Every Tuesday night in February 2023, WYEP celebrated Black History Month by taking an in-depth, hour-long look at different Black artists who built American music.
Prince
In our first installment for Black History Month, WYEP celebrates the pioneering spirit of Prince. Beginning with the first album that he made when he was only twenty, we’ll explore Prince’s incredible output of music including his hit 1984 album “Purple Rain” and his critically acclaimed 1987 album, “Sign O’ The Times”. Over his career, he released 39 albums, over this hour we will bring you some of his best songs.
Betty Davis
Pittsburgh funk legend Betty Davis was a groundbreaking artist, so far ahead of her time that the world is just beginning to catch up. For WYEP’s second installment for Black History Month, Brian Siewiorek is joined byDr. Danielle Maggio, a scholar, and DJ, who was also a friend of Davis. Over the hour we’ll hear many songs by Betty, including her rare first single, a collaboration with her then-husband Miles Davis, as well as tracks from her albums. Maggio discusses Davis’ career, fierce independence, and the many obstacles that led to her eventually leaving the music business.
Tina Turner
With her bold, explosive stage presence and raw, powerful voice, Tina Turner is one of the biggest names in pop music history. She came up from humble beginnings, started her rise to fame with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, and eventually cemented her legacy as the “Queen of Rock N Roll” with a solo career that made her an international star. WYEP celebrates the legacy of Tina Turner this Black History Month with an hour-long special on Tuesday, February 21st beginning at 7 PM, exploring her musical catalog from the early ‘60s hits like “A Fool In Love” and “River Deep, Mountain High” to ‘80s mega-stardom with “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” and “The Best,” while journeying through the story of her life and career along the way.
Sly and the Family Stone
Led by the musical genius of Sylvester “Sly” Stewart, his funk band Sly & the Family Stone featured an unprecedented lineup of both Black and white, male and female musicians, who brought a positive force of psychedelic soul to the masses from the late ‘60s into the ‘70s. Not only did their music blend pertinent social commentary with memorable grooves, but they pioneered the nascent funk genre with hit after hit, influencing decades of popular music after. WYEP wraps up Black History Month this year with an hour-long special on Sly & the Family Stone, Tuesday, February 28th beginning at 7 PM, celebrating their discography from feel-good hits like “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime” to the gems of their later ‘70s catalog and Sly Stone’s solo career, all while exploring the ups and downs of the band’s history.
On Big Town Blues
Throughout Black History Month, Big Town Blues took a 'closer look & listen' at the music of some famous African American duos of the blues.
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
Saturday, February 4th, 2023
Buddy Guy & Junior Wells
Saturday, February, 11th, 2023
BB King & His Guitar: Lucille
Saturday, February 18th, 2023
Artists Who Played The Apollo
Saturday, February, 25th, 2023
Support for Black History Month on WYEP was provided by The August Wilson African American Cultural Center and the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging.
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