In A Mellow Tone
Wednesday February 5th, 2025 with Natalie McGrath
The Vivacious Ladies of Verve

Join host Natalie McGrath as she showcases the vivacious women of Verve Records — female icons who have shaped jazz history with fearless artistry and timeless authenticity. Founded in 1956 by Norman Granz, Verve became the home for jazz’s most legendary voices, setting the stage for innovation and musical excellence. While the label has hosted giants like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, tonight, our host will be shining the spotlight on the women who made their mark in the industry — powerhouses like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ella Fitzgerald, Astrud Gilberto, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone, alongside modern trailblazers like Arooj Aftab, Samara Joy and Tarriona 'Tank' Ball. As we honor Black History Month, we’ll explore the lasting impact of African American women in jazz history and the barriers they’ve overcome in a male-dominated industry. Through classic recordings and contemporary masterpieces, In a Mellow Tone brings you the best of Verve’s female legends—past, present, and future. Tune in tonight to take a musical journey through time, tracing the contributions of these extraordinary women from the 1950s to today. Along the way, we’ll explore the evolution of jazz styles while celebrating the timeless authenticity that has remained at the heart of Verve Records.