Leland Sklar - His AMAZING Story!

[@MikeB-1965]

It amazes me how humble and down-to-earth Leland is, especially considering he's such a highly-respected and incredibly talented LEGEND in the music business. Such a class act!

[@philgallagher1]

Lee glossed over it here, but he tells a lovely story about meeting Paul McCartney for the first time. He was at a Rock 'n' Roll function where the best of the best attended. Lee says he screwed up all his courage and walked over to Paul's table. Before he got there, Paul noticed him, gat up and said "Wow!! Leland Sklar! What an honour to meet you!" Apparently, Lee said "oh, no. You can't do that to me!! This is MY SPECIAL MOMENT!!" - What a humble guy! I must say I only became aware of Lee during the lockdown, when he started his KZbin channel. Turns out he's performed with EVERYBODY!! I'm 56 years old, and Lee seems to have played on all the music I listened to in my formative years! I've been listening to him all my life and never knew!

[@roblawhorne1015]

Phil, I love Sklar's channel! And those Goood doggies!

[@chrismoi7019]

Phil Gallagher p

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Even though you’re an Everton fan you have good taste in music. 😉

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

You're 56 and never heard of Sklar? Wow. Where were you hiding? I've known about him since the late 70s.

[@philgallagher1]

@@bassmangotdbluz3547 I KNOW!! It's not so much that I only just became aware of him.....I must've actually seen him play! I saw Phil Collins on the "No Jacket" tour! I don't know how he passed by me without me noticing him....I mean with that beard you'd think I wouldn't be able to miss him!

[@neastbound101]

Lee Sklar, the BEST of the BEST, his playing only out shadowed by his humanity.

[@monodistortion]

Oh dang. Bass love from Nathan East!

[@henrycharlesinniss7538]

BEST OF THE BEST JUST LIKE YOU MR NATHAN!!!

[@2011Ecstatic]

Nathan I’m glad you commented & the others recognized your name/work, as now I’ve found you on Wikipedia & discovered another great musician. Kudos.

[@stevemartin7096]

"Takes one to know one", Mr. East!! Thank you for being an elite player who hasn't forgotten the truly important things.

[@ronherrera8327]

Leland Sklar, and Nathan East giants and great representatives of the instrument and the industry.

[@deucerider430]

What a true musician! His love is 'playing', no matter with whom, no matter the genre....he just enjoys playing. So very humble and appreciative that he has been given a gift that allows him to share with others, while absorbing pleasure for himself! My hat is off!

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Joe is so laid back and great at what he does. Leland Sklar: the same, so this was a joy the watch. 👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

I appreciate that Butler... joe

[@4himsanctified]

Take note and learn how to carry yourself by watching this man.

[@davidg4300]

Lee is simply a national treasure. The world in general (the music world for sure) would be so much better off with more Leland Sklars in the world.

[@CareyInSD]

A couple of months ago, I stumbled across Leland's KZbin site -- which was apparently very new at the time. He uploads a new video -- 20 minutes long, give or take -- every day and I've watched and loved every one of them. You can't fake, day after day, month after month, this kind of niceness and humility. I've loved his playing for 50 years -- playing with virtually every one of my favorites (especially the singer-songwriters) -- and since discovering his KZbin videos, I've been thrilled to see and hear how decent a human being he truly appears to be. Thanks, Lee!

[@mrkdemeritt]

His post's are such a pleasure,great musician,great human being,heart of gold

[@simes205]

His interview with Rick Beato is great.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Me too. I watch every day.

[@philgallagher1]

I am the same. Shortly after the lockdown commenced Rick Beato mentioned Lee. From that, a lot of us joined Lee's site, his subs went through the roof and he has become a "must see" every day! He never disappoints, and has so many stories to tell about his life in the studio and on the road! I could listen to him for hours.

[@sansocie]

@@simes205 agreed!

