Interview: Laurie Pepper

In the first half of this multi-airing interview, Laurie Pepper recalls her artistic upbringing in Los Angeles, her early love of jazz, and how struggles with addiction led her to Synanon, where she met saxophonist Art Pepper. She describes their relationship, the seven-year process of creating his autobiography Straight Life, and Art’s constant reinvention as a musician. Laurie also reflects on how their partnership transformed her, giving her responsibility, confidence, and a deep mutual respect with Art. (Interview: 8/28/25)