]

Sorry for your loss Lee. Leah had such a great voice and had that purity in her voice like Karen Carpenter. She was just a year older than me so must have been 76. She had a very strong resemblance to her sister Cass who also had that purity of voice. RIP James and Leah.

[@slipperynoodle20]

Heartfelt sympathies going to Jim and Leah's family, Lyle, Russ, you,and especially Nate. Thanks for a little tribute session. Love and Thanks ❤😔❤😔

[@JonathanGillihan-gy9tc]

Rip

[@watchingtelevision]

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

[@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! ❤

[@bryanpaull1130]

sad to hear of the passing of two people who impacted your life so much Lee...condolences to both their familes and friends xxx

[@KilleansRowMusic]

The biggest sighs draw themselves when we need to be there and simply can’t keep up. We know there is inevitability written into our journey’s every moment. That doesn’t mean we have to like it. Thankfully the sharing creates a needed moment. Regards

[@andrewwinters8467]

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

[@tommymandel]

So sorry for your losses Leland. Enjoy the Keltner grooves!!!

[@juanita-mariefranklin6164]

So sorry for your loss. So sorry that we’re going to start loosing our dear friends, all of us are heading for the finish line. May we live life with l loving grace and kindness🙏 Jim Dixon used to tell me that you were the only bassist I should seek out when I was ready. I’ve followed your remarkable talent happily. Such a wonderful touch on my favorite instrument. Do take good care of yourself, please.

[@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.

[@frankflstf]

When you’re time comes and your gonna pass what better way than in your sleep 😴 very sorry for your loss .what a beautiful voice she has I really appreciate her piece you played for us amazing voice . Losing in love again that’s some high grade music💪🔥💪🔥💪🔥💪🔥☝️LELAND you’re always associated with high grade music 🎶 you are in fact the GOAT 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@izzynutz2000]

So very sorry for your loss Lee,,,keep them and hold them in your heart and they will always be with you may they rest in peace

[@bradsimpson7369]

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

[@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🐾🐾🫶🐾🐾.

[@schumann1152]

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

[@jimmycocopop]

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

[@Anton680x]

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

[@WeLuv9x5]

That’s one downside of aging… seeing our family, loved ones, friends, etc. pass into that eternal goodnight. Condolences

[@Greg-io1ip]

There's lots of downsides to getting old. In many cases your mind and body are stronger than it might appear. But you're not getting by on looks. As a matter of fact, looks close the door when you're old, more often than not. Some fools have the money to use on carving new appearances trying to appear younger, usually looking too strange for anyone to ignore. Getting old reminds you that being young wastes too much on worrying about your appearance. Being old makes you wish you were smarter sooner. Begging God for a do-over. Maybe come back as an earthworm if you've been a terrible person. Soil will be fertile in the coming years.

[@BrooksysBassCorner]

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

[@Whitman1819]

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your friends Lee. ❤❤

[@jeffkinney3342]

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

[@kellythompson3865]

So often we take so little time to love, I pray it's not too late. ❤

[@thedave7029]

Bless you Sir... Have a nice week.

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

….Leland, turn your hurt around…”turn, turn, turn”…i firmly believe that those we love who pass on, are not only at peace, and in a much happier place now…but they never leave our side…they surround us every place we go…peace and love to all…reflect and give thanks for all we have…help someone in need this holiday season…remember, when cast, the smallest of stones make the largest of ripples. We ‘can’ make a difference…✌🏽

[@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.

[@dbassman27]

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

[@LITERATI79AD]

Sincere condolences on the passing of your dear friends.

[@maryannmatteson8401]

Our deepest condolences ✝️❤️❤️✌🏻✌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bmphil3400]

Im 54 and all my heroes and legends are dying......i guess every generation has to deal with that ...

[@TheBassmanv]

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

[@carpediemarts705]

Im glad Lee has so rich a life experience as to have all these wonderful friends and experiences. Im grateful for Lee's extremely personable way of sharing these very precious life experiences to the new people who just don't have these types of experiences in this verse of the song. People have changed. Society has changed.

[@christianlarsen6747]

God bless you , Leland ❤😔

[@2oqp577]

Steve and Leeland were everywhere. I offer you my sympathies Mr Sklar.

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Wow, Leah has a great voice and hitting emotion in her delivery. I'm sure she will live on in the minds of those who knew and loved her, and for anyone getting to hear her.

[@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!

[@47heritage]

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

[@Lat41]

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

[@mercse]

Deepest condolences, Leland. So sorry for your loss.

[@waltercalvey8965]

Deepest Sympathies and Condolences for your Loss. Russ has Always Been a Great Influence in my Drumming Journey. RIP LEAH & JAMES. 😢 ❤

[@jazztheorytrumpet]

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

[@loranelson67]

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

[@cynthiaspear-duncan7661]

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

[@pattierider111]

So very sorry for the loss of your friends Lee. ❤ Wishing you a peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@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.

[@randyphillips7223]

I loved Leah's voice - her first solo album is still one of my favorite albums. That, and the first Coyote Sisters album. I, too, was shocked to hear of her passing. So sorry for your loss.

[@kratino]

God, this is so rough. Two in one day. So sorry to hear. My thoughts are with you and all who loved them both.

[@guyschryer5232]

Beautiful song. Very sorry for your loss.

[@chrisbarlow3594]

A voice of such natural beauty and deeply soulful. Her backing vocals on JT's Handy Man are positively angelic. My deepest condolences to her family and the music community that she gave so much to ❤

[@mrblue8439]

Our condolences Leland

[@SacredSecret]

Peace and comfort for all those in mourning. Sorry for your loss of friends. Hope you have better days ahead, Mr. Sklar. ✌️