Ep 542- Leon Isaac Kennedy Talks Movies, Radio, & His Friendship With Smokey Robinson!

Leon Isaac Kennedy is a trailblazing dj, actor and filmmaker. He started his career in the media at the age of 15, working as a dj in various radio markets – Cleveland, Detroit, Washington, DC, Houston and Los Angeles  -- known to his listeners as the legendary “Leon the Lover!” By 19,  he served as the writer producer and host of a syndicated tv show, called OUTTA SIGHT, a precursor to the long-running musical variety tv show, SOUL TRAIN. By the time Kennedy turned 22, he syndicated the show in 25 cities. 

Eventually, Kennedy segued from spinning records to acting in films. His big break came as the star  and producer of the 1979 blaxploitation indie PENITENTIARY, which made him an overnight box office star!  PENITENTIARY broke box office records and became the #1 film of the year! Other sequels followed – that is,  PENITENTIARY II and PENITENTIARY III as well as LONE WOLF MCQUADE with Chuck Norris and David Carradine as well as BODY AND SOUL, starring boxing legends Muhammad Ali and his former wife, actress Jayne Kennedy (Overton). He broke barriers as an actor and producer, being one of the first African Americans to attend Cannes and participate in the festival’s American Film Market (Marchéc du Film). 

To some, Kennedy is considered the Godfather of Black Filmmaking. He traveled throughout the world – to countries like Russia, China and  Abu Dhabi -- dealing with foreign film buyers and selling his films, which helped to dispel the myth that Black films have no overseas commercial value internationally.

Because of his pioneering work in the entertainment industry, he’s been awarded a Key to the City in more than 30 cities nationwide. Feeling a calling on his life, Kennedy walked away from Hollywood and became an ordained minister. Today, he leads “The Ministry of Helps,” taking a wholistic approach to faith and offering spiritual guidance and support to thousands around the world.  

Legendary actor/producer Leon Isaac Kenny is coming to the defense of his best friend –the iconic Motown legend Smokey Robinson.Leon Isaac Kennedy talks about his friendship with Smokey Robinson, which spans more than 60 years and asked to tell what he knows.

A Roundtable First!

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