Music Inside Out

Series produced by Music Inside Out

Series image

Music Inside Out with Gwen Thompkins is a weekly, one-hour radio broadcast featuring the people of Louisiana who’ve devoted their lives to America’s music. What makes their music so varied and satisfying is the influence of other cultures — an ongoing dialogue with the rest of the United States and the world.

The interview series from Gwen Thompkins and the producers of Music Inside Out explores Louisiana music-makers. The series debut in 2012 featured Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Marcia Ball, Sonny Landreth, David Simon, the Zion Harmonizers and Shannon Powell.


Find out more about the program.

44 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Caption: Ellis Marsalis, Credit: Snug Harbor
Ellis Marsalis joins Gwen Thompkins for a wide-ranging talk about his life in music - from modern jazz pianist, to jazz educator, to father of four...

  • Added: May 20, 2020
  • Length: 51:58
Caption: Robin Barnes
Robin Barnes was born and raised in the Lower 9th Ward, shuttling between her parents’ and grandparents’ houses and singing the songs they liked to...

  • Added: Nov 16, 2018
  • Length: 52:00
Caption: Bill Malone, Credit: Narayan Mahon
Country music historian Bill Malone writes about Southern life with the immediacy of someone who’s lived it. The authoritative voice in Ken Burns’...

  • Added: May 17, 2020
  • Length: 51:59
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Over the years, guests of Music Inside Out have described any number of approaches to making a living in music. But artists need the approbation t...

  • Added: Nov 21, 2018
  • Length: 52:00
Caption: Sylvan Esso
Sylvan Esso began as two people who couldn’t sit still. In 2013, the singing songwriter Amelia Meath and the performing producer Nick Sanborn were ...

  • Added: Aug 22, 2018
  • Length: 52:00
Caption: Erica Falls
She may have started 20 feet from stardom, but she’s gained a lot of ground in the meantime.

  • Added: Apr 18, 2018
  • Length: 52:00
Caption: Rebirth Brass Band
On this program, we talk about brass bands in general and the Rebirth Brass Band in particular. The music is loud and lovable, so turn it up.

  • Added: Mar 15, 2018
  • Length: 52:00
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The most heavily traveled road in American music begins in black church congregations, (i.e., Baptist, AME, and Pentecostal, among others), and lea...

  • Added: Jan 27, 2018
  • Length: 51:59
Caption: Luke Spurr Allen B&W
Luke Spurr Allen has been a part of the New Orleans nightlife since leaving his hometown of Salinas, CA more than two decades ago, and his songs ar...

  • Added: Nov 16, 2017
  • Length: 52:00
Caption: Dr. Michael White, Credit: Derek Bridges
To Dr. Michael White, it's not just a clarinet, but a time machine. “I listened to Johnny Dodds’ recordings. I listened to Sidney Bechet. I listen...

Bought by KMUW


  • Added: Nov 09, 2017
  • Length: 52:12
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Fats Domino
The Founding Father of Rock and Roll

Bought by KCSM and KAZU Seaside, Calif.


  • Added: Oct 26, 2017
  • Length: 52:00
  • Purchases: 2
Caption: Allen Toussaint
Gwen Thompkins revisits past conversations with Allen Toussaint in celebration of his life and music.

Bought by Prairie Public and WYSO


  • Added: Nov 12, 2015
  • Length: 52:00
  • Purchases: 2
Caption: George Porter Jr.
The world renowned bassist, composer, bandleader and founding member of the Meters talks with Gwen about his life in music.

  • Added: Oct 15, 2015
  • Length: 52:00
Caption: Rebirth Brass Band, Credit: Mark H. Anbinder
featuring Matt Sakakeeny and the Rebirth Brass Band

Bought by KMUW


  • Added: Oct 02, 2015
  • Length: 51:59
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Sweet Crude, Credit: Zack Smith
Keeping Louisiana French Alive

  • Added: Sep 24, 2015
  • Length: 52:00
Piece image
The soundtrack of childhood.

  • Added: Sep 17, 2015
  • Length: 52:00
Caption: Luke Winslow King, Credit: Matt Robinson, Elephant Quilt Productions
New Orleans-based songwriter and guitarist Luke Winslow-King talks with host Gwen Thompkins about his life in music.

  • Added: Sep 10, 2015
  • Length: 52:03
Caption: Rickie Lee Jones
Singer, songwriter and musician Rickie Lee Jones chats with host Gwen Thompkins about her life in music, moving to New Orleans, and her most recent...

Bought by Prairie Public


  • Added: Sep 03, 2015
  • Length: 52:03
  • Purchases: 1
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Here's a great hour to run during the Easter season -- or during the New Orleans Jazz Fest. The Zion Harmonizers are rooted in the quartet singin...

Bought by KAAD-LP, WGBH Radio Boston, WNMU-FM, WNMU-FM, Radio New Zealand and more


  • Added: Apr 04, 2014
  • Length: 52:06
  • Purchases: 7
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Few piano players are as tall, glam and terrific as Marcia Ball. Born in Texas, raised in Louisiana and schooled in the dance halls and roadhouses ...

Bought by Prairie Public


  • Added: Apr 03, 2014
  • Length: 52:03
  • Purchases: 1