In Epi 9, world class jazz musician John Clayton and podcast host E.B. Moss reminisce about a friendship launched with a prank, before seriously discussing the Grammy-winning arranger/composer/bassist's techniques, and experiences across a life in the music industry. From his serendipitous introduction to the bass, mentorship under Ray Brown, journey with musicians from Dee Dee Bridgewater to Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson to Monty Alexander. it's quite a living.

Learn how John approaches composing and performing... his passion for blending flavors in music arrangements, to how drummer Jeff Hamilton, with whom he co-founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, introduced him to the blends of fine wine! It’s like fly-on-the-wall eavesdropping on a close friendship -- filled with laughter...and a master class in both music and living quite the life.

Clayton's early fascination with the bass, initiated at age 13 and cemented by a Ray Brown solo he heard, led him to a fruitful career, from playing in the Count Basie Orchestra, to collaborating with or composing for icons such as Paul McCartney, Nancy Wilson, Queen Latifah. Regina Carter, and even a recent release with 89-year-old sax legend, Houston Person, and scores more. (John even composed the theme song for "Insider Interviews with E.B. Moss!)

Clayton shares anecdotes from his life his philosophies on jazz, and the role of an artist in presenting their work to an audience. He stresses the importance of expression over performing for audience expectations, citing experiences and insights from his expansive career in the music industry. The episode is rich with stories of Clayton's collaborations, his approach to composition and arranging, and a lot of laughter between friends. Through this spontaneous and engaging chat, Clayton's passion for jazz and his respect for its power to connect and communicate shine brightly, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the life of a truly remarkable musician.

If you catch this on YouTube, watch for archival images, and don't miss the little reaction at the end from a gobsmacked studio engineer capturing a solo from John's session with Houston....

Find/Follow "It’s Quite a Living" everywhere including YouTube

• Twitter @QuiteALiving
• Instagram: @QuiteALivingPodcast
• Find Moss Appeal on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/MossAppeal

And if you want to support the arts and keep this free podcast — and Insider Interviews Podcast — going, please consider “buying me a coffee” of ANY size!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal

Season two kicks off with Jarl Mohn, my former boss at E! Entertainment Television and retired CEO of NPR. Jarl Mohn describes the evolution of his fascinating career in the media industry — that stemmed from his experience in a group home as a child and a love of radio as his escape. Our focal points were social justice issues in LA County, the importance of the arts and emerging artists in LA, and Jarl Mohn’s personal art collection, including a three and a quarter ton Michael Heizer rock.

We get a pro tip on how to open up our minds and creativity by looking at art! Jarl also explains his belief in the unique value of public radio today, as well as the importance of good content across all media platforms in a world of subscription competition. We discuss the progress and challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the media industry, the value of good content marketing and the power of good communication and relationship-building by executives.

To wrap it up, you’ll learn the funny story behind the internet sensation of socks featuring Jarl’s face! So, this is a true head to toe interview with one of the best in the business.

This is an edited version of an episode of my podcast, “Insider Interviews” in which Jarl focused more on the business of media. For It’s Quite a Living, I’m including extra content about his personal side, including more on his experience in foster care, coinciding with National Foster Care Month. Whether or not yours is QUITE the living, this is a celebration of those who lead fulfilling lives and enjoy every moment.

Show Notes for Episode of “It’s Quite a Living” with Host, E.B. Moss, and former CEO of NPR and philanthropist, Jarl Mohn:

[00:02:11] E.B. Moss reminisces about Jarl starting E! Entertainment Television.

[00:02:23] Jarl shares his career journey that got him there, starting as a disc jockey, meeting Bob Pittman (current CEO, iHeartMedia) and transitioning into the cable TV industry via MTV with Bob, then helming E!

[00:04:10] Jarl shares more about his challenging upbringing in foster care (just as other successful individuals like Steve Jobs and Tiffany Haddish found their way to success.

Recommended reading: “A Place Called Home”, the memoir of current Amazon executive and foster youth advocate, David Ambroz

[00:06:29] Jarl reflects on his traumatic experience in a children’s home and how his love for radio provided an escape.

[00:09:29] E.B. Moss recalls Jarl’s humanizing approach as CEO of Entertainment Television and the lasting impact it had on employees.

[00:10:42] Jarl discusses his travels with Michael Govin, visiting NPR stations across the country, fostering connections, and gaining insight into local communities.

[00:13:11] Jarl expresses his appreciation for the unique value of public radio and its storytelling capabilities, while acknowledging challenges in the music format.

[00:14:30] E.B. mentions Jarl’s gift to all 251 NPR member stations, for which he received a mug from ea

Find/Follow "It’s Quite a Living" everywhere including YouTube

• Twitter @QuiteALiving
• Instagram: @QuiteALivingPodcast
• Find Moss Appeal on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/MossAppeal

And if you want to support the arts and keep this free podcast — and Insider Interviews Podcast — going, please consider “buying me a coffee” of ANY size!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal

Find/Follow "It’s Quite a Living" everywhere including YouTube

• Twitter @QuiteALiving
• Instagram: @QuiteALivingPodcast
• Find Moss Appeal on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/MossAppeal

And if you want to support the arts and keep this free podcast — and Insider Interviews Podcast — going, please consider “buying me a coffee” of ANY size!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal