KIRBY’s Mississippi roots echo through ‘Miss Black America’

Singer-songwriter KIRBY believes the signs are everywhere, if you’re paying attention.

Born Kirby Lauryen Dockery, the Mississippi-raised artist is attuned to the unseen forces that have shaped her life and career, from the resilience of her ancestors to the spiritual influence of the Mississippi church she attended as a child.

KIRBY has written songs for major artists, including Kanye West‘s “FourFiveSeconds,” featuring Rihanna and Paul McCartney. Now, she’s focused on her own work, including her latest album, Miss Black America, which centers self-definition, legacy and creative freedom.

KIRBY joins us today on World Cafe for a wide-ranging conversation, accompanied by her very fluffy dog, whose gentle breathing makes a few guest appearances on the microphone. Plus, KIRBY performs live.

This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Kimberly Junod.  Our digital producer is Miguel Perez. World Cafe‘s engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.