Many years ago ( pre internet ) I was hired to play at The Bitter End in NYC with a singer/songwriter duo. I met them a week before and they gave me the cassette tape and charts. When I arrived home I read through the set list and song #11 was “Laughter in The Rain”. Since we were performing all of their original tunes I thought this was a mistake and called them. I asked if it was an error and they said no...and please learn that song to the best of your ability....which I did. What had happened was this songwriting duo performed out in The Hamptons and Neil Sedaka was in the crowd. He loved the female singer and told her if she ever performed in NYC they should call him and he would come to the show. Well..he was there at the show and I had a blast performing this song with him playing piano and singing. It was a full house so it was a real treat for us.

@noelbowerman1562

4 жыл бұрын

Wow .

Neil should be in the rock hall of fame. He's been in my top 10 the whole time.

I think this is one of the most perfectly produced pop songs of all time.

My cousin Howie (Greenfield) told me a story about how him and Neil had five A&R people turn down "Love Will Keep Us Together" and said it wasn't a hit. At dinner one night in the Valley they were talking about it and Toni Tennille and Daryl Dragon were doing a duet in the supper club. Howie and Neil turned around simultaneously and said "Let's give it to Daryl, he'll know what to do with it" ! The rest is history, it won a Grammy !

@lelandsklar6363

4 жыл бұрын

Daryl and I were the bass section in our college orchestra and I was in a band with his brothers, Doug and Dennis.

Hi Lee - I remember hearing this for the first time when Neil sent me an acetate of the session a couple of days after you guys did it . . . I still get chill when think about how great that moment was for me . . . thanks for your part in this!

@lelandsklar6363

2 жыл бұрын

You wrote some of the best songs. Proud to have been a part of them.

@shyman99

2 жыл бұрын

Philip - SO glad you talked Neil into not repeating the transition into the chorus. But the one thing that bothered me was not that the line changed from verse 1 to verse 2 and then back to the verse 1 line when it transitioned from the bridge , but what bugged me was how Neil would alter the order when he would sing it live. Instead of returning to "I feel the warmth of her hand in mind" after the bridge (like in the original recording), he would instead sing "Sharing our love under stormy skies". Very disruptive to those like myself who have every single element of the original recording mesmerized. He must have decided he liked that line over the other.

@paulschilling2996

11 ай бұрын

One of my favorite lyrics "I hear laughter in the rain"...the singer's happiness as a transcendent experience

Neil IS still gigging during the pandemic! He's been broadcasting a 3-song mini-concert every day from his house. I've been faithfully watching. He is amazing, and there's something about his vibe that I find very comforting during these strange times.

@coffeegirl6854

3 жыл бұрын

I have been watching and listening to Neil Sedaka's mini concerts on my FB. ❤

I saw Neil Sedaka way back in the ‘70’s at the Riviera in Las Vegas when I lived there at that time. He had opened for the Carpenters and they fired him because he was getting more applause than they were. It was a big story in the newspaper at that time. The Riviera brought him back has a headliner and I went to see him. What a showman he was. A fantastic night and worth every penny I payed.

"It took me 45 years to figure out how to get in and out in 45 minutes" Brilliant!

@youmothershouldknow4905

4 жыл бұрын

It’s why Sklar is the boss. He probably does piecework basis now, and can charge what he deserves, based on the bass goodness that only he can add.

Hi Leland! You are helping so many of us through these trying times Thank you 💕

I absolutely love amateur hour at the Sklar fun house! All the oops & hiccups keeps it real for me and watching these videos makes me feel like I am actually hanging out with the great Leland Sklar! Congrats on the 100k!

What is so incredible about songwriting is how 4 minutes can change someone's outlook on the day and essentially ... live forever. So few songs written today will go on for decades, where are all the stellar songwriting stars today?

100K is only the beginning! This channel is the one I look forward to every day more than any other. We appreciate the time you put in to give us these videos.

