On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, Smokey Robinson turned 85 this week, so lots of appropriate music for that… and new music continues from Yukimi with Lianne Lahavas, a song inspired by Vulfpeck and a Vulfpeck classic, songs that won’t be changing their name anytime soon + 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 Feb. 22, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Cruising” – Smokey Robinson
• “Stream Of Consciousness” – Yukimi w/Lianne La Havas
• “Can’t Fight” – Lianne La Havas
• “Back Pocket” – Vulfpeck
• “No Front Teeth” – Perfume Genius w/Aldous Harding
  
• “Thank You” – Sly & The Family Stone
  
• “Daria” – Toro y Moi w/Kenny Beats
• “The Night Before” – The Black Keys
• “I Gotta Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas
• “Heart of A Child” – Mereba
• “Get It At Home” – St. Motel
  
• “Plans” – AHI
• “Hey Girl(s)” – Moses Sumney w/Syd, Mishell Ndegeocello
  

• “I Keep Calling You” – Smokey Robinson
• “Ooo Baby Baby” – Aretha Franklin w/Smokey Robinson
• “Tracks Of My Tears” – Linda Ronstadt
• “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” – Laura Nyro w/Labelle
• “I’ll Be Doggone” – Solomon Burke
• “Don’t Look Back” – Peter Tosh w/Mick Jagger
• “Gulf Of Mexico Fishing Boat Blues” – Bruce Hornsby w/Ricky Skaggs
• “Gulf Of Mexico” – Steve Earle
• “The Gulf Of Mexico” – Shawn Mullins
• “More More More” – Mt. Joy
• “Fool” – Adama Janlo
• “Aurora’s Light” – Kathy Kosins
  
• “I Second That Emotion” – Diana Ross & The Supremes
• “Tears Of A Clown” – Smokey Robinson

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.

This week’s pick comes from an absolute legend in the game — Kathy Kosins.

An internationally renowned songstress with a career that spans genres and decades, Kathy has worked with icons like Was (Not Was), Slingshot, and Michael Henderson. Whether she’s fronting Detroit Centrix alongside bassist Paul Randolph or carving her path as a celebrated jazz vocalist, Kosins always delivers something extraordinary.

Her latest single, “Aurora’s Light,” is a masterclass in nu-jazz elegance. This track finds Kosins leaning deep into her jazz roots while infusing her signature soulful touch. The result? A mesmerizing soundscape that radiates warmth and sophistication. Let’s dive in and soak up the brilliance.

If smooth, boundary-pushing nu-jazz like this hits your sweet spot, be sure to tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET. We’re your destination for the best in future soul, nu-jazz, b-sides, and rare grooves.

For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. See you next time, where the beats always stay fresh, and the vibes never stop.

Read more from The Progressive Underground:

• Exploring the evolution of maestro Zo! in 5 tracks
• The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week (Feb. 3): ‘Silence’ by Angelina Cara
• The mystique and mastery of D’Angelo’s ‘Voodoo’