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Soundcheck / October 26, 2007

Soundcheck

Friday, October 26, 2007
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  • 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.
    This is a repeat broadcast. [A program correction: An episode about new releases from late songwriters will air on Oct. 31.]

    The Soundcheck staff is in Berlin! Read about our adventures on a new blog, Soundcheck: On Site - Berlin.

    (Pssst ... Our weeklong Berlin series begins Nov. 5!)

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.

"Fever" on Amazon.com
Video: Walt Disney on Peggy Lee and "Lady and the Tramp"
Video: Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman, "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. She joins us to talk about being a Supreme and her solo career.

More about Mary Wilson

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.

vote

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

walmart

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

Michael Azerrad

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

Soundcheck

Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.