Grammy and Tony-winning legend Brenda Russell drops by The Roundtable to talk about her gorgeous new single “You Know What It’s Like,” her first new music in years and a silky, Brazilian-flavored reminder of why her songs live rent-free in our hearts. We dig into the story behind the track—co-written with the iconic Roberta Flack—and how it connects to her upcoming album Songpainter, her first full collection in two decades. From the groove and romance of the new single to the way she crafts melody and lyric, Brenda breaks down her creative process with warmth, humor, and that unmistakable calm, soulful presence.

Then we zoom out and celebrate the full Brenda Russell universe: the timeless power of “Piano in the Dark” and “Get Here,” writing for legends across genres, and the life-changing journey of co-creating the Tony-winning Broadway musical The Color Purple. Brenda shares career stories, hard-earned wisdom, and what keeps her inspired and evolving after more than four decades in music. It’s a masterclass in artistry, longevity, and staying true to your voice—from one of the greats.

Catch this conversation on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, streaming on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you watch and listen.

For more on Robert, visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertMBannon on Instagram.

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