LEGENDS | May Pang: John Lennon, Phil Spector, and Leon Russell

May Pang is a former American music executive who was a personal assistant and production coordinator for John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Pang and Lennon began an 18-month relationship when he and Ono separated in 1973 (what Lennon called his "lost weekend".) In this wide-ranging conversation with The Church Studio, May Pang shares firsthand stories from one of the most fascinating eras in rock history. She reflects on her time working at Apple Records, her relationship with John Lennon, and the chaotic sessions that produced Lennon’s 1973 "Rock and Roll" album with Phil Spector. That simple album idea quickly spiraled into legendary studio excess, with surprise guests, dozens of musicians, and nights that felt more like a circus than a recording session. The interview also explores Pang’s early days navigating the music business, fielding calls during the “Paul is dead” rumor, witnessing the rise of projects like the Concert for Bangladesh, and watching innovators like Leon Russell, George Harrison, and countless session musicians collaborate. Along the way, Pang reflects on creativity, control, and survival inside an industry that was inventing itself in real time. Highlights: • John Lennon wanted to stop producing and “just be a singer in the band” • Phil Spector’s oldies sessions ballooned from 8 musicians to 27 in one night • Legendary players in the room included Hal Blaine, Jim Keltner, Steve Cropper, Leon Russell, Barry Mann, and more • Leon Russell and Barry Mann played side-by-side on piano during early sessions • Surprise drop-ins from Warren Beatty, David Geffen, Cher, and others turned sessions into nightly spectacles • Phil Spector secretly took tapes home, delaying the album for years • The tapes were finally recovered just as Walls and Bridges sessions began • Early Apple Records memories, including handling calls during the “Paul McCartney is dead” rumor • Behind-the-scenes insight into the Concert for Bangladesh and why it changed music forever • How session musicians shaped the sound of Lennon’s solo work • Why the Beatles were innovators not just musically, but culturally and structurally Creative works mentioned: Albums and Recording Projects Mind Games – John Lennon Rock ’n’ Roll – John Lennon Walls and Bridges – John Lennon All Things Must Pass – George Harrison Documentary Film The Lost Weekend: A Love Story – May Pang Concerts and Live Events The Concert for Bangladesh – George Harrison and Ravi Shankar Songs Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones (referenced via Leon Russell’s performance) Fifth Avenue Sax – Nino Tempo Producer: Teresa Knox Cinematography: Brandon Blue Editing: Brandon Blue Location: The Church Studio, Tulsa, Oklahoma The Church Studio is a historic building built in 1915 as Grace M.E. Church. It came to life as a studio in 1972 when Leon Russell, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award-winning artist, purchased the old church and turned it into an analog recording studio and home office to Shelter Records. Teresa Knox, a Leon Russell fan and Tulsa native, purchased The Church Studio and has brought it back to life as a professional analog and digital recording studio, event center, audio engineering school, entertainment network, and home to The Church Studio Archive. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Subscribe to the official Church Studio YouTube channel:    / thechurchstudio   Follow The Church Studio: Facebook:   / thechurchstudio   Instagram:   / thechurchstudio   Website: https://thechurchstudio.com #JohnLennon #PhilSpector #LeonRussell #HalBlaine #JimKeltner #SteveCropper #BarryMann #CynthiaWeil #JeffBarry #NinoTempo #PeteCandoli #DrJohn #RingoStarr #GeorgeHarrison #PaulMcCartney #BillyPreston #RaviShankar #Cher #SteveGadd #RickMarotta #WarrenBeatty