For several years, WDET has participated in Giving Tuesday as a one-day fundraiser.

This year, Giving Tuesday will mark the first day of WDET’s Holiday Fundraiser – a five-day fundraising event that will come to a close on Saturday, Dec. 7, with Midtown Detroit’s 50th annual Noel Night celebration, of which WDET will be participating!

WDET is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and we couldn’t have gotten to where we are today without support from members and listeners like you. In this eventful year, WDET made significant program changes and as a result, our audience has grown. At 75, WDET is not slowing down, and we continue to strive every day to bring Detroiters the high-quality news, music and conversation they have come to rely upon over the years.

If you would like to be part of WDET’s future, consider making a gift today. Those who make a donation during fundraiser can select from a variety of thank you gifts at wdet.org/thanks and choose the amount that’s right for you.

Three new gifts will be available during WDET’s Holiday Fundraiser, including:

• An Evening with David Sedaris: When you donate $100/month, you’ll receive four tickets to “An Evening with David Sedaris” on April 8 at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, as well as a copy of Sedaris’ hilarious books “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim” and “Happy Go Lucky.”
• Essential Music Tour with Ann Delisi + Rob Reinhart: For a gift of $75/month, you and a guest will be treated to brunch, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of WDET Studios with Ann Delisi and Rob Reinhart, and a live studio performance by Syrian American guitarist, pianist and composer Kareem Kanouh on Jan. 18, 2024. You and your guest will also receive an Ann Delisi T-Shirt!
• NEW MEMBERS ONLY – WDET Stadium Scarf: New members who make a gift of any amount during the Holiday Fundraiser will get a limited edition WDET stadium scarf.

Help keep WDET sustainable for the next 75 years, and make your gift today!

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, great new music from Shara Nova (My Brightest Diamond), along with new work from Kendrick Lamar and Father John Misty.

Plus, the late Dorothy Ashby and a new Detroit artist carrying on her tradition; and lots more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Nov. 30, 2024

• “I Will Not Go Down” – Amythyst Kiah (w/Billy Strings)
  
• “Summer’s Gone” – Father John Misty
  
• “Imaginary Lover” – My Brightest Diamond
• “Stay By My Side” – Michael Kiwanuka
  
• “Above Water” – Nick Piunti & The Complicated men
  
• “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA
• “If This World Were Mine” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
• “Never Too Much” – Luther Vandross
• “Any Other Way” – Allison Russell & Ahya Simone
• “Action Line” – Dorothy Ashby
• “Mystery” – Allen Stone ft. P.J. Morton
• “Beautiful Day” – Keyon Harrold ft. P.J. Morton

• “Ooh Baby” – Laura Nyro
• “Easy To Love” – Aaron Frazer
• “To Be Young” – Ryan Adams (Acoustic Café performance, 2000)
• “Make It To Christmas” – Apropos
• “At The Holiday Party” – St. Vincent
• “Josh Tillman And The Accidental Dose” – Father John Misty
• “The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our Apartment” – Father John Misty
• “My Angel” – Allysha Joy (Acoustic Café preview)
• “Going Down Swinging” – Rowan Niemisto
• “Motor City” – The Satintones
• “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” – The Temptations

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, Fleetwood Mac’s stylings are still with us… plus something brand new from Al Green (after 15 years), Michigan music from Chris Bathgate and Speed Circuit, the return of The Ting Tings and much more.

