WBGO

Jazz, born out of the Black American experience, has evolved into a global art form that models democratic ideals through improvisation, listening, and collective creation. April 30, celebrated each year as International Jazz Day, connects musicians and communities in more than 190 countries through a shared language of expression and dialogue.

Jazz trumpeter Akili Bradley on developing her sound, honing her creative voice, the importance of representation for Black women in music, and how working with pianist Jason Moran led to her meeting activist Angela Davis.

As Miles Davis’s centennial is celebrated around the world, keyboardist and producer Jason Miles reflects on helping shape the trumpeter’s late-career sound on Tutu, Amandla, and Music from Siesta. From synthesizers and sampling to popcorn and boxing at Miles’ house, Miles shares memories of friendship, innovation, and the restless drive to keep evolving.

Singers Unlimited co-hosts Janis Siegel and Lezlie Harrison in conversation with their idol, Carmen Lundy

A new documentary, KÖLN TRACKS, revisits the mythology surrounding The Köln Concert, Keith Jarrett’s iconic 1975 solo performance that became the best-selling solo piano album in jazz history. Through conversations with filmmaker Vincent Duceau and pianist Dan Tepfer, Leo Sidran explores how memory, limitation, and myth helped shape one of jazz’s most enduring recordings.

On what would have been his 98th birthday, Leo Sidran remembers Johnny Griffin, the Chicago-born tenor saxophonist known as “The Little Giant.” Through Griffin’s own words, we revisit his belief that jazz was made by people who chose to feel good in spite of conditions, and how he eventually found a different rhythm of life in France.

Singer songwriter Emily Cavanagh on how she accidentally became famous in Ireland, started her non profit Song For You, lost the use of her legs and had to relearn how to walk, and what it means to spend a career at the intersection of songs and service.

NBA legend Muggsy Bogues joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about being the owner/GM of the Baltimore team in Tracy McGrady's OBL

Leo Sidran in conversation with Emily Cavanaugh. Emily is the founder of Song For You, a nonprofit organization bringing personalized songs to patients, loved ones, and frontline workers during times of crisis.

Favorite Things host Pat Prescott talks with Arturo Sandoval, and he has stories for days!