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Aric S. Queen

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Keep The Hotel EmptyKeep The Hotel EmptyQUEEN Lena: Being a SUCCESSFUL business person, Amish roots, Staying Centered & GRATEFUL | KTHE #38In the latest episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we have the privilege of hosting the remarkable Queen Lena, a name synonymous with success in the world of entrepreneurship and fashion. With her roots deeply embedded in the Amish culture of Ohio, Queen Lena made her splashin the fashion industry with her brand, FarmHouse Frocks, celebrated for its high-quality textiles and impecable designs. Her journey from the simplistic lifestyle of the Amish community to becoming a powerhouse in the fashion world is nothing short of inspiring. With the launch of her new website, queensfrock.com, Lena continues to captivate...2025-03-1556 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS—VOL. LXXXVII From high atop the Smokey Mountains, it's the first of two Tennessee Specials! Kicking it off with a Negro Spiritual more than 100 years old, then moving through the gospel, bluegrass, country, fiddle and ending with the Queen of Soul... plus lots more. It's less than 30 minutes long—which is saying something as slow as things move around here—and it's probably the only podcast you'll ever hear recorded next to Dollywood while playing Dolly Parton THAT'S THE LEVEL WE PRODUCE enjoy, now, y'hear?  2024-08-0425 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS — VOL. LXXXVI From an expensive-and-unplanned hotel room in Osaka comes a deep-dive into all things 60s, 70s and early 80s Japan. A few tracks explaining "kawaii", to crooners you'll know of, but probably not know (we'll change that), to some husky female vocals and, of course, more of our current addiction: City pop. That, plus a whooooooole lot more. It's Rough Sundays, back to the Japanese Chapters!  2024-04-0628 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS VOL. LXXXV Coming to you from the Pink City of Jaipur, India, it's probably the world's best Sunday Morning Gospel, Blues, Funk and Soul podcast coming to you from Jaipur, India. Featuring haunting vocals from Son House, the lady who invented rock n' roll, the band that would have been The Wailers if not for The Wailers, funk + sitar crossovers, New Orleans funkiest drummer, plus sounds of the Sufi, of Delhi traffic, of hidden temple chants and of India during Holi WOW IS RIGHT so press play, enjoy a cup of coffee or something stronger ... and let us handle...2024-03-2426 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUNGH SUNDAYS—VOL LXXXIV What was supposed to be—supposed being to key word here—the world's first ever Sunday Morning Wake-Me-Up Podcast recorded from Everest Base Camp ended up just being from Kathmandu and host Aric S. Queen just talking about it WE'RE SORRY but to make up for it, it's a return to the original format of old timey gospel, jazz from The Queen, some Cannonball(s), acapella from a Xhosa group from South Africa and much, much more. So sit back, pour something strong (no judgement), and let us handle the next 37 minutes. It's Rough Sundays! No, seriously!   2024-03-1037 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS — VOL. LXXXIII:THE TULSA SOUND Tulsa Time. Keys To Tulsa. Chandler moves to Tulsa. Our little city has occasionally popped up in pop culture, but few are aware that town has its own subgenre of music . In this week’s Rough Sundays, we deep dive into the casserole that makes up this movement—from Dust Bowl beginnings to dreamy doowop, over to Southern Swing and finally to what it sounds like today. So sit back and spend 32 Midwestern minutes with us as we learn all* about that Tulsa Sound.   *Hardly. 2024-02-1832 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS VOL. LXXXII — OKLAHOMA In the 17 years this show has been around, we’ve never done a Sunday morning wake-me-up from the state of Oklahoma. What gives, right? This week, we remedy that with an extra long show, featuring music exclusively from the 46th state, featuring songs about murders, songs done by junkies, songs done by folks who narrowly missed out on dying with Buddy Holly, plus a few more upbeat tales. From rockabilly to old country, Nancy Sinatra’s guardian angel and we even dip our toe into the Tulsa Sound. So put on a strong black cup of coffee, fry...2024-01-1445 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS — VOL LXXXI (CHRISTMAS ’23) From right up against Route 66 and in the midst of much mirth, it's our 81st episode and our yearly Christmas Extravaganza! Reaching back way, way into the good old stuff—even turn of the century tracks—all holiday-themed and mostly-Motown... with a handful of New Orleans magic as well. Plus stories. Plus more music. An hour-and-40-minutes of it, to be exact. So you focus on your cup of something cheerful, and leave the rest to us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  2023-12-181h 39Rough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS VOL LXXVIV – THE JAPANESE CHAPTERS Has there ever been a more researched, prepped, planned and causing-excitement show? Probably. But never on this podcast. For the final (for now) Japanese Chapter—recorded in a tiny ryokan atop audible tatami mats—we dive into city pop, brother's folk, futuristic funk, female hip-hop, island breeze and new wave, all suitable for waking you up on this Sunday Morning. Hit play! Be glad you did! 2023-12-0942 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS —VOL LXXVIII (The Japanese Chapters) From the base of Mt. Fuji and from inside one of those space capsule hotels, it's five tracks from a hip, rocking, steamy, racy, swingin' 1950-70s Japan, featuring a seedy actress, anime theme song producer, Tokyo's Serge Gainsbourg and the always dreamy Tome Kitagawa (photo). Plus a bit more, but coming in under 30 minutes! How's that for a polite, efficient, innovative and fascinating show/country? Hit play! 2023-12-0322 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS VOL. LXXVII— THE JAPANESE CHAPTERS From a gorgeous Osaka and an even-more-gorgeous no-longer-freezing-in-a-tent, it's your absolutely favorite Sunday Morning show. This week, we dive deep, deep into old vinyl—journeying everywhere from a boogie-woogie 1940s Tokyo, to protests tracks of the 70s, funky stuff from Jiro Inagaki, and much much more. So sit right there, sip that coffee, and let's travel to some dreamy old magic from a yesterday Japan... courtesy of Rough Sundays!  