Fresh Air Best Of: 50 Years Of SNL Musical Guests / Black History Through Blues
Feb 1, 2025
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, co-director of the documentary about SNL's musical legacy and The Roots co-founder, discusses the cultural impact of the show over 50 years. Imani Perry, author and Harvard professor, dives into her book "Black and Blues," revealing the significance of the color blue in Black life and its connection to blues music. David Bianculli adds insights as a TV critic, highlighting the profound emotional resonance of SNL's performances and their influence on music history, identity, and creativity.
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Episode notes
Questlove's SNL Journey
- Questlove has appeared on SNL in various roles, like punchlines and sketches.
- He hasn't achieved his dream of being a musical guest, but The Roots are working on a new album.
Early Music Exposure
- Questlove's early music experience revolved around Soul Train, which aired late at night in Philadelphia.
- He would watch SNL music performances right before Soul Train.
SNL as Music Discovery
- As a child, Questlove saw SNL as a platform to discover new musicians.
- He cites Devo's Jocko Homo performance as a mind-blowing experience.