@jdavis417

4 жыл бұрын

"Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so." :P

@laurieharper1526

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely right. When you look at the nonsense that has hundreds of thousands of subscribers, Lee should have a million at least.

i am so glad that you joined youtube, you are a legend in the music industry, your stories are terrific, i love watching you everyday

I was a dishwasher in a small restaurant when Walking in the Rain was out...45 yes later I'm transported to that nasty wet corner of the resturants kitchen every time I hear that song...looking back, compared to today, I guess it wasnt that bad...great tune

Mr Sedaka has own daily recitals of songs on youtube . they are magical to enjoy!

Lee, no wonder there is so many of us. I think it is a privilidge that you take us to hear your stories and memories.To us you are the hero we meet on daily basis.Nothing could be nicer. Next sunday I hzve been four months in hospital due to intracranial hemorrhage. It has been rough with a paralysis on my left side.But now things are a bit better.There is good movement in both arm and leg, I learn to walk again and there is good progress happening there. Anyway, hospital life is boring, but your videos allways save my day. You have been my idol for decadesand my admiration is getting deeper day by day. Thank you so much, Lee!

Oh Leland you must never change ! I just love the slight mishaps, like when the computer starts playing too soon or your phone rings. It just makes you seem so much more human and one of us. Your stories could keep me listening for ages and you bring back such wonderful memories with the music you have been playing. Long may you continue. 😄

@tuskedbeast

4 жыл бұрын

Perfectly expressed!

@debvalle7466

4 жыл бұрын

Salud!

God, the production value and collective musicianship of this song is brilliant. And, of course, the bass is the engine that carries it all. Genius.

Thank you to ALL the important people out there trying to help where they can. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Thanks for not being sterile in presenting your videos. The technical glitches with your computer, your phone, etc... are just part of that charm!

Absolutely love this channel, the stories, the music, everything! Thank you! !!!!

Loving the sheer variety of genres you throw out to us each day Leland. Never boring and all with great stories to boot. Thanks man

My son is 18 and has been playing bass for few years. We both have found your channel and really enjoy what you are doing! Thanks, and your career is amazing. I’ve listened to so much of artists you’ve worked with. So, thanks. Music is such an important part of our lives. It is how I’ve always decompressed. Thanks again.

Congratulations on 100,000!

Laughter In The Rain: Talk about a blast from the past. You are right. Your bass line is super fine! It carries the whole tune.

@jdavis417

4 жыл бұрын

Well... there's that voice! :)

@arnebroxleirnes418

4 жыл бұрын

@@jdavis417 ..And those chords and melody :)

@dmolls

4 жыл бұрын

I fully agree. I meant that Lee’s bass line provided a nice solid foundation for everything else to shine.

So glad you are doing this and glad to be part of the community. We need the genuine positive energy you bring to these postings. Feel like we should be heading out to the garden after you wrap up to jam with all who care to join in. Ooooh, listen to the music and the laughter, eh? God bless. ~ Mark

The reason your channel is successful is because your so human. Little is it realized that the thing people resist the most is simply being human. Thanks Le.

You are apart of my day everyday. It feels like you live next door and the screen door is always open. Peace !

Congratulations on 100,000 friends!!! Please , "don't go changin' "

@jdavis417

4 жыл бұрын

We couldn't love him any better!

@Eleventhearlofmars

4 жыл бұрын

Leland is a force of nature, a cool dude.

CONGRATULATIONS, LEE! So deserved. You get what you give - and you give nothing but joy, wisdom, wit, groove, kindness... the list of positives is endless. You'll be at a million subscribers very soon. I am thrilled that so many people are tuning in! Woohoo!

I always forget what a great groove that song has...

Sedaka also hit it big with Captain and Tenille's "Love Will Keep Us Together"...they actually sing "Sedaka's back" on the out-chorus.

@mrcell61

4 жыл бұрын

They sang that line because Neil Sedaka wrote the song.

It's a great pop record because you helped make it so! I remember this tune too well, but again your wondrous bass line makes it more captivating. Thanks, again!

