wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

On Demand

Program Schedule

Topics

Soundcheck / June 21, 2007

Soundcheck

Thursday, June 21, 2007
Previous Episode | Next Episode
  • Mary Wilson
    Mary Wilson

    Pop Queens on Different Paths

    Today on Soundcheck, a look at two women who left their mark on American music. First, Peggy Lee sang swinging party songs that lit up the 1950s and '60s and was an accomplished songwriter. A recent book details the personal struggles behind a giant of pop and jazz. And later: soul icon Mary Wilson talks about The Supremes and life after Motown.

Fever

Singer Peggy Lee sold 20 million records by the 1960s and unlike most of her peers, was also an accomplished songwriter. But she also never overcame a deeply troubled childhood. Peter Richmond, author of "Fever: The Life and Music of Miss Peggy Lee," joins us to talk about her life and musical legacy.

Walt Disney on Peggy Lee and "Lady and the Tramp" (YouTube)
Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee - "Why Don't You Do Right"

The Original Dreamgirl

Mary Wilson was the only member of the Supremes who remained in the group from the very beginning in 1959. As a part of the Motown label's heyday, she sang on dozens of hit records the group made in its various incarnations. When the group disbanded in 1977, Wilson pursued a solo career. She joins us to talk about her life and her latest album.

Mary Wilson web site

Toumani Diabaté

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

Marvin Gaye

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Taylor Swift

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

cab

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.