2023-11-2625 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS — VOL. LXXVI (The Japanese Chapters) A traveling show this week—one from the park, the ferry, the tent and the hotel—but it doesn't stop us from digging up some of the goodness from a 1960s-80s Japan. Funk + soul kicks it off, some near-electro, then to country + folk, then summer + blue and finally with some sexy + robot. Is that too many "+" for you? Then may we suggest a smooth jazz show. This is Rough Sundays, live from Northern Japan!  2023-10-2931 minKeep The Hotel EmptyKeep The Hotel EmptyKeep The Hotel Empty #9 - All Hail The QueenToday we have kept the hotel empty to welcome in Cassandra and Jordan from the bagpipe featuring, dynamic post-hardcore band, All Hail The Queen. In today's episode, the duo discuss their DNA as musicians, what brought them together, and their new EP titled In Search of Grace. Please enjoy. Support KTHE on Patreon! ------ Follow All Hail The Queen: Instagram - Facebook - Website - Spotify ------ Follow KTHE: Patreon - Instagram - Facebook - YouTube2023-10-2257 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS VOL. LXXV— (The Japanese Chapters) The colors might be starting to change here in Hokkaido, but the purpose of the show isn't—to wake you up nicely on your Sunday Morning, courtesy of music from wherever we are. And what a where we be! The magic, mysterious and mayhem-ic Japan. With tracks this week ranging from the 1960s-80s, featuring funk, soul, jazz, "city pop" and what one artist referred to as, simply, experimentalism. So sit back and let us—and more importantly, the good stuff coming from this archipelago—handle your next half an hour. Rough Sundays, the Ja...2023-10-2228 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS — VOL LXXIV (The Japanese Chapters) From a farm outside of Hokkaido, it's the first of what we hope are many shows from Japan. We kick it off with some Tokyo soul from the early 70s, then move from pop-princess turned disco queen, to sultry swing, funk from the early 80s and a whole lot more.  Rough Sundays, totally from Japan, you guys! Hit play. 2023-10-1533 minRough SundaysRough SundaysROUGH SUNDAYS VOL. LXXIII From a tiny island south of South Korea, it's probably the best Sunday Morning wake-me-up show featuring old gospel, jazz, funk and blues coming to you from a tiny island south of South Korea. Some Pacific religion, feel-good Doris Day, songs about rain, Algerian gems from the 50s, a big baby talkin' bout struggle and much more. So sit back, sip back and let us handle this for the next 20 or so minutes. Rough Sundays, you heard!  2023-10-0822 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. LXXII High above the Mekong in the gorgeous old town of Luang Prabang, Laos comes 25 minutes of a proper Sunday morning wake-me-up, featuring not one, but two Queens of New Orleans, gay black British poets, some gospel from 1917, a recently lost voice and much, much more. So sit back and let us handle things for the next half-an-hour, would'ya?  2023-07-2324 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. LXXI Coming to you from high atop the Pokhara Mountains, Nepal, it's totally Rough Sundays, you guys! We dive into much goodness—including France's last great troubadour, the lady who made Bob Dylan, old Trinidadian Calypso by way of a 1940s Harlem, as well as the Queen of Havana, the two deaths of Sam Cooke, outlaw country and much, much more.  So sit back. Sip black. Hit play. And let us start your Sunday morning off the way it should be... by you doing absolutely nothing.  2023-04-2331 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. LXX Coming to you from the famed Apostle Studios in Pokhara, Nepal, it’s your hopefully favorite Sunday Morning wake-me-up show! We start with some new Haitian, go back 102 years to New Orleans, a track you only know from the sample, a little ticklin’ from Taj, plus the late great Cameroonian doing his own voodoo… plus much more. It’s Rough Sundays! You’re in the right place! Huzzah!  2023-04-1627 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. LXIX Hardly a show to set your clock to—our first in five months and second in the past year—but still probably the best Sunday Morning wake-me-up coming to you from the Northern suburbs of Kathmandu. We start with a bit of French influenced pop from a sunny 1960s California, diving into some Nepalese Afrofunk, a visit from the inimitable Dasha who introduced us to the Ukrainian LELÉKA, some boogaloo from Queens, as well as some sounds from an Everest Base Camp trek...  Plus a whole lot more. So sit. Coffee...2023-03-1933 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays: Vol LXVIII What was thought to have been 4 months since the last show has actually been 7—the last episode coming from Namibia—and who knows why it started back up again this morning… but here we are. A newer track to kick things off, a bit of half-French pop, some Irish melancholy, Brazil’s Queen, some New Jersey collab, New Orleans gospel and much more.   It’s the 68th chapter of your favorite (albeit, unpredictable) show, Rough Sundays! Available in Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts and more. 2022-10-3032 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. LXVII From a theres-a-mamba-on-the-loose campsite in a tiny strip of land that borders five countries, it’s a proper (African) wake-me-up, featuring 1960’s Guinean orchestras, Senegalese serenades, one of Ethiopia’s best performing live in Paris, a politically-charged Zimbabwe track and a style of music that was illegal up until the 1980s in a tiny island off the coast of Madagascar… plus a whole lot more. So pour that coffee. Find somewhere comfortable. And let us handle the next half-hour or so. Rough Sundays, hooray!  2022-03-2941 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. LXVI From Namibia’s infamous Skeleton Coast, it’s the greatest Sunday morning podcast coming from Namibia’s infamous Skeleton Coast! We kick things off with some Cape Town Flowers via Abdullah Ibrahim, and then get back into the magic of Soweto, the parallel line from African-to-Cuban music, Super Mama’s and Africa’s cutest and most talented couple... plus much more. It’s 33 minutes of pure audible gold!  2022-03-2033 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. LXV From the empty, confusing, captivating and gorgeous land of Namibia—thus the three-day delay—it's your favorite (we're assuming) wake-me-up, featuring some of the best vintage tracks that Africa has to offer, including the Bad Girl of Pop doing gospel, three (yes) songs with ties to Soweto, some Benga Blues out of Kenya, a Malian + Guinean duet, and the catchiest Kwaito tune we've heard in ages—maybe even years. And while we normally say "Sit back", this show is incredibly upbeat, so... stretch. Coffee. Boogie. Things like this. Alright.  