John Morrison joins host Raina Douris

Four decades ago this year, in Philadelphia, one of music’s most influential singing groups was born. They would call themselves Boyz II Men. World Cafe correspondent John Morrison has just released his new book, Boyz II Men: 40th Anniversary Celebration, and on the World Cafe, he talks about their career, their legacy, and how the group brought together genre-spanning influences, from doo-wop to hip-hop.

Listen to the session here.

Today’s Playlist
The Spinners – “Mighty Love” – The Best Of The Spinners
Boys II Men “Motownphilly” Cooleyhighharmony
Boys II Men “End of the Road” Cooleyhighharmony (reissue)
Boys II Men ” I Only Have Eyes For You” Under the Streetlight
Boys II Men “I’ll Make Love to You” II
De La Soul “Me Myself and I” 3 Feet High and Rising
The Flamingoes “I Only Have Eyes For You” Flamingo Serenade
The Five Satins “In The Still Of The Night” Doo-Wop Classics
The O’Jays “I Love Music” Family Reunion
Adia Victoria “Different Kind Of Love” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Chosen Family “Only You Can Save Me” Generation Us
The Drifters “There Goes My Baby” The Essentials: The Drifters
Harold Mevlin & The Blue Notes “If You Don’t Know Me By Name” (single)

Hour Two
Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory “Trouble” Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory
Wednesday “Elderberry Wine” (single)
MJ Lenderman “She’s Leaving You” Manning Fireworks
Gorillaz “Feel Good Inc.” Demon Days
Catbite “Tired of Talk (feat. Patrick Stump)” Doom Garden
Dr. John “Revolution” Locked Down
Best Coast “Boyfriend” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Peter Frampton “Show Me the Way” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Mt. Joy “Coyote” Hope We Have Fun
Lo Moon “Loveless” Lo Moon
The War On Drugs “Red Eyes” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Counting Crows “Elevator Boots” Butter Miracle, Suite One
Lenny Kravitz “Believe” Are You Gonna Go My Way?
Kacey Musgraves “Deeper Well” Deeper Well
Crosby Stills & Nash “Long Time Gone” Crosby, Stills & Nash