Alex Lewis
Alex Lewis is an independent radio producer based in Philadelphia. He's written and produced longform audio documentaries including The Gospel Roots of Rock & Soul (nominated for a 2020 Peabody Award) - with WXPN and NPR Music - and Going Black: The Legacy of Philly Soul Radio (winner of a 2015 National Edward R. Murrow Award).
Other work includes lead producing Every ZIP Philadelphia, a 2016 Localore: Finding America production in collaboration with member station WHYY, and numerous Philadelphia-area audio projects with organizations such as Mural Arts, Bartram's Garden, Reading Terminal Market, Ars Nova Workshop, and the Association for Public Art. He's also produced projects with podcast companies including Pushkin Industries, Magnificent Noise, and Audible.
Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University, where he studied music theory and musicology. He studied radio documentary at the Transom Story Workshop on Cape Cod.
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Hear the first two hours of the documentary that chronicles the history of Haiti and explores that nation's influence on the music, culture and identity of the Crescent City: New Orleans. -
Rasanbleman (Red Moon) is Haitian creole for "a large gathering." It refers to the group of nearly 30 musicians and artists who got together for the album's recording sessions in Jacmel, Haiti. -
A few years ago, a new Mardi Gras krewe sprung up with the aim of celebrating the Haitian roots that run deep through the city's cultural identity. It was co-founded by two members of Arcade Fire. -
She's a political activist and a rock star. In this session, hear lots of music and legendary stories from Mavis Staples. -
Cooder and his band re-imagine some of those classic blues and gospel songs he loved as boy. He discusses how his latest album 'Prodigal Son' is ultimately about reverence. -
Edwin Hawkins' use of contemporary sounds, a Latin groove, synthesizers and a soul-influenced lead vocal performance created a new model for gospel music.
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The late gospel singer and guitarist will get an overdue recognition for her crucial influence on early rock and roll, joining a class of inductees that includes Bon Jovi, Dire Straits and The Cars.