2022-03-1639 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. LXIV Think having Covid and being stuck near the Namibian border would keep us from having a show THINK AGAIN—and despite not *quite* being there isn’t going to stop us from starting an introduction to Namibian music either. From the Voice of the Resistance to the 1996 Song of the Year, Namibian reggae and the very first “Kwaito” track ever to sneak into the studio (currently: a canvas cover sticking out of the Defender). All of that, plus a Dolly Parton duet with one of Africa’s best guaranteed to melt your cold, cold heart. It’s Rough Sunday2022-03-0633 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. LXIII The final show from Cape Town before we leave for the distant barren lands of Namibia, featuring some of the best Sunday Morning African Music you’ll ever hear… in one place, at least. From a 1970s Senegal to literally the happiest song ever recorded, a track from a Gambian “griot” (photo) + a lesson on why griots are so vital to West African culture, another track from the crowd favorite Ebo Taylor, some Congolese rumba and much, much, much more. It’s Rough Sundays!  2022-02-2737 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. LXII From under a canvas canopy in a quiet campground off the coast of Southern South Africa, it's 35 minutes of pure gold coming from the continent—from the Cuban-sounding 1980's Togo to the leader of Senegal's musical resurgence, some nasty + naughty funkadelic goodness from Soweto, a little more Nigerian "High Life" and yet another from the Ethiopian Elvis... plus some live-from-Carnegie Hall Portuguese + David Byrne magic. And much more. So sit back, pour a big cup of something strong and start (or end) your day off properly. Brought to you by Race Point Seltzer, it's Rough Sundays! ...2022-02-1336 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. LXI We fly halfway around the world and allllllll the way back down for more African goodness—a trip that’s been 5 months in the making, and one guaranteed to lead to us discovering some true gems from this continent. From the two Queens of South Africa to diving back into Highlife + Palm Wine music from Ghana and Nigeria, to a duet brought to you by Aric’s friend who he met under a dinosaur after not knowing who Lin-Manuel Miranda was. All of this, plus a New England track so smokey, you’d think it was a cigar co...2022-02-0634 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. LX What was supposed to be a show from a brand new adventure is actually a gorgeous hotel room in New York City (more or less) as we wait on a flight out BUT THE SHOW MUST GO ON AND GO ON IT DOES with the late Ronnie Spector, a Nigerian doctor, Ella + Chick, some Horace Silver goodness and what is perhaps the greatest New Jersey duo ever recorded… plus much more. So sit back, fill up that coffee mug and enjoy half an hour of Rough Sundays – brought to you by Race Point Seltzer.  2022-01-3033 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. LIX Final show from The States and exactly 30 minutes, we kick it off with French cowboy tunes, a famed group from the 1920s Jazz Age, discuss a recent documentary on NAS and then have a listen to his father play, another possible argument re: the forming of Buena Vista Social Club, old Patterson Singers bringing the rafters down with revival gospel and a whole lot more. Plus, a weekly track from New England, courtesy of our sponsor Race Point Seltzer. All of that and more! Yes seriously! Hit play!  2022-01-2330 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. LIII Second to last show from the States and probably going to win the award for "Best Sunday Morning Music" in the EVER category, we kick it off with some proper gospel from the 1940s, move onto the ever-chipper Hoagie Carmichael, along with some Ann Peebles breaking up homes, the greatest New Orleans musician you've never heard of, a live James Cleveland (aka "The King of Gospel") and rounding it off with a dive into Native American sounds... plus a lot more. You do the coffee and the sitting, and we'll handle the rest. It's Rough Sundays!  2022-01-1638 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. LII (Texas Edition) Live-ish from the Lone Star State and our biggest show to date, it’s the Texas (sized) edition of Rough Sundays, taking you back to turn of the century blues, live performances from Woodstock, a car conversation with Professor Robert Darden — founder of the Black Gospel Music Restoration Project and previous guest on the show — about his favorite gospel track of all time, and a story that had both he and host Aric S. Queen in tears. Speaking of Aric, we’ll also revisit his cringe-worthy teens as a radio deejay, plus a tale of seeing Will...2022-01-091h 13Rough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. LI (Christmas ‘21 Edition) We* didn't know what to get you so went a bit overboard in this year's extra-special Christmas Edition. From kicking things off with Mahalia Jackson doing a classic to a live favorite from a 1948 bebop holiday show, three New Orleans tracks, a bit of British Jazz from war times, plus Johnny, Etta and Otis... plus the two holiday films you've never seen + a completely illegal recording of a recent show that host Aric S. Queen attended with his parents and much more. It's nearly an hour of TOTAL MIRTH, so pour you something cheerful, sit back, and...2021-12-2357 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. L (Missouri Edition) Is there a more passed-over state than the flyover one of Missouri? So easy to think of New Orleans, Chicago and New York when it comes to music, but this tiny midwestern spot boasts two cities that greatly contributed to the evolution of music—St. Louis and Kansas City. And it's the latter where we join you from today, with performances from a famous preacher lady from the 1930s, jazz's most-famed performer (who you might have forgotten was from MO), the most powerful American woman ever born (and who you might have forgotten released only one album) and th...2021-12-1948 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLIX Back with another easy-peasy lazy-dazy wake-me-up episode—just over 30 minutes and probably our best musical lineup to date. Old school Aretha doing gospel, Milt Jackon's finest, a newer track from Kevin Morby and a most-wonderful pairing of Haitian funk with New Orleans jazz. Not to mention a live performance from Mr. Pitiful himself, Otis Redding—as well as another reminder that host Aric S Queen stalked his family... twice. So do the coffee thing, sit back and let us wake you up nicely, would'ya? It's Rough Sundays! 