Overview

Rhapsody in Black blasts open two hours of early African American music every Saturday, delivering the electric sounds of classic blues, R&B, and street corner harmony from the 1930s to the '60s. Host Jim Dawson goes deep—past the mainstream—turning the dial straight to the artists and communities that made the music, with stories and tracks you won’t hear anywhere else. No AI, no watered-down covers—just the heartbeat of Black American music, preserved and celebrated.

This show is a living archive and a joyful rebellion, shining a spotlight on the creators who shaped our culture but rarely got their due. Rhapsody in Black connects generations, brings history to life, and keeps the soundtrack of resistance and joy pulsing through our city. For anyone hungry for roots, truth, and the real thing—tune in and say it loud: “Great Googly Moogly!”

History & Legacy

Rhapsody in Black traces its roots to the mid-1980s, when the show was launched by Bill Gardner to celebrate classic blues, R&B, and vocal harmony traditions too often sidelined by mainstream radio. Jim Dawson inherited the show, carrying forward its mission with deep expertise and first-hand connections to the artists who shaped the music. Over decades, Rhapsody in Black has grown into a living archive—preserving rare recordings, sharing untold stories, and hosting special guests like Ray Regalado and Anthony Gonzalez. Through regular interviews and community-based storytelling, the show has become a trusted resource for honoring Black music history, amplifying the legacy of musicians and communities that defined the American sound. Bill Gardner still makes occasional appearances, linking the show's past and present as it continues to serve listeners of all generations.

Host

Jim Dawson

Jim Dawson was raised on the backroads of West Virginia, cutting his teeth on the raw energy of 1950s R&B and rock ’n’ roll. Since landing in Los Angeles in the late ’70s, Jim’s dug deep—interviewing dozens of Black musicians and their families, writing liner notes for a hundred records, and authoring books on the roots of rock. On Rhapsody in Black, he brings an ear for deep cuts, a storyteller’s spirit, and a lifelong devotion to the people and neighborhoods who kept this music alive.

Recent Episodes

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Keep the real music rolling. KPFK is powered by people—not corporations—and every gift supports radical, independent radio that lifts up the voices and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Stand with community, honor Black artists, and keep Rhapsody in Black thriving. Donate today—this belongs to all of us.