On The Sofa With Esther: Where Legends and Stars Hang Out
by Esther Austin
Join Esther Austin for captivating weekly shows that shine a spotlight on everyday heroes, emerging talents, and some of the world’s most iconic music legends entertainers. Esther goes beyond the surface, uncovering powerful stories of resilience, redemption, and triumph.Through heartfelt conversations, she explores the journeys that shaped these individual, the challenges, failures, and pivotal moments that define their legacies. From inspiring untold tales to deep reflections on passion and purpose, this podcast celebrates and honours music pioneers and legends.
Episodes
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On the Sofa with Esther: Little Anthony from The Imperials
"On the Sofa with Esther" takes a trip down memory lane with a special interview with the legendary Little Anthony from The Imperials, originally recorded in 2018 . Little Anthony, born Jerome Anthony Gourdine on January 8, 1941, is a legendary American singer and the lead vocalist of the iconic...
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On the Sofa with Esther: Felton Pilate and Michael Cooper from Confunkshun
'On the Sofa with Esther' is a talk show hosted by Esther Austin, featuring interviews with various personalities. In this episode, she interviewed Felton Pilate and Michael Cooper, members of the legendary funk band Con Funk Shun. During the interview, they discussed their musical journey, the...
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On the Sofa with Esther Multi-Instrumentalist, Performer, Trumpeter Basil Bankston
On the Sofa with Esther: Basil Bankston Join Esther as she sits down with the talented Basil Bankston, a multi-instrumentalist, performer, and renowned trumpeter. Discover the stories behind his music, his journey through the world of performance, performing with some of the top lead Tribute…
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On the Sofa with Esther: Sarah Brown Discusses Her New Album 'Sarah Brown Sings Mahalia Jackson
Here's a refined, engaging introduction for Sarah Brown's appearance on On the Sofa with Esther: Joining On the Sofa with Esther is the extraordinary Sarah Brown, who released her debut album Sarah Brown Sings Mahalia Jackson in 2023. This heartfelt collection showcases Sarah's unique...
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On the Sofa with Esther Capri Compton and Dre Infinite: Where HipHop Meets Opera
Joining 'On the Sofa with Esther is Opera Singer Capri Compton with her first single 'The Song of the Butterfly' from her HipHopera album, where she collaborates with rapper Dre infinite where she sings Opera Arias, which has been released on Enthrone Records Ent. Capri's love for opera and…
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On the Sofa with Esther: Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls
On the Sofa with Esther: Shirley Jones, of the iconic group The Jones Girls, joins me to share the heartfelt story behind her tribute album Reflections: In Loving Memory. This deeply personal album honors the legacy of her two late sisters, blending nostalgia and love into every track. Tune in…
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On the Sofa with Esther is Calvin Alston aka C.A.L
On the Sofa with Esther: C.A.L Alston, son of music legend Gerald Alston, joins me to discuss his eclectic album Rebirth and Reverberation. In this deep and insightful conversation, C.A.L, son of legend Gerald Alston of The Manhattans, shares the story of his personal growth and how it profoundly...
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On the Sofa with Esther in a heartfelt conversation with June Carryl, Playwriter of BLUE
On the Sofa with Esther: Join me in a heartfelt conversation with June Carryl, a talented USA actor and playwriter, as we delve into the inspiration behind her bold and thought-provoking play Blue, which tackles the complexities of policing. Tune in for insights, powerful storytelling, and a...
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On the Sofa with Esther Trailer
Welcome to On the Sofa with Esther Podcast with Voice Over by Diane Mathis, Singer, Actor, Songwriter and featuring music legends The Late Sonny Turner from The Original Platters and Lamont McLemore from The Fifth Dimension; Roy Hamilton Jr, the son of Roy Hamilton who was known as The Golden Boy...
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On the Sofa with Esther - Freda Payne Pays Tribute to the late Lamont Dozier
Legend Freda Payne, known for 'Band of Gold' talks about her friendship with the late Lamont Dozier, (June 16, 1941 – August 8, 2022) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer from Detroit, Michigan, known as the Motown master craftsman who created miracles under pressure. Freda...