OK, 59-yo guitar player here. Been playing for decades. Classic rock, jazz, country, blues, etc. I will admit this here to any and all of Lee's 100,000 subscribers. I really like that 1980 tune that Neil sang with his daughter, "I Should Have Never Let You Go." It's syrupy and all that but it has a really nice melody, great harmonies, and Neil's daughter does a bang-up job.

This is a timeless gem!! And the bass line is AMAZING!!!

Well deserved, you’re a gentleman and a scholar! Should be and will be 1,000,000!

@keithwald5349

4 жыл бұрын

A gentleman and a Sklar!

@bflathead

4 жыл бұрын

Many years ago maybe 1979 I worked at a local liquor store. We had a regular customer who was from Columbia who became a good friend. He would always tell me and my co worker that we were “A gentlemen in disguise”. We never quite understood what he was saying until we had a chat ..he was still learning the English language and had a few things mixed up. We still laugh about this.

Thank you for being our "fly on the wall" to music history. Hope Mr. Sedaka hears about this.

This is a great channel. where else can one sit one to one with a music industry legend and get told incredible stories about our music idols from our younger years. God Bless You Mr. Sklar, please keep at this. This channel is gonna swell to 600,000 or more subs in no time. people my age(53)and older are disgusted with today's music and want to be educated on why it's so friggin bad. This is one step in finding out.... Thanks again Sir, You're a legend..........

One of my all time favorite songs and my earliest musical memory. The key change at the chorus is brilliant songwriting.

"I'm such a wanker. It's amateur night at the Sklar funhouse". Brilliant. Still laughing about that one.

Don't worry about the interruptions, I actually think they're super entertaining. You really got me laughing when you were talking back to the computer, and then I lost it when the phone started to ring. The timing was perfect. Murphy's Law never sleeps :)

@christineschiller7589

4 жыл бұрын

He's a natural and reminds me of my father (of the same age) who is a bit of a perfectionist and those moments they try to be professional on a computer they never grew up with. Good for you Lee! My dad won't even use email...lol

@thealrightestguitarist9135

4 жыл бұрын

@@christineschiller7589 Yes, I remember teaching my dad how to use the computer...it's a sure-fire way to strain an otherwise healthy relationship, lol. I totally understand Lee's perfectionism though, as I have a big dose of that in me. I was playing along with "Wild Horses" the other night, but I didn't feel like I was getting it right, so I played it again and again. The next time I looked at my watch almost an hour had gone by. Sometimes you just have to let go, lol.

@jdavis417

4 жыл бұрын

Well alright, alright, alright... ;)

This song is a pure memory jogger for anyone who got caught in the rain with their honey...back when you lived life without a weather radar in your pocket (smartphone)...

When the computer comes on or the phone rings it's as if I am actually at your house having a conversation.... please don't ever change.

Congrats on 100k! 100k thankful people 👍🎸🎼

Thank you Leland! Your contributions to music are immeasurable! First saw you live with Phil Collins. Hope you’re well!

Man oh man, your such a treasure trove with information about the 70”, 80”, 90” on music. Really loving it. ❤️❤️❤️

Awe this tune yet again has those beautiful 70's changes that evoke so many amazing memories of my childhood Lee! And I'm really grateful to be able to see a talented musician, whom was there helping to put these tunes to record, here!! Wonderful!!

I live in Italy and I knew Neal Sedaka from my parents. He sang his songs in Italian pretty well in the 60s and I love his voice, he’s so talented. This is my first time on this song and I really love the mood of it. You guys played it so well. Really love it!!

CONGRATULATIONS on this milestone...in record time. It speaks to your wonderful, warm, caring and kind vibe, and how much we all want to warm ourselves in it. You provide a “safe space” and respite from the chaos, both physical and emotional, that permeates our lives right now. Thank you, so much, for being here for us and your sharing of yourself. We treasure you.

So grateful to be part of this community.

I just watched this video and I’m stoked again. The story about the Brill Building was great. What a job! Put on your hat and coat take the subway to work and WRITE SONGS! ❤️I admired Neil Sedaka for decades. Laughter In The Rain is one of my favorite songs. I listen to everything with new ears these days and to discover that you played bass on it throws new light. Thank you for your talent.

