Music

Nigerian drummer Olatunji discusses African immigration to the United States, American attitudes toward Africa, and his unexpected popularity in the West.

South African folk singer Tony Bird performs his songs for Fresh Air and answers questions about the political dimensions of his art.

Music critic Kal Rudman discusses how he identifies hit records for different demographics. He writes for the popular trade publication Friday Morning Quarterback.

At 19, Jim McGowan was the victim of an assault which left him with paralyzed legs. He later worked as an R&B singer in the 1950s with the group the Four Fellows, whose song "Solider Boy" was a number one hit. He late became an academic and has written a book about an Underground Railroad figure in "The Life and Letters of Thomas Garnett," as well as a history of R&B. He is also an activist for disabled persons and was the photographer for the book "Wheelchair Champions."

Joan Morris and Bill Bolcom are husband and wife musicians. Joan is a singer and Bill plays the piano. They discuss their life and work together.

Joan Morris and Bill Bolcom are husband and wife musicians. Joan is a singer and Bill plays the piano. They discuss their life and work together.

Milt Gabler has a storied history in jazz and pop music as the owner of the Commodore Record Shop and the Commodore Record label. He's also worked with artists such as Coleman Hawkins, Jelly Roll Morton, and Billie Holliday, whose "Strange Fruit" Gabler produced. He joins the show to discuss his career.

Blues singer and guitarist John Hammond, Jr. brings his instrument to the studio.

Poet Rod Mckuen also has a career as a record producer who reissues classic recordings of popular music on the Stanyan Record Label.

Joe Burke was an influential popular songwriter. Terry Gross talks about his legacy with his son James Burke and granddaughter Linda Burke, and plays some classic recordings of his songs. This is part one of her interview.