Saying Goodbye with Song

Soundcheck | May 3, 2010
Last March, doctors told singer/songwriter Warren Zevon that he only had three more months to live, his terminal lung cancer taking over his body. Upon hearing the news, he set forth to create his final farewell and recorded the album The Wind on borrowed time. Today, his son Jordan Zevon is on the program to discuss the incredible journey his father took to create this new recording and to give us a taste of what the last year and a half has been like. We follow that with a review of Warren Zevon's new CD by Rolling Stone writer Anthony DeCurtis. Also on the program, jazz singer Kurt Elling, who is a master of vocalese, the art of setting words to instrumental solos. Today, he joins us to preview his newest recording, where he takes on the solos of many of jazz’s titans, including John Coltrane, Pat Matheny and Herbie Hancock.
Additional Resources:
  • More on Kurt Elling
  • More on Warren Zevon

    Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

    WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

    Top Stories

    Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

    A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
    Gothamist |

    Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

    A Texas Democrat is running neck and neck with the Republican incumbent in the governor’s race. And a staff writer says that news of the demise of books is greatly exaggerated.
    The New Yorker Radio Hour |

    Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

    Who’s Running This Place |

    The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

    Natasha Singer's new book explores how big tech became ensconced in our childrens' classrooms
    On the Media |
    YOU ARE ONLINE