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ConversationsRadio
Episode 99
Connie Jackson
Singer/Actress
Friday, June 4th, 2021
Mike Dowler and cohost, legendary bassist Leland Sklar had a wonderful time with singer/recording artist and actress Connie Jackson to episode 99 of ConversationsRadio!
Connie Jackson is a singer/actress, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. The youngest of four, Connie knew early on what she wanted to do with her life. In 1986, she packed up her car and moved cross-country to Los Angeles, where she has resided ever since.
Although Connie’s primary focus is acting, her career started with singing. Within months of settling in Los Angeles, she was hired by legendary choreographer, Michael Peters, for the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of the Michael Bennett production of "Dreamgirls" at the Ambassador Theatre in 1987.
Connie is proud and thrilled about releasing her very first single 'THIS DAY' featuring Terry Wollman
on July 16th!
Connie's career highlight are many. She has toured and recorded with pop music icon, Phil Collins, on the Finally…the First Farewell Tour, and the “Going Back” tour. 2015, Connie also toured briefly with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh. Connie has performed on numerous special events for artists including, Patti Austin, Faith Hill, Michael McDonald, kd Lang, Seal, and many more. A bucket list moment was singing with Barbra Streisand at the Grammys, and MusiCares Person of the Year.
For over nine seasons, Connie has been a recurring guest star on NCIS as Elaine. Other television credits include, How To Get Away With Murder, Why Women Kill, and 9-1-1. You may also recognize her from countless television commercials. She is also the voice of Mariah Carey's Grandma Lucy in the animated movie,
All I Want For Christmas Is You.
In 2016, Connie co-produced the award-winning dramatic short film “My Name Is Lamar”.
An avid animal activist, Connie volunteers her spare time photographing shelter animals to help them find rescue, and loving homes; and encourages you to adopt, don't shop.
About Our Cohost
Leland Sklar
We are thrilled to have Leland Sklar back on ConversationsRadio - this time, as a cohost. Leland first joined us in 2019 for episode 60 - winding down after touring with Phil Collins. It wasn't long before he returned to the studio for projects with singer songwriter Judith Owen and with friends Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, Steve Postell and Russ Kunkle - together again as
'The Immediate Family'. With more than 2000 albums to his credit, I can honestly say that somewhere in the world right now, there is a Leland Sklar bassline playing on one of the 25,000 songs he has lent his talents to. A native of Milwaukee, Leland and his family headed West to Southern California early on. He began piano lessons when he was 4 years old and quickly became a prodigy. By junior high, he had all of the intentions of pursuing the piano further. However, his music teacher suggested that he have a go on the string bass because the school was overstocked with fine pianists. Leland grabbed the string instrument and held it close.It just felt right and at that moment Leland Sklar’s trajectory changed.
He continued his music studies at California State University Northridge and soon met James Taylor! Again, a life changing moment. Sklar often credits Taylor for keeping him interested and considers it his big break. Suddenly, Leland Sklar was in demand and found success as a session bassist.
t’s much easier to ask who Leland Sklar has not played with. He can be heard on hit songs from Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Warren Zevon, TOTO, Linda Ronstadt, Helen Reddy, Hall & Oates and more. He has also been called on by tv and film music directors to bring his session skills to a number of productions.
Leland and Connie toured with Phil Collins in 2004 and have remained friends ever since. When Connie needed a bassplayer for 'This Day' she went to Leland Sklar who was there in a heartbeat - which is often the norm for Leland.
A huge thanks to Leland Leland Sklar and Connie Jackson for haning out on episode 99.
Enjoy the Podcast!