2021-12-1238 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLVIII Back after a 3-week break and the first show from the United States in over a decade, it's your weekly breakfast cocktail of gospel, blues, funk, soul and tolerable jazz. We kick it off with the track that sparked the idea for this show, and then head into French Pop, New Orleans royalty, Bob Dylan's hero, Los Angeles religion and even some Lee Dorsey... plus a lot more. So make your coffee. Get your coffee. Sip your coffee. And let us handle the waking-you-up part—in less than 25 minutes. It's Rough Sundays! 2021-12-0524 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLVII The final show from Istanbul - for a while, at least - and it is a DOOZY. New Orleans gospel and South African acapella and a bit of New Orleans funk and then the Godmother of Rock n' Roll and then the Queen of Rock n' Roll and sooooo much more. Hit play to ensure a most-wonderful Sunday! 2021-11-0731 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLVI Another slow, sunny Sunday here in Istanbul and an absolutely phenomenal (we ran tests) show to get you up and into it. From Patsy Cline to 70s Turkish funk, mamas + papas + triplets, New Orleans "fluttering" and a gorgeous track from the Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré—it's Rough Sundays, hooray! 2021-10-3132 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLV Blue skies in Istanbul—peppered with the occasional police helicopter—means a fun and upbeat Rough Sundays this week. From Oscar Peterson to mustachioed French crooners, a song made famous by a famous American television show and an Italian track so insane, it'll make your jogging soundtrack. It's 32 minutes of pure Sunday bliss, so get listening!  2021-10-2432 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLIV Back from a three-week hiatus, but bearing musical gifts to make up for it. From the raw power of Son House to the Ethiopian Elvis, some proper James Cleveland revival sounds and not one, but two Queens — one Cuban, the other New Orleans. It's half-an-hour of wake-me-up-slowly Sunday goodness. Hit play!  2021-10-1736 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLIII A bittersweet final show from South Africa — a country that provided more sites, sounds, color, culture and confusion than any other place we've done the show from — and it's a celebration of the best tracks we've uncovered these past three months. From the controversial Brenda Fassie to the sounds of Soweto provided by my tour guide Lerato, a few more upbeat + anti-apartheid tracks and we end it all with an appearance from GoPhari, who explains the importance of the final song - one that was forbidden to be sung in the 1970s. It's Rough Sundays - The Best...2021-09-1947 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLII Our second-to-last show from South Africa and packed with some gorgeous old tracks — from the inventor of "Zumba" to one of the most moving choir performances you'll ever hear, some more penny whistling and even "The Voice of South Africa" making an appearance.  2021-09-1232 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XLI: Songs Against Apartheid While the evils of apartheid justifiably made the top headlines, it was the music coming both from within — and later, from outside — that drew international attention to one of the world's darkest chapters. But they weren't dark songs - quite the opposite, in fact; deceivingly upbeat and catchy. So join us for an (incredibly) brief overview of what exactly apartheid was, but more for the incredible tracks made to speak out against the racist government... including one that will absolutely surprise you. From Cape Town, South Africa, it's Rough Sundays.  2021-09-0549 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XL An XL show (our 40th!) and an XL lineup. Half an hour of old South African music — featuring two gems from the township of Soweto, more Mbaqanga, Joseph Shabalala and friends live, a bit of Boyoyo and yet another track from the incredibly addictive Amaswazi Emvelo. Plus much, much more. It's Rough Sundays - live from Cape Town! 2021-08-2931 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXXIX Without knowing it, host Aric S. Queen used an incorrect term when talking about a certain group of people and was not only called out, but found himself in some serious trouble, so in order to (begin to) right this wrong, an apology show was put together — a show so good that not only do we go back to Soweto for some township goodness, but we’re also joined by singer / writer Laura Jansen — of whom you can see in the new film “Annette” alongside Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard — to talk about Miriam Makeba’s influence on her. Not to...2021-08-2251 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXXVIII From the base of Table Mountain here in Cape Town, it's another episode exclusively dedicated to South African jazz + swing—namely from the townships and most pre-1960. From "marabi" to penny-whistling, Skylarks & Kings, it's 26 wonderful minutes of Rough Sundays—South Africa!  2021-08-1526 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXXVII Was there ever a more controversial album than "Graceland"? From assassination attempts to UN boycotts, cultural appropriation to apartheid, plagiarism to grenades being thrown into studios, it's hard to make the case for any other being surrounded by so much drama. In our third and final look at the stories and South African musicians behind the album in question, we hear from Ladysmith Black Mambazo's disappointment, Good Rockin' Dopsie's pretty good case for stealing and why Los Lobos (still) hate Paul Simon... plus much more. Coffee + "play" + enjoy.  