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On the Sofa with Esther - The Brand New Heavies
On the Sofa with Esther Formed in London, UK, Brand New Heavies are a pioneering jazz collective who helped create the sound of acid jazz, fusing funk, soul and hip hop production ... Here Esther talks to Andrew Levy, Founding member from Brand New Heavies ahead of their live stream gig at The…
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Esther's Espurational Message -Introspection and Authenticity of Self
We are all on our own individual journey. Each day is a new day, a new start, a new awareness of who we are of where we want to go in our lives. This podcast seeks to inspire and encourage us all, myself included to reach for the skies to be the best for ourselves, to know it's ok to look at the...
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Esther interviews artist Marshayne Formerly Known as Wayne 'G-Spot' Marshall About his Latest Single
On Wednesday 18th August 2021, all roads led to the the Odeon Luxe and Dine in Islington, as members of the Press congregated to celebrate the launch of Marshayne's latest single 'I Kneel for You' (formerly known as Wayne 'G-Spot' Marshall). Another sassy, sexy track of pure sexual indulgence…
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On the Sofa with Esther is Shirley Jones from The Jones Girls
"The Jones Girls were an American R&B vocal trio of sisters from Detroit, Michigan, United States. Consisting of Brenda, Shirley and Valorie Jones, The Jones Girls first signed and recorded for GM Records in 1970. The trio were best known for their singles during the late–1970s through the 1980s;...
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On the Sofa with Esther is Whittington Still - Soul/Rnb/Jazz Artist
Whittington Still is one of the most incredible Soul/Rnb/Jazz Singers/Songwriters I have come across in a long time. Her velvety, sultry, deeply rich vocals is able to take you on a journey beyond yourself. Likened to Phyllis Hyman, Whittington takes you on an incredible journey. Whittington has...
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On the Sofa with Esther is Jon Batiste
Esther talks to Jon about his upcoming album 'We Are' to be released on 19th March. Jon and his band are performing live at The Brooklyn Bowl on March 11th. Jon is an American musician, bandleader, and television personality. 'We Are' is an eclectic mix of a compilation of various genres of song...
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On the Sofa with Esther is John 'The Bossman' Hall
John 'The Bossman' Hall joins me on the sofa with an eclectic story of his life in the entertainment industry and all the amazing artists and legends he has worked and performed with. John 'The Bossman' Hall is from Philadelphia and is a performer, singer, dancer and actor who has had an eclectic...
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On the Sofa with Esther is Chris Amoo from The Real Thing
Another great conversation with an incredible person. Apt for celebrating Valentine's Day. Here Chris talks about his late brother Eddie, his passion for music. He gives an insight into the journey of The Real Thing and more. Remember tunes such as: Can you Feel the Force? Children of the Ghetto?...
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On the Sofa with Esther is Freda Payne
Freda Payne is an American singer and actress and is best known for her career in music during the mid–1960s through the mid–1980s. Her most notable record is “Band of Gold“ her 1970 hit single. Freda was also an actress in musicals and film, as well as the host of a TV talk show and she is the...
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On the Sofa with Esther is Zeola Gaye
Valentine's Day has been celebrated for centuries. The music of Marvin Gaye is legendary for that of love and sensuality. On today's show I talk to his sister the wonderful Zeola Gaye who has written a book 'My Brother Marvin.' Zeola Gaye shares candidly brief excerpts of her life growing up and...
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On the Sofa with Esther - The Three Degrees
Esther interviews The Three Degrees, Valerie Holiday, Helen Scott and Freddie Pool who are a female Philadelphia soul and disco vocal musical group, formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The threesome have retained all three of their major qualities — their beauty, their sparkling...
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On the Sofa with Esther - Benidito King
Benidito King is the eldest son of Legend Ben E King. Benidito is a Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Musician at Torrienti's Enterprises. Ben E. King was Famous for his songs Stand By Me, Spanish Harlem, and I Who Have Nothing. Here we talk briefly about his father, Ben E King and memories from his...
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On the Sofa with Esther - Darryl F Walker
Darryl F. Walker is a Singer/Saxophonist/Percussionist/Songwriter and International Recording Artist. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Darryl on several occasions. Darryl is an incredible artists with stunning vocals. In this interview he talks about wisdom gained from his journey and his...
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On the Sofa with Esther - Andrew Levy from The Brand New Heavies Talking about Their Valentine Livestream Gig on Sunday 14th February 2021
"The Brand New Heavies’ debut album first strutted its way into the public eye with a winning funky formula that would go on to earn them sixteen Top 40 hits and three million worldwide album sales, not to mention two UK Platinum albums? Emerging at the heart of the Acid Jazz scene, they made an...
