The Great UnSung

Alison chats with award-winning jazz pianist Walter Kemp III about his career and his roots in gospel and classical music. Walter's father inspired him to follow a musical path. Alison and Walt discuss famed "master and guru of the Hammond B-3 organ" Dr. Lonnie Smith, who has performed and collaborated with the greatest names of the jazz, blues, and R&B.

Learn more about Walter Kemp III: https://www.walterkemp3.com/

Learn more about Dr. Lonnie Smith: http://www.drlonniesmith.com/bio/

Alison sits with multiple-instrument-master and entertainer Susan Rozler to discuss her forty-year career as a working musician and the balance between art and money in the performance industry. The featured artist is Grammy winner and folk singer/songwriter Elizabeth Cotten, who forged a unique path, the result of a fifty-year career gap.

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Alison talks with Tom Naples, noted folk singer and researcher. Tom explains the influence of historical time periods on folk music and song lyrics, as well as how this music reflects the resilience of everyday Americans. The featured musician is American singer and songwriter John Stewart, his contributions to folk music, and his early days with the Kingston Trio.

Alison sits down with Theresa Quinn, an accomplished piano player, bandleader, musical director, and attorney. Also a part of the group Girls Gone Mild, Theresa has been a working musician in many forms for more than 25 years. The women then discuss American pianist Ray Turner, who was an in-house pianist with Paramount Pictures from the ‘40s to the ‘70s .

Alison chats with Kathryn Koch about her eclectic career as part of groups Redheaded Stepchild and Black Rock Zydeco. Koch’s bands forged their own way without the assistance of record labels—an incredible feat in the age before YouTube and social media. The featured musician is Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a pioneer of gospel music and often called the “Godmother of rock and roll.” Tharpe was inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

Alison Pipitone and singer/violist Mary Ramsey discuss Mary’s career with 10,000 Maniacs, John & Mary, and Girls Gone Mild. The featured musician is Kim Kashkashian, accomplished and award-winning violist.