Welcome to this month’s edition of Big Blend Radio's American Jukebox on the Big Daily Blend show! In celebration of American Artists Appreciation Month and as part of our ongoing America 250 series, host Lisa D. Smith and co-host Johnny Schaefer dive into an eclectic, cross-country selection of music that represents the rich tapestry of American sound.
From gospel roots and soulful protests to Hawaiian slack key and Texas blues, this episode travels all over the map—spanning Hawaii, Los Angeles, Detroit, Texas, and the Southeast.
HOW TO LISTEN
With Full Music (Mixcloud): Play the embedded Mixcloud player below to listen to the full episode, complete with all six featured songs integrated into the show!
Full Expanded Playlist (Spotify): Want to dive deeper into the artists, their influences, and cover tracks? Stream our expanded Spotify playlist linked below!
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:
Featured Songs & Episode Highlights
1. "Stoned Soul Picnic" – Laura Nyro
Picked by: Johnny Schaefer
About the Track: A joyous invitation to come together for a musical picnic. Though Laura Nyro didn't always hold the massive mainstream spotlight of her peers, her voice, songwriting, and arrangements profoundly influenced iconic artists ranging from Melissa Manchester and Joni Mitchell to Elton John, Steely Dan, and Bette Midler.
2. "One More Dance" – Zakiya Hooker & Chris James
Picked by: Lisa D. Smith
About the Track: Featured on her album Legacy, this track brings together Zakiya Hooker (daughter of blues legend John Lee Hooker) and her producer/husband Olin Christopher Bell (Chris James, formerly of The Natural Four). Moving into a surprising Americana style with Zakiya on guitar, the song captures the poignant feeling of wanting to hold onto a relationship at its end.
3. "A Change Is Gonna Come" – Sam Cooke
Picked by: Johnny Schaefer
About the Track: Born from gospel roots, Sam Cooke forged the blueprint for soul music. Written after he was turned away from a hotel on tour, this iconic, timeless anthem addresses the ongoing struggle of racial tension in America—a message that remains as vital and timely today as ever.
4. "We Are the Many" – Makana
Picked by: Lisa D. Smith
About the Track: Makana is one of the world's premier Hawaiian slack key guitarists. Written as an anthem surrounding economic justice and famously performed at a world leaders' dinner in Honolulu, "We Are the Many" addresses the power of community over the elite few.
5. "Let Your Light Shine" – Keb' Mo'
Picked by: Johnny Schaefer
About the Track: Born in Los Angeles and steeped in gospel, blues, and soul, Keb' Mo' brings his signature warmth and master guitar work to this contemporary track. It delivers an uplifting message about letting your individual light shine in the world.
6. "Texas Blue Moon" – Shelley King
Picked by: Lisa D. Smith
About the Track: Appointed in 2008 as the very first female State Musician of Texas, Shelley King blends Americana, blues, and soul seamlessly. "Texas Blue Moon" serves as a lush, evocative love letter to the character and landscapes of Texas.
Listen on Spotify
Couldn't get enough of these six tracks? We couldn't stop building the list! Check out our expanded Spotify Playlist featuring extra tracks from these artists, related collaborations, and unique cover songs (including Rod Stewart's cover of Sam Cooke's "Cupid")!
What's Coming Up Next Month?
Join us on the first Sunday of September for our next installment of Big Blend Radio's American Jukebox, where Johnny and Lisa will explore the world of Classical Music in all its iterations!
Johnny Schaefer is an award-winning LA-based singer-songwriter and a vital voice in the Big Blend Radio and Magazines podcast family. A classically trained musician (BA in Voice and Composition) and a voting member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS), Johnny’s career spans from duets with Melissa Manchester to backing icons like Josh Groban and Billy Idol. With over 4 million views on his YouTube channel and a passion for storytelling, Johnny brings a sophisticated, eclectic perspective to our creative community. Visit HearJohnny.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.