On 'Company's Comin',' Leslie Jordan And Gospel Greats Sing For Joy

This last year has been dark. For millions of people, Leslie Jordan's voice has been a ray of light. An Emmy winning actor before the pandemic, his quarantine video diaries have shot him to another level of fame.

He has almost six million Instagram followers and, now, he also has branded merchandise, a book on the way and a gospel album: Company's Comin'. The album has duets with some of the biggest names in country music: Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Tanya Tucker, Brandi Carlisle and more.

Leslie Jordan spoke with NPR's Ari Shapiro about his childhood in the church, the songs he heard in the pews and finally meeting Dolly Parton. Hear the radio version at the audio link, and read on for an edited transcript.