[@MikeKat11]

Lee Sklar is a bass LEGEND! I love how down to earth he is. He learned to play the same way I did, and just loves to play. So awesome listening to his experience.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mike .... best ..... Joe

[@davidmarais1048]

Two gentleman of the highest calibre talking about the good and beautiful things in life. What a great interview. Thank you!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks David....Joe

[@RawDaDa]

Leland is most approachable and friendly. I've met him several times at the NAMM Shows, and he's always relaxed and willing to conversate. I humbly gave him one of my CD's, where I played all instruments including the bass. I'll have to ask him if he listened to it next time I see him. He truly loves what he does and appreciates his fans. He has recorded and performed with just about everyone! Amazing story and true inspiration to any musician.

[@kirkbolas4985]

Lee Sklar an extraordinary musician and a bassist nonpareil. Yet the secret to a goodly portion of his success is his easy-going, über easy to get along with demeanor. While those qualities are essential to any studio session or touring sideman musician, Lee has this in an over abundance. He’s approachable and where the importance of his chops comes in, is when he’s asked to play the part that the producer or artist envisions, he plays it. No ego, no constant impetus that drives him to try to sell something he thinks would be better. He just plays the part and let’s the people who hired him judge whether or not it’s a keeper. Lee is the perfect combination of artist, technician and “employee”. He’s imbued with gratitude, appreciation, humility and at the end of the day, he has a servant’s heart. That’s what has opened so many doors for him. His chops are what keep him in the room once a given door has been opened. Another who was cast from the same quality of mould is Carol Kaye.

[@jorgedominguez82]

Thank you Mr. Sklar, for both being one of the best bass players i've ever heard and still being humble. Thank You!

[@peterdhanes8771]

As of the time I watched this there were 27 people who disliked the video, how is that possible? Leland Sklar is just one of the nicest and most interesting people to listen to talk about his life in music. Excellent!

[@juliagetty-gordon2500]

Ignore those who don't have a clue.... 😊

[@marcelopepinho]

Sir Sklar is the most amazing person in this planet..... His interviews are just great and educational...

[@kamaboko1]

I never get tired of listening to this guy. He's so down to earth.

[@Scorpio_Moonshine]

Been watching Leland's channel for months now & I'm truly amazed at his talent. He's played with so many musicians & some of my favorites, which I didn't know until he mentioned. For example, playing on Amanda Marshall's first album in 1996 and Lisa Loeb, as you mentioned. He's true legend to his craft. Thanks for uploading this video! 👏🏻

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

This man is so versatile playing with so many artists, his contribution to music is extraordinary to say the least, this is a real treat Thank you Joe and all at MHFM

[@randyschiffer3265]

Loved this interview. I can't say more!

[@gregb8565]

Two of my fave channels - as an old bassist and songwriter I can’t stop listening and learning from Joe and Lee ! Thanks guys !

[@brettmarlar4154]

Leland Sklar is truly a class act, and all around great human being! The videos on his channel have become a very important part of my day!

[@duncanfrere2656]

Lee's the best! He's got his own KZbin channel now and it's wonderful! Thanks for posting this.

[@joesmalling9567]

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sklar in Santa Barbara in the mid eighties. I had gone down to State Street to buy some reel tapes on Cinco De Mayo. It was a beautiful day, sun shinning and lots of California girls walking up and down State Street to and from the the beach. Sat on a bench out side the Radio Shack having a street vendor frozen drink and watching the beautiful women walk by. Mr. Sklar sat down. We introduced ourselves. Not a celebrity to a normal guy, just two normal guys watching the girls go by. I knew who he was, but never let him know that. I think if I was ever a celebrity, I might appreciate just being a normal guy. Thank you Mr. Sklar. This probably never made your memories list, it made mine. keep up the good work, sir.

