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Stephen Kallao

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Message Music: 3 Black Artists Who Helped Integrate Country Music

Charley Pride, circa 1970. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide caption

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Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Message Music: 3 Black Artists Who Helped Integrate Country Music

XPN

In this episode of Message Music, Michael Mwenso looks back on America's biggest gift to music — country — and a handful of Black artists responsible for integrating the genre.

Message Music on World Cafe: Country Music

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From Producing Electronic Music To Composing For Film, Tom Holkenborg Scores

Junkie XL Dirk Kikstra/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Dirk Kikstra/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

From Producing Electronic Music To Composing For Film, Tom Holkenborg Scores

XPN

Tom Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL, is one of the biggest names in film score composing today.

Junkie XL on World Cafe

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Rostam Rises With The Quiet Conversations Of 'Changephobia'

Rostam performs live for World Cafe Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Rostam Rises With The Quiet Conversations Of 'Changephobia'

XPN

In this episode of World Cafe, Rostam discusses his new record Changephobia, which was inspired by a quiet conversation the artist had with a stranger on a park bench.

Rostam On World Cafe

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Message Music: 3 Artists Who Performed With 'Pride'

Little Richard, ca. 1957 Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide caption

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Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Message Music: 3 Artists Who Performed With 'Pride'

XPN

In honor of Pride month, Michael Mwenso highlights three artists who expressed their individuality, gender and sexual identities with freedom.

Message Music with Micahel Mwesno - Pride Month

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Crowded House Reunites On 'Dreamers Are Waiting'

Crowded House Breanna Thomas/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Breanna Thomas/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe

Crowded House Reunites On 'Dreamers Are Waiting'

XPN

In this episode of World Cafe, we talk to Neil Finn of Crowded House about its new album and playing music with his sons.

Crowded House on World Cafe

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On 'Glowing In The Dark,' Django Django Explore Evolution And Escapism

Django Django Horacio Bolz/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Horacio Bolz/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

On 'Glowing In The Dark,' Django Django Explore Evolution And Escapism

XPN

Today on World Cafe, David Maclean and Vincent Neff of Django Django talk about what inspires their ever-evolving sound.

Djang Django on World Cafe

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Celeste On 'Hear My Voice' And The Pressures Of Success

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Jesse Crankson/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Celeste On 'Hear My Voice' And The Pressures Of Success

XPN

In today's World Cafe, British R&B star Celeste performs and talks about writing her Oscar-nominated song "Hear My Voice."

Celeste on World Cafe

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On 'Who By Fire,' First Aid Kit Stage A Love Letter To Leonard Cohen

First Aid Kit Olof Ringmar/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Olof Ringmar/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

On 'Who By Fire,' First Aid Kit Stage A Love Letter To Leonard Cohen

XPN

It takes a whole lot of courage to dedicate an entire tribute album and live concert to a master of songwriting and performance. On their live tribute album to Leonard Cohen, Who By Fire, First Aid Kit is up for the task.

First Aid Kit On World Cafe

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Samantha Crain Thought She'd Never Make Music Again
Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Samantha Crain Thought She'd Never Make Music Again

XPN

Samantha Crain rose above a string of misfortune to release a celebrated album in 2020, called A Small Death – and is back this year with a fabulous new EP, I Guess We Live Here Now.

Samantha Crain on World Cafe

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King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard On Making Microtonal Music During A Pandemic

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard Jamie Wdziekonski/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Jamie Wdziekonski/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard On Making Microtonal Music During A Pandemic

XPN

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's Stu Mackenzie shares new music and knowledge on microtonal music.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard on World Cafe

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On 'Leftover Feelings,' John Hiatt And Jerry Douglas Work Their Magic In Unison

John Hiatt Patrick Sheehan/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Patrick Sheehan/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe

On 'Leftover Feelings,' John Hiatt And Jerry Douglas Work Their Magic In Unison

XPN

Two legendary musicians, John Hiatt and Jerry Douglas, team up on a new record called Leftover Feelings.

John Hiatt On World Cafe

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Message Music: Michael Mwenso Dives Deep Into The Meaning Of Music

Michael Mwesno Oluwaseye/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Oluwaseye/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Message Music: Michael Mwenso Dives Deep Into The Meaning Of Music

XPN

Michael Mwenso guides us in exploring the deeper meaning of music, including tracks by Aretha Franklin, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Ethel Waters.

Message Music Wtih Michael Mwesno

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Have You Heard Stephanie Lambring's 'Autonomy'? You Should

Stephanie Lambring Betsy Phillips/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Betsy Phillips/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Have You Heard Stephanie Lambring's 'Autonomy'? You Should

XPN

The Nashville songwriter wrote one of the most honest albums released last year. It is nothing short of a coming-of-age tour de force.

Stephanie Lambring on World Cafe

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Wand's Cory Hanson Goes Solo Again, And He'd Rather Not Talk About It

Cory Hanson Asal Shahindoust/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Asal Shahindoust/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Wand's Cory Hanson Goes Solo Again, And He'd Rather Not Talk About It

XPN

The Los Angeles psych-rock star joins World Cafe to discuss his new album, Pale Horse Rider.

Cory Hanson on World Cafe

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