It’s Got That Swing: Emmanuel Keels Talks Jazz, Community and the Power of Public Radio
Learn more about local DJ Emmanuel Keels' jazz appreciation journey and his KUNM radio shows, All That Jazz and The Soulful Hour, in this UpLift Chronicles interview.
By Shannon Yvonne Moreau
Born from ragtime, blues, and Black spirituals in New Orleans, jazz embodies the American spirit of improvisation and individual expression. Yet it was created by those whose freedom was hard-won and remains an ongoing battle. This musical style’s heritage is celebrated in April during Jazz Appreciation Month, and some say it’s the most important American art form. Emmanuel Keels, host of KUNM Radio’s All That Jazz, agrees.
“It's influenced everything,” Keels, originally from southern California, said. “Without jazz, there'd be no hip-hop. Without jazz, there'd be no rock.”
From Uncle Buddy to the Airwaves: Keels’ Lifelong Love for Jazz
Keels’ love for jazz started at age 14, when he’d come home from school to his Uncle Buddy playing Wes Montgomery. “I'll never forget that. A Day in the Life.”
Through a life trajectory of broadcasting school, single fatherhood, military service, and a 27-year accounting career, the call to music never left Keels. He credits his wife, Herlethia, for getting him back in. “We'd be in the car, and I'd hear a song and I would do a radio spot. My wife said ‘you should pursue that.’”
One day at church, she introduced him to Train To Glory host Cecilia Webb. That turned into an interview with the KUNM operations manager. Now Keels has a regular Tuesday spot.
Amplifying Black Voices One Setlist at a Time
Keels makes it a point to play Black artists and to highlight the Black experience: “We need to know that there was a struggle. There's still a struggle.” He points out that many resistance movements of today are inspired by the Civil Rights Movement.
The audience responded to Keels’ setlist by calling in and requesting more: “Could you play some Lou Donaldson? Could you play Art Blakey, could you play these Black artists? I was loving it,” said Keels. “Because I'm able to actually feed the public.”
Public Radio and Personal Connection
The flexibility to play what he wants plus community interaction are benefits of being on public radio. A large part of KUNM’s funding comes from personal contributions. “The funds that we raise from the community listeners is what makes public radio,” said Keels. If the current administration cuts federal funding for public radio, community support will become even more crucial.
While streaming services can widen music accessibility, they don’t compare to personal curation and knowledge. Keels’ dedication shines through on his program. For him, interacting with his listeners in real time is its own reward. “I'm playing the music that I play for you.”
Emmanuel’s Jazz Picks
Classic: Anything Miles Davis
New: The latest album from Eugenie Jones, Eugenie
Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 19, 2024