Howdy, Classmates! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast all about decolonizing the arts and arts education, Lincoln Center's ART CLASS! This week, we're talking all about Black folks' contributions to folk and country music, which we're told is very much in the zeitgeist thanks to the queen of everything, Mrs. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter. We'll be joined for a chat by musician, scholar, and all around lovely person, Jake Blount, who takes us through his journey to the heart of Black folk music both on and offstage (0:14:40). Later, we're joined by author and friend of the show, Kao Kalia Yang (0:51:48), for another inspirational Career Day for all you up-and-coming writers. And of course, the Morning Announcements with Emile (0:48:05) and a moment of Pure Black Joy (0:58:09). (Spoiler alert: somebody wrote about us in a book!) So take your seats, y'all, because class is in session!Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Mabolé Inawale)Guests: Jake Blount, Kao Kalia YangContributor: Emilia MettenbrinkProducer: Rocky Jones--Extra CreditTo read more about country and folk music’s Black roots (through a queer and feminist theory framework), check out Francesca T. Royster’s Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions.--LinksJake Blount (Website) (Insta)Kao Kalia Yang (Website)• Pre-order Where Rivers Part: A Story of My Mother’s Life now and check out the book release party on 3/19!Raising the Curtain: Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Arts (Now available for purchase!)Rhiannon Giddens (Website)Fort Worth African American Roots Festival (Website)--New episodes of ART CLASS drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. For more info about the show, please visit lincolncenter.org/ArtClass. Email your questions or comments to artclasspod@gmail.com.--Thanks to Our Supporters!Major support for Campaign for One Million Kids provided by Leonard and Judy LauderLead support for educational programming is provided by AnonymousMajor support for educational programming is provided by LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust and The Walt Disney CompanyAdditional support is provided by Constans Culver Foundation, NBCUniversal, the Richmond County Savings Foundation, Alice L. Walton Foundation, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the Theodore H. Barth Foundation, The Katz Family Charitable Lead Trust, Tom and Musa Mayer, the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Giants Foundation, Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, Inc., William Sherman, trustee for the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Charitable TrustEducational programming is made possible, in part, with public support facilitated by New York City Council Members Julie Menin and Keith Powers