[@pamelamacneil1331]

What a great interesting interview. This man is absolutely in love with the incredible music and musicians that brought their amazing music to a generation. Trying to explain to someone how fabulous it was to be alive and young then, especially in the sixties is very hard to do. It was just none stop great music then. I'm still in awe of the musicians who created it and Leland sounds like he is too. 50 yrs. later, I'm still listening. Thx. for sharing.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Pamela..... Joe

[@stevemartin7096]

Lee, you mix self-assuredness and genuine humility so well. I believe that combination to be a rare commodity. Thank you for that life lesson.

[@ksgtrpkr]

Fabulous interview of a fantastic human being and musician! Leland is a great man and the world would be better with more people like him! A true inspiration of current and future musicians!!

[@tuskedbeast]

Oh cool, about to watch but so excited I'm pre-commenting my approval! I'm sure you're aware he now has a viral lockdown (hey, double entendre!) KZbin channel that went from minimal to 100,000 subscribers in the space of a few months, all because of his history, charisma and mostly, big heart. Thanks Joe in advance....

[@tuskedbeast]

Just as great as expected :)

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Tusked B..... Joe

[@rockhardagain]

Hey, just want to say thanks for this interview. I loved many songs because of the bass lines. The bass line is what pushed the song or made it exceptional. When the Internet came out, I looked up many of these songs and sure enough it was Leland. This is when I learned how influential he had been to me as a player. During this Corona Virus nonsense, I have been especially thankful for Leland because of how generous he has been, sharing himself on his KZbin channel. Thank you for sharing more of him.

[@supermantra3437]

I am humbled listening to you after all my years of ego shit etc. Thanks I adore these stories.

[@michaelferreri1256]

Quite possibly THEE most humble, sincere and unassuming guest you’ve had on so far. All the songwriters and musicians seem to be genuinely modest and self-effacing. But Leland Sklar is particularly touching when discussing where he’s been and who he knows. Outstanding interview Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Michael…. Joe

[@montemichelbleu]

A large part of the greatness of musicians like Leland, is that at the core they are true fans, and in awe of their peers. So humble, what a nice fellow.

[@philip2750]

Leland Sklar: So unassuming, so very talented and very much admired by his peers and the notable stars he has performed with.

[@chriskennard5920]

Lee, you play the bass on sessions etc..., so do others...but they don't have the absolute respect that you do. You know you are good - so do we all - I've seen you live many times and you knock me out every time...I love your playing; modesty or not, you are the man!

[@CARDINAL701]

I am sure all the artists that have worked with Lee Sklar remember him just as fondly as he remembers them. He is one of the true iconic bass players of this generation.

[@JimboUSAF007]

Must be nice to be able to tell at an early age what you want to do with your life, I'm 57 and I'm still clueless LOL. Lee is the most humble person I have ever had the pleasure to listen to, I just love the way he talks about other artist, with such passion and kindness. You're also an idol Lee, don't sell yourself short!! Great interview!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Jim.... Best, Joe

[@brcisna]

Another very cool story of someone who does love what he has done for a living , his entire life. Not many individuals can claim this. Thank You Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Barry...Joe

[@robonez]

Lee Sklar is just a nice, down-to-earth, incredibly talented guy, from the same school as Lukather and the Toto-guys. Just a pleasure to listen to! \m/

[@slogans777]

Grant High in Van Nuys.

[@victoza9232]

@@slogans777 Later, Sklar taught at Hogwarts.

[@DrewAndrewCaswell]

Fantastic interview with a very humble legend.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Drew.... Best... Joe

[@pkoven]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum joe, we must mention that the high quality of all of these interviews is not only because of the interviewees, but also partly because of your integrity, professionalism, respect for the interviewee and the interesting questions you pose.

[@dougmoore5152]

Just a clarification (29:05), "A Song For You" was actually written by Leon Russell (Elton covered the song).

[@kennethlear270]

Absolutely amazing interview, and very well done! Leland is such a humble, and incredibly talented man.

[@Mega9Rondo]

Seems like a real cool dude , genuine and humble for sure

[@migalito1955]

Excellent, totally enjoyed the interview.

