This year, KCSM is proud to partner with NorCal MLK 2026 Music and the Movement. The MLK2026 Celebration Program will feature a celebration of music and the civil rights and social justice movements. We will celebrate the 60th anniversary of KCSM Radio, with a documentary screening and a historic conversation with KCSM media personalities, Clifford Brown, Jr., Jesse 'Chuy' Varela, Dr. Robert A. Franklin, Miranda Wilson, and award-winning music artist Tiffany Austin. For more information: https://norcalmlkfoundation.org/mlkcelebration/mlk2026/the-mlk2026-celebration-program-music-and-the-movement/

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dan Odum this past December 2025. Everyone, from students to colleagues who have passed through the doors of KCSM owes a debt of gratitude to Dan, it is because of his vision and efforts as an radio instructor that so many got their start in radio and helped shape KCSM for the future. (click story headline for more)

Hundreds of listeners gathered last week to start their holiday celebrations and the festive season with KCSM. It was an evening of good friends, good food and great live jazz! A Special thank you to everyone who brought a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive. Lots of local kids will have a happier holiday because of your generosity. (click story headline for more photo)

Maud Hixson. I talk with vocalist Maud Hixson about her CD Don’t Let A Good Thing Get Away and its focus on the compositions on Mickey Leonard.

Abstract SoundsAbstract Sounds are a 6-piece alternative jazz fusion band, centered around saxophonist Jevaughn Bogard dedicated to living at the intersection of jazz soul, bass and funk.Dancing shoes are required for this performance, which features Patrick Duke Graney on Percussion, Frank Alouishus on Keys and Trumpet, Ashton Thomas on Drums, Aaron Grayer on Bass, Robert Morrow on Keys and Jevaugh Bogard on sax, and from a March 21st, 2025 performance Daniel Peck is your host for Abstract Sounds…Live at the Bop Stop.

1946: Jukebox Rhythm Review, Part 2. Our old Rockola Jukebox is once again in the forefront as we spotlight the biggest Rhythm & Blues jukebox hits of 1946. This week, in part 2, we'll focus on the second half of the year, featuring three #1s from Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five. During 1946, Jordan held the top spot on the Race Record Chart for an incredible 35 weeks. The King Cole Trio scores one of their most memorable hits, "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons," which tops the Pop Chart, but only makes it to #3 R&B. The Ink Spots continue to dominate, but like Nat "King" Cole, they're scoring bigger Pop Hits. Jay McShann tells us about his "Voodoo Woman Blues," while Roosevelt Sykes takes us down that "Sunny Road." T-Bone Walker, Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup and Julia Lee make appearances as well as Bull Moose Jackson, who makes his first chart appearance in the middle of 1946 for Queen Records. Matt The Cat wraps up 1946 with movie and sports highlights and as always, the "story behind the story," on some of the greatest blues and rhythm records of all-time.

Gregory Porter in Conversation. Gregory Porter’s voice broke onto the scene over a decade ago. Flowing out of the gospel church, it’s a voice of dignity, in the mode of his hero, Nat King Cole. A voice of reassurance, whether aiming for the heavens or a single soul. It’s also the voice Porter’s own experience, going back to his childhood in California. He opens up about that journey in conversation with our host, Christian McBride. We’ll hear about his transition from sports to theater to music, and about the meaning behind some of his soul-baring songs.

Abstract Sounds are a 6-piece alternative jazz fusion band, centered around saxophonist Jevaughn Bogard dedicated to living at the intersection of jazz soul, bass and funk. Dancing shoes are required for this performance, which features Patrick Duke Graney on Percussion, Frank Alouishus on Keys and Trumpet, Ashton Thomas on Drums, Aaron Grayer on Bass, Robert Morrow on Keys and Jevaugh Bogard on sax, and from a March 21st, 2025 performance Daniel Peck is your host for Abstract Sounds…Live at the Bop Stop.

The Cotton Brothers (pictured) sing New Year’s musical selections. The remaining Gospel Memories program pays tribute to the late Richard Smallwood.

Coming Soon.

Paula Giddings and Art Shell. This week’s program features two outstanding guests, Paula Giddings and Art Shell. Giddings is a historian, Civil Rights activists and writer. One of her publications is entitled, Ida, A Sword Among Lions: Ida B Wells and the Campaign Against Lynching. As the former Head Football Coach of the Los Angeles Raiders, Art Shell became the second African American head coach in the history of professional football and the first in sports modern era. Shell is a member of the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame.