Advertise on podcast: Milestones: Celebrating the Culture | Deep Dive Conversations with Angélika Beener

Jazz, in particular, has played a central role in this lineage. From John Coltrane’s “Alabama,” to Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln’s We Insist! Freedom Now Suite, from Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddamn” to Charles Mingus’ “Fables of Faubus,” jazz has always spoken truth to power. That tradition continues today, ascontemporary jazz musicians compose artistic eulogies for Oscar Grant III, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, and George Floyd; celebrate the nation’s first Black president; and reaffirm that “Black Is Beautiful,” more than 60 years after the phrase became a unifying call within the Black PowerMovement. Jazz also chronicled the life and journey of Dr. King in real time, beginning with his emergence as a young preacher and activist in the early 1950s, and has continued to honor his legacy in the decades since his life was cut short. On thisspecial episode of Milestones, we explore the role jazz played inadvancing King’s philosophy and celebrating his extraordinary impact as one of the most consequential leaders in American history with NEA Jazz Master and four-time GRAMMY-winning artist and educator Terri Lyne Carrington, GRAMMY-winning bassist and vocalist Ben Williams, and GRAMMY-nominated pianist and curator Orrin Evans. Together, with host Angélika Beener, they reflect on pieces like Herbie Hancock’s 1969 “I Have a Dream,” and more, examining their cultural impact and role in the musical evolution of jazz. Hip-hop historians T.L. Cross and WBGO’s own Stevan Smith also join the conversation,shedding new light on “King Holiday,” the 1986 hip-hop and R&B anthem that united an ensemble of rising stars—from New Edition and Run-DMC to Whitney Houston and Stephanie Mills. With the late Dexter Scott King at the helm, Kurtis Blow was tasked with assembling a collective to create an anthem for thenext generation – one that would honor Dr. King’s legacy and serve as the soundtrack for the inaugural MLK holiday celebration, 40 years ago. The iconic scholar, author, global thought leader and visionary Dr. Angela Davis joins as a very special guest, offering remarkable insights on this milestone anniversary.  

By the 1970s, the legendary pianist-composer Ahmad Jamal had embarked on an exciting new phase in his illustrious seven-decade career. This period included the release of Jamal Plays Jamal, a bold project with intricate orchestration and most notably, all original compositions. On the 50th anniversary of this under-explored yet thoroughly magical album, we're joined by the exceptional pianist, composer, and Harvard professor, Vijay Iyer. We explore the album’s spiritual depth, its brilliant textures, and its impact on the canon of hip hop thru legends like J Dilla, De La Soul and Jay-Z. We also reflect on the pivotal role of the artist during times of uncertainty and possibility.

In the world of music, few names resonate quite like that of Steely Dan. Their third album, Pretzel Logic, released in the winter of 1974, is often cited by critics as one of their finest works, marking a significant evolution in their musical journey. On this episode of Milestones, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, we delve into this landmark album with star guitarist Isaiah Sharkey, one of the most gifted modern guitarists of our time, whose admiration for Steely Dan runs deep.

The family of iconic drummer Max Roach discusses his legacy, contributions to music and culture, and the initiative to co-name a street in Brooklyn in his honor. Roach's five children generously share precious memories, their vision for preserving his legacy, and the importance of respecting and understanding the craftsmanship and excellence their father brought to his art. They also emphasize the need for future generations to learn and build upon his contributions.

Pianist, composer, educator and advocate Bertha Hope-Booker, joins us to discuss her fascinating musical journey -- including her recording career and her legacy and preservation work. With a career spanning over six decades, we take a deep dive into the early years that brought her from Los Angeles to New York City, the keys to developing her own sound, the best advice she received from Philly Joe Jones and Johnny Griffin, and her thoughts on being an inspiration to women in jazz.

Legendary pianist, composer, arranger, and contemporary jazz giant Bob James joins Milestones as we delve into his experimental CTI debut, One, for its 50th anniversary. A groundbreaking amalgamation of jazz, funk, classical and orchestral elements produced hits like “Night On Bald Mountain,” “Feel Like Making Love,” and the classic that would later shape hip hop –  but almost never happened – “Nautilus.” We discuss his beginnings, working with legends like Quincy Jones and Sarah Vaughan, the impact of Creed Taylor, and his pioneering use of the Fender Rhodes piano. James shares stories behind his famous tracks, his classic contribution to the TV show 'Taxi,' and his thoughts on the evolving nature of jazz. We also highlight his cross-genre collaborations and his influence in hip-hop through the extensive sampling of his music.

