In Part Two of our special Isley Brothers celebration, award winning vocalist, instrumentalist, producer, composer, and cultural historian TL Cross is back to help unpack the genius of The Isley Brothers' 1973 classic '3+3.'

'Be great. Be you. And that's what The Isley Brothers did': An Isley Brothers celebration of '3+3' and more (Part One)

Oct 20th, 2023 59m 51s

In Part One of this episode of the Milestones podcast, host Angelika Beener talks with vocalist, instrumentalist, producer, composer, and cultural historian TL Cross about the legacy of The Isley Brothers.

The Astrology of John Coltrane: A 97th Birthday Celebration

Sep 22nd, 2023 1h 26m

In honor of Coltrane's 97th birthday, renowned astrologer Sam Reynolds joins Milestones host Angelika Beener to explore the inner journey of John Coltrane through the lens of astrology.

'I feel free as a musician because of that music existing': Donald Byrd's Black Byrd at 50

Jul 28th, 2023 58m 19s

GRAMMY® award-winning trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer, vocalist, and activist Keyon Harrold joins Milestones to discuss Donald Byrd's groundbreaking masterpiece Black Byrd, released 50 years ago this year.

Learning to lean in: A conversation with Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke

Jun 23rd, 2023 1h 35m

GRAMMY-nominated musicians Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke discuss their brand-new, long-awaited album, as well as their mutual mentor Herbie Hancock in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking funk-meets-jazz album, Head Hu

'This Is How You Create a Signature Sound': John Coltrane's My Favorite Things

Jun 9th, 2023 1h 27m

It's Black Music Month! On this special throwback edition of Milestones, we're going deep into the archives to the very first episode, never released on WBGO Studios until now. Our special guest Marcus Strickland joins us to discuss a fan favor

"Praise the Lord I Have Music": A Ramsey Lewis Celebration

May 26th, 2023 1h 19m

On the week of Ramsey Lewis' 88th birthday, Gentleman of Jazz co-author Aaron Cohen and Lewis' wife and closest confidant Jan join Milestones to discuss everything from Lewis' activism and mentorship, to his exceptional work in media.

PART TWO | Of Monks & Dreams: A Special Conversation with T.S. Monk

Apr 7th, 2023 1h 4m

In the second part of our special two-part episode with T.S. Monk, we discuss what many consider to be his father's great quartet, with saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist John Ore and drummer Frankie Dunlop; Monk’s role as mentor; and why his H

Of Monks & Dreams: A Special Conversation with T.S. Monk

Mar 24th, 2023 59m 55s

It's a family affair on the latest episode of Milestones as drummer-bandleader, recording artist and educator T.S. Monk joins for a special two-part episode.

Dark Side of the Moon feat. Mike Moreno

Mar 10th, 2023 1h 32m

'Nothing Sounds Like This': Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon at 50

'They messed around and made a classic": Duke Ellington and John Coltrane

Feb 24th, 2023 1h 20m

A deep dive into the beauty of intergenerational creativity, Coltrane's approach to a ballad, Black male vulnerability and the cultural impact on the 60th anniversary of John Coltrane and Duke Ellington's one-time collaboration.

Love Is a Song: Celebrating Roberta Flack at 86

Feb 10th, 2023 1h 26m

Award-winning vocalist and educator Charenee Wade joins Angélika Beener to celebrate Roberta Flack on the legendary musician's 86th birthday through a rich discussion of her classic Killing Me Softly LP.

Let's Get Excited: 40 Years Ago, The Pointer Sisters Shook Up the World with an 80s Masterpiece

Jan 27th, 2023 1h 16m

Singer, educator and activist Candice Hoyes joins Angélika Beener to discuss The Pointer Sisters' tour de force, Break Out.

Jason Moran Presents the Bandwagon: A 20th Anniversary Reflection

Jan 13th, 2023 1h 16m

Jason Moran reflects on his landmark live album, recorded at the Village Vanguard in the summer of 2003.

MILESTONES: 60th Anniversary of Miles Davis's Someday My Prince Will Come

Dec 30th, 2022 1h 10m

Acclaimed saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator Greg Osby joins host Angélika Beener to discuss Miles Davis’s Someday My Prince Will Come at 60.

MILESTONES: 50th Anniversary of Freddie Hubbard's Straight Life

Dec 23rd, 2022 54m 42s

Critically acclaimed trumpeter and newly published author, Jeremy Pelt, joins Angélika Beener to discuss Freddie Hubbard's 1971 release Straight Life.

MILESTONES: 30th Anniversary of Stevie Wonder's Jungle Fever Soundtrack

Dec 16th, 2022 1h 33m

Acclaimed DJ and producer DJ Spinna joins Angélika Beener to discuss Stevie Wonder's 90s classic, Jungle Fever.

MILESTONES: 90th anniversary of legendary producer Charles Stepney

Dec 9th, 2022 1h 16m

For Charles Stepney's 90th anniversary, 7X GRAMMY-winning musician and Jazz Night in America host Christian McBride joins MILESTONES to discuss the impact of Stepney and other unsung black orchestrators.