From NPR music and all songs considered, I'm Robin Hilton.

50 years ago this month,

the TV show Soul Train was first broadcast nationally.

It brought black music, dance, fashion,

and performance into viewers homes every weekend.

There was nothing like it on TV

and there's been nothing like it since.

So today's episode is all about the impact of Soul Train

on our culture and why it mattered.

And it comes from the NPR podcast.

It's been a minute with Sam Sanders.

Here's Sam.

Erica Blount Denoit 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.

So much that my sister and I would 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 sort of think, can they see us?

I don't know.

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

...