In Part Two of our special Isley Brothers celebration, award winning vocalist, instrumentalist, producer, composer, and cultural historian TL Cross is back to help unpack the genius of The Isley Brothers' 1973 classic 3+3. On its 50th anniversary, we delve into the pivotal album that transformed the Isleys from a group to one of the greatest bands of the 20th century, with the official addition of younger brothers Ernie and Marvin and brother-in-law Chris Jasper. With songs like "That Lady," which hints at a future rock guitar icon in Ernie Isley and "Summer Breeze," which broadened the breadth of what could be called black music and offered a master class in reinterpretation, 3+3 is an album deserving of deep reflection and reverence. 

It's Hip Hop's 50th birthday! On the latest episode of Milestones, black media legend Ralph McDaniels joins to discuss the legacy of his pioneering television program, Video Music Box. Celebrating a milestone of its own this year, Video Music Box became one of the most important shows in music video history, as it illuminated a budding genre called hip hop, and centered black youth culture overall at a time when it was not a consideration in mainstream media. Debuting in 1983, Video Music Box stands as the longest running music video program in history.

GRAMMY® award-winning trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer, vocalist, and activist Keyon Harrold joins Milestones to discuss Donald Byrd's groundbreaking masterpiece Black Byrd, released 50 years ago this year. The NEA Jazz Master whose work has profoundly impacted generations that followed through his stylistic pioneering of R&B infused jazz, helped birth an entirely new era of black music while experiencing breakthrough commercial success after two decades of being one of the greatest hard bop players of his time. 

GRAMMY-nominated musicians Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke discuss their brand new, long awaited album and how their journey through friendship, decades of collaboration and unprecedented times brought the stunning project to life. We also discuss their mutual mentor Herbie Hancock in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking funk-meets-jazz album, Head Hunters.

It's Black Music Month! On this special throwback edition of Milestones, we're going deep into the archives to the very first episode, never released on WBGO Studios until now. Our special guest Marcus Strickland, is a two-time GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and prolific composer. He joins us to discuss a fan favorite, John Coltrane's My Favorite Things. We delve into Coltrane’s popular hit, as well as an in-depth conversation about the soprano saxophone, the true art of production, and why McCoy Tyner deserves all of the praise in the world. 

With a career spanning six decades and over 80 albums to his credit, NEA Jazz Master and multiple GRAMMY® winner Ramsey Lewis is one of the most distinguished artists of our time. His crossover success as a mainstream artist made him a household name with hits like "The In Crowd" and "Sun Goddess." Yet it is through his last great offering to the world that we learn the depth of this tremendous figure. Published this month, Gentleman of Jazz: My Life In Music is Lewis' posthumously released autobiography which chronicles his incredible journey from the Cabrini-Green Homes of Chicago with a family devoted to music, to his rise to stardom with The Ramsey Lewis Trio and beyond. On the week of Lewis' 88th birthday, Gentleman of Jazz co-author Aaron Cohen and Lewis' wife and closest confidant Jan join Milestones to discuss everything from Lewis' activism and mentorship, to his exceptional work in media. From his connection to artists like Charles Stepney, Minnie Riperton, Maurice White and Stevie Wonder, to his unyielding love for the city of Chicago and the unprecedented breadth of music he produced that helped expand the landscape of jazz forever.  Milestones theme produced by Riley K. GlasperProduction Assistance: Corey Goldberg Millennium Park Summer Music Series Tribute to Ramsey Lewis: A Gentleman of Jazz on June 22 at 6:30PM: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park9.html

In the second part of our special two-part episode with T.S. Monk, we discuss what many consider to be his father's great quartet, with saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist John Ore and drummer Frankie Dunlop; Thelonious Monk’s role as mentor, and why his High Priest of Bebop moniker deserves expansion. We also dive deep into the special relationship between Monk and Duke Ellington. This and so much more. 

Critically acclaimed guitarist, composer and educator Mike Moreno joins Milestones to discuss the deeply personal, lifelong impact of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon on its 50th anniversary. Together, they explore the intersections of rock and jazz, the backstory of the 2008 Jazz Side of the Moon tribute album, and discuss Dark Side from historical, conceptual and harmonic perspectives, with Moreno treating our audience to live sonic demonstrations. Moreno also shares an incredible recollection of his front row center experience at Pink Floyd's historic 1994 concert at Houston's Rice Stadium. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper Co-produced by Corey Goldberg Recorded at Teal Octopus in Brooklyn, New York

Singer, educator and activist Candice Hoyes joins Angélika Beener to discuss The Pointer Sisters' tour de force, Break Out. The triple platinum mega-hit LP was a triumph, becoming one of the most impactful albums of the decade. Candice and Angélika discuss The Pointer Sisters through the lens of race, gender, technology and futurism in hopes of expanding the appreciation of their legacy. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper Recorded at Teal Octopus in Brooklyn, New York