2021-08-0840 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXVI: Graceland, Part Two Assassination plots and grenades thrown at the person in question might sound like something out of a movie, but this - along with a whoooooooole lot more controversy - actually happened to Paul Simon after he released Graceland. In Part Two of a three-part series, we dive into not only the South African musicians who made this into one of the Top 100 Albums of All Time, but the true story about the uproar, outrage and hit put out on Simon. Coffee + sit back + hit play… you know the drill. It’s Rough Sundays - live from Durban, SA!2021-08-0157 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXV: Graceland, Part One It's Oprah's favorite album of all time. It might be your favorite album of all time. It's definitely host Aric S. Queen's favorite album of all time. And in 1986, it gave the sounds of South Africa a worldwide stage — and one that launched bands like Ladysmith Black Mambazo into the well-deserved spotlight. But it also would become one of the most controversial albums of all time, too; the backlash including UN sanctions, hits put out on Paul Simon and even three grenades tossed into his storage unit. So, since we're down in South Africa, we're going to no...2021-07-2546 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXXIV While the past six days have been chaotic, violent and - at times - terrifying, yesterday saw thousands of residents of all shape, color and culture cleaning up what was burnt, looted and/or destroyed. And with that, a celebration of the country of South Africa — famously infamous if all you unfairly base your version on is what happened 30 years ago. But it's a handful of tracks, a few stories and even our favorite guide Lerato taking us to another spot in Soweto where an upbeat-yet-secretly-about-apartheid song was penned. Plus much more. Make coffee. Hit play. Sit ba...2021-07-1838 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXXIII Our second show from Joburg, South Africa and a star-studded one. No really. Famed travel writer Farirai Sanyika joins us to teach the proper way to pronounce those "Zulu clicks", tour guide Lerato takes us to the bottom of a mine where one of the world's most famous songs was composed (and later stolen), not to mention the Mahotella Queens, Elite Swingsters, Dolly Rathebe and a penny-whistle'r who would have been world famous if not for Bob Dylan... plus a whole lot more. So pour a big cup of coffee. Sit way back. And welcome to South...2021-07-1129 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXXII Our first show from Africa — South Africa, to be exact — and what an incredible place to be. So incredible, that we've made THE FIRST SHOW FROM AFRICA YOU GUYS an entirely South African one. From the voices you know via Paul Simon to two songs dedicated to the neighborhood not far from me here in Johannesburg, to the bad girl of Afropop, some Pata Pata and even a track by Mama Africa herself. And while this show* was formed on moving slowly, this week it might make you do the exact opposite. Pour coffee. Hit play. And welc...2021-07-0427 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXXI The final show from Istanbul before a BIG NEW ADVENTURE and it's the Roughest Rough Sundays in a long while — much in part to a going-away party that ended in a near-scuffle with the police. Recorded in bed, we've got the Godfather of Rap and a story that can't be told, 22+1 skiddos, the Queen of Gospel, songs about wine and we dive back into the book Midnight at the Pera Palace for one final track from a 1930s Istanbul... plus a lot more that I've probably forgotten about. Oh yeah, a nice song heard here on the fe...2021-06-2732 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXX If it's music that'll make you pop out of bed, you've come to the wrong show. But if it's an easy, lazy Sunday morning mood you're after CONGRATULATIONS - you chose wisely. From the women who invented rock n' roll to one of the world's most-talented choirs, to France's most controversial export and ugly kids, plus how Easy-E got away with stealing one of soul's most catchy hooks. And we end it all with the sounds from a mystic Islamic sect here in Istanbul. Make coffee. Hit play. Move slowly.  2021-06-2035 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXIX A moody, overcast and grey morning here in Istanbul sets the scene for a fantastic show — despite the hungover host's attempts. From Zamrock to Dinah Washington, a passage from a book that leads to the first recorded Turkish Tango, plus blind boys, some old school Jimmy Hughes and a conversation with my barber that leads to the most sampled track in musical history. It's Rough Sundays, okay great!  2021-06-1329 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXVIII Back from a week away and Good God! do we have some goodness to play you this week. From Louis Armstrong's questionable employment pre-trumpet to a Jesus-based funk album, to Django and his brother (plus story of the fire in his Romani camp), as well as a journey back to 1993, when an CD appeared at the mall in Tulsa, Oklahoma and ended up taking 4 teenagers' heads off... plus much more. Grab coffee. Press play. You know the drill. It's Rough Sundays! (Subscribe in Spotify)  2021-06-0635 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXVII Probably the most upbeat show to date and rightfully so. We kick it off with some New Orleans goodness and then a roller-coaster of Partons and Wilsons, Cannonball and Dizzy, plus much, much more. Recorded in Istanbul and heard ALL AROUND the world - it's Rough Sundays! 2021-05-2328 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXVI All over the place in the most wonderful of ways, it's your totally favorite Sunday morning wake-me-up! We cover a James Brown cover, one of Little Britain's most powerful women, the magic of Michel Gondry and how he + Mos Def helped introduce a younger generation to the great Fats Waller, not to mention some Marion Williams goodness, some stories from life back in New York (and Shanghai), your (and our) new obsession doing her "organic moonshine roots music" ... and, most importantly, an update on last week's guest, Ben.  Make a cup of coffee (make it b...2021-05-1641 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXV: Congo This is Ben. Ben is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but now lives as a refugee with his wife and 3 children in South Africa. They're about to be evicted. And we want to pay his rent — a bit of an abrupt way to start the show, sure, but it's important that you know that above anything else. In the weeks we spent putting this show about Congolese music together, he was also being unlawfully kicked out of his apartment. This was a story host Aric S. Queen read from a friend of his on Facebook an...2021-05-091h 01Rough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXIV If you think something like a three-week lockdown + police helicopters flying overhead in the background is going to keep all of us here at Rough Sundays from getting you your totally favorite podcast of all time, then think again! From a 1957 Newport Jazz Festival track to finding out why Sarah Vaughn isn't mentioned with the greats, to Ethiopian jazz from the 1970s, Count Basie doing his thing, some New England love - brought to you by RacePointSeltzer and even some 90s hip-hop... plus much more.  