Daphne Brooks

professor of African American Studies, Theatre Studies, American Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Yale University

Daphne Brooks on KCRW

In 1920, jazz singer Mamie Smith released a record called “Crazy Blues.” She was the first Black female singer to record and release a blues song.

How blues great Mamie Smith paved the way for Black female musicians and their fans

In 1920, jazz singer Mamie Smith released a record called “Crazy Blues.” She was the first Black female singer to record and release a blues song.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

More from KCRW

Artists, explorers, and scientists are recording audio of Antarctica sea ice melting, hoping the sounds help people sympathize with the environmental crisis.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Sultry disco, and choice psych-soul selects come to us via CDMX, and we hit Tijuana for Capo’s frothy indiepop confections.

from KCRW’s Global Beat

Legendary Japanese composer and electronic pioneer Ryuichi Sakamoto has died at 71. Celebrate his legacy with a collection of performances and interviews at KCRW over the years.

from Music Special Programming

ODESZA’s deep remix of Sudan Archives’ “Selfish Soul” debuts at the top, previously unreleased Daft Punk arrives, and Silvana Estrada takes us to “Tom’s Diner.”

from Music Special Programming

Everything But The Girl play a gorgeous live set on Morning Becomes Eclectic in December 1994, including a Sonic Youth cover.

from Music Special Programming

Late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto joins Tom Schnabel in 1988 for his first of many visits to KCRW, where they discuss fame, technology, and artistic influences.

from Music Special Programming

Fanatic! Yesterday was Iggy Pop’s birthday! I listened to The Idiot in his honor. A great show we have lined up for you tonight.

from Henry Rollins

Living legend Charo shares songs that have shaped her — from the Elvis cut that reminds her of his 2 a.m. phone calls to the aerobic power of “The Macarena.”

from Morning Becomes Eclectic

Fanatic! Presently in Cambridge in the legendary Corn Exchange. Not my first time here but it’s been awhile, for sure.

from Henry Rollins