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Thomas Dorsey combined sacred and secular styles to create a revolution in music. His story is the latest in "Honky Tonks, Hymns and the Blues," a special 11-part weekly series on the creation of American musical traditions.

Jazz bassist Keter Betts describes his music. Betts, 75, appears on some 200 albums — he played with Dinah Washington, Stan Getz and Ella Fitzgerald.

Segundo, a member of the internationally famous Buena Vista Social Club, was known for his unique styles of singing and playing the guitar. According to producer Ry Cooder, Segundo's style was much more than Cuban; it was informed by his wide knowledge of and experience in music.

Critic Tom Moon reviews the new CD by Macy Gray. He includes Gray among a group of "neo-soul" artists — contemporary R&B musicians that have hit pay dirt by consciously emulating the sounds and songwriting devices of classic soul. The Trouble With Being Myself, evokes the sounds of Chaka Khan, Al Green and the Jackson Five.

Summer is a time to drop the top on the convertible, crank up the tunes, and enjoy the ride... Join NPR's Ned Wharton, music director for Weekend Edition Sunday, for some high-octane music including selections from The Reputation, Professor Ratbaggy and The Churchills.

Correspondent Tony Cox speaks with Latin jazz saxophonist Gato Barbieri about his unique sound, the 30th anniversary of his Grammy for the Last Tango in Paris score and his new album, The Shadow of the Cat, which is up for a Latin Grammy.

Host Bob Edwards talks to music historian Peter Guralnick about Sam Cooke's 1957 crossover from gospel to rock-and-roll, his immediate first hit, "You Send Me," and the many others that followed. Cooke combined black and white musical styles, aiming his songs at a multi-racial audience. He owned the rights to his compositions and a record label and had creative control over how his music was recorded. (The digitally remastered CD's are on the Abkco label, as are DVD and VHS versions of the documentary, Sam Cooke: Legend.)

The release of Sen. Joseph McCarthy's secret transcripts gives the world a fresh look at an infamous chapter in American history. They tell a story of intimidation and ruthless manipulation. Join host Neal Conan for a look behind closed doors with Sen. Joseph McCarthy.

At 21, singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart has drawn an unusual mix of comparisons: Billie Holiday, Beck, Tiny Tim. Critics are calling his debut album — Oh Me Oh My... — a timeless, haunting and irresistible recording. NPR's Neda Ulaby reports.

It's hard to imagine a graduation ceremony without Pomp and Circumstance. Music commentator Miles Hoffman stops by Morning Edition to explore the famous processional, which was by Sir Edward Elgar (left), and other marches of the season.