Black Girl Songbook

Jun 28 2022 273

Black Girl Songbook Podcast artwork

Join Danyel Smith as she celebrates and uplifts the talents of Black Women in the music industry - songwriters, producers, executives and more. This is the space where the musical creativity and genius of Black women comes first. On Black Girl Songbook, you will hear the music of Black woman and stories from Danyel citing her decades of life experience, music, love and beyond. More importantly, you will hear and feel, Black women getting the credit they deserve.

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

When Stephanie Mills Thinks of "Home" | Chapter 35

Jun 28 2022 84 mins

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

Black Girl Groups Are Always En Vogue | Chapter 34

Jun 15 2022 75 mins

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 voi

The Black Girl Genius of Mariah Carey | Chapter 33

Jun 08 2022 81 mins

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

Donnie Simpson: The Golden Voice And R&B’s Golden Girls | Chapter 32

May 18 2022 65 mins

This week, Danyel is joined by one of the most recognizable voices in music journalism, Donnie Simpson. He talks about his childhood— growing up in his mother’s record store and his love for music, to George Clinton being the spark that turned his aspirations to radio. Simpson also talks about his iconic interviews with artists like Sade and Vesta Williams, to being a part of J

Alpha Girl: Ella Mai | Chapter 31

May 06 2022 53 mins

On this episode of ‘Black Girl Songbook,’ host Danyel Smith is joined by sultry and soulful songstress and fellow Alpha Girl, Ella Mai, to celebrate the release of her sophomore album ‘Heart on My Sleeve.’ Ella Mai takes us through her journey as an artist, from sitting in her room in London releasing music via her social media pages through the moment her hit song ‘Boo�

Shine Bright Celebration | Chapter 30

Apr 20 2022 123 mins

This week, the ‘Black Girl Songbook’ community celebrates the release of host Danyel Smith’s new book, ‘Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop’! She is joined by colleague, longtime friend, and host of ‘Jemele Hill Is Unbothered’ Jemele Hill for a deeply emotional conversation about the creative process of book writing. Also, Danyel is joined by h

Let’s Hear It For The Boys | Chapter 29

Apr 13 2022 93 mins

This is still your ‘Black Girl Songbook,’ but this week we’re taking a page out of Deniece Williams' book and Hearing It For The Boy -- or in this case, The Boys. In this episode, Danyel Smith talks about the genius of Deniece Williams' music and her timeless sound. Plus, story consultant Taj Rani joins Danyel in conversation about some of Danyel’s favorite male artists, th

Billie Holiday’s Love Is Here to Stay | Chapter 28

Apr 06 2022 56 mins

On this episode of ‘Black Girl Songbook,’ host Danyel Smith is reclaiming the sultry sound of jazz by celebrating the life, impact, and influence of Billie Holiday’s music that shows up in notes from our favorite artists like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Diana Ross, among others. Plus, Danyel speaks about “male groupies” and Billie Holiday’s husband, Louis McKay, making

Donna Summer Deserves | Chapter 27

Mar 31 2022 42 mins

This week, host Danyel Smith celebrates the enchanted, soulful voice of Donna Summer and her undeniable contribution to music as inventor of disco and shining pop star. Danyel walks us through the trials and tribulations that Donna endured as she continued to be a creative force in the music world even though American culture attempted to kill a genre she stood at the forefront of.

Day Dreaming on Aretha Franklin’s 80th Birthday | Chapter 26

Mar 23 2022 45 mins

Danyel Smith is bringing in the Season 3 premiere of ‘Black Girl Songbook’ by celebrating what would be the incomparable Aretha Franklin’s 80th birthday! Not only does she talk about Aretha’s iconic voice and music, but Danyel also walks us through a day dream of sorts— from Aretha’s girlhood and deep, deep relationship with her mother, Barbara, through Aretha’s woman