Song Travels with Michael Feinstein

The renowned "Ambassador of the Great American Songbook" and five-time Grammy nominated performer Michael Feinstein hosts Song Travels, a series examining how popular standards and show tunes have evolved through the years. From the production team that brought you Piano Jazz, the program expands upon the genre of American Popular Song and reimagines it for a new century.

Each week a new guest joins Feinstein for intimate explorations of the journeys of songs and the artists who perform them. The line-up spans the musical spectrum, from Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler, to violinist Joshua Bell and Pink Martini pianist Thomas Lauderdale, and U.K. current pop sensation Rumer, bringing the Great American Songbook to a whole new audience. Each guest shares their passion for the songs through solo performances and duets with Feinstein, illustrating the continuing development of the songs across time.


Program Listings
June 19, 2013
Wayne Brady
Wayne Brady became a star improvising on the popular TV show Whose Line It Anyway? The singer/actor/dancer/comedian also has appeared on stage in Rent and Chicago, and hosts TV game show Let’s Make A Deal. Brady discusses the musical influence of Sammy Davis, Jr. and Sam Cooke. With musical director Cat Gray at the piano, Brady performs the Cooke classic “You Send Me” and Feinstein joins him in a duet of “It’s Only A Paper Moon.”

June 26, 2013
Rickie Lee Jones
Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Rickie Lee Jones has been pushing down musical boundaries for over four decades with her hauntingly beautiful voice. She has carved her own unique path, collaborating with artists from Alison Krauss to Dr. John. On this Song Travels, Jones employs her sultry, dynamic voice on the music that has inspired her along the way.

July 2, 2013
Mark O'Connor
Grammy-winning violinist Mark O'Connor is one of the most multifaceted fiddlers on the scene today, equally at home playing bluegrass, country, jazz, and classical. A serious educator, his approach to teaching strings is considered a rival to the Suzuki method. Feinstein and O'Connor get together for Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin'" and George Gershwin's "Summertime" on this week's Song Travels.

July 9, 2013
Sheldon Harnick
Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick has been a pillar of Broadway for over 50 years. His hit musicals include Fiorello!, Fiddler on the Roof , and The Phantom Tollbooth. On this Song Travels, Harnick takes listeners on a musical journey through his career with stories and song.

July 16, 2013
Valerie Simpson
Singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson and her late husband Nick Ashford formed one of the most powerful singing and songwriting duos of the modern era.  These undisputed master architects of soul and R&B penned hits including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "I'm Every Woman," and "Solid." Simpson reminisces about their work and life together and shares the music that resulted from their amazing collaboration.

July 23, 2013
Chris Young
Singer/songwriter Chris Young was the winner of the reality TV series Nashville Star in 2006 and has been a consistent presence on the Country charts and music awards shows ever since. In 2010, he was nominated for his first Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. With guitarist Kevin Collier, Young brings his rich voice to a set of original songs and old favorites, including "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."

July 30, 2013
Dena Kaye
Dena Kaye is the only daughter of larger-than-life entertainer Danny Kaye.  Danny Kaye was a man of boundless talents: singer, actor, comedian, humanitarian, and much more. He is widely known for his roles on Broadway and in films including White Christmas and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.  His daughter has lived her life mostly out of the spotlight as a journalist, author, and humanitarian. On this Song Travels, Dena Kaye looks back on her late father's career as well as the role he played in life: her dad.

August 6, 2013
Madeleine Peyroux
Vocalist Madeleine Peyroux started out busking on the streets of Paris.  Today she's an acclaimed performer whose voice instantly recalls the Golden Age of radio no matter what the tune. She's recorded folk tunes, standards, and her own original songs. On this edition of Song Travels, Peyroux discusses the importance of Ray Charles as a musical mentor and host Feinstein accompanies her on "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter."

August 13, 2013
Hunter Hayes
Rising Country star Hunter Hayes performed as a four-year old with Hank Williams, Jr. and played at the White House at just seven. On his debut album, Hayes performed on all of the instruments and was rewarded with three Grammy nominations in 2013. On this week's Song Travels, Hayes performs original songs including the chart-topping hit, "Somebody's Heartbreak."

August 20, 2013
Rob Schwimmer
Composer/pianist Rob Schwimmer has worked with top artists including Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, and Bette Midler and has penned scores for Oscar-winning short films and for television. He is also a master of the theremin-the instrument best known for the spooky music heard in classic horror and sci-fi movies. He joins host Feinstein to talk about the endurance of standards and to perform a few of his favorites.

August 27, 2013
Eric Hutchinson
Singer/songwriter Eric Hutchinson self-released his first album after his record label folded, and he soon found himself in the top ten on iTunes' album chart. A wry lyricist with a gift for catchy melodies, Hutchinson draws inspiration from the masters, including Lennon and McCartney, Elvis Costello, Stevie Wonder, and Cole Porter. On this week's Song Travels, he shares the secret to his powerful brand of pop with host Feinstein.