John Morrison joins host Raina Douris

Each week of Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison is bringing you Trailblazers and Mavericks of Black Music. This week, John discusses the life and legacy of disco icon Sylvester, whose distinct falsetto and fearless personal expression defied expectations in every way. *Sade “Smooth Operator” Diamond Life

Listen to the session here.

Today’s Playlist
Sylvester “Someone Like You” Mutual Attraction
Sylvester and The Hot Band “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” Bazaar
Patrick Cowley and Sylvester “Do You Wanna Funk” (single)
Sylvester “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” Step II
Soccer Mommy “Driver” Evergreen
Prince “Little Red Corvette” 1999
Steely Dan “Babylon Sisters” Gaucho
Lucy Dacus “Ankles” Forever Is a Feeling
Johnny Cash “Hurt” American IV: The Man Comes Around
Khruangbin & Leon Bridges “B-Side” Texas Moon EP

Hour Two
Bruce Springsteen “Darlington County” Born In The USA
Elton John & Brandi Carlile “Who Believes In Angels?” Who Believes In Angels?
Eurythmics “There Must Be An Angel (Playing with My Heart)” Be Yourself Tonight
R.E.M “Fall On Me” Life’s Rich Pageant
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings “What We Had” Woodland
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band “My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Marc Broussard “Home” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Of Monsters And Men “Little Talks” My Head Is An Animal
The Dare “All Night” What’s Wrong With New York?
Mon Rovîa “Rust” Act 4: Atonement
Nicole Atkins “The Way It Is” Neptune City
Kacey Musgraves “Cardinal” Deeper Well