For this episode, I sat down with the Jazzcat himself, LeRoy Downs, to talk about all things jazz. Born and raised in LA, listening to KDAY, it wasn't until he saw artists like Roy Hargrove and Terence Blanchard that he was pulled into the music that changed his trajectory. Traveling back in time, he took a deep dive into the history of the music and its founders. We talk about the dues he paid on his journey to becoming a radio host, and how seeing DJ Red Alert at Hot 97 showed him how seriously he needed to take his craft. He shares how he creates his playlist, meeting listener expectations while giving airtime to lesser known, but no less important, musicians. Lastly, we discuss his connection and collaboration with trumpeter Chief aTunde Adjuah and his contribution to the culture.
https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/leroy-downs