[@royretief2734]

Great interview, thanks for sharing. Have been following Lee’s KZbin channel since March, fantastic to be able to hang with this incredible musician for around 20 minutes every day. As one of the other subscribers said, “Come for the music, stay for the stories”. 🇿🇦

[@writereducator]

What a humble, gracious, thankful man Leland is.

[@oilycanvas8374]

Hey man! It’s Leland Sklar! He’s one of those humble legends. What more could one want?

[@70sladyalways25]

Leland recognizes the greatness in other musicians all while being GREAT himself.

[@__bam]

What a great interview. His love for music and true admiration for all those great musicians give me so much more respect for Mr. Sklar. Not only is he one of the greats himself, at heart he is like so many of the rest of us, just a huge fan of music. Cool stuff. Thanks.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Brian.... Joe

[@jeffk1212]

Thanks Lee for decades of musical pleasure....You played on the soundtrack of my life.

[@johnzimmerman1159]

Born in 55. Music's my love. Dad's younger sister was a 60's one and had so many records. I listened and studied the liners. Eventually names reappeared. Here was one. So proud to see him.

[@dannyhemphill7618]

What a totally CLASS ACT this man is.

[@Sawlon]

Leland is so down to earth! Another great interview, Joe! Thank you!!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Sawlon....... Joe

[@jhall6926]

32 dislikes, 32 bass players that couldn't get any studio work caused they would just call Lee and KNOW what they were gonna get,..class shows in the mix...

37 grumpy bassists now. ;-) (Bass player myself, and I just love Lee)

[@nimblemedia]

That could also be because of the terrible camera work on this. Lee out of focus and the dumkit in focus? So distracting!

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Fantastic many thanks to all 😇

[@jrichard711]

It amazes me that all these incredibly talented people you interview are so humble. It's never hey look at me. You do a great job, Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again 711.......Joe

[@wogeyboy1]

Fabulous interview, Joe! So glad you shared this one!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Dennis... Joe

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

He has done it all, seen it all, met and played with them all. I am thrilled to learn that he never stopped being a fan. I have always admired his playing, I learned a lot listening to him and I always really dug his whole seemingly Zen-like thing. I once, unintentionally, torqued him off on a Bassists web community. I have a Beard not unlike his and I asked him what hair products he used. He launched upon me a hilarious diatribe of semi-intellectual sarcasm making references to what I thought at the time to be metal stripping and fibreglass chemicals. I really wasn't trying to be a smartass in anyway but he obviously thought otherwise. Maybe his coif is off limits. I don't ever wish to raise his wrath again. Another great vid, Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing:) Best, Joe

[@lelandsklar6363]

I was just having fun. Never tweaked over things like that. Just goofing off!

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

@@lelandsklar6363 Thanks for chiming in. I'm a big fan and you have taught me so very much over the years and for that; I Thank You, Sir. WOW! I feel like a teenage girl in 1955 and Elvis winked at me, lol.

His attitude about all that he's done reminds me a lot of Hal Blaine who used to say almost the same words, Good interview.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Steve….Joe

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Such a great interview ...been a fan of his for so long and it's nice to hear him so humble and still excited. Love that he mentioned my favorite artist, Merle, with reverence.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

he is one of the best in the Industry , i’ve seen James Taylor several times and he has always brought a great dimension to the shows and no dought you can see and feel the respect him and JT have for each other

[@dldave1978]

Have always been a fan of Leland. I look forward to watching his daily video every morning with my coffee. Best part about covid. :)

[@lathamarea1437]

I also found Lelands channel by accident..Who doesn't like to hear about the background stories..I subscribed after his first video..The man is not only a great player but he's a fan of music, you can feel his excitement..

[@wynnssecret8584]

I know he'd probably never say, but I'm dying to know if he ever worked with anyone where he thought " This person's a real piece of work; I can't wait till I'm finished with them"

[@johncopeland3826]

Not having ever met Mr Sklar, you can just tell by his interviews that there can't be too many nicer, more decent human beings in this world today.A joy to behold and very humbling.

