Listen: Reggie Scanlan — Bass Lion

Music Inside Out with Gwen Thompkins

There's a reason why lions prefer the company of other lions. Just ask Reggie Scanlan. As a bass player, Scanlan worked with James Booker and Professor Longhair before starting a 33-year run with the Radiators. He's now in a band of all-stars called the New Orleans Suspects.

Scanlan tells Music Inside Out some of the lessons he's learned from playing, touring and recording with the best in New Orleans music. For instance: band tours last longer with separate hotel rooms. And if you can't sing... don't. To Scanlan, music is like any other business — except people applaud when he comes to work.