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Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of music based on the use of "blue notes." It emerged in Black communities of the United States from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads.

Friday Nite Videos | February 26, 2021

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AOC Explains Why the Green New Deal Is Necessary. Barre | Songhoy Blues. Capitol Rioter Turned in to the FBI by Ex-Girlfriend. Amazon Workers in Alabama Fight for a Union. Three Minutes to Mars: Perseverence Touches Down.

Barre | Songhoy Blues

Malian blues rock band Songhoy Blues performing "Barre," an original song from their latest album Optimisme, live outside in Bamako, Mali. Barre—meaning "change" in Songhai—calls on the youth to rise up and take action.

Friday Nite Videos | December 25, 2020

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The True Story Behind Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Merry Christmas Baby | Keb' Mo'. The Dissident | Are You Ready for the Truth? "Twas The Coup Before Christmas". AlphaFold: The Making of a Scientific Breakthrough.

The True Story Behind Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

This is the true story of the life of Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, the “Mother of the Blues,” and the subject of the Netflix film starring Oscar-winner Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.

Merry Christmas Baby | Keb' Mo'

Turn it up and enjoy this bluesy rendition of "Merry Christmas Baby" performed by our friend Keb' Mo'. Happy Holidays!

Friday Nite Videos | November 13, 2020

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Election Results 2020 | John Oliver. What Are mRNA Vaccines? Legal Trouble Trump Could Face Once He Leaves Office. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom | Movie. I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP!

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom | Movie

An upcoming American drama film directed by George C. Wolfe and written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, based on the play of the same name by August Wilson. Featuring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.

Friday Nite Videos | March 6, 2020

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Coronavirus | John Oliver. Rock Me Baby | Beverly "Guitar" Watkins. Surge | Movie. Hold Truth to Power. How to Tell Matter From Antimatter.

Rock Me Baby | Beverly "Guitar" Watkins

Beverly "Guitar" Watkins performing with the Rick Fowler Band at the Foundry in Athens, Georgia. The energetic 78-year-old blues legend has been performing since the '50's when she was a member of Piano Red's band.

Friday Nite Videos | 12-20-19: Holiday Music Special

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"Once Upon Impeachment," A Late Show Animated Christmas Classic. Otis Taylor | Resurrection Blues. Bob Dylan | Long Ago, Far Away. Don McLean | Vincent ( Starry, Starry Night). Bob Marley | Get Up Stand Up.
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