John Morrison joins host Raina Douris

In the early 70s, Black musicians were making records that would shape the next five decades of popular music. On the World Cafe, “Culture Corner” correspondent John Morrison explains how disco laid the foundation for dance and DJ culture. Join us as we kick off a weekly segment for Black History Month, exploring dance and electronic music through the decades.

Listen to the session here.

Today’s Playlist

World Party “When The Rainbow Comes” Goodbye Jumbo

CHIC “Dance Dance Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)” CHIC

Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes “The Love I Lost” Black & Blue

Beyonce “Virgo’s Groove” Renaissance

Thelma Houston “Don’t Leave Me This Way” Wake Up Everybody

Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes “Bad Luck” To Be True

The Trammps “Disco Inferno” Disco Inferno

Phyllis Hyman “You Know How To Love Me” You Know How To Love Me

Daft Punk “Touch feat. Paul Williams” Random Access Memories

Brittany Howard “Prove It To You” What Now

Grace Jones “Pull Up To The Bumper” Nightclubbing

Me’shell Ndegeocello “I’m Diggin’ You (Like An Old Soul Record)” Plantation Lullabies

Lucius “How Loud Your Heart Gets” WC Recording

Adrianne Lenker “Sadness as a Gift” Bright Future

Neil Young “Pocahontas” Rust Never Sleeps

Renya Tropical “Cartagena” Malegría

Talking Heads “Once In A Lifetime” Remain In Light

Hour Two
Coldplay “Shiver” Parachutes

The Black Keys “Beautiful People (Stay High)” Ohio Players

The Rolling Stones “Dance (pt. 1)” Emotional Rescue

The Verve “Bittersweet Symphony” Urban Hymns

Laura Marling “Ghosts” Alas I Cannot Swim

Fruit Bats “The Ruminant Band” Live at the World Cafe

Josh Ritter “Getting Ready to Get Down” Recorded Live at XPN Fest

Khruangbin “A Love International” A La Sala

Old Crow Medicine Show “Miles Away” Jubilee

Julia Jacklin “Pool Party” WC Recording

The Zutons “Creeping on the Dancefloor” single

LCD Soundsystem “Call The Police” American Dream

Norah Jones “Running” Visions

The Avett Brothers “Kick Drum Heart” I And Love And You

The Suffers “Do Whatever” Everything Here