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