Craig's Pop Life: A Black gay podcast Podcast

Craig's Pop Life: A Black gay podcast

Craig Seymour
A Black, gay celebration of song with Craig Seymour, author of Luther: The Life & Longing of Luther Vandross; All I Could Bare: My Life in Strip Clubs of Gay D.C.; & Who's Your Daddy? His forthcoming book is Special: The Life & Artistry of Janet Jackson (March 2019). Throughout his career, Craig has interviewed Jackson, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and many others. He holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from UMCP, and his research is housed at the Archives of African American Music & Culture at Indiana University.
The Truth About Diana Ross
This is a review of a concert by Diana Ross. Craig Seymour reflects on Diana Ross's impact as an iconic figure and the lessons her songs have taught.
May 17, 2024
9 min
Craig's Pop Life: Be Careful What You Say To Me
talks about the significance of The Village Voice and how he got his first piece published in the paper. Seymour discusses Tricia Romano's excellent The Freaks Come Out To Write: The Definitive History of The Village Voice, the Radical Paper That Changed American Culture, and quotes from music critic Ann Powers and Richard Goldstein about the importance of the publication. Seymour reflects on his journey to writing for the paper and shares his review of Sparkle's "Be Careful" and its significance to '90s R&B.
May 13, 2024
21 min
Music of Black Gay Pride
In this episode, I discuss the music of Black gay pride.
Mar 23, 2024
20 min
Aretha Franklin - A Rose Is A Rose
In this episode, I read my 1998 review of Aretha Franklin's A Rose Is A Rose.
Mar 17, 2024
14 min
My First Music Review
I reflect on my first music review and what it's meant for my life.
Mar 10, 2024
21 min
Pride 2022 Episode: A Talk with Marc Sadane
James Baldwin, Phyllis Hyman, Sylvester, Larry Levan, Cissy Houston, her daughter Whitney, Luther Vandross, Labelle -- you likely know most of these names, but you might not be familiar with singer Marc Sadane or Sir Dane, as he is also known. Throughout his extraordinary life & career, he's crossed paths with all these folks and has the stories to tell. I am so honored to be able to share my conversation with him. This is history, y'all.  Mr. Sadane also features in my recent HITS article: "How Black Gay Men Changed Pop Music" Part I Part II Mr. Sadane's Facebook Page Links to a few songs we discuss: Marc Sadane - "One Minute From Love" Marc Sadane - "One Way Love Affair"  Marc Sadane - "Never Gonna Stop This Heart Of Mine" Stephanie Mills - "Don't Stop Doin' What 'Cha Do"
Jun 19, 2022
1 hr 26 min
Cultivating Blackness: A Conversation About Teena Marie
In this episode, I talk with musician/writer Tim Dillinger about his essay "Remembrance: Teena Marie." (https://soulmusic.com/perspectives-teena-marie-remembrance/). Here's a playlist of the songs we discuss during our discussion: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/18teHvU0MdgEjlCojTCQrk?si=3eb3b26a4ff04fb5. Other links: Tim's article "New Time Religion: The Holy Ghost Falls Down in the Club, Reclaiming Tramaine Hawkins’ Mainstreamed Gospel:" https://godsmusicismylife.substack.com/p/new-time-religion-the-holy-ghost?s=r Craig's Pop Life Playhouse: https://www.craigspoplifeplayhouse.com/
Apr 17, 2022
1 hr 53 min
Aretha Franklin's A Rose Is Still A Rose
In this Black Music Month special episode, I reflect upon my review of Aretha Franklin's 1998 album A Rose Is Still A Rose. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter. Thanks!
Jun 1, 2021
33 min
Ep 40: Christmas Music Show w/ Beyoncé
Craig talks about his favorite Christmas music. Includes a 2001 interview with Beyoncé about Destiny's Child's 8 Days of Christmas.
Dec 23, 2019
46 min
Ep 39: Review of Prince's memoir The Beautiful Ones
My review of Prince's memoir The Beautiful Ones
Nov 9, 2019
33 min
Load more