SYMHC Classics: Buddy Bolden and the Bir...

Edwin Howard Armstrong isn’t exactly a well-known inventor, but his work in radio literally changed communications around the globe. But his most famous invention – FM radio – became a source of constant frustration after he developed it. Research: Armstrong, Edwin H. “Frequency ... Show More

Before the ballpoint pen, people used their hands, reeds, bamboo, brushes, quills, and eventually nibs to write or draw. But how did things evolve from there to get to things like the fountain pen, and eventually, a ballpoint? Research: "pen." Britannica Library, Encyclopædia Bri ... Show More

This 2022 episode starts with the story of John Bibb, credited with cultivating Bibb lettuce. But his family’s legacy, good and bad, is all tied to having enslaved people build their familial wealth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Wynton Marsalis was on the cover of Time as the avatar of the "New Jazz Age." His central role in reviving the genre is thanks partly to his gorgeous, virtuosic trumpet-playing, and partly to his founding of Jazz at Lincoln Center. JALC established jazz at the heart of American h ... Show More

So much of today’s music takes inspiration from the Blues, but where did Blues music itself come from? Kate is joined by Lamont Jack Pearley - applied folklorist, ethnographer and historian of African American traditional music - who takes us through the history of Blues music, f ... Show More

In the late 1800s, something really cool was happening down in New Orleans. A melting pot of cultures was blending to form a new style of music. These incredible sounds inspired a music revolution that swept the nation almost overnight. People LOVED Jazz. But there were some peop ... Show More

The Axeman of New Orleans was a nearly forgotten serial murderer who assaulted twelve victims in the late 1910s. What has kept him from fading into complete obscurity is his letter to the local newspaper in which he claimed to be a demon from Hell that loved jazz music - and if t ... Show More

The virtuosic jazz keyboardist joins Stretch & Bobbito for a wide-ranging conversation about his earliest music memories, the first time he met Dr. Dre and why he's trying to get more young people into jazz music. 

In the words of Questlove our guest for this special episode, is "a part of one of THE most important musical dynasty's in music". His touch has been pivotal to the evolution of jazz, but that's not all folks! Branford Marsalis' contributions to the culture can be seen and heard ... Show More

A conversation about the best jazz albums of the year, and what they tell us about the genre’s future. Guests: Martin Johnson and Giovanni Russonello. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com ... Show More