[@sueaustin1796]

Lee is such a wonderful positive talented guy!!! I LOVE listening to him speak and share all his past experiences with popular musicians! I first saw him play years ago with James Taylor! Then Jaskson Brown! I'm such a groupie, JT shook my hand on August 31, 1994!!! Love him too!!! During the pandemic, Lee started a KZbin channel that I tune into everyday!!!! More people need to be positive and loving like this guy!!! A wonderful role model for all! Love you and your Bassett hounds, Lee!!! Check out the Immediate Family!!! Lee's band with all his lifetime musicians!!!

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤️ Mister Joe C always the very best content. You are so very appreciated for what you do for us lovers of good good music

[@shaunw9270]

Really great interview , thanks Joe 👍

[@buzzsmith8146]

Very nice. I (like many others) have been following his daily videos on his KZbin channel.

[@c3920]

Great Job Joe! Love these videos, makes my day. Thanks from Colorado.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Charles... lots more coming... Best... Joe

[@mbass718]

From James Taylor to Phil Collins to Willie Nelson and freakin Billy Cobham's album Spectrum with Lee playin on one of the greatest fusion album's ever... the man can literally do it all. Gifted doesn't even do justice to how great a bassist Leland is! He's seriously a living legend... Who always comes across as one of the kindest most caring and humble cats you could meet. Awesome interview!! I could never get tired of hearing Leland's stories. He should really write a book.. unless he has one that I don't know about..but if he hasn't than I'm sure he'd have a best seller. He has a great memory for all the sessions and touring he's done. In the videos I've seen him post these last few months....he has so many fun and interesting stories that I'm sure he has enough to fill a few books about his life and experiences. I know I'd buy one if it was available!

[@rodsemple382]

I like the idea of the book. I'd certainly buy it!

[@michaelcopps5683]

Essential listening. Our 0 Pleasure indeed.

[@thomengel9720]

Joe, I envy you and anyone else who can relate all these wonderful stories of our heroes. Keep them coming.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thom.... I am very happy you’re enjoying watching them.... Joe

[@JohnLeePedimore]

Great interview. 30 minutes but it felt like 5 . Leland has a channel here on you tube and he posts video every day just about. In each video he usually goes over a single song that he recorded in depth and sometimes plays the bass to the recoding. He has tons of great stories.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Man, what a humble guy. Don’t see too many with such a legendary history so real and down to earth. Another treasure Joe, it must be something when you realize and remember another chunk of Gold you had stashed away. Thanks again for sharing all these with the world.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Patrick.... yes you are so right. To be honest...... I wasn’t sure they were any good because I had no experience with being a interviewer or cameraman. These truly have been in storage( the one camera interviews) up to 16 years according to whom I’m interviewing., I decided to check them out again only after the new MHOF‘Backstage” tv show I started doing last year began to get a number of viewers on KZbin so I thought I’d check these out one more time. They weren’t as bad as I thought so here they are:) Thanks for watching.... Joe

[@davelock3166]

Yes , a great bloke, a great interview and what a story. As Joe replied to me with comment though, He was all he could afford!

[@coreyanderson7359]

Loved you before and after you referenced “Nipper” love you more! My dad was a tv repairman back in the day and sold RCA. My first band practiced in the cellar of my parents home... fantastic childhood memories!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your comments Corey... sounds like a great childhood you had there... best.. Joe

[@1605munro]

Thank you for this interview! Great job and such a great guy Leland Sklar

[@WindowGeek1]

Excellent interview! Thanks for posting it.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Geek.... thanks for watching... Joe

[@stevehornshaw4478]

Thnx as always Joe. U know how to pick 'em. People at the top of their game but always humble. A gem for my library. Just great.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Steve.... Joe

[@genep7344]

Great interview. Lee you are so humble. You have played with so many artist and many styles of music. During the interview we can tell that you enjoy what you do because of the excitement in your voice. Thanks for sharing. I subscribed to your Immediate Family channel.

