We did it once before and you really helped us out during that pledge week. So, back by popular demand, WNCU will offer special programming on Saturday, April 18th for the spring membership campaign. From 9am until noon, we will air specials that give an in depth and historical look at some of your favorite recordings and artists who have made an indelible impact on American music.Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the most popular jazz recording of all time, Kind of Blue, still fascinates even the most experienced jazz listener with its timeless beauty. At 9am, join us for a documentary on the making of Kind of Blue. Miles Davis, Kind of Blue explores the 2 day session in 1959 that changed life for Miles Davis and jazz fans forever. Interviews with Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Cobb, and many others help tell the story of the Kind of Blue sessions. Miles Davis, Kind of Blue will air at 9am.
In the late 60’s, the world was introduced to the distinct sound of music originating out of Philadelphia. That’s when Philadelphia International Records landed on the musical map. Love Train, a one hour special, hosted by Jeff Foxx, explores the story of Philadelphia International Records, their impact on soul and r&b music using stories and music from several of their artists, including the contribution of writers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Love Train will air at 10am.
At 11am, WNCU will broadcast Sam Cooke: Bring It on Home to Me, a one hour special on the life and music of one of America’s greatest gifts to music, Sam Cooke. This documentary starts with Cooke’s earliest days as a gifted gospel singer and follows his transition to becoming one of the greatest R&B singers of all time. This special will air at 11am.
Show your commitment to the music and to the station that brings radio worth listening to every day. If you love Miles Davis, Sam Cooke or Soul from Philadelphia and want to keep it on the air, make your voice heard by calling 919-560-9628.
North Carolina Central University is pleased to announce that award-winning journalist Amy Goodman, host of the daily, grassroots, global, radio/TV news hour Democracy Now!, is on a national speaking tour to mark DN!’s 13th anniversary and launch her third book with journalist David Goodman, Standing Up to the Madness: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times.While on tour, Goodman is scheduled to appear at the Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 4907 Garrett Road in Durham, NC on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. WNCU 90.7 is a media sponsor of this event. Proceeds from the reception and lecture ticket sales go directly toward continued operation of WNCU. This event is open to the public. For ticket information, please contact WNCU at (919) 530-7445 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Carolina Central University is pleased to announce that National Public Radio’s nationally syndicated talk show Tell Me More is coming to WNCU 90.7 FM for a live broadcast on Friday, March 20, 2009.
Phil Upchurch was born on July 19, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. A prolific guitarist who is comfortable playing blues, soul, R&B, and jazz, Phil Upchurch has been a prominent figure in Chicago music circles since the mid-’50s. He initially did freelance sessions with such musicians as Jerry Butler, before becoming house guitarist for Chess. Upchurch began playing in R&B backing bands, including those of The Kool Gents, The Dells, and The Spaniels. He eventually formed the Phil Upchurch Combo, and their song, “You Can’t Sit Down,” reached the U.S. Top 30 in 1961 and the UK Top 40 on its reissue five years later. The band included Cornell Muldrow (organ), David Brooks (saxophone), Mac Johnson (trumpet) and Joe Hoddrick (drums). Upchurch had his most successful collaboration with keyboardist Tennyson Stephens in the 1970s.
Upchurch did several soul-jazz and funk dates for such labels as Sue and Cadet in the mid- and late ’60s. He signed with Blue Thumb in the ’70s and split his time between sessions with the Crusaders and Ben Sidran and making his own albums. Tommy LiPuma produced Darkness, Darkness and Lovin’ Feelin in 1972 and 1973. Upchurch did one LP for Creed Taylor’s Kudu label in 1975, Upchurch Tennyson, with pianist/vocalist Tennyson Stephens. He returned to studio work, but recorded as a leader for Palladin in 1985, Ichiban in 1991, and Ridgetop in 1995 and 1997.