Podcast Summary: Almost Live... Nashville
Episode: Fred Mollin: A Lifetime in Sound from Sometimes When We Touch to Soundtracks and More
Host: Tony Mantor
Date: February 24, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, host Tony Mantor welcomes the acclaimed music producer, songwriter, and author Fred Mollin. Known for co-producing the iconic hit "Sometimes When We Touch" among many other credits in music, TV, and film, Mollin shares stories from his remarkable career. The conversation spans his earliest days in the industry, behind-the-scenes tales featured in his memoir Unplugged, experiences working with legendary artists, lessons learned, and the enduring passion that fuels his work. Fred reflects on legacy, the emotional realities of a music career, and offers advice for aspiring creatives.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Current Projects and Recent Work
- Jimmy Webb Album (03:32)
- Mollin is currently producing a new album with Jimmy Webb, his "longest running client" and a "dear pal."
- Notably, this is their first album of all-new, previously unheard material in years.
"We've tracked the album, now we're just waiting for Jimmy's schedule to do vocals." — Fred Mollin, (03:44)
- Alluded to a major, confidential upcoming project (04:00).
Writing Unplugged: Process and Purpose
- Motivation to Write (04:29)
- Driven by a desire to document memorable behind-the-scenes stories before forgetting them.
- Dictated notes during beach walks, then transcribed and edited.
- Took around four years, mostly self-authored with no ghostwriter.
"I didn't really ever want to write a book... I started to realize I'm going to forget a lot of my favorite behind the scenes stories..." — Fred Mollin, (04:29)
- Challenges (06:01)
- Recollections triggered over time, allowing inclusion of more stories.
- Managing the photos and editing was tedious.
"It took a month just to organize the photos... then another four or five months reading, over reading..." — Fred Mollin, (06:23)
- Committed to accuracy: “You won’t find any spelling mistakes in the entire book.” (06:47)
- Emotional Impact (07:26)
- 90% of the book is joyful anecdote, but 10% required “very transparent emotionally” processing.
Behind “Sometimes When We Touch” and Notable Stories
- Book Structure (07:57)
- Acclaimed rock biographer Joel Selvin advised making “Sometimes When We Touch” the opening chapter — the song Mollin produced at age 22.
“The book starts with the making of the record ‘Sometimes When We Touch’... It’s a good story. That particular way to start the book was a good way to start the book.” — Fred Mollin, (08:47)
- Acclaimed rock biographer Joel Selvin advised making “Sometimes When We Touch” the opening chapter — the song Mollin produced at age 22.
- Unexpected Legacy (09:21)
- Mollin recounts not expecting the song to “stand the test of time," though they did expect a major hit.
Legacy, Recognition, and Peer Feedback
- Personal Reflection (09:42)
- Writing the book affirmed his sense of making a difference as a “behind the scenes” figure.
“Writing the book gave me a sense that I made a difference... It gave me some importance at the same time. I don’t want to say it swelled my head, because it didn’t...” — Fred Mollin, (09:42)
- Writing the book affirmed his sense of making a difference as a “behind the scenes” figure.
- Peer Endorsements (11:32)
- Praised by notable colleagues, including Rick Dees (“the most beautiful letter saying he just thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread”) and Mark Cohn (“Fred, your book killed me”).
“I think I’m a musician who wrote a book. But to me, authors are a little higher up...” — Fred Mollin, (11:36)
- Praised by notable colleagues, including Rick Dees (“the most beautiful letter saying he just thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread”) and Mark Cohn (“Fred, your book killed me”).
Bucket List and Aspirations
- Artists He’d Love to Produce (13:07)
- Top names: Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Justin Currie, Mark Cohn, and Gabriel Kahane.
“There are people who are on my bucket list... I’d love to produce an album with [them].” — Fred Mollin, (13:18)
- Top names: Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Justin Currie, Mark Cohn, and Gabriel Kahane.
- Personal Life Goals (14:15)
- Desires to travel more, visit Europe, return to Tokyo, but working remains his main source of fulfillment.
Lessons Learned and Show Business Ethics
- Advice to Younger Self & Lessons (15:17)
- Shares a story about losing a major production opportunity with Clive Davis due to wanting to treat an artist humanely.
