[New] Justin Holland: The Guitar’s Black Pioneer

On the first day of Black History Month, KQED features a radio special about Justin Holland, a Black, too-often unrecognized classical guitar pioneer. Holland was a musician, abolitionist and educator in the 19th century. He wrote more than 30 original compositions; many transcriptions of popular operas and songs; and a range of respected, influential books on guitar pedagogy. A contemporary of Frederick Douglass, his activism included working with the Underground Railroad.

In American Public Media’s Justin Holland: The Guitar’s Black Pioneer, Holland expert Professor Ernie Jackson discusses his life, work and influence with a personal reflection on how Holland’s music offers him hope and inspiration. With more recognition, perhaps it can offer the same to all of us.

Justin Holland: The Guitar’s Black Pioneer airs on KQED Public Radio 88.5FM on February 1, at 10pm and repeats on February 2, at 1am. You can also stream it on the KQED App. —Devin Holt, On-Air Digital Programming Assistant

Podcasts

What are the best podcasts to listen to right now? We asked Assistant Manager of Radio Operations Robert Marceda for his recommendations.

Starter Episode

“The Story Behind the Bay Area’s Favorite Sandwich Bread” Bay Curious, a podcast that explores the more curious aspects of the Bay Area, was such a find for this Bay Area transplant. I’m a foodie and was lucky to find an episode where I can get some answers to the unique foods of my new home. I always assumed San Francisco was all about sourdough, but Bay Curious set me straight!

Starter Episode

“Jerry Lee

Lewis: The Killer and Getting Away with Murder”

Music? Murder? Mayhem? What’s not to love! Exploring the most insane criminal stories surrounding music legends is always fascinating. I particularly love learning about stories that happened before my time. Start Disgraceland from the beginning with Episode 1 about Jerry Lee Lewis and the unbelievable ways he got away with murder.

STARTER EPISODE “Arrival on St. Helena”

I found the Extremities podcast during the lockdown when I yearned to travel to far-flung places. I imagined what it must be like to live in a nonpandemic bubble in some of the world’s most isolated places. I was always particularly drawn to St. Helena, one of the hardest places to reach and Napoleon’s place of exile. Who needs Amazon when Extremities delivers the world to your door!

Activate Your Passport Benefit

Sustaining members and donors at the $60/year level can choose from more than 2,000 exclusive KQED and PBS shows in our on-demand library with KQED Passport.

To activate the KQED Passport benefit, please go to kqed.org/passporthelp, where you’ll find everything you need to start streaming. To change your membership amount, please contact Member Services at 415.553.2150 or at kqed.org/memberhelp.