Inspired in part by Sly Stone, in 1973 Herbie Hancock set out to make a funk album. With a heavy use of early synthesizers and no guitars, the jazz/funk hybrid became the first platinum jazz album (U.S. 1 million in sales). This podcast was originally produced for NPR when the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.
Mamie Smith was the first black performer to record the blues. Before 1920, it simply had not occurred. And the song, Crazy Blues, became a hit for Mamie after the originally scheduled performer, Sophie Tucker missed the session due to illness. The song sold 10,000 copies its first week and 75,000 within a month, paving the way for black musicians, and the black entertainment industry.
In this podcast, we explore Are You Experienced, the first album from The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Featuring commentary from engineer Eddie Kramer, among others, the podcast was originally produced for NPR, when the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.
Starting out as a gospel singer, Sam Cooke crossed over to the mainstream charts, landing sixteen Top 20 hits before he was killed at age 33. This podcast, featuring a conversation with Aretha Franklin, tells the story of A Change is Gonna Come.
Celebrate the 90th birthday of American icon Pete Seeger with a brand new exclusive interview. Pete discusses his career, the view from 90, how music can still change the world, and his new book "The Protest Singer."
With free society, fascism, and racism among the many subtexts, the 1938 boxing match at Yankee Stadium is believed to be the largest radio audience in history – with some 70 million people tuning in on NBC Radio. This Podcast was produced for NPR after the song was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.
In 1973, with the Wailers were on the verge of breaking up, they released Burnin’, an album that would indeed feature the final Wailers performances of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Chris Blackwell and Rita Marley tell the story of Burnin’, an album that helped change how the world viewed reggae. This Podcast was produced for NPR after the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.
Conan O’Brien, Bob Newhart, and others tell the story of the comedian’s debut album. Newhart was signed to Warner Bros. Records before he had ever performed a club date. This Podcast was produced for NPR after the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.
Banned on radio for being too risqué, Steve Allen allowed a performance on his television show, making the song a national hit overnight. Hear the story of this early rock and roll gem, which was recorded in a single take. This Podcast was produced for NPR after the song was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.
Friday, June 26, 2009
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