207: Brian Edwards KNOWS Friendship, Loyalty, Entertainment, Media & Brian Edwards

ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones

This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one's legacy, accepting your past, including the highs and the lows, and giving credit where credit is due.

In the mid-1980s, LGBTQ+ trailblazer Edwards carved his path alongside icons like Donna Summer and Joan Rivers. Over the decades, he built a reputation as a multi-award-winning talent executive, client relations rep, producer, writer, and occasional performer – working with some of the most recognizable names in show business: Cindy Crawford, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Farrah Fawcett, Shirley Jones, Naomi Judd, and Vanessa Williams—just to name a few. His legacy even takes the stage in the Tony-nominated "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," where Edwards is portrayed—reminding us that the voices behind the scenes deserve to be honored just as boldly as those in front of them.

Now, Edwards returns with his third collection of life stories, "Come Sit With Me and Let's Talk"—an unfiltered, heartfelt companion to "Enter Miss Thang" (2013) and "I Might Have Been Queen" (2019). This latest volume distills Edwards' singular journey into the intimacy of a heart-to-heart, blending the most memorable stories from his earlier books with fresh recollections, untold chapters, and photos. He shares the triumphs and trials that shaped a career defined by resilience, recognition, and influence—offering perspective, encouragement, and the kind of advice that only comes from living it.

A proud godparent to Cariss, Justus, and Ruel, Edwards resides in Los Angeles and remains an active member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and The Country Music Association, while supporting organizations such as God's Love We Deliver and The UCLA Library.

Podcast Highlights:

• Brian and Randy begin by honoring Naomi Judd and their shared experience learning of her passing.
• Brian and Randy discuss their similarities and the importance of storytelling.
• Randy gives thanks to Brian for introducing him to Melissa Rivers, Jenifer Lewis and Ali Landry.
• Randy and Brian share their love and admiration for Miss Helen Williams, Vanessa's mother.
• Brian discusses his relationships with his mother and his "second mother," Joan Rivers.
• Randy shares his opinion that Brian's book is a "love story" and gives a special shoutout to Lena Horne.
• Brian shares his goal of inspiring LGBTQ youth to learn from his story growing up amidst challenges in a small town.
• Randy and Brian discuss the positive reaction to his book among today's youth, despite his childhood stories originating primarily in the 80s, including how various teachers handled his personality and flamboyance. Brian shares his views on his own independent nature.
• Brian shares his admiration for the song "What I Did For Love" from "A Chorus Line" and explains how he relates to its message of sacrifice and joy.
• Brian and Randy discuss their shared love of Shirley Jones, and Brian shares his lifelong crush on Shaun Cassidy.
• Brian and Randy discuss their shared love of Pat Benatar with a special shoutout to the new Benatar/Giraldo Broadway-bound musical, "Heartbreaker."
• Brian discusses the importance of a sense of humor in all aspects of life.

Best Quotes (from the book and the podcast episode):

• Brian Edwards: "Anywhere I go, anything I'm involved with, it's all about the story. It calms my insecurities, and it opens my eyes to my blessings."
• Brian Edwards: "Success isn't reserved for the conventional. Being unapologetically [yourself] is a strength and not a liability."
• Brian Edwards: "IT'S A WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED TRUTH that all gay men have women in their lives whom they cherish deeply—while it may not mirror the way a straight man loves a woman, it's a form of love in its own right."
• Brian Edwards: "All I ever asked for was opportunities; if that didn't happen, I created them."
• Brian Edwards: "When you're truly in your element and your work reflects your authentic self, it forms a natural connection. Those who resonate with it will find their way to you."
• Brian Edwards: "I pride myself on being one of the most supportive people anyone could ask to have in their lives. I love to see people's careers progress. I always have and I always will. It fuels me in so many ways."
• Brian Edwards: "I learned many years ago, the haters will hate, but… they are taking notes."
• Brian Edwards: "My loyalty and humor are the greatest gifts that I've shared with my chosen family and with those who've understood me—those who've rallied behind my vision and respected my choices."
• Randall Kenneth Jones: "I don't interview; I adopt."

ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a podcast featuring host Randall Kenneth Jones (bestselling author, speaker & creative communications consultant) and Susan C. Bennett (the original voice of Siri).

ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones.

www.OnTheKnows.com

Brian Edwards: www.thebrianedwards.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com