Special Programming and Highlights

WYXR celebrates the legacy of Doug Sahm with the fifth annual Groover’s Paradise. This two-hour special honors the Cosmic Cowboy himself with deep cuts, rare grooves, and heartfelt stories from those who knew him best. Featuring call-ins from Sahm collaborators Ernie Durawa, Jimmy Stallings, and Mike Buck, this episode captures the spirit, humor, and soulful sound of one of Texas’ most beloved musical icons. Tune in and soak up the beautiful vibrations from this annual tradition of cosmic country celebration.

Nashville artist Joelton Mayfield joins WYXR to talk about the making of his emotionally raw debut album Crowd Pleaser. Recorded in a barn with a cast of friends, the record blends alt-country grit, Southern Gothic storytelling, and personal reflections on faith, family, and heartache. Mayfield opens up about the creative process, recording in the wake of a breakup, and how Southern roots and DIY spirit shape his sound.

Experience this Stereo Sessions conversation featuring Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound, Oblivians) and Pat Sansone (Wilco) in dialogue with special guest Greg Reding. Together, they trace Reding’s role in Hot Dog and illuminate a vibrant, often overlooked chapter of Memphis rock experimentation. With reverence and firsthand perspective, the trio explores the creative spark and scene that helped shape a lesser-told corner of the city’s musical legacy.

Before his upcoming show at Hernando’s Hideaway with The Roadhouse Band, Ryan Davis called in to Song on the Radio to chat with Robby and Winston about the new record, the live show, and more.

Dance music DJ collective Bodywerk came home to WYXR to share songs and memories on-air.

Ben, Nathan and Michael of Dead Soldiers join Amanda to debut a few unreleased tunes before their CivilWarLand Record Release Show at Crosstown Theater.

Memphis rap queen, La Chat, and the Queen of Memphis Soul, Carla Thomas, talk music and life as global stars onstage.

Iconic jazz ambassador Branford Marsalis has a convo with Sam Kaplan ahead of the appearance of the Branford Marsalis Quartet at The Orpheum Theatre during Southern Heritage Classic weekend.

Box of Records host Zac Ives spins selections from the 22nd annual Gonerfest, happening the last weekend of September in Memphis. Special guests drop in, including Greg Cartwright (The Hypos), Natalie Hoffman (Optic Sink), J.B. Horrell (Aquarian Blood), Hot Tub Eric, and more.

The Queen of Memphis Soul Carla Thomas swings by to chat with Tonya on Welcome to Neosoulville!

Today we welcomed Sun Records artist Coyle Girelli into the WYXR studio for a special live session. He performed songs from his brand-new record and talked about his collaboration with songwriting legend Mac Davis. We also explored his wide-ranging career and the influences that continue to shape his music.

Special guest Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, heir to Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios dynasty, will detail Billy Always’ album and the studio’s stark transition from the Hi Rhythm band sound of the 1970s to the synthesizer-centric soul sound of the 1980s.

Special guests The Masqueraders, who recently revived their career on America’s Got Talent, reveal the hidden secrets behind their soul success in-studio.

The Bluff City Vice crew takes over The Crooked Beat for an hour of music that’s inspired their own band, plus conversation ahead of their show at Jack Robinson Gallery on Saturday, August 23.

Tune in for an hour of music as we journey into velvet rage, chaotic desire and radical realms of a new Queer World. Gay Wrath is here with your guest host Chaz Buttz.

Relive a powerful night of music history as Rev. Charles Hodges revisits his early years touring with soul-blues legend O.V. Wright and reflects on the making of Wright’s 1973 album “Memphis Unlimited.”

Get a closer look at the Overton Park Shell schedule with Shelby and Lauren, who both host shows on our station and both happen to be staffers at our lovely local amphitheater. Explore the sounds that will be rocking the town with their special mix featuring the performers confirmed for the Shell’s upcoming fall season.

A poet, storyteller, and lyrical force, DXPE bends words into worlds that move between spiritual dialogues with God and raw reflections on survival in the city he calls home 〽️ A proud member of @stoneheartmg , DXPE recently released “The Spring’s Soliloquy”, the final chapter of his long-running Season Pass saga which he has been crafting since 2021. He’s sliding through The OZone to talk music, Memphis, meaning, and MOREGOODTHINGS. TRUST, you don’t want to miss this conversation. 💬

Memphis-based experimental musician and DJ W1ND0W steps into the booth for a special edition of “Strange Wave” with host Natalie Hoffmann. This hour-long guest mix celebrates the release of W1ND0W’s bold new album, For All The Femmes, out now. Tune in for an unpredictable sonic journey shaped by one of the city’s most boundary-pushing selectors.

Host Joe Restivo, a jazz and rock guitar virtuoso along with Jared “Jay B.” Boyd offered a ritical commentary on Newborn’s importance to Memphis’ jazz legacy, as well as his delicate balance between jazz innovation and commercial acceptance.

Meeting in the Middle 2025 brings together students, rising musicians, and industry professionals for a candid conversation about building music careers in Memphis. Hear two panels discuss networking, creative entrepreneurship, and using local resources to thrive in the industry. Presented in association with Blue Tom Records at the University of Memphis.

In this special Valley of the Dolls broadcast, DJ Divje Babe brings together three visionary artists—W1NDOW, Suroor, and Cel Shade—for an hour of sonic resistance, glitchy futurism, and ambient intensity. Featuring experimental soundscapes and a preview of Memphis’ first-ever People’s Pride, happening June 13 at Havenhaus.

DJ Kay and Miss Goldie Dee Collins took over Finders, Keepers for a Pride Month celebration filled with fierce, fabulous, and free-spirited tracks from LGBTQIA+ icons and allies. This high-energy mix is a love letter to queer joy, dancefloor liberation, and the power of self-expression.

Amy Jackson joins host Willy Bearden to reflect on the music that’s shaped her journey—from life alongside the late Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns to her current work recovering royalties for overlooked musicians. A conversation about legacy, purpose, and the power of a well-earned paycheck.

Ahead of the Human Radio Stereo Session on May 14th, bandleader Ross Rice stopped by Song on the Radio to chat with Robby and later, The Big G, about Memphis, getting signed to a major label in the early 90s and a lot more. Listen back!

Fresh off their Riverbeat performance, Memphis alt-rock band Joybomb joins “Sonosphere” for a rare acoustic session. Stripping back their usual high-energy sound, the band offers intimate renditions and insight into the stories behind their songs.

Walt Phelan hangs out with Lauren Veline and plays some tunes!

Da’s Pallet stopped by to play some music with Amanda on Finders Keepers!

Caroline Rose joins Liv on The Drop to talk about their new album, Year of the Slug, and their upcoming tour, which stops in Memphis at Hernando’s Hideaway on April 11.

Memphis naves The Narrows stopped by to play music on A Corner Called Jazz

Tim Prudhomme sits down and plays some tunes with Mike Brown on Somewhere There!

Raneem Imam stops by to hang with Trinity Adair during the 2025 Spring Pledge Drive!

Memphis native producer & engineer Diamond V joins OZI for an exclusive interview, where she dives into what sparked her passion for music, the creative process behind her upcoming album, and how her collab with Houston legend Paul Wall came to life!

Non-binary filmmaker & composer Cel Shade brings you an hour of metal roots, hip-hop beats, and experimental textures LIVE in the WYXR studio.