@rogercormier5610

3 жыл бұрын

Oh and congrats on the 100k subscribers!🙂

Congratulations on 100,000 subs. Seems it happened so quickly. Just love this channel. Obviously I’m not alone. . .

@kwacker45

4 жыл бұрын

Wow 100k so well deserved

@Eleventhearlofmars

4 жыл бұрын

He will be up to 200,000 by September.

Look at that, 100k! I hope once you are out working again on tour you can take us along for more wisdom and love.

You are mesmerizing.I so look forward to hearing your stories and learning about how so many of these lovingly familiar pieces were assembled. Your daily offerings are one of the highlights of my day. Thankyou very much for your generosity.

Leland Sklar - Thank you so much for all that you have done to bring incredible beauty to the sound and playing of the bass guitar. I have seen you and heard you for decades and always enjoyed what you added to music.. There are Real Musicians, and then there are all the rest.. Thank goodness you are the former !!! Love all the stories, all the music, all that you do for all of us! God Bless !

I remember when this song came out and I was like "No I refuse to like this! I am into heavy rock!" but even then I had to admit this is a great song and all you cats played it so well. Pure class.

@tuskedbeast

4 жыл бұрын

I was sort of the same- I was 13 and into Zep and skateboarding... but this was impossible not to love.

@robertashton8069

4 жыл бұрын

My story sounds just like yours, so cheers!

Congratulations Leland on hitting 100k! Laughter In The Rain is one if the first songs I ever heard when I was little in the 70’s. I should have figured you played on this 🙂

That 100000 came fast for a reason. Great music, great stories, great talent, and great person.

It's raining while I'm watching this video. Brightens up my day. Great basslines!

Love this Lee! Best laugh of the day when you struggle with the computer and phone! Just like so many of us! Love the stories!!

"Laughter In The Rain" made Neil hip again. Major talent.

This is what I call FEEL GOOD MUSIC ! Great Neil Sedaka and great bass part that you created.

Congrats on reaching 100K. Your daily stories and songs are a highlight in my day. Thank you for giving us all the gift of your knowledge and experience.

Thank you SO MUCH for todays clip. Neil Sedaka is one of my favorite singer/songwriters and today's song choice is my favorite song by him. Such an amazing arrangement and beautifully produced.

@jawkneekat

4 жыл бұрын

Also really loving Neil Sedaka's daily mini-concerts on Facebook/KZread. The man's a living legend and a force of nature!

@tuskedbeast

4 жыл бұрын

The bass/drum accents on the chorus are so assertive! And the bass is good and loud. Love how confident and punchy all the parts are in what they communicate. And I swear I can hear the singer "smiling". The people that made #1 hits didn't screw around!

You gonna run out of keys! You know everybody! 😂 Cheers, Lee

Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 What great stories, what great basslines, what a great American you are! God bless you out there in those hard times. Thank you 🙏 for all you serve ... to mankind, not only to musicians. Like it very much! 👏👍

Every day I m looking forward to " amateur night at sklar funhouse". Your a wonderful part now of the lives of 100000 people! Thanks Lee!

He has recorded all good songs! Thanks, Mr. Sklar!

Happy to be one of the crowd

Mr. S., Love, love, LOVE the music, but seeing and admiring your yard work is an added inspiration!! We are SO lucky to be part of the 100K!!!

Neil Sedaka was one of my favourite singers back in the day. And I’m not talking about his comeback! I guess that dates me a bit. LOL!!

Congrats for the 100k subs!

I just saw a documentary about Neil. Brought back memories of his songs. Great stuff.

I love how you do your videos straight with no edits. That's to rare.

My scuba inscructor's mother in law lived in Ft. Lauderdale and need help- she lived across the street from Eleanor Sedaka-wonderful time.

Yip, community it is! Enjoying the stories of all these people that are heroes to us, friends to you. Atb.

@bob733333

4 жыл бұрын

America is going to heck since not enough people love Christ and too many people idolizing some person they don't even know.

