Hey, through line listeners, it's Run Here.

Fun fact, NPR first started broadcasting 50 years ago in 1971.

That's also when Soul Train was first nationally broadcast, 50 years ago this month.

This influential show brought black music, dance, fashion, and performance into viewers'

homes every weekend.

There was something like it on TV, and all these years later, there's been nothing like

it since.

But today's episode is all about the impact of Soul Train on our culture, and why it mattered.

It comes from our friends over at NPR's podcast, it's been a minute with Sam Sanders.

Here's Sam.

Erica Blount Denwaw remembers getting ready for a party every Saturday.

As an audience member in your own house, you felt like you were part of this whole party

too.

And my sister and I were actually get dressed up when we watched the show.

We also had a crush on several of the artists.

So, you know, as a kid, you started big.

Can they see us?

I don't know.

It was a party that I remember going to some Saturdays as well when I was a kid.

Perhaps you knew too.

The party host was this really cool guy named Don.

He wore a big, perfect afro, and impeccably tailored, brightly colored suits.

...