Valerie June

Valerie June has helped widen the scope of contemporary Americana music. She’s one of few African American women in the category and her unique combination of gospel and Appalachian folk is a shimmering example of what's possible in the roots-music tradition. Broken Record producer Leah Rose caught up with Valerie to talk through her stunning new album, The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers. They also talk about Valerie’s new collaboration with the legendary Stax singer, Carla Thomas, and the mystical muse who inspires the chorus of voices that Valerie hears in her head.Subscribe to Broken Record’s YouTube channel to hear old and new interviews, often with bonus content: https://www.youtube.com/brokenrecordpodcast and follow us on Twitter @BrokenRecordYou can also check out past episodes here: https://brokenrecordpodcast.com/Check out a playlist Valerie June put together featuring her favorite imperfect voices HERE. And hear our favorite Valerie June songs HERE — enjoy! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Yahr, Valerie June, and Dina Bennett discuss the exclusion of black people from country music, highlighting the African American roots of the banjo and the contributions of black musicians in Nashville. They also explore the controversy surrounding the casting of a black actress as Ariel in The Little Mermaid and the cultural significance of mermaids in African folklore.