This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, fondly remembering Dolly Parton through her own music and interpretations, as well as covers by others.

We also say a fond farewell to the great Tim Curry, and introduce you to some new music from Wyclef Jean, The Womack Sisters, Detroit’s latest newcomer Ayla Ottenbreit and 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 August 29, 2026

HOUR ONE:

• “French Quarter” – Wyclef Jean
• “Soul Bossa Nova” – Quincy Jones
• “Candy Apple” – Ayla Ottenbreit
• “I Wonder” – Prince
• “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton
• “Two Doors Down” – Meshell Ndegeocello
• “Seven Bridges Road” – Dolly Parton
• “California Sober” – Iron & Wine
• “Talk It Over” – Leon Bridges
• “Love Me Not” – Grace Potter (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “I Do The Rock” – Tim Curry (RIP)

HOUR TWO:

• “Rocinha” – Wyclef Jean
• “Rocket Man” – Bob James
• “Human (Sad Gay Version)” – Brandi Carlile
• “Little Sparrow” – Dolly Parton
• “9 To 5” – Alison Krauss
• “World On Fire” – Dolly Parton
• “Don’t Look Any Further” – Meshell Ndegeocello & Liana La Havas
• “Laughter And Tears” – The Womack Sisters
• “How Love’s Supposed To Go” – Alabama Shakes
• “I Am Ready” – Dolly Parton

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 on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, a couple tracks from Martha Reeves’ first album in 22 years. At age 85, she’s delivered a really cool album! Also a couple from the new Michigander (Jason Singer) album.

We also say a fond farewell to Frank Beard, founding member and drummer in the trio ZZ Top, who passed this week at age 77.

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 August 22, 2026

HOUR ONE:

• “Taxix” – Michigander
• “Freedom Bus” – Sheryl Crow ft. Jesse Welles
• “All Around” – The Womack Sisters
• “Across 110th Street” – Bobby Womack
• “I Got It Bad” – Martha Reeves
• “Disappearing Act” – Beck
• “Watch You Dance” – Leon Bridges
• “Sunshine” – Jungle
• “How Many People” – Ziggy Marley ft. Nikka Costa
• “Punish My Mind” – @
• “Shake Shake Dance For Me” – Jon Muq
• “One Man’s Trash…” – Eli Paperboy Reed
• “Lonely USA” – MEELS
• “Ten Dollar Man” – ZZ Top (RIP Frank Beard, 8/17/26)

HOUR TWO:

• “Oh Good” – Michigander
• “One Of Us” – Brandon Flowers
• “Sage” – Joy Oladokun
• “Radio Up” – Ayla Ottenbreit
• “To Know You Is To Love You” – Martha Reeves
• “Lost Boys” – Phoebe Bridgers
• “Memories” – beabadoobee
• “You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore” – The War & Treaty
• “Move” – Mac Saturn
• “Oh No Now My” – This Is Lorelei
• “Ahead By A Century (live)” – The Tragically Hip
• “Human” – Brandi Carlile
• “Cheap Sunglasses” – ZZ Top (RIP Frank Beard, 8/17/26)

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