Black Girl Groups Are Always En Vogue | Chapter 34

06/15/22 • 75 min

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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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Previous Episode

The Black Girl Genius of Mariah Carey | Chapter 33

Numbers never lie, and Miss Mariah Carey’s numbers tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth! That’s right—on this episode of Black Girl Songbook, host Danyel Smith is honoring vocal genius Mariah Carey and her inspirational rise up the charts, second only to The Beatles for most no. 1 hits EVER. Danyel talks Mariah's timeless music, brilliant collaborations with hip-hop artists, and her Christmas takeover. Danyel also sheds light on the difficulty of Carey’s high-heeled rise and the industry’s attempt to shut her out, as noted by the ’96 Grammy Awards snub. Plus, Marvet Britto, former publicist for Carey, joins Songbook to discuss Mariah's contribution to music and her impact on culture.

Host: Danyel Smith

Guest: Marvet Britto

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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Next Episode

When Stephanie Mills Thinks of "Home" | Chapter 35

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices