Big Freedia: Is Twerking Next to Godliness? (From The Sam Sanders Show)
From Rock That Doesn't Roll: The Story of Christian Music by Andrew Gill and Leah Payne
January 7, 2026 · 49 min
About this episode
Big Freedia discusses her gospel roots and the intersection of twerking and faith.
Introducing The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW This episode is a perfect fit for Rock That Doesn't Roll. Big Freedia is best known as the Queen of Bounce, but her new album Pressing Onward showcases her gospel choir roots. She tells Sam about growing up as a young gay church kid in New Orleans, what moved her to make a gospel album, and how twerking and praising God go hand in hand. Plus, she breaks down her iconic feature on Beyoncé’s 2016 hit single “Formation.” Follow Sam Sanders on Instagram . --- Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Want to respond to this episode? Leave us a message at (629) 204-4264. If Rock That Doesn’t Roll is important to you, support us on Patreon . https://www.patreon.com/rtdr (join via the website, not the iOS app for a 30% discount) Or make a one-time donation : https://coff.ee/rtdr If you can't afford a donation, please tell five friends about the show. You can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing RTDRpod@gmail.com Sign up for our Substack where I recently reviewed each episode in Season 3. Buy RTDR merch here.
People in this episode
Guest: Big Freedia
Topics covered
- gospel music
- bounce music
- LGBTQ+ in church
- Big Freedia
- music history
- Christian music
Keywords
- Big Freedia
- gospel album
- twerking
- New Orleans
- Beyoncé
- Formation
- Christian music
- LGBTQ+
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: KCRW, Rock That Doesn't Roll
Books & works: Pressing Onward, Formation
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