Keith Killgo of The Blackbyrds

Keith Killgo of The Blackbyrds

From Making Sound with Jann Klose by Jann Klose

February 13, 2026 · 1h 7m · Episode 141

About this episode

This episode features Keith Killgo of The Blackbyrds discussing the band's impact on jazz fusion and R&B in the 1970s.

EPISODE 141: The Blackbyrds were at the cutting edge of jazz fusion, R&B and funk in the 1970s, pushing the boundaries of Black popular music forward in one of the most musically fertile decades of the past century. Established by legendary jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd in 1973, the band's success includes several highly touted albums, film scores (1975's "Cornbread," "Earl and Me"), as well as supporting such iconic artists as B.B. King. Herbie Hancock, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Roberta...

People in this episode

Host: Jann Klose

Guest: Keith Killgo

Topics covered

  • jazz fusion
  • R&B
  • funk
  • music history
  • 1970s music
  • Black popular music

Keywords

  • The Blackbyrds
  • Keith Killgo
  • jazz fusion
  • R&B
  • 1970s
  • Donald Byrd
  • music history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Blackbyrds

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