Advertise on podcast: Norah Jones Is Playing Along

Norah sits down with the incredible singer, songwriter, and pianist, Rufus Wainwright, to talk about music and family, and to sing in sweet harmony. His gorgeous piano playing shines on songs from his early career, and Norah gets to play for him on an old standard from the Judy Garland "Live at Carnegie Hall" album.  He tells some fabulous stories and they duet on a classic murder ballad from his new album, "Folkocracy.” Recorded 4/27/23. Original airdate 11/6/23. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Elizondo is back for Part 2, with more music and conversation. Plus, in a special segment, Norah takes listeners inside the creative process behind a song she recently wrote with Mike, sharing how their collaboration came together. Recorded 3/18/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Elizondo joins Norah to talk about his remarkable career working with artists including Dr. Dre, Eminem, Fiona Apple, Mary J. Blige, and many more. They discuss his approach to producing, songwriting, and collaboration, and put their own spin on some familiar hits. Recorded 3/18/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fellow piano player, songwriter and Texan, this episode with Robert Glasper was meant to be! Norah and Robert reminisce about their days at Performing Arts High Schools and band camp, and recollect all the alums that have inspired them from the start. They perform a stunning Radiohead cover, a recorded collaboration they’ve never played live together before, and a meditative composition by Duke Ellington. Get caught up in the walk down memory lane, and find out the advice they both got from their friend, Q-Tip! Recorded on 2/7/2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and activist Angélique Kidjo joins Norah to talk about her roots in Benin, her remarkable career, her humanitarian work, and her new album HOPE!!, including a couple of songs from the new record. Recorded 4/27/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2, Linda Perry and Norah keep the conversation going with more stories from the studio and more music, including a song from Linda’s latest album and a fresh take on a classic made famous by an iconic duo. Recorded 5/6/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and 4 Non Blondes frontwoman Linda Perry joins Norah for Part 1, looking back on the songs, records, and moments that have been part of her journey, with some special, reimagined duets in the mix. Recorded 5/6/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sasha Dobson is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose life has run the gamut from swing dancing in Santa Cruz, to learning instruments on-the-fly in New York City. You’ll hear about how she and Norah met, how they encouraged and inspired each other, and ultimately came full circle in exploring music together. They’ll play some of Sasha’s striking solo compositions, duet on a Puss N Boots classic, and you’ll hear Norah's surprise performance for Sasha. Tune in for all that and the answer to what a Jazz singer is supposed to do with their hands! Recorded 3/29/21. Original airdate 1/30/23. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning producer, musician, and Blue Note Records President Don Was joins Norah to look back on a career that’s taken him from Was (Not Was) to working in the studio with everyone from The Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt to Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, The B-52s, Elton John, Wayne Shorter, and many more. They talk about staying curious through decades in the business and the hometown roots behind his latest Detroit-inspired project. Don and Norah also play songs connected to different chapters of his career. Recorded 10/21/25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and singular vocalist Brittany Howard joins Norah, fresh off the release of Alabama Shakes’ new album and following two acclaimed solo records of her own. They talk about how the band naturally found its way back together, the unexpected places inspiration can strike, and share a powerful set of songs along the way. Recorded 6/25/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Tweedy is a musician, songwriter, author and frontman of the prolific band, Wilco. Norah joins Jeff in the studio to chat and play duo versions of 5 of her favorites songs of his, including ‘Jesus, Etc.,’ ‘Muzzle of Bees’ and ‘Sunken Treasure’.  They dive into how he’s made music a family pastime and writing the perfect set list. Norah & Jeff laugh about the time she got the words wrong to one of his most beloved songs in front of him, and they tackle the age-old question of ‘who’s career would you like to have?’ They revisit recent history and discuss how the pandemic impacted songwriting. In the end, the answer is simple: Love is the king! Recorded on 10/1/2021. Original airdate 9/26/22. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we speak with the brilliant, world-renowned sitar player, Anoushka Shankar, who happens to be Norah’s sister! Tune in for stories of the teen years when they first connected, the unique history with their father, Ravi Shankar, through their current GRAMMY night pajama hangs. You’ll hear the harmonious pairing of sitar and piano as they duet on a couple of Anoushka’s songs, one of Norah’s classics, and you won’t want to miss Norah's impromptu introduction to a traditional Indian Raga! Recorded on 2/4/23. Original airdate 4/24/23.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Rebillet is a wizard! You may know him as Loop Daddy or from his many viral videos improvising tracks at home in his bathrobe. And while that might not be Norah’s performance attire, she and Marc do have a lot in common sharing roots from Dallas to New York. This is by far the funkiest episode to date as Norah & Marc lay down original music on the spot while discussing childhood influences, Marc’s main inspiration Reggie Watts, and how he pieces together the music magic. Tune in to find out what he has planned next! Originally aired 11/8/22. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mavis Staples is pure love and light. She grew up as part of the Staples Singers, a family whose powerful messages of peace rang loud and clear through times of civil unrest. Now, she has solidified worldwide respect and adoration as a solo artist. In this episode, Mavis treats us to many stories, from growing up in a big musical family, to staying strong through trying times, and how she spreads love through her music. She and Norah pay homage to Pops Staples with a rendition of “Friendship”, take on a gospel classic, and even get into the Christmas spirit!​ Recorded on 1/27/2022. Original airdate 10/24/22. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, bassist, and producer Meshell Ndegeocello has built a singular career and left a lasting influence on generations of artists. She joins Norah to talk about her James Baldwin project, following instinct, and the connection that comes from playing together in such close quarters. You’ll also hear captivating, bass-driven duets from this special session. Recorded 1/30/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.