This is FRESH AIR. We've got one more in today's lineup of R&B, rockabilly, and rock 'n' roll interviews. Some of the greatest soul and rhythm and blues recordings wouldn't have been made if not for ...
Formed in the New York University dormitory room of punk-turned-hip-hop-DJ Rick Rubin in 1984, Def Jam Recordings has grown to become one of the most iconic record labels on the face of the planet.
One classic R&B record almost had Jay-Z's name attached to it. Despite being a rapper with 13 albums to his name (even more if counting collabs), the Brooklyn native was never shy about showing his ...
Wexler produced hits for Atlantic Records by Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett, and is credited with coining the term "rhythm and blues." He died in 2008. Originally broadcast in 1993.