Make coffee. Hit play. Sit back. And start your Sunday o...2021-05-0232 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays —Vol. XXIII From a rainy and quiet Istanbul, it's the show scientifically designed to last the EXACT amount of time for you to have a cup of coffee, as well as getting you up and slowly moving on a Sunday morning. This week is just that, featuring 3 Mississippi Mamas, the 17-year-old who got his start with Coltrane (only to be gunned down in a club by his wife), as well as the Ethiopian Elvis, a conversation about whatever happened to Bill Withers plus the Queen of Disco. It's Rough Sundays! All you have to do is hit "...2021-04-2539 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XXII From a locked-down + Ramadan-ing Istanbul, it is PURE SUNDAY GOODNESS in aural form—featuring two old school gospel tracks, Ella + Ray, doo-wop and a new selection of old New England tracks brought to you by Race Point Seltzer. Plus much, much more. Click play, make coffee and enjoy your Sunday how they're supposed to be.  2021-04-1829 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — XXI From the greatest hotel in the world — the Grand Londres in Istanbul, it's 28 minutes guaranteed to wake up and get you moving in the most delicious of ways: gospel, funk, soul, more gospel, some Motown and a brand new section of New England tracks brought to you by Race Point Seltzer.  Make coffee. Click play. Clap your hands. And subscribe in Spotify!  2021-04-1128 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XX (Easter Edition) Despite occasionally veering off into doo-wop, hip-hop, surf rock and more, the basis of this show will always be old gospel tracks, so to celebrate Easter, we revisit those roots with nearly an hour of 80% live gospel music from way back, as well as a story (plus recordings) of being in the First African Baptist Church in Savannah a few years back for Easter. So put on the coffee. A big hat and handkerchief.  Because we taking you to church this Sunday.  2021-04-0450 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XIX Our last show from Macedonia and our second-to-last show from the Balkans and it's probably the best one so far. We get back to our gospel roots with two old-time tracks, then go to Haiti for some feel-goodness, then to Mama Soul and a discussion as to if she was the greatest backup singer of all-time, a few other surprises and - most importantly - what will become (or already is) your Spring/Summer 2021 song.  All that and more! Hit play! And hooray for Rough Sundays!  2021-03-2832 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays —Vol.XVIII This week's episode shocks listeners by being both recorded in North Macedonia, but having absolutely nothing to do with North Macedonia! And that's not all. We start with a Donny Hathaway live track, move back-and-forth from gospel to New Orleans, back to Motown, some teenage Sam Cooke and then an absolute banger to get you moving... plus an accidental tea recipe.  It's Rough Sundays! Hit play and be joyous.  2021-03-2132 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays —Vol. XVII The third and final show from Kosovo, featuring Voodoo priests, better covers of a famous track, some proper old-time gospel, Nigerian High Life music and a discussion about the newest film "The United States vs. Billie Holiday"... plus a lot more. Make coffee. Click "play". Be happy.  2021-03-1433 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Bahamas Bonus "Johnny Cakes" Bit of a deviation from our normal show format, but well worth it. Five years ago, while host Aric S. Queen was living on his sailboat in the Bahamas, he and his editor Sun produced a pilot for an investigative NPR-like travel show called "Journey Cakes". In the first episode, he sailed around nearly all of the country's islands trying to track down the history, secrets, darkness and mystery of its national snack "Johnny Bread".  2021-03-1031 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays—Vol. XVI The second show from Kosovo and probably the best podcast you've ever heard from Kosovo with the name "Rough Sundays". This week, we dive back into some old Cuban classics, Mr. and Mrs. Candi Staton, songs about crawfish and the Bahamas + stories about crawfish and the Bahamas, plus we pay tribute to a reggae legend we lost this week. AND we have fun. So sit back, sip that coffee, ignore the kids, pretend you haven't been sitting in that same chair for over a year and let us handle 33.28 minutes of your Rough Sunday(s).  2021-03-0733 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays —Vol. XV Look, we don't want to brag, but this is probably the first gospel music-based podcast from Kosovo that you've ever heard, so if for no other reason to listen this week... However, if you need a bit more of a push, we've got the High Priestess of Soul, the Thunderbolt of the Midwest, two from France's naughtiest crooner and one of the most famous actors of all-time donning a Caribbean accent for his virtually-unknown Calypso album... and a lot more.  It's Rough Sundays. FROM Kosovo. Subscribe and listen in S...2021-02-2833 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays —Vol. XIV What do oysters + wine + 2am, two notable deaths, a 17-year old deejay from Tulsa and friends of both Thomas Edison & Mark Twain have in common? It's all part of the 14th (yes) episode of Rough Sundays. Make coffee. Have a seat. And let us handle things for half-an-hour.   Subscribe in Spotify!  2021-02-2124 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays Vol. XIII — New Orleans with Christopher Gargiule Three years ago, on the eve of Mardi Gras, we phoned up Christopher Gargiule, aka "Brother Chris", aka "The Prince of New Orleans" to talk all things about that magical city. From the explanation of a Second Line to Mardi Gras Indians, the history of different krewes to just getting caught up in a little magic, it quickly became one of the most popular shows ever to appear on Rough Sundays. For whatever reason, it disappeared online and had to be tracked down by some tech-savvy folks (who did so at no cost as they...2021-02-141h 09Rough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays —Vol.XII A day late, but that's because it's such a good show that Spotify thought it was done by professionals and wanted to make sure we weren't stealing.  Back down the rabbit hole of Ethiopian Jazz, the resistance and resistance of New Orleans, the realness of Satan and one of the catchiest gospel tracks you've never heard. Plus a whoooooole lot more. Subscribe in Spotify!  2021-02-0828 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays — Vol. XI A stone's throw from the Bosnian border, it's Rough Sundays Vol. XI, featuring Civil Rights hymns, Nigerian Palm Wine music, a coffee-soaked Holiday, Elvis vs. Cultural Appropriation and just who, exactly, kidnapped Fats Waller and forced him to stay up for 3 days playing his piano. Subscribe in Spotify!  2021-01-3132 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays - Vol.X Despite what the pictured high-fashion would have you believe, probably the best show since the recent reboot. We go from Palm Wine music coming out of West Africa, across the Atlantic and down to Brazil, followed by some Blind Boys and then probably the greatest live gospel performance ever recorded and a few more tracks after that. It's Rough Sundays — live from Novi Sad, Serbia! [Subscribe in Spotify] 2021-01-2434 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays Vol. VIX A doozy of a show, featuring gypsy jazz from the 1930s, two old-time gospel tracks, a song about okra + a tribute to Mr. Okra, Brenda Lee and much, much more. Subscribe in Spotify. Be kind to animals. And have a great Sunday!  x 2021-01-1727 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays -Vol.VIII From a snow-covered Belgrade, it's Rough Sundays! Featuring some old Texas blues, old-time religion, jungle fever, some hipster feel-good, plus a continuation the story of the Romani and their music. We then end it all with a tribute to one of the greats that we recently lost.  Make coffee. Click play. And enjoy your Sunday. (Subscribe in Spotify!) 2021-01-1038 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays - Vol. VII From Belgrade, the first episode of 2021! Featuring gospel from the 1930s, Brazilian goodness, Cuban delights and an introduction to gypsy jazz.  Rough Sundays Vol VII. Subscribe in Spotify. See ya later. 2021-01-0333 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays – Christmas EditionFrom an old apartment overlooking downtown Belgrade, it´s Rough Sundays - back from a month off (computer died), but in no way are we missing an excuse to fill your hour with mirth and jolly. So pour a drop of something cheerful and let some old holiday tunes keep you warm.  Happy Christmas!!!     2020-12-2255 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays Vol. VIFrom underneath the bells of a medieval church in Montenegro (and then later a balcony overlooking the bay), we're back with the Queen of Gospel, a voice that was built on Sundays, Sam Cooke's original band and a story about how host Aric S. Queen stalked Otis Redding's family... twice. It's Rough Sundays, Vol. VI!  Subscribe in Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts and more.  2020-11-1533 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays Vol. V From Northern Albania, we've got gospel from the 1930s, Senegalese goodness, live version of a now-passed on legend, 1970s soul and even a bit of Albanian street busking. Rough Sundays! Subscribe in Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, TuneIn FM and more.   2020-11-0133 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays Vol. IV From a cafe table surrounded by gypsy jazz in Tirana, Albania (and then another cafe table, and then finally at home), it's the 4th installment of our wake-you-up show, featuring a bit of Mardi Gras magic, French "yé-yé", gospel from the 1930s, a bit of monopolized funk and a very, very special audio recording at the end. It's Rough Sundays Vol. IV! Subscribe in Spotify, Amazon, Google, etc. Hooray!  2020-10-2533 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays Vol. III From the lobby of the Grand Hotel de Londres — built in 1892 for passengers arriving on the Orient Express—it's our third show back with some dreamy Sunday morning picks: a summertime in New Orleans track, some local Turkish jazz from the 1970s, some forgotten Chicago gospel and why you should always be afraid of the Inkspots... plus much more. It's Rough Sundays Vol. III, live from Istanbul!            2020-10-1826 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays Vol. II The final show from Bangkok if host Aric S. Queen doesn't die from his going-away party hangover first. Fortunately, there are some absolute gems in here to get everyone moving (slowly) this Sunday. Lord, Lord, Lord - Shannon Powell Baby, I'm In The Mood For You - Odetta Boliviana - Ibrahaim Ferrer Yègellé Tezeta - Mulatu Astatke Ofege - It's Not Easy Louis Prima - The Next Time (Live) Subscribe in Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts and basically just about every other place except iTunes which we're still wa...2020-10-1140 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays (Reboot) Vol.01 From under a mosquito net in an old teak house up in the hills of Northern Thailand — back and hopefully for the last time — it's Rough Sundays! 30 minutes of 5 tracks guaranteed to get you moving after a large Saturday night.    Tracklist:   1. Yusef Lateef - The Plum Blossoms (Rudy Van Gelder Remaster) 2. Kamasi Washington - Street Fighter Mas 3. Gal Costa - Palavras No Corpo  4. Ebo Taylor - My Love and Music 5. Jimmy "Bo" Horne - Gimme Some   Click to subscr...2020-10-0131 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 15: Ragtime (For A Bad Time)When things are a bit shit, there's no better remedy than a bit of ragtime. And if you're not feeling at least a little bit better after 40+ minutes of it, we don't know what to tell you. Lots of moxy in this week's episode, see! Here's what's what! - Scott Joplin – Maple Leaf Rag The Mariners Trio – Happy Feet Phil Baxter and His Texas Tommies – If I Had You and You Had Me Fred Rich & His Orchestra – As Long As We’re In Love Three Keys – Hee...2018-06-2542 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 14: ScotlandMaybe it's the shiite weather or maybe it's the amount of alcohol consumed per capita, but something about Scotland makes for a living soundtrack to slow Sunday mornings. - Beta Band – Dry the Rain The Proclaimers – I’m On My Way Belle and Sebastian – String Bean Jean Annie Lennox – A Whiter Shade of Pale Donovan – Catch the Wind Finley Quay – Your Love Gets Sweeter Teenage Fanclub w/ De La Soul – Fallin’ Bay City Rollers – Give A Little Love Frightened Rabbit – I Wish I Wa...2018-06-1045 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 13: Sunday Songs with 'Summer' In ThemBack from holiday with an absolute banger of a show. The original title was: "Sunday Morning Songs That Include the Word 'Summer' In Them That You Probably Don't Know and Even If You Do, They're So Good, You'll Want To Hear Them Again Anyway" ... But that takes an hour to write, so you're stuck with the shortened version.  Here's what's what: Jerry Keller - Here Comes Summer The Flaming Lips - It's Summertime Bay City Rollers - Summerlove Sensation The Diamonds...2018-05-2729 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 12: Thirty Minutes in New OrleansAfter our breakout star who is Brother Chris of the Chart Room - who was the focus of not one but two of our favorite shows - we made it a rule to never talk New Orleans without him. Meaning this week's show - another one highlighting the magic that comes from the Crescent City and during her second week of Jazzfest - we present to you half an hour (exactly!) of songs and artists you need to know from New Orleans.   Tracklist: Allen Toussaint - Soul Sister Kermit Ruffins - Drop Me Off...2018-05-0630 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 11: Christopher Gargiule and JazzfestWas there a better show than the one a few months back with Brother Christopher Gargiule - known to some as the "Prince of New Orleans"? We doubt it. And with Jazzfest happening kicking off this weekend in New Orleans, we thought we'd bring him back for some more of that magic that only he, and that city, can bring. Tracklist below:  Kermit Ruffins Tribute to Louis Armstrong – St James Infirmary (Live) Tab Benoit – Nothing Takes the Place of You Mahalia Jackon – Just A Closer Walk - Part One (Live) Mahal...2018-04-2951 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 10: Tyson Meade, The Godfather of Alternative MusicTyson Meade is one of the last great rockstars. As quirky as he is kind, as talented as 1001 Insta-famous kids these days. He and his bands Defenestration and the Chainsaw Kittens fueled the alternative scene of the early 90s and bands like the Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana have both accredited Meade with being the reason they exist. From hanging with Iggy to moving to Shanghai to teach English, his most-recent album which dropped yesterday and his running for congress, prepare to meet a legend deserving of the title.  David Bowie - Big Brother Patti Sm...2018-04-2259 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 09: Little Britain and the Songs You Might Not KnowIt can be said that no other place - aside from Detroit - provided so many musical revolutions as England. In this episode of Rough Sundays, we look back at the history of artists you probably know, but with tracks you might not. Here's what's on tap: - Blur - Under the Westway The Good, The Bad and The Queen - 80s Life Amy Winehouse - Teach Me Tonight (Live) Elvis Costello - Shoes Without Heels The Cure - Six Different Ways The...2018-04-1528 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 08: Paris with ThibaultWhy are the French such jerks? Why are they always so sad and in love at the same time? This, plus a gorgeous handful of Sunday morning Parisian tracks - await you in this week's episode... Recorded around 3am, piss-drunk, on the back streets of Pigalle. C'est magnifique, non?  2018-04-0828 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 07: Rise - An Easter ShowYou've got a lot to do this Easter morning. Need a bit of help getting out of bed? Behold, our "Rise" edition! A quick 19-minute show of old and upbeat gospel songs guaranteed to move both believer and heathen booty.   2018-04-0119 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 06: Denver Nicks and the Mississippi Delta [Adult Language]Famed author Denver Nicks talks about his experience in the Mississippi Delta, the art of suffering and his recent piece in Rolling Stone, as well as playing some of his favorite blues tracks.  2018-03-1045 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 05: Laura Jansen [Adult Language]She's gone gold and platinum with her debut album "Bells", one of her songs has over 10 million hits on YouTube and she's graced the cover of magazines like Marie Claire. But that was only one chapter of the fascinating life of Laura Jansen. She joins the show today to talk free clothes, leaving it to work with refugees for a couple of years and what it's like returning to the music industry.  Listen and subscribe on iTunes! Photo cred: laurajansen.com  2018-03-0458 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 04: The Best Live Gospel Tracks Ever RecordedThere's the Golden Age of Gospel, and then there's the Golden Age of Live Gospel. In this week's episode, we go deep, deep into the vault of vinyl and pick out of the the best tracks ever recorded. And no matter what god you pray to - if any - prepare to be moved.  2018-02-2549 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 03: New Orleans' Chart Room with Christopher GargiuleTo explain New Orleans - be it in prose or verse - is impossible. Fortunately, there's a little bar in the French Quarter, looked over by a man named Brother Chris, that comes close. From getting caught in a second line to the Mardi Gras Indians, this is just about as close as you'll get. Welcome to the Chart Room.  2018-02-1957 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 02: Northern Soul with Duncan ForganIs it a genre or a sub-genre? With a range that stretches from Dusty Springfield to Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels, Northern Soul can be hard one to define. Fortunately, our guest this week - writer Duncan Forgan - is here to explain it all, as well as play some of his favorite tracks.  2018-02-1028 minRough SundaysRough SundaysRough Sundays 01: The Golden Age of Gospel with Robert DardenIn the first episode back after an 8-year hiatus, host Aric S. Queen is joined by author and founder of the Black Gospel Music Restoration Project, Professor Robert Darden, who talks hidden civil rights b-sides, the joy and pain of cataloging and why - in particular - old gospel music will always stand out amongst the rest.    [Photo courtesy of Wacoan. Background music courtesy of Ben Sound] 2018-01-2832 min