Fascinatin' Rhythm

WXXI's Fascinatin' Rhythm presents of popular American music from Stephen Foster to Stephen Sondheim, in the context of their relationship to American history. Every week, host Michael Lasser (full bio) offers a rich mix of singers, songwriters and songs to explore the history and themes of American popular music. In 1994 Fascinatin' Rhythm won the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, citing Michael Lasser for letting "our treasury of popular tunes speak and sing for itself with sparkling commentary tracing the contributions of the composers and performers to American society."

When and where to tune-in

Saturdays at 11am on Classical 91.5 (also streamed live online)
Find Fascinatin' Rhythm live streams in other time zones with Allegro.

Coming up on Fascinatin' Rhythm

Thursday, May 23rd (All day)

Fascinatin’ Rhythm Program 1321

Johnny Mercer Starts a Company

Lyricist Johnny Mercer and his partners began Capitol Records to raise the quality of songwriting and singing – and make a buck doing it.

Thursday, May 16th (All day)

Fascinatin’ Rhythm Program 1320

This Must Be Illegal
Tributes to what may just be the most delightful form of sin.

Thursday, May 9th (All day)

Fascinatin’ Rhythm Program 1319

My Fate Is in Your Hands
When you sing about fate and love in the same lyric, you’ve taken hold of the most romantic popular songs.

Thursday, May 2nd (All day)

Fascinatin’ Rhythm Program 1318

Hurry, It’s Lovely Up Here

Songs for being up on the rooftops, from penthouses to tenements, from summer heat to pouring rain.

Thursday, April 25th (All day)

Fascinatin’ Rhythm Program 1317

Bing Sings the Songs of World War II
Bing Crosby’s popularity remained high during the War years, through the songs he introduced and those he covered.

See listings for older episodes