Black Girl Songbook

In this week’s episode of Black Girl Songbook, host Danyel Smith is celebrating the magic of Black Girl groups and questioning why music has been missing them for so long. She explores the staying power of Destiny’s Child’s music, and the revolutionary fashion and boldness of TLC, which flipped the industry on its head. She talks about the power in hearing Black women’s voices in unison and the business of the music industry that can contribute to keeping voices apart. Plus, Danyel sits down with Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis of the legendary group En Vogue. They discuss what it was like to be a Black Girl group in their early years, and the industry’s response to it. They also reflect on the infectious energy and musicianship of Bay Area artists and the immense impact that had on them and their success.

Host: Danyel Smith

Guest: Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis

Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Jr.

Guest Booking: Allyson Turner

Story Consultant: Taj Rani

Sound Design: DJ Steve Porter

Production Supervision: Juliet Litman, Chelsea Stark Jones

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This week, the ‘Black Girl Songbook’ community celebrates the release of host Danyel Smith’s new book, ‘Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop’! She is joined by colleague, longtime friend, and host of ‘Jemele Hill Is Unbothered’ Jemele Hill for a deeply emotional conversation about the creative process of book writing. Also, Danyel is joined by her husband, Elliott Wilson, fellow music creative, host of ‘Rap Radar Podcast,’ and chief content officer of Tidal, who talks about having a front-row seat to the making of ‘Shine Bright’ and Danyel’s growth throughout the process. Plus, the ‘Black Girl Songbook’ production team joins the show to weigh in on the momentous occasion.

Host: Danyel Smith

Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham

Guest Booking: Allyson Turner

Story Consultant: Taj Rani

Sound Design: DJ Steve Porter

Production Supervision: Juliet Litman, Chelsea Stark Jones

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On this episode of ‘Black Girl Songbook,’ host Danyel Smith is reclaiming the sultry sound of jazz by celebrating the life, impact, and influence of Billie Holiday’s music that shows up in notes from our favorite artists like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Diana Ross, among others. Plus, Danyel speaks about “male groupies” and Billie Holiday’s husband, Louis McKay, making a gross attempt at rewriting his part in history as a hero in Holiday’s biopic 'Lady Sings the Blues.'

Host: Danyel Smith

Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham

Guest Booking: Allyson Turner

Story Consultant: Taj Rani

Sound Design: DJ Steve Porter

Production Supervision: Juliet Litman, Chelsea Stark Jones

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This week, host Danyel Smith celebrates the enchanted, soulful voice of Donna Summer and her undeniable contribution to music as inventor of disco and shining pop star. Danyel walks us through the trials and tribulations that Donna endured as she continued to be a creative force in the music world even though American culture attempted to kill a genre she stood at the forefront of.

Host: Danyel Smith

Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham

Guest Booking: Allyson Turner

Story Consultant: Taj Rani

Sound Design: DJ Steve Porter

Production Supervision: Juliet Litman, Chelsea Stark Jones

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We’re closing out the third season of your ‘Black Girl Songbook’ by crowning the classic Black girl anthem, "Home", as the supreme track that it is, and paying homage to the timeless voice that sang it, Stephanie Mills. Danyel talks about the cultural significance of ‘The Wiz’ and its place in nearly every Black Girl’s adolescence, including Danyel’s own and countless other Black women in music. Later, Danyel is joined by Stephanie Mills to discuss her early years on Broadway and her career, as well as what "Home" meant to her as a teen and what the song means to her now.

Host: Danyel Smith

Guest: Stephanie Mills

Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Jr.

Guest Booking: Allyson Turner

Story Consultant: Taj Rani

Sound Design: DJ Steve Porter

Production Supervision: Juliet Litman, Chelsea Stark Jones

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