From the inside flap:
In Alive in the Sound: Black Music as Counterhistory (Duke UP, 2025), Ronald Radano proposes a new understanding of US Black music by focusing on the key matter of value, manifested musically in its seemingly embodied qualities—spirit, soul, and groove. While acknowledging these qualities are always embedded in Black music, Radano show ... Show More
Oct 4
Our Common Life: Folksong from the Front Porch to the Concert Hall with Stephen Wade
Our Common Life: Folk Song from the Front Porch to the Concert Hall (U Illinois Press, 2026) by Stephen Wade is part memoir, part meditation on American culture, and part historical narrative of folk music. Wade centers this book around individual musicians and songs that provide ... Show More
1h 9m
May 2018
Questlove's Secrets of Musical Creation
The Roots' Questlove, author of the new book Creative Quest, breaks down a dazzling list of musical influences, from Michael Jackson to Meg White, in a wide-ranging interview with host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
40m 25s
Nov 2022
Two books examine how we listen to music and why it resonates with us
The two books in today's episode explore how we construct meaning from the music we listen to. First, record producer Susan Rogers talks to WBUR's Robin Young about her book, This Is What It Sounds Like, which breaks down the science behind what draws different types of listeners ... Show More
20m 24s
Aug 2022
The Robust Return of Beyoncé
A deep dive on “Renaissance,” her relationship to queer music communities and her framing of authorship. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Wesley Morris, Jon Pareles and Salamishah Tillet. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via ... Show More
56m 28s