Tom Needham’s Podcast/Radio Shows on Facebook

Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary R&B singer Freddie Jackson.

Freddie’s extraordinary voice gave us some of the most memorable songs of the 1980s, including “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady.” His music became part of the soundtrack of so many lives.

I had the privilege of speaking with Freddie Jackson on the Sounds of Film, and in his memory, I’m sharing that interview again. It was a wonderful conversation with a remarkable artist whose music and voice will live on.

Rest in peace, Freddie. 🕊️

-Tom Needham

Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie Hall on the SOUNDS OF FILM On the next episode of Sounds of Film, Tom Needham speaks with legendary musician Paquito D’Rivera about the new documentary, Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie Hall. The film, directed by Juan Mandelbaum, recently received the Roots and Rhythm Award at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival. Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne y Frijol to Carnegie Hall tells the remarkable story of the Cuban-born musical prodigy who became an internationally celebrated clarinetist, saxophonist and composer. From his early years in Havana and his time with Irakere to his departure from Cuba and extraordinary career in the United States, the film explores D’Rivera’s musical curiosity, collaborations, humor and enduring ability to cross the boundaries between Latin music, jazz and classical music. Sounds of Film is the nation’s longest-running film,

CAPSIZED Director Lindsey Ryan Talks Hamptons International Film Festival on THE SOUNDS OF FILM On the next episode of Sounds of Film, Tom Needham speaks with writer and director Lindsey Ryan about her new feature film Capsized, which will screen at the Hamptons International Film Festival. Ryan discusses the making of the film and its complex portrait of family, love, loyalty and the damage that can exist alongside them. Capsized follows the O’Brien family after foreclosure strips them of their home. Their volatile patriarch, Ray, responds by taking his wife and five children out to sea on a barely seaworthy boat, hoping a high-stakes fishing tournament can win back everything they’ve lost. Starring Rhys Ifans, Lily Rabe and Sarah Catherine Hook, the film explores what happens when a family’s carefully maintained balance begins to fall apart. The 34th Hamptons International Film Festival runs October 2–12, 2026, presenting a diverse program

THE GRID UNPLUGGED’s Rick Cutter Talks Hamptons International Film Festival On the next episode of Sounds of Film, Tom Needham speaks with filmmaker Rick Cutter, director of The Grid Unplugged, his first feature documentary. The film is screening at the Hamptons International Film Festival on Saturday, October 3 at 11:45 AM at East Hampton Regal UA and Sunday, October 4 at 5:00 PM at Sag Harbor Cinema. Cutter discusses the inspiration behind the film and his journey from more than three decades working in technology, utilities, and energy infrastructure to documentary filmmaking. Executive produced by Ed Begley Jr., The Grid Unplugged examines the growing strain on aging electric grids around the world. Using California’s devastating wildfires as an entry point, Cutter explores the challenges created by rising energy demand, artificial intelligence, data centers, electrification, climate impacts, and the transition toward cleaner energy. The film features conversations with energy experts, innovators,

Michael Cusumano & Charity Schubert on LAST MINUTE and the Road to the Academy Awards on THE SOUNDS OF FILM PODCAST On this episode of Sounds of Film, Tom Needham speaks with writer/director Michael Cusumano and actor/producer Charity Schubert about their acclaimed short film LAST MINUTE, his memories of growing up before the internet, and the unexpected journey that has taken the film from Tribeca to Academy Award qualification. Cusumano discusses the inspiration behind the story and his desire to explore a time when solving everyday problems required ingenuity, persistence, and help from the people around you. Set in 1989, LAST MINUTE follows Jackie, a resourceful single mother played by Charity Schubert, whose evening spirals into chaos when her 12-year-old son waits until the night before a major school assignment to begin his work. What begins as a frantic race against the clock becomes a funny and heartfelt story about

BILLY PRESTON DOCUMENTARY WINS BOTH BEST FILM AND AUDIENCE AWARD AT LIMEHOF MUSIC DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It has won two of the top honors at the LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival: Best Film and the Audience Award for Best Film. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Paris Barclay, the documentary explores the extraordinary life and career of Billy Preston, the Grammy-winning musician whose distinctive keyboard playing and collaborations helped shape the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton and many other legendary artists. From performing with Mahalia Jackson as a child to recording his own enduring hits—including “Will It Go Round in Circles,” “Nothing from Nothing” and “You Are So Beautiful”—Preston left an extraordinary musical legacy that extended far beyond his own recordings. The film also examines the deeply personal experiences Preston kept private during his lifetime, offering a

Don’t let bad weather spoil your weekend!

Come inside, get warm, and join a growing community of film and music fans watching music documentaries, meeting filmmakers, enjoying music performances, visiting museums exhibits, and attending film parties/awards.

It’s all happening this weekend at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival on September 25-27th with movies about or featuring The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Dead and Company, Kenny Loggins, Beastie, Boys, Johnny Cash, Billy Preston, John Popper, Peter Asher, Ann Wilson, Paquito D’Rivera, Peter Gabriel, Nash the Slash, Iggy Pop, and more.

Grab tickets online at LIMEHOF website before they are gone!

Free Parking

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival

Help us build a new community of film & music fans.

September 25-27. 11-9 PM.

Festival ticket and pass information is available on the LIMEHOF website.