All Songs Considered: Call your mom

All Songs Considered: Call your mom

From NPR Music by NPR

May 5, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

Listeners share songs that remind them of their moms and the stories behind them as Mother's Day approaches.

With Mother’s Day nearing, listeners share songs that remind them of their moms and the deeply moving stories behind them. NPR's Mitra Arthur joins host Robin Hilton. Support the show with a review on Apple , Spotify , or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro / “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael (01:52) Christina Aguilera: “Beautiful” (06:06) Jeannie C. Riley: “Harper Valley P.T.A.” (10:09) Kermit the Frog: “Rainbow Connection” (13:50) Phyllis Hyman: “You Know How To Love Me” (17:16) MILCK: “Oh, Mother” (21:58) Christina Perri: “You Are My Sunshine” (25:33) The Tokens: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (29:16) Four Tops: “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (33:43) Sweet Honey In The Rock: “Wanting Memories” Note: A version of this episode originally ran in 2024 See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Host: Robin Hilton

Guest: Mitra Arthur

Topics covered

  • Mother's Day
  • songs about moms
  • personal stories
  • music appreciation
  • listener contributions

Keywords

  • Mother's Day
  • songs
  • moms
  • NPR Music
  • personal stories
  • music

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Stardust, Beautiful, Harper Valley P.T.A., Rainbow Connection, You Know How To Love Me, Oh, Mother, You Are My Sunshine, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Reach Out I’ll Be There, Wanting Memories

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