@hughmcclelland1697

4 жыл бұрын

bob733333 You’re not wrong there. Thank you for having the courage to come on and say that.

@hughmcclelland1697

4 жыл бұрын

bob733333 except, USA is not the only country in the world, I am from Europe, and I have just lost my job due to Covid19, but am still trusting in my Lord!!!

@russellguercio5357

4 жыл бұрын

@@bob733333 Because you met and know god? Shut up you contradictory fool!!

@russellguercio5357

4 жыл бұрын

@@musiccalgary The song Bad Blood, with Elton John, was definitely funky.

Hey Leland...its all about the Beard...ha! Congrats on the 💯 subs...youll get more guaranteed. You got awesome stories...are a monster player...and a hell of a genuinely nice man! Keep it 💯 brothah!

You my friend are a national treasure. I have played keyboard for 40 years and I'm seriously considering trying bass because of you. Your subscribers will continue to grow because people love your unfiltered, real, folksy, insightful, funny persona and the bass playing on your incredible catalog of work is icing on the cake. Keep rocking.

Huzzah! Congratulations on hitting your first hundred thousand subscribers! Getting together with you every day is such an unpretentious pleasure. It’s as though we’ve been pen pals for over 50 years and you’ve been sending us notes through your bass, and just recently you moved in next door, and now we get together every day for coffee. Stay safe, ok?

Hi Leland, I found you very recently... As a fellow musician and singer/songwriter, I am learning so much by how you speak about music, arrangements and musical relationships, plus I really value learning about the history of how certain styles developed for example, and your overall personal expressions are really heartwarming, so thank you!!! I look forward to your KZread upload every day right now. Plus I'm in the middle of my own project and so listening/learning from you is truly helpful and inspirational

Congratulations 100k - you deserve it! Best wishes from the other side of the pond.

I loved James Taylor then and I Love him now. Thanking him for the great artist he is . God Bless him and keep him . Keep on Keeping on .

Hi Lee, you’ve become a part of my morning coffee routine every day. Just love the stories, your breadth of knowledge and the charm in which it’s presented. Found me a gem on KZread! Thanks for doing this day after day!

Congrats!

100k... congrats!!

Thank you, sir. You shine a light in these dark times! Very much appreciated.

This channel is like a radio show. A lovely radio show but with image. Love it.

It’s a great arrangement with superb chord movement and voicings. Thanks for sharing!

@tuskedbeast

4 жыл бұрын

And a loud bass mix. Yeah, I love the chord change of the chorus. So melodic!

congrats on 100K you only had 53K when I signed on. Keep up the good work.

This song was always on the radio on WHLS in Port Huron Michigan when I was a kid. It really brings back a snapshot of that part of my life. My Mom would sing this a lot puttering in the yard. The technical moments couldn’t have been scripted any better. The computer, the phone, the ding... See you tomorrow! Thanks again! D

Thanks again Lee , so much fun looking back behind the curtain, you opened my ears to Neil love the bloopers, very refreshing. You are doing a great job getting us through this. Thank you so much.

100.000 and growing! You are the reason!

Congrats

I started my album collection with "Sedaka's Back" in 1975. I was a young gentleman of 14 years at the time.

I was a kid. Just moved to California when this song came out. I was on Canoga, in woodland hills in the car with my uncle. Heard this an instantly loved it. Obviously, I as a young boy. Had great taste in all types of music. Thanks so much for sharing!

I have been enjoying Neil's daily pandemic medleys! Have you checked them out?

It's just Pop but it lifts our spirit and it's a really beautiful melody Lee, and you sound BRILL !

That is an amazing song. I still love it after all these years. Thank you for posting!

Lee Sklar. Looks like God. Teaches me far more about life and living than the actual God. Iv had some fun over the last few weeks finding out about musicians he mentions in each video, it has been such an education!! Always listen to each days post before bed here in Southern Ireland 🇮🇪 . Long may this continue! 🇮🇪

So glad you did this ! Such a great song for now !