"He [Clive Davis] just said, 'You don’t get it,' and he hung up on me... That really, really taught me a lesson... In business, if you’re in with somebody and you’re working for them, you really have to do what they tell you to do." — Fred Mollin, (17:03)
- Shares a story about losing a major production opportunity with Clive Davis due to wanting to treat an artist humanely.
- Ethics and Regrets (17:36)
- Stresses the importance of ethics over opportunism, even in show business.
Working Style and Artist Development
- Shifting Priorities (19:48)
- No longer focused on developing artists or management-type roles, prefers mentoring and collaborating in the studio.
"Leave the business and development out of the piece for me. ...I’m really someone who is there to help you make a good record." — Fred Mollin, (20:13)
- No longer focused on developing artists or management-type roles, prefers mentoring and collaborating in the studio.
Early Life and Family Support
- Quitting School for Music (20:59)
- Dropped out at 16; parents were supportive but it shocked their social circle.
“I heard the neighbor say to my mother, ‘Oh, Peg, we’re so sorry about Fred.'... I said, what am I, going to the circus?... My mother was great. She just said, ‘Oh, no, he’ll be great. He’s really a really talented musician.’” — Fred Mollin, (21:35)
- Dropped out at 16; parents were supportive but it shocked their social circle.
Reflections on a Life in Music & Final Thoughts
- Legacy and Advice (22:55, 23:55)
- Emphasizes the honor and privilege of a lifelong music career.
- Encourages aspiring musicians only to pursue it if it’s their absolute passion and source of joy.
“A life in music is an honorable life. I think music is the international language... If this is the only thing you can do, and it’s the only thing that truly brings you joy and purpose, you have to follow this.” — Fred Mollin, (22:57, 23:55)
- Impact of Music (24:29)
- Discusses music’s power to bring joy, comfort, and enduring connection.
How to Find Fred Mollin
- Signed copies of Unplugged available at fredmollinunplugged.com
- Also available through standard retailers (Barnes & Noble, Amazon)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “I didn’t really ever want to write a book... I started to realize I’m going to forget a lot of my favorite behind the scenes stories...” — Fred Mollin (04:29)
- “You won’t find any spelling mistakes in the entire book. But there’s still a couple of commas missing, probably.” — Fred Mollin (06:47)
- “The book starts with the making of the record ‘Sometimes When We Touch’...” — Fred Mollin (08:10)
- “Writing the book gave me a sense that I made a difference... It gave me some importance at the same time.” — Fred Mollin (09:42)
- “There are people who are on my bucket list to produce. Certainly Bob Dylan, certainly Paul McCartney...” — Fred Mollin (13:10)
- “Leave the business and development out of the piece for me. I’m not a manager, never have been good at it. I’m really someone who is there to help you make a good record.” — Fred Mollin (20:13)
- “A life in music is an honorable life. I think music is the international language... there is joy you get from music, and when you make music, there’s joy you give.” — Fred Mollin (22:57, 23:55)
Important Timestamps
- 03:32 — Fred Mollin discusses current projects with Jimmy Webb
- 04:29 — How and why Fred wrote Unplugged
- 07:57 — On pivotal moments and “Sometimes When We Touch”
- 09:42 — Reflecting on legacy and writing the book
- 11:32 — Peer recognition and pride in accomplishment
- 13:07 — Bucket list collaborations
- 15:17 — Life lessons and the Clive Davis anecdote
- 19:48 — No longer developing artists; focus on music creation
- 20:59 — Story of quitting school and family support
- 22:55 — Defining a life in music, advice for aspiring musicians
Tone and Style
The episode is conversational, insightful, and often warm, filled with humor and genuine emotion. Mollin is self-deprecating, thoughtful, and candid about both triumphs and setbacks. Mantor's friendly, informed questions help guide the listener through both the business of music and deeper reflections on purpose and legacy.
This summary captures the essence, insights, and anecdotes from Fred Mollin’s extensive career and should be engaging and informative for anyone interested in music, creativity, and the human stories behind the hits.