Sneaking D'Angelo Riffs Into Worship (ft. Sam Sanders)

Sneaking D'Angelo Riffs Into Worship (ft. Sam Sanders)

From Rock That Doesn't Roll: The Story of Christian Music by Andrew Gill and Leah Payne

March 4, 2026 · 60 min · Season 4 · Episode 1

About this episode

Sam Sanders discusses his experiences sneaking D'Angelo riffs into church services.

Sam Sanders is the host of The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW. He was a founding host of The NPR Politics Podcast and It's Been A Minute from NPR. Sam grew up in the Black Pentecostal church in Texas, where he played saxophone in the church band. Eventually he would sneak riffs from D'Angelo's Voodoo album into improvised sections of church services. In 2025 The Sam Sanders Show won the Signal Award for Best Spirituality Show. --- Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Want to respond to this episode? Want to contribute to our Christmas Special? 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 to keep up with show developments . Buy RTDR merch here.

People in this episode

Hosts: Andrew Gill, Leah Payne

Guest: Sam Sanders

Topics covered

  • Christian music
  • worship
  • D'Angelo
  • Black Pentecostal church
  • improvisation
  • spirituality

Keywords

  • Christian rock
  • D'Angelo
  • worship music
  • Pentecostal church
  • improvisation
  • Sam Sanders
  • music history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Sam Sanders Show, KCRW, NPR

Books & works: Voodoo

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