On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, we’ll mark the passing of the last original member of The Band, Garth Hudson.

Plus, songs for this unique moment in history from Mavis Staples to Aretha Franklin, from Pussy Riot to The Clash, Curtis Mayfield to Gregory Porter 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 Jan. 25, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Shufflin’ Back To Memphis” – The Band (in-studio performance,1996)
• “Chest Fever” – The Band
  
• “Sleeves Up” – Crys Matthews
  
• “Stand Up” – The O’Jays
  
• “I Had A Dream” – Loudon Wainwright III
  
• “Evil That Men Do” – Queen Latifah
  
• “All You Fonies” – Dropkick Murphys
  
• “From Red To Blue” – Billy Bragg
  
• “A Change Is Gonna Come” – Aretha Franklin
  
• “Change” – Mavis Staples
  
• “Lives In The Balance” – Richie Havens
  
• “America Made Me” – The Decemberists
  

• “Empire Of Love” – Amythyst Kiah (Acoustic Cafe preview, recorded at Leon Loft)
• “Blk Girl Soldier” – Jamila Woods
  
• “Bomb The World” – Michael Franti & Spearhead
  
• “What Are Their Names” – David Crosby
  
• “Fight For Your Mind” – Ben Harper
  
• “Make America Great Again” – Pussy Riot
  
• “Clampdown” – The Clash
  
• “Evil” – Stevie Wonder
• “Willing To Fight” – Ani Difranco
• “Power To The People” -Curtis Mayfield
• “Take Me To The Alley” – Gregory Porter (in-studio performance,2016)
• “This Land Is Your Land” – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
  

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.