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Nov. 23, 2024

• “Peaceful Place” – Leon Bridges
  
• “Anchor” – Soccer Mommy
  
• “Losing You” – Everything Is Recorded (ft. Sampha)
• “Spirit 2.0” – Sampha
  
• “Walt’s First Trip” – Ohio Players
  
• “Landslide” – Baby Rose
• “Races Are Run” – Cunningham Bird (at The Troubadour)
• “Show You The Way” – Thundercat w/Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins
• “Everybody Hurts” – Al Green
• “Driver 8” – Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
• “Dust Divinity” – Joy Oladokun
• “In Front Of Me Now” – Matthew Caws (Acoustic Cafe preview)

• “I Would Die For You” – Lauren Auder + Wendy & Lisa
• “Cream” – Prince
• “Bruises” – Chris Bathgate
• “Between Two Points” – David & Romany Gilmour (Alt-J remix)
• “Laid it” – Ohio Players
• “Danced On The Wire” – The Ting Tings
• “Shut Up And Let Me Go” – The Ting Tings
• “Weightless” – Arlo Parks
• “Completely Sweetly” – The Dead South
• “I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye” – Dwight Yoakam w/Post Malone
• “Complicated” – Speed Circuit
• “Up For The Down Stroke” – Parliament (#42 on RS’s Top 74 of ’74)

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, The Decemberists capture our current political moment, plus classic Marvin Gaye, the late Laura Nyro‘s upcoming box set (with another Motown classic), and poetry from Lawrence Ferlenghetti + Ray Charles for an interesting mix!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Nov. 16, 2024

• “One And The Same” – Thee Sacred Souls
  
• “Magnetic” – Tunde Adebimpe
  
• “Whipped Cream Daydream” – Tunde Olaniran
• “Nowhere To Run” – Laura Nyro
  
• “She’s Got What It Takes” – The Tragically Hip
  
• “America Made Me” – The Decemberists
• “Severed” – The Decemberists
• “Everything Is Awful” – The Decemberists
• “The Rest Of Me” – Michael Kiwanuka
• “In The City” – Lady Blackbird
• “Spirits” – The Devil Makes 3
• “Debra” – Beck (Midnight Vultures released this week, 1999)

• “Smoky Mountain DNA” – Dolly Parton
• “Dolly P/Jolene” – Beyonce
• “Ninety Three ‘Til Infinity And Beyonce” – Andre 3000
• “I’m Ready” – Nick Piunti & the Complicated Men
• “Never Alone” – Amythyst Kiah
• “My Kind Of Town” – Marvin Gaye (Hello Broadway released this week, 1964)
• “Sea Of Love” – The Honeydrippers (Vol. 1 released this week, 1984)
• “I’ll Go Anywhere” – Mustafa
• “Empty Trainload Of Sky” – Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings
• “Tear My Stillhouse Down” – Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings (Acoustic Cafe, 1996)
• “Sunshine Life For Me” – George Harrison & The Band
• “Milonga accidental” – Alisa Amador
• “Just My Luck” – Obongjayar
• “Pity The Nation” – Lawrence Ferlenghetti
• “America The Beautiful” – Ray Charles

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, some classic albums from Novembers of the past (1974, 1994), new Detroit music from Speed Circuit’s second album, and an hour long tribute to the musical genius of the late Quincy Jones!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Nov. 9, 2024

• “Do You Realize” – Willie Nelson
  
• “Messy” – Lola Young
  
• “Psycho Killer (acoustic)” – Talking Heads
• “I’ll Go Anywhere” – Mustafa
  
• “Don’t Try” – Speed Circuit
  
• “Fire” – Ohio Players (released November, 1974)
• “Autobahn” – Kraftwerk (released November, 1974)
• “Die Slowly Without Complaint” – Amythyst Kiah (coming to The Ark 11/19)
• “Day By Day” – Samara Joy
• “X-Ray Eyes” – LCD Sound System
• “The Man Who Sold The World” – Nirvana (released November, 1994)
• “Waterfalls” – TLC (released November, 1994)

• “You’ve Changed” – The Jones Boys
• “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” – Michael Jackson
• “Fly Me To The Moon” – Frank Sinatra & Count Basie
• “Strawberry Letter 23” – The Brothers Johnson
• “The Streetbeater” – Quincy Jones
• “Just Once” – Quincy Jones & James Ingram
• “One Mint Julep” – Ray Charles
• “Beat It” – Michael Jackson
• “Smackwater Jack” – Quincy Jones
• “Caravan” – Dinah Washington
• “Bad” – Michael Jackson
• “It’s My Party” – Leslie Gore
• “Soul Bossa Nova” – Quincy Jones

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

Get ready for an up-close look at some of Detroit’s finest! Don Was, the Grammy-winning producer/bassist and WDET host, steps out from behind the scenes with a killer band that carries his name — a big move for someone who’s spent years making others shine.

