Jordannah Elizabeth is quite simply one of the sharpest, most refreshing voices in music journalism today. On this episode of the Wheel, she breaks down Randy's bleak tribute to urban decay, Baltimore.
Jordannah brings layers to this song I'd never considered before --- the truth behind the marble stairs, why "not knowing why" is a privilege, the sheer audacity it took for a millionaire to write this song. But more than anything, we discuss Nina Simone. Not just because she covered (and greatly improved) Baltimore, but come on - Nina Simone, folks!
Jordannah's latest book, She Raised Her Voice: 50 Black Women Who Sang Their Way Into Music History, is available at finer bookstores, at the Oklahoma City Library, or in my living room. Come drop by.
LINKS ---------
Randy's version of Baltimore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TvDge63Iy8
Nina's response:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztCgNQg9FCQ
Jordannah's Book:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jordannah-elizabeth/she-raised-her-voice/9780762475148/
