Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Norah Jones is joined by singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright for an intimate episode filled with live piano and guitar performances and wide-ranging conversations about music and family. Wainwright explains how classical opera, his musical upbringing in a household led by his mother Kate McGarrigle and aunt Anna, and a life-changing encounter with Judy Garland's Carnegie Hall recordings shaped his distinct style and vocal discipline. They perform stripped-down renditions of Wainwright's songs "Poses" and "Going to a Town," the traditional murder ballad "Down in the Willow Garden," and the Gershwin standard "How Long Has This Been Going On?.
Throughout the episode, Wainwright and Jones discuss the intersection of politics and songwriting, sharing how specific global tensions inspired tracks like "Going to a Town" and reflecting on the power of musical collaboration. Wainwright also shares memories of growing up around Hollywood royalty, including a childhood connection to Liza Minnelli, and explains how his deep dive into Judy Garland's work ultimately transformed his approach to vocal technique, breathing, and performance storytelling.
- Wainwright's songwriting and piano arrangements rely entirely on completely composed counterpoint rather than loose jamming. 14:00
- Wainwright wrote his political protest song "Going to a Town" as an emotional response immediately following the US invasion of Iraq. 25:53
- Discovering Judy Garland's live Carnegie Hall recording helped Wainwright quit drinking and completely transform his vocal discipline and phrasing. 59:22
- A poetic quote by Portuguese writer Pessoa reminds singers to approach every performance by listening intently. 1:03:12
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Intro and Sponsor Ads
The hosts introduce the episode, mention sponsors, and set up the return to Rufus Wainwright.
- 1:15Reintroducing Rufus Wainwright
Norah Jones welcomes Rufus, highlighting his upcoming shows and recent projects.
- 2:41Family Musical Heritage
The conversation turns to Rufus’s family background, especially his mother’s influence and the musical environment of his upbringing.
- 4:23Album Highlights and Collaborations
They talk about Rufus’s new album Folkocracy, guest artists, and the creative process behind it.
- 4:58Musical Collaboration Begins
Norah and Rufus start playing songs together, discussing the emotional impact of Rufus’s music.
- 5:29Songwriting Inspiration and Process
Rufus explains how he writes songs, drawing from London, New York, and personal experiences.
- 25:53Political Themes in Music
Rufus discusses how current events, like the Iraq war and Trump era, inspire his protest songs.
- 36:52Reflections on Music and Identity
The hosts reflect on how music shapes identity, the role of family, and the emotional journey of Rufus’s career.
- 49:33Judy Garland and Family Connections
Rufus shares stories about his grandfather, Judy Garland, and the family’s ties to Hollywood and music.
- 57:51Podcast Intro and Ad Read
The host opens the episode with a brief introduction and an ad read for a music podcast.
- 1:01:17Rufus Wainwright's Growth as a Singer
Rufus discusses how performing the Judy Garland tribute changed his approach to singing and discipline.
- 1:08:07Song Selection and Performance Details
The hosts review the songs played in the episode, including Rufus’s own tracks and a Gershwin standard.
Highlights
- 6:38
The guest delivers a grand, emotional live piano performance of his song "Poses" from his second studio album.
- 13:52
Composed vs Jamminginsight
The guest explains that unlike his mother Kate McGarrigle who loved to jam, every note he plays and sings is completely composed and arranged.
- 21:07
At age 13, after hearing Verdi's Requiem, the guest had a life-changing conversion that turned him into an opera obsessive and shaped his vocal style.
- 22:56
The Clog Ultimatumstory
The guest turned down studying at McGill Conservatory's opera program because a professor insisted he stop wearing his favorite clogs.
- 28:58
Going to a Town Performancestory
The host and guest perform a powerful rendition of "Going to a Town," a song written in response to the Iraq war that has taken on perennial relevance.
- 32:42
The guest shares how audiences reacted differently to "Going to a Town" over the years, with some concertgoers and even a first trumpet player walking out in protest.
- 51:06
Hollywood Childhood Memoriesstory
The guest shares a surreal childhood connection, recounting how his father hung out with Liza Minnelli as children at Judy Garland's house.
- 1:03:32
Sing Like You're Listeninginsight
The host and guest discuss a profound poetic quote by Portuguese poet Pessoa about the true art of vocal performance.
Quotes
“He really is. I've known him a long time, and it was such a pleasure to get together and, and sing, sing some songs.”
Unnamed speaker · 3:50 “I think I became a much better singer.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:01:32 “I have to breathe. I have to economize, you know, my energy.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:01:17 “I used to cry. And it was just like a joyful moment, but it was like so emotional for me.”
Unnamed speaker · 58:32 “There's also a lot that I look back and I'm like, oh, God, it's kind of embarrassing.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:01:07
Sponsored segments
- Chase Freedom Flex 0:47–1:10
- Before the Moment 23:46–24:37
- OnDeck 24:41–25:10
- Before the Moment 39:32–40:19
- OnDeck 40:25–40:58
- OnDeck 48:35–49:04
About this episode
Norah sits down with the incredible singer, songwriter, and pianist, Rufus Wainwright, to talk about music and family, and to sing in sweet harmony.
Transcript
11,344 words · 8 speakers
Topics
- Lincoln
- Life magazine
- Folkocracy
- The Sword of Damocles
- Carnegie Hall
- Montreal
- Canada
- Town Hall
- iHeart Radio
- Celtic Bank
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