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On the Sofa with Esther - Gregory Williams from SWITCH
Gregory Williams is the founder/leader of former Motown Recording group SWITCH to President/CEO of Switch Entertainment LLC to date, musician/vocalist/songwriter Gregory Williams. Winner of ASCAP’s Top 100 R&B Songwriters for the years of 1979 and 1980; Gold and Platinum Album Awards as...
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On the Sofa with Esther - R&B/Soul Artist KENYA
KENYA is an R&B/Soul artist from Chicago. She is also an Entrepreneur and Wellness Coach. Her incredible vocals and grounded spiritual wisdom has enabled her to produce some stunning music. Albums are My own Skin. Singles are: Lovely Day, My Funny Valentine, Favorite Things and...
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On the Sofa with Esther - Sonny Turner from The Platters
Sonny Turner is an American singer best known for replacing Tony Williams as lead singer of The Platters. Here Sonny talks about how he became a singer, about his aspirations and dreams. The Platters produced songs such as Blue Moon, With this Ring, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Twilight Times, Only…
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On the Sofa with Esther - Robert Upchurch from legendary Disco Group The Trammps
The Trammps are an American disco and soul band, who were based in Philadelphia and were one of the first disco bands. The band's first major success was with their 1972 cover version of "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart". The first disco track they released was "Love Epidemic" in 1973.
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Original Boney M Lead Singer Liz Mitchell Celebrates 50 Year Career
Liz Mitchell is the only woman to sing three singles in UK All-Time Top 20 will perform classic hits including Rivers of Babylon, Brown Girl in the Ring and Mary’s Boy Child. Intimate ‘Reggae Christmas’ show from Liz’s Oxfordshire home will celebrate her Jamaican roots, featuring special lockdown...
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On the Sofa with Esther - Jamaica's King of Comedy Oliver Samuels
I caught up with Oliver to find out how he was managing with lockdown and to find out whether he was being challenged or inspired. This was an inspiring interview full of laughter. I was inspired by Oliver's wisdom, his outlook on life and his sentiments. I felt as if I was sitting at the feet of...
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On the Sofa with Director Peter Murimi of the Documentary ' I Am Samuel'
The BFI London Film Festival 2020 premiered I Am Samuel. 'A quiet, nuanced vérité documentary filmed over five years, I am Samuel is an intimate portrait of a queer Kenyan man and his partner Alex, and their struggles to navigate rejection, violence and complex family relationships. In a country...
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On the sofa with Tiny Tavares from Tavares
Esther interviews Tiny about his performance in the UK in 2018 and his latest music. Tavares are well known for tracks such as..Heaven Must be Missing an Angel. More than a Woman. Don't Take Away the Music
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On the Sofa with Cynthia Scott Award Winning Jazz, Blues, R&B and Gospel Vocalist
Cynthia shares about life, performing with Ray Charles and her spirit of determination and tenacity. Cynthia is a formidable yet inspiring woman.
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Esther's Espirational Message - Nana and the Little People: How to Remain Calm Out on the Street
Tales from a Grand mother's perspective of the exploits with her grand daughter. This is the first in a series of short ramblings and a humorous take about life around the little people. This series will draw contrast to life before and after the grand child and how as grand parents we manage…
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Esther's Espirational Message - How to Know If you Are Being Authentic to YOU?
The past few weeks discussions have been around authenticity and what that means, what does it feel like? What can we do to Understand our authenticity? This podcast offers tips and tools that can empower you to explore what Authenticity means to you and the importance of how it shows up in your...
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Esther's Espirational Message - The Difference Between an Abundance Mindset and a Scarcity Mindset
Too often our ego drives our attitudes and perceptions. Especially when it comes to fame and status. Being seen. Being in the public eye becomes the goal and our filters become hazy. When we realise that coming from an abundance mindset can get us everything we desire or that which is for us, we...
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Financial Planning, Education, Legacy Building and Wealth. Time to knowledge Up. Protect Your Family
On the Sofa Presents Esther Austin in conversation with Stanley Taylor from Affinity Legacy Planning and Sarah Cruz from Genistar. During this conversation they both talk about the products they offer clients. The knowledge and information they share here is invaluable. The time is now to protect...
