THE INTERVIEWS
This series, taped in 2025, features interviews with people who performed, recorded, and worked with Leigh over the years, beginning with Little Queenie & the Percolators, to her final CD, Waking Up in Dreamland.
Episodes are a mix of music and interviews, with each segment featuring an extensive conversation with one of the key players in Leigh's musical journey. We talk about their relationship with Leigh, their shared musical experiences, and that wonderful, creative time in New Orleans music history from the mid-70’s through the mid-80’s.
We hope to add more episodes this year, so keep checking back for the latest additions. And, if you performed, wrote, or recorded with Leigh, we'd love to interview you, too. Reach out to us at: NOLADIVA@TRIAD.RR.COM
Photo: Jazz Poetry Group (circa 1977)
John Magnie (holding his son), Ramsey McLean, Ron Cuccia, Charles Neville, Leigh, and Ricky Sebastian
EPISODE 1: The Percolators 45
John Magnie
Little Queenie & the Percolators; The Subdudes
Interview highlights:
The creation and recording of Little Queenie & The Percolators only record release - the 45, which featured My Darlin' New Orleans backed with Wild Natives.
EPISODE 2: Jimmy's Music Club
Jimmy Anselmo
Jimmys (New Orleans)
Interview highlights:
Having Little Queenie & The Percolators play at the club's opening on April 8, 1978, plus other dates that Leigh and the Percs played over the years.
EPISODE 3: John & Queenie
John Magnie
Little Queenie & the Percolators; The Subdudes
Interview highlights:
How John and Leigh met, how their collaboration developed, writing songs together, and the formation of Little Queenie & the Percolators.
EPISODE 4: Jazz Poetry Group (Pt 1)
Ricky Sebastian
Drummer, Jazz Poetry Group
https://www.rickysebastian.com/
Interview highlights:
How Ricky met Leigh, the New Orleans club scene during that time, and a discussion of the Jazz Town track from the Jazz Poetry Group LP.
EPISODE 5: Jazz Poetry Group (Pt 2)
Jazz Poetry Group:
- Ricky Sebastian, Drums
- John Magnie, Keys
- Ramsey McLean, Bass
Interview highlights:
The creation, development, and birth of Leigh's theme song, My Darlin' New Orleans from the unique perspectives of three of the original band members.
EPISODE 6: Jimmy Robinson
Jimmy Robinson
Mixed Knots; Woodenhead; New Orleans Guitar Masters
https://jimmyrobinsonmusic.com/
Interview highlights:
How Jimmy first met Leigh, and their work together on several projects including two tracks that incorporated the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra string section (played as part of the interview).