Episode Details

Leee John of Imagination – 40 Years of Soul, Glamour, and The Definitive Anthology

Is it just an illusion, or is it pure musical genius? This time on the Chatterbox Redux Podcast, Nick and Sue are joined by a true pioneer of British soul and the high priest of falsetto: the legendary Leee John, founding member and lead singer of the iconic band Imagination.

In this exclusive deep dive, Leee takes us on a journey through four decades of chart-topping hits and ground-breaking style. From the hypnotic bassline of "Body Talk" to the global phenomenon of "Just an Illusion," we explore how Imagination redefined the British funk and soul scene in the 1980s.

The Main Event: The 40th Anniversary Celebration Leee pulls back the curtain on the massive plans for Imagination’s 40th Anniversary, including the release of the definitive "40 Years" Anthology. Discover the secrets behind curating a 17-CD box set, the stories behind the 189 tracks, and what it’s like to see your music sampled by everyone from Destiny’s Child to Mariah Carey.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Blueprint of Brit-Soul: How Leee John and Imagination broke barriers in the early 80s.
• Flashback Memories: The making of hits like "Music and Lights" and "In and Out of Love."
• Beyond the Music: Leee’s work as a filmmaker, producer, and guardian of the Imagination legacy.
• What’s Next: A look at the upcoming tours and the future of the "40 Years" project.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of the 80s soul scene or a lover of classic pop history, this is a masterclass in creativity and longevity. Join Nick & Sue for an unfiltered conversation with a legend who is still very much at the top of his game.