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On the Sofa with Esther - Young Voices: How to Manage Life in this Current Situation
Esther in Conversation with 15 Year Old Mya about life as it currently showing up to be. Here we discuss her outlook on the global shift and how she thinks it has impacted on peoples lives. Mya also talks about the deep need for spiritual awakening, growth and embracing of, needed to take place…
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On the Sofa wih Owen Alexander-Ffrench - How to find your Freedom of Choice
An eightening conversation with my dear friend Owen about how to find, embrace your personal freedom of choice. In this interview Owen offers tips and advice on how we can personally make decisions without feeling obligated to others and decisions which make us feel good about ourselves without...
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Esther's Espirational Message - Fan the Flames with Peace
In these current times, the wind of rage, injustice, vilification of..all threaten the very basis of humanity's hold onto civilisation's core of freedom. Mans inhumanity to man. Mans compassion to man. All tied up in this great upheaval and revelation of truth on every level. We are all in this...
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On the Sofa with Jo Billingslea from The Contours
Joseph Billingslea is an American singer and performer and was lead singer and founder of R&B band The Contours. They are best known for their 1962 hit single..'Do you Love Me' ..which was recorded on Motown's label 'Gordy."
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Esthers Espirational Message - Silence and Wisdom of The Soul
Another narrative taken from my book Within Silence Wisdom Whispers. This contemplative piece seeks to encourage stepping into a place of silence to discover the benefits and revelations that lay there. In this current time of upheaval. A calming meditative narrative supporting your vibrational...
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Esther's Espirational Message - Mis-guided That I Am by
Taken from my book and audio Book 'Within Silence Wisdom Whispers.' I will be releasing more chapters soon from this book over the coming weeks. A book published in 2012. Words of wisdom to touch your heart and soul.
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On the sofa with Pauli Carman from Champaign
Pauli Carman is a Grammy nominated, multi platinum recording artist and lead vocalist of "Champaign." With songs such as "How Bout Us", "Try Again", "Off and on Love". Here he talks to Esther about lice with the band and more..... www.champaignband.com
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On the Sofa with Daphne Maxwell Reid, Actress
Daphne is known as "Aunt Vivian" from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Here she talks about her life, her talents and her passion for what does. Aside from being an actress Daphne is also a book publisher and has a clothing line, amongst other things. Take a look at her website:...
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On the Sofa with Roy Ayres re his Ubiquity 'Mystic Voyage' 45th Anniversary UK Tour
AGMP presents: Roy Ayers Ubiquity 'Mystic Voyage' 45th Anniversary Tour. In April 2020 Roy Ayers known as The Godfather of Neo Soul who started his career in the 1960's will be bringing his 'Mystic Voyage' 45th Anniversary tour to the UK for a 13 date tour. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in…
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On the sofa with Brenda Wilson Daughter of Jackie Wilson
The Jackie Wilson Foundation will be holding its first fundraising event 'OffSprings of Legends: The Next Level Showcase.' The fundraiser will provide an avenue for educating and introducing next level generation of young people on the history of African American History and Black Music...
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Esther talks to award winning Motivational Speaker and Shine Strategist Clara Rufai
Clara Rufai, The Shine Strategist will be hosting the Leap and Shine Conference on 21st and 22nd February. Celebrated and global speakers from around the world are heading to London to share their wisdom, strategies and expertise with YOU. To be held at The Jurys Inn, Croydon. Here Clara talks...
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On the Sofa with Jewel Carter, The King of Funk
Jewel Carter is an exceptional musician, a national recording artist and so much more. He has a raw funk sound and what makes him unique is that he is lead vocalist as well as bassist. He has performed with legendary groups such as The Gap Band, Gladys Knight, Charlie Wilson and more. Jewel is…
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On the Sofa with the Legend Charles Wright of The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
It was my absolute pleasure to talk to this legend. I felt as if I was sitting at the feet of my elders. Express Yourself" is a song written by Charles Wright and performed by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. It was released in 1970 as the title song of their 1970 album…
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About this show
Join Esther Austin for captivating weekly shows that shine a spotlight on everyday heroes, emerging talents, and some of the world’s most iconic music legends entertainers. Esther goes beyond the surface, uncovering powerful stories of resilience, redemption, and triumph.Through heartfelt conversations, she explores the journeys that shaped these individual, the challenges, failures, and pivotal moments that define their legacies. From inspiring untold tales to deep reflections on passion and purpose, this podcast celebrates and honours music pioneers and legends.
Hosted by
Esther Austin
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