All Music Is Black Music

Higher and Higher with Smokey Robinson and Usher

Episode Summary

Frankie Valli, the Stylistics and the Bee Gees famously worked in the falsetto register, which came to the mainstream by way of gospel and doo-wop. Anchored by Curtis Mayfield's Gold Tape Award for the 'Superfly' album, Selema Masekela explores the storied roots of falsetto with the NMAAHC’s Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs Dr. Dwandalyn Reece and journalist James Sullivan, followed by an interview with iconic singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson. This episode also features exclusive commentary from diamond-selling singer Usher.

Episode Notes

Frankie Valli, the Stylistics and the Bee Gees famously worked in the falsetto register, which came to the mainstream by way of gospel and doo-wop. Anchored by Curtis Mayfield's Gold Tape Award for the 'Superfly' album, Selema Masekela explores the storied roots of falsetto with the NMAAHC’s Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs Dr. Dwandalyn Reece and journalist James Sullivan, followed by an interview with iconic singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson. This episode also features exclusive commentary from diamond-selling singer Usher.