John Morrison joins host Raina Douris

Throughout Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison is showcasing trailblazers and mavericks of Black music; artists who took risks and pushed boundaries. This week, John discusses the visionary composer, poet, and bandleader Sun Ra, and talks about his experimentation as well as his widespread influence.

Listen to the session here.

Today’s Playlist
Stevie Wonder “Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing” Innervisions
Sun Ra “Where Pathways Meet” Lanquity
The Cosmic Rays with the Sun Ra Arkestra “Dreaming” (single)
Sun Ra “Discipline 99” Astro Black
Sun Ra Arkestra “Door of the Cosmos” Swirling
The Felice Brothers “Jazz On The Autobahn” From Dreams to Dust
Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge “Tell Me Why U Do That” Wine on Venus
Leon Bridges “Smooth Sailin'” Coming Home
Billie Eilish “Birds of a Feather” Hit Me Hard and Soft
Psychedelic Furs “Pretty In Pink” Talk Talk Talk

Hour Two
Bruce Springsteen “Letter To You” Letter To You
Panda Bear “Ferry Lady” Sinister Grift
Jimmy Cliff “You Can Get It If You Really Want” The Harder They Come
Cage The Elephant “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” Cage The Elephant
Father John Misty “She Cleans Up: Mahashmashana
Eric Burdon “House of The Rising Sun” WC Recording
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint “Sharpest Thorn” WC Recording
Kim Deal “Coast” Nobody Loves You More
Gary Numan “Cars” The Pleasure Principle
Leif Vollebekk “Rock and Roll” Revelation
Meg Mac “Roll Up You Sleeves” Meg Mac EP
Ray Lamontagne “Forever My Friend” Trouble
Julien Baker & Torres “Sugar in the Tank” (single)