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