August Greene, the collaborative effort of Common, Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins, was born at the White House in 2016 during a special Tiny Desk concert. It was during that unprecedented performance that the then-untitled ensemble premiered the powerful “Letter to the Free,” an original song for Ava DuVernay’s Netflix documentary 13th that eventually won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. For the trio’s first visit to NPR headquarters, they brought some s

Jackie Queens: The Voice of House Music Jackie Queens  is a Zimbabwean-born singer and songwriter who has made a significant impact on the house music scene. Known for her soulful voice and empowering lyrics, she has become a prominent figure in the genre, blending elements of deep house, soulful house, and Afro house. Early Life and Career Born in Zimbabwe, Jackie Queens moved to South Africa, where she spent over a decade honing her craft. Her journey in music began with