In this session, Don talks with Essential Music host Ann Delisi about what it took to put his name on a project and pull together some of Detroit’s best musicians. They dive into how the band instantly clicked, how they’ve been repping Detroit on their recent 11-city tour and the album making process.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble brings serious talent: Jeff Canady on drums, Luis Resto on keys, Wayne Gerard on guitar, Vincent Chandler on trombone, Dave McMurray on sax, John Douglas on trumpet, Mahindi Masai on percussion and Steffanie Christi’an on vocals. This video captures the raw energy of Detroit’s top talent, with unforgettable performances and real talk that’ll make you feel like you’re right there in the room. Don’t miss this WDET Rustbelt Session.

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, another peek at the new Nick Piunti album (coming next week).

Plus, Stevie Wonder’s new song, some artists celebrating “Big-O” birthdays (50, 60,70 and 80), new tunes from The Cure and Maggie Rogers and much more.

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Oct. 12, 2024

• “Live For You” – Thee Sacred Souls (at St. Andrews 11/3)
• “Practice” – Jamila Woods w/Saba (at The Majestic 10/22)
  
• “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” – Stevie Wonder (at LCA 10/22)
  
• “A Fragile Thing” – The Cure
  
• “Long Way Down” – Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men (Up and Out Of It coming Oct. 18, 2024)
• “Like A Woman” – Lady Blackbird
• “For Real” – Pharrell Williams
• “Ice Cream Man” – Van Halen (DLR turns 70 this week)
• “Ice Cream Man” – Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers
• “In The Living Room” – Maggie Rogers
• “Baby Blues” – J.D. McPherson
• “Ain’t Got Nothing On You” – Leon Bridges
• “Escanaba” – Billy Strings
• “Be My Baby” – Cissy Houston (9/30/33 – 10/7/24)
  
• “Ain’t No Way” – Aretha Franklin (w/Cissy Houston)
• “Sick Of Myself” – Matthew Sweet (Matthew turns 60 this week)
• “I’ll Go Anywhere” – MUSTAFA
• “How Long” – Eagles (a J.D. Souther song, d. 9/17/24)
• “March March” – The Chicks (Natalie Maines turns 50 this week)
• “Can’t Go Back” – Sampha
• “Baby – Basia Bulat
• “Day By Day” – Samara Joy
• “Morning Thought” – Jr. Jr. (still around, retooling, expect more music!)
• “Skating Away…” – Jethro Tull (“War Child” out this week in 1974)
• “Shut Em Down” – Extra Arms
• “Harry Truman” – Chicago (Robert Lamm turns 80 this week)

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, a fond farewell to Kris Kristofferson — including some work with the Highwaymen.

Plus, another Nick Behnan preview of the new album coming Oct. 18, a song to shake the ground from Ypsi’s The Rebel Eves, October releases from 1994, 1964, 2014, 1984 and much more.

