We’re closing out the third season of your ‘Black Girl Songbook’ by crowning the classic Black girl anthem, "Home", as the supreme track that it is, and paying homage to the timeless voice that sang it, Stephanie Mills. Danyel talks about the c

Black Girl Groups Are Always En Vogue | Chapter 34

Jun 15th, 2022 1h 15m

In this week’s episode of Black Girl Songbook, host Danyel Smith is celebrating the magic of Black Girl groups and questioning why music has been missing them for so long. She explores the staying power of Destiny’s Child’s music, and the revol

The Black Girl Genius of Mariah Carey | Chapter 33

Jun 8th, 2022 1h 21m

Numbers never lie, and Miss Mariah Carey’s numbers tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth! That’s right—on this episode of Black Girl Songbook, host Danyel Smith is honoring vocal genius Mariah Carey and her inspirational rise up the ch

Donnie Simpson: The Golden Voice And R&B’s Golden Girls | Chapter 32

May 18th, 2022 1h 5m

This week, Danyel is joined by one of the most recognizable voices in music journalism, Donnie Simpson. He talks about his childhood— growing up in his mother’s record store and his love for music, to George Clinton being the spark that turned

Alpha Girl: Ella Mai | Chapter 31

May 6th, 2022 53m 19s

On this episode of ‘Black Girl Songbook,’ host Danyel Smith is joined by sultry and soulful songstress and fellow Alpha Girl, Ella Mai, to celebrate the release of her sophomore album ‘Heart on My Sleeve.’ Ella Mai takes us through her journey

Shine Bright Celebration | Chapter 30

Apr 20th, 2022 2h 3m

This week, the ‘Black Girl Songbook’ community celebrates the release of host Danyel Smith’s new book, ‘Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop’! She is joined by colleague, longtime friend, and host of ‘Jemele Hill Is Unbot

Let’s Hear It For The Boys | Chapter 29

Apr 13th, 2022 1h 33m

This is still your ‘Black Girl Songbook,’ but this week we’re taking a page out of Deniece Williams' book and Hearing It For The Boy -- or in this case, The Boys. In this episode, Danyel Smith talks about the genius of Deniece Williams' music a

Billie Holiday’s Love Is Here to Stay | Chapter 28

Apr 6th, 2022 56m 10s

On this episode of ‘Black Girl Songbook,’ host Danyel Smith is reclaiming the sultry sound of jazz by celebrating the life, impact, and influence of Billie Holiday’s music that shows up in notes from our favorite artists like Jill Scott, Erykah

Donna Summer Deserves | Chapter 27

Mar 31st, 2022 42m 28s

This week, host Danyel Smith celebrates the enchanted, soulful voice of Donna Summer and her undeniable contribution to music as inventor of disco and shining pop star. Danyel walks us through the trials and tribulations that Donna endured as s

Day Dreaming on Aretha Franklin’s 80th Birthday | Chapter 26

Mar 23rd, 2022 45m 42s

Danyel Smith is bringing in the Season 3 premiere of ‘Black Girl Songbook’ by celebrating what would be the incomparable Aretha Franklin’s 80th birthday! Not only does she talk about Aretha’s iconic voice and music, but Danyel also walks us thr

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