Today, SEDGE THOMSON, presents 

“Better Lives Through Music ”

Today, Sedge's interviews bring us three musicians whose lives and careers criss-crossed American history from the days of Jim Crow through the civil rights movement to current civil rights quandaries.

MARY WILSON — (b 1944)  The ebullient singer, author and actress. Her “baby-baby-s” made The Supremes trio sound distinctive with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, yet despite personal successes and griefs, finds the joy of her music her constant. 

ALLEN TOUSSAINT — (1938-2015)   His New Orleans songwriting style created many hits for Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, and many others. He did very well for himself, too, and demonstrates his techniques for writing songs for his more visible musical colleagues.

ODETTA — (1930-2008)   Her clarion, operatic voice brought to folk music a style that led to her sobriquet “voice of the civil rights movement.”  She inspired Dr King, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and many others as she found her way to make music when many venues were restricted by race. Later she’s joined by Ronnie Gilbert, John Renbourne and Archie Fisher.

It's Sedge's flâneur files. 

Insights abound. 

With the piano genius himself, Mike Greensill.