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Oct. 5, 2024

• “That’s Life” – Lady GaGa
  
• “U Shake Me” – Roll Mega (Eric Krasno + Son Little)
  
• “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” – U2 (The Unforgettable Fire released Oct. ’84)
  
• “Picture Of You” – U2
  
• “Shake The Ground” – The Rebel Eves ft. The Accidentals
• “Kamala’s Dance” – Roy Hargrove
• “No. 1 Headband” – Lupe Fiasco
• “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down” – Kris Kristofferson
• “Heartbeat” – King Crimson
• “You and Me” – You + Me (Rose Ave. released Oct. ’14)
• “Sex Shooter” – Prince (Apollonia 6 released Oct. ’84)
• “The Highwayman” – The Highwaymen
• “Against The Wind” – The Highwaymen
• “Dancing Circles 2.0” – Sampha
• “Silk and Petals” – Amythyst Kiah ft. Butch Walker
• “Above Water” – Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men (Up and Out Of It coming Oct. 18, 2024)
• “Zombie” – The Cranberries (No Need To Argue released Oct. ’94)
• “You Really Got Me” – The Kinks (The Kinks released Oct. ’64)
• “Purple Haze” – Joy Oladokun (coming to El Club Jan. 18, 2025)
• “For The Good Times” – Al Green (a Kris Kristofferson cover)
• “Bird On A Wire” – Leonard Cohen
• “Panther City” – Leon Bridges
• “One And The Same” – Thee Sacred Souls
• “Androgynous” – Brad Roberts (Acoustic Cafe performance, 1999)

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

BLKBOK is a Detroit-born classical piano prodigy who’s made a name for himself touring with pop superstars like John Mayer, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and even Michael Jackson.

More recently, he’s stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, fully embracing his classical roots while still incorporating modern influences.

Read more: BLKBOK shares inspiration behind his new album ‘9’

In this video, BLKBOK sits down with us to talk about the contrast between playing for huge pop acts and carving out his own voice as a solo performer. This beautifully shot video captures the energy in the room as BLKBOK performs three of his original compositions. It’s an up-close-and-personal look at his journey, both musically and personally.

You’ll feel like you’re right there with him at Rustbelt Studios, watching him redefine what’s possible on the piano.

Listen to Ann Delisi’s Essential Music every Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, the fall fundraiser is over (thanks so much!), but there are still some cool cover songs to play.

Plus, hear a studio recording from Sting — who recorded a session with Acoustic Cafe last week — plus new work coming from Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men, a new single from Nick Behnan and much more.

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

• “Crying In The Night” – Cunningham/Bird
• “Evening Gown” – Alejandro Escovedo
• “Dance To The Music” – H.E.R.
• “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman ” – Aretha Franklin
• “Rejection Letter” – Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men
• “As” – Stevie Wonder
• “Mystery” – Allen Stone ft. P.J. Morton
• “Sugah Daddy” – D’Angelo
• “Gild The Lily” – Billy Strings
• “The One” – Lilly MacPhee
• “Working On The Highway” – Blitzen Trapper
• “Spirit In The Night” – Bruce Springsteen (happy 75th)
• “Spit On A Stranger” – Nickel Creek
• “Take Me With U” – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
• “Hurt” – Johnny Cash
• “Heart Of Gold” – Bettye LaVette
• “Running Out Of Time” – Nick Behnan
• “silk” – Allysha Joy
• “Project Forever” – Alan Sparhawk
• “Holy Ghost” – LOW (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance, 2013)
• “Autumn Nocturne” – Samara Joy
• “Magic Dance” – David Bowie
• “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart)” – Sting (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance, 9/18/24)
• “My Fun” – Suki Waterhouse
• “The River” – Bruce Springsteen (happy 75th)

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, I’ll feature tracks from some cool albums released in September of decades passed.

Plus, hear a brand new song from Sting — who’s coming to the Fillmore Detroit for two shows next week — Nilufer Yanya, Shemekia Copeland and much more.

