Rhapsody in Black — KPFK 90.7 FM

About the Show

Two hours of rockin' and rollin' from the soul of America—"Mama don't allow no AI music 'round here." Along with familiar favorites, Jim introduces listeners to obscurities and oddities: early performances by later stars, humorous and startling items about Black history and culture—like a 1952 song about a Los Angeles freeway coming through and fragmenting an African American neighborhood. The down-to-earth street music of Black artists who created the foundation of what is now a worldwide, multi-billion-dollar entertainment phenomenon. Great Googly Moogly.

History & Legacy

Rhapsody in Black started in the mid-1980s with Bill Gardner, celebrating classic blues, R&B, and vocal harmony that mainstream radio ignored. Jim Dawson inherited it from Bill, bringing first-hand connections to the artists and the stories behind the music. Bill still drops by occasionally to say hello to his fans and play records. Regular guests include Ray Regalado and Anthony Gonzalez, who bring their own perspectives to the show's playlists.

Photos

N.W.A with Jim Dawson — N.W.A with Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, joined by host Jim Dawson, writer Dane Webb and MC Ren

Jim Dawson with Anthony Gonzalez and Ray Regalado, frequent guests on the show

Bill Gardner, Joe Houston, and Jim Dawson — Former host Bill Gardner with saxophonist Joe Houston, Jim Dawson behind them

Recent Episodes

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Contact Rhapsody in Black

Jim Dawson

Jim Dawson grew up in West Virginia in the 1950s listening to R&B and rock 'n' roll, and never stopped. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1977, he's interviewed dozens of Black recording artists and their families, written liner notes for at least 100 blues and R&B albums, and authored books including "What Was the First Rock 'n' Roll Record?" He's managed and produced artists like saxophonist Big Jay McNeely, blues pianist Willie Egan, and singers Richard Berry and Thurston Harris.

Keep This Show On the Air

Rhapsody in Black plays the music of Black artists who created the foundation of American popular music. Your donation keeps these recordings—and their stories—on the air every Saturday.

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The Signal

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Canto Sin Fronteras

After on Saturdays