Remembering Leon Fleisher, An American Original

Published: Aug. 4, 2020, 4 p.m.

On Sunday, pianist Leon Fleisher passed away at the age of 92. In the 1950s and early 60s, Fleisher was one of those classical musicians who was genuinely famous beyond classical music circles. Then disaster struck, and Fleisher was forced to reinvent himself – at least twice. His story is one for music fans (and possibly sports fans, of which Fleisher was one) of all stripes, and he told it over a couple of visits to the Soundcheck studio. 

Celebrate an American original with this special memorial edition of the Soundcheck podcast.