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Sep. 7, 2024

• “Real Love Baby” – The Heavy Heavy (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
  
• “You Wrecked Me” – The War On Drugs
  
• “Is There Anybody Up There” – Shemekia Copeland
  
• “Demons” – Allison Russell
  
• “Simple Girl” – Jr. Jr.
• “One More Chance” – Notorious B.I.G. (released Sept ’94)
• “American Idiot” – Green Day (released Sept ’04)
• “Dancing Machine” – Jackson 5 (released Sept ’74)
• “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart)” – Sting
• “Demolition Man” – The Police
• “All In Good Time” – Iron & Wine (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “It Don’t Come Easy” – Bettye LaVette
• “Crying In The Night” – Buckingham Nicks
• “Mutations” – Nilufer Yanya
• “Like 1999” – Valley
• “When You Know Someone” – Valley (Acoustic Cafe in-studio appearance)
• “The Future” – Dani Darling
• “Tonight” – David Bowie & Tina Turner (released Sept ’84)
• “Better Be Good To Me” – Tina Turner (released Sept ’84)
• “Pressure” – My Brightest Diamond (released Sept ’14)
• “Hater’s Anthem” – Infinity Song
• “I Don’t Wanna Surrender” – Extra Arms
• “Travelin’ Band” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
• “Trouble” – Ray Lamontagne (released Sept ’04)

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET.

Get ready for Ghost-Note, the dynamic ensemble led by Snarky Puppy’s multi-Grammy-winning percussion duo Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth.

The group takes over WDET’s airwaves in an exclusive live performance at Rustbelt Studios. Hosted by Ann Delisi, this session features the band in full force, delivering a powerful blend of funk, Afrobeat, hip-hop and psychedelia. With an impressive roster of musicians, Ghost-Note is pushing the boundaries of modern funk music.

In this special segment, you’ll not only witness Ghost-Note’s explosive live performances, but also dive into an insightful interview with Searight and Werth. The duo shares the story behind the band’s formation, their wide-ranging influences — from the iconic sounds of James Brown and Prince to the deep grooves of Detroit — and how they’re revolutionizing the future of funk.

The conversation is interwoven with stellar performances by the entire band, featuring Robert “Sput” Searight on drums, Nate Werth on percussion, Dominique Xavier Taplin on keyboards, Jonathan Mones on alto sax and flute, Daniel Wytanis on trombone, Jam McK on bass, Xavier Lynn on guitar, and Mackenzie on vocals.

Don’t miss this must-see performance as Ghost-Note gears up for their set at the Detroit Jazz Festival, happening Sunday at Hart Plaza.

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, hear artists performing at the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival during Labor Day weekend.

Plus, Bilal Oliver’s first new work since 2016, Allen Stone and Dawes with new music forthcoming, and birthday wishes to Elvis Costello, who turned 70 last Sunday.

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Aug. 24, 2024

• “County Seat” – Joshua Redman & The Bad Plus
• “Lesson” – Joy Clark
• “Hollywood” – Toro y Moi with Benjamin Gibbard
• “Here To Forever” – Death Cab For Cutie
• “Let’s Misbehave” – Elvis Costello (happy 70th!)
• “Respect” – Aretha Franklin (the song for Maryland)
• “What I Like About You” – The Romantics (the song for S. Dakota)
• “September” – Earth Wind & Fire (the song for Colorado)
• “Giant Drums Song” – OOPAPADA
• “Somebody New” – Jana Mila
• “Old Tape” – Lucius
• “Hold On I’m Coming” – Sam & Dave
  
• “Midnight Train To Georgia” -Jason Isbell w/Brittney Spencer
• “Magnificent Hurt” – Elvis Costello (happy 70th!)
  
• “Giving Up” – Michigander
• “Sunshine” – Bilal
• “Can’t Explain This Love” – Allen Stone
• “Money On 7” – Amy Helm
• “Signed Sealed Delivered” – Stevie Wonder (the song for Connecticut)
• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell (the song for North Mariana Islands)
• “Lose Yourself” – Eminem (the song for Michigan)
• “Thrift Store Jewelry” – The Bad Plus
  
• “Nobody’s Soldier” – Hozier
• “Remember” – Tank & The Bangas ft. Samara Joy and Robert Glasper
  
• “Jackson & Monk & Rowe” – Elvis Costello (happy 70th!)

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET.