In celebration of Black Music Month, we honor the struggle for equality with the sounds of freedom. Sixties soul queen Fontella Bass used her gospel background and voice to make freedom statements of her own, such as her biggest hit “Rescue Me.” Then, late jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard talks about free-form music and freedom of expression. Plus music from John Coltrane, Leyla McCalla, the Staples Singers, and more.

We walk the line of isolation and go outside carefully with music and words of wisdom for contemplation, comfort, and hope. It’s a Corona Stray from Home Companion, in conversations with a few of our favorite artists including Tejano accordionist Flaco Jimenez and the late Ray Charles — both speaking of their families’ role in helping them emerge as great musical citizens. We harken to the creative wisdom of jazz, locally and globally, with the late pianist Dave Brubeck whose travels abroad as a soldier and later with Louis Armstrong led him to “Take Five” and otherworldly sounds. And we take to the streets with New Orleans Original Pinettes Brass Band, the first such women’s jazz ensemble today. Plus: music from Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, and John Prine.