In the debut episode of Music: The Unifying Force meet the podcast hosts Yusuf Gandhi, founder and President of Four Quarters Entertainment, Inc. and Janis Siegel, a 10-time Grammy winner and 18-time nominee and member of The Manhattan Transfer. Together, they explore the idea that music transcends borders, politics, and language, connecting people across cultures in ways few other forces can.

Together, Yusuf and Janice recount their decades-long journeys in the world of music, their first meeting at the Hollywood Bowl, and their collaboration on The Chick Corea Songbook with The Manhattan Transfer.

Throughout the episode, they reflect on musical diplomacy, cross-cultural fusion, and the profound empathy musicians develop by engaging directly with communities around the world. From jazz legends to global pioneers, Yusuf and Janice tie together stories of collaboration, curiosity, and cultural exchange. They also delve into the creation of the Grammy-nominated album “Miles From India,” the global impact of the Voice of America Jazz Hour, and how artists like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, and George Harrison helped reshape musical understanding across continents.

This first episode sets the stage for a series that will explore music’s power to unify humanity, one story, one culture, and one song at a time.

Artists, Songs & Key Figures Mentioned in the Episode:

* Sara Tavares (Cape Verdean singer-songwriter)

* “Balancê”

* “Bom Feeling”

* The Manhattan Transfer

* “Spain (I Can Recall)” (from The Chick Corea Songbook)

* “Free Samba” (from The Chick Corea Songbook)

* Miles Davis

* Album: Miles From India – A Celebration of the Music of Miles Davis

* Hugh Masekela

* Trumpet Africaine

* Mariza

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