[@andrewjmcgee]

that is he way an interview should be. hands down full stop! a musician asking a musician relevant questions and listening carefully to the response. who does that? well... Joe does!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Andy....... Joe

[@michaelcopps5683]

Now, I want to hear music from Joe. Heya Joe...where ya Goin with that pencil in hand?

[@mrDCunningham]

What a humble guy for all of his achievements. Great interview Joe 👍🏻😎

[@russellthompson5314]

I have seen him probably a couple of dozen times, his beard stuck out and he played with all kinds of people I used to go see. I had no idea who he was, had actually tried a decade ago to find out. Who is the bass player with the big beard. Thanks Leland for all the great music and great times you provided me through music!

[@2paddykool]

I saw the man playing with James Taylor in Belfast during the 1980s.He was wonderful and of course unmistakable.He'll always stand out in a crowd! He seems such a humble man but, yes , he's up there with the very best...

[@TheDirtyyoungman1]

So exciting to see Leland up close play live with Lyle Lovett. What an awesome talent he is.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Jack Bruce fav of mine Good for you We should all have the same outlook Life is sharing not competition

[@halharrower8565]

Lee, U R the best....great interview...some of the real essence of what he is about when I interviewed him for NAMM several moons back.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Hal......Joe

[@anthonysilva5312]

“I just love playing”

[@Maydoggie]

I've known of Leland Sklar for a long time. I used to go buy albums, then come home and put one on the turntable, crank it up, and read every single liner note and credit and lyrics...literally everything, even artwork. After a while I started seeing familiar names in the musicians credits. Leland Sklar was on a lot of the albums I was buying back then. Also Russ Kunkel, the Porcaro brothers, David Paich, etc.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Steve.... if you have not seen it .. Leland has a very good youtube show where he plays his bass and shares great stories.. Best, Joe

[@rickknechtel9485]

I love to listen to this, and the people I came from!

[@dougreed9843]

Wow the true Love of music that comes through is a heart felt feeling to emotional connection as a fan that is real as life itself My first concert at 17 was the Earth Wind and Fire and Comadores when they had the space ship coming down on the stage and being a Rock fan go figure I was tingling the entire show. Never figured my church gospel background became an extension

[@51bobtube]

the Standel Super Imperial was a real monster amp. the SVT rig he described was a 300 watt amp through 16 10 inch speakers (two 8-10 cabs)

[@alexmarkowski3859]

I guess the focus issue helped influence shelving this great interview. Thanks for bringing this back for everyone.

[@robertmorency6335]

I saw him playing an outdoor summer night concert with lyle Lovett. Leland has such a unique stage presence, it's as though he has equal billing with the Star.

[@raulrichards412]

Humble, Pleasant, and a Delightful Person Leland Sklar. I enjoy this Conversation / Interview. Great Stories told and People He met. Wonderful character. He knows how to deal with everyone. Real Cool Man!!! ♫♫ ♪.♫ /// Thanks./ Gracias.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Raul.... joe

[@manuelgtz6859]

My favorite bass player and my best "far away friend"... Jejejeje

[@larrymiller4]

Bob Moseley, what a monumental player -- and singer, whoa! The guy had this great, full-throated, soulful voice. All of Moby Grape had so much going for it, but bad management, overhype, and of course drugs, and egos, all contributed to their hasty demise. Man, could they rock a song. Moseley suffered from schizophrenia, but I heard he's still around and hangin' in.

[@dmlevitt]

Leland is a treasure and legend in modern music. love and respect to mr Sklar.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Nothing but respect and best wishes for this man outliving all those he has crossed paths with

[@professorhamamoto]

I want to read the Lee Sklar autobiography. All he details. It should cover two volumes at minimum. He is a living repository of important American cultural history and very generous with his time. Thank you for the interview.

[@cjo2012]

what graciousness for one of the monsters of bass

[@chrisevanz]

Nice interview with an amazing musician. The drum set is nicely in focus ...