Ray Charles Audio

Saxophonist Maceo Parker helped create the sound of funk in the 60s as right-hand man to James Brown. But before that he was influenced by Ray Charles . Parker pays tribute to Charles in a new two-disc album featuring him singing with Germany’s WDR Big Band. Maceo Parker joins us to talk about the record, "Roots & Grooves." Maceo Parker performs Wed. Jun. 18 at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple at 8pm, as part of the JVC Jazz Festival.

The gurus of how-to, Al and Larry Ubell , answer your questions on home repair! Give us a call at 212-433-9692, or leave a comment.

Most people can sing at least a few lines from the songs that opened television shows like "Gilligan's Island," "The Brady Bunch," or "The Jeffersons." Yet few programs today kick off with a musical explanation of the series' premise. We ask Eric Deggans, media critic at the St. Petersburg Times, why the TV theme song is an endangered species. And longtime lyricists Marilyn and Alan Bergman talk about creating themes for "Good Times," "Alice," and other hit shows. Tell us : Do you have a favorite TV theme song? Do you miss opening themes? Our blog : John proposes a mash-up of two TV themes .

For the past week, Soundcheck listeners have weighed in with their favorites in four Grammy categories. Today we announce the results of our online poll. Later, we ask professional poker player and music fan Matt Lessinger how he'll bet on the Grammys. And USA Today reporter and columnist Michael McCarthy explains why Grammy wagers are part of a growing corner of online gambling, proposition bets.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day with an hour of activist gospel music. Here’s the playlist: Untitled Instrumental, Sister Wynona Carr ( Dragnet for Jesus ) "I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me," J. Earle Hines with St. Paul’s Baptist Church Choir "Everybody’s Gonna Have a Wonderful Time," Rosetta Tharpe with Dependable Boys "This Old World," Goldia Hayes ( The Great Gospel Women ) "I’ve Got Religion," Mme. Edna Gallmon Cooke with Radio Four ( Radio Four ) "By and By," Roberta Martin with Martin Singers ( All God’s Sons and Daughter s) "The Old Ship of Zion," Norsalus McKissick & Martin Singers ( When Gospel Was Gospel ) "There’s a Man," Eugene Smith with Martin Singers ( All God’s Sons and Daughters ) "Walk Around," RH Harris with the Soul Stirrers, 1939 ( Fathers and Sons ) "Touch the Hem of His Garment," Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers ( The Original Soul Stirrers ) "Lord Hold My Hand," Jess Whitaker with Pilgrim Travelers ( Kings of Gospel Highway ) "Jesus Be My Keeper," Cecil Shaw with the Union Spiritual Singers "Move On Up a Little Higher," Mahalia Jackson ( Legend: Best of… ) "Move Upstairs," Bessie Griffin with Alex Bradford and the Bradford Singers, 1958 ( Even Me ) "I Feel the Holy Spirit," Clara Ward "The Moan that Keeps Homes Together," Marion Williams "Father I Stretch My Hand to Thee," Rev. C.L. Franklin ( Movement Soul, Vol. II – ESP DISK) "Denomination Blues, Part 1," Washington Phillips "Amazing Grace," J. Robert Bradley ( When Gospel Was Gospel )

Most people can sing at least a few lines from the songs that opened television shows like "Gilligan's Island," "The Brady Bunch," or "The Jeffersons." Yet few programs today kick off with a musical explanation of the series' premise. We ask Eric Deggans , media critic at the St. Petersburg Times, why the TV theme song is an endangered species. And longtime songwriters Marilyn and Alan Bergman talk about creating themes for "Good Times," "Alice," and other hit shows. Weigh in : What's your favorite TV show theme song? Do you miss them?

Singer Peggy Lee sold 20 million records by the 1960s and unlike most of her peers, was also an accomplished songwriter. But she also never overcame a deeply troubled childhood. Peter Richmond , author of "Fever: The Life and Music of Miss Peggy Lee," joins us to talk about her life and musical legacy.

Tony-winning director Julie Taymor and Oscar-winning composer Elliot Goldenthal talk about the challenges of narrowing down the 200-plus songs in the Beatles catalogue for their movie musical, "Across the Universe." The film opens this Friday in New York.