Norah Jones Is Playing Along

Sasha Dobson is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose life has run the gamut from swing dancing in Santa Cruz, to learning instruments on-the-fly in New York City. You’ll hear about how she and Norah met, how they encouraged and inspired each other, and ultimately came full circle in exploring music together. They’ll play some of Sasha’s striking solo compositions, duet on a Puss N Boots classic, and you’ll hear Norah's surprise performance for Sasha. Tune in for all that and the answer to what a Jazz singer is supposed to do with their hands! Recorded 3/29/21. Original airdate 1/30/23. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning producer, musician, and Blue Note Records President Don Was joins Norah to look back on a career that’s taken him from Was (Not Was) to working in the studio with everyone from The Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt to Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, The B-52s, Elton John, Wayne Shorter, and many more. They talk about staying curious through decades in the business and the hometown roots behind his latest Detroit-inspired project. Don and Norah also play songs connected to different chapters of his career. Recorded 10/21/25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and singular vocalist Brittany Howard joins Norah, fresh off the release of Alabama Shakes’ new album and following two acclaimed solo records of her own. They talk about how the band naturally found its way back together, the unexpected places inspiration can strike, and share a powerful set of songs along the way. Recorded 6/25/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Tweedy is a musician, songwriter, author and frontman of the prolific band, Wilco. Norah joins Jeff in the studio to chat and play duo versions of 5 of her favorites songs of his, including ‘Jesus, Etc.,’ ‘Muzzle of Bees’ and ‘Sunken Treasure’. They dive into how he’s made music a family pastime and writing the perfect set list. Norah & Jeff laugh about the time she got the words wrong to one of his most beloved songs in front of him, and they tackle the age-old question of ‘who’s career would you like to have?’ They revisit recent history and discuss how the pandemic impacted songwriting. In the end, the answer is simple: Love is the king! Recorded on 10/1/2021. Original airdate 9/26/22. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we speak with the brilliant, world-renowned sitar player, Anoushka Shankar, who happens to be Norah’s sister! Tune in for stories of the teen years when they first connected, the unique history with their father, Ravi Shankar, through their current GRAMMY night pajama hangs. You’ll hear the harmonious pairing of sitar and piano as they duet on a couple of Anoushka’s songs, one of Norah’s classics, and you won’t want to miss Norah's impromptu introduction to a traditional Indian Raga! Recorded on 2/4/23. Original airdate 4/24/23. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Rebillet is a wizard! You may know him as Loop Daddy or from his many viral videos improvising tracks at home in his bathrobe. And while that might not be Norah’s performance attire, she and Marc do have a lot in common sharing roots from Dallas to New York. This is by far the funkiest episode to date as Norah & Marc lay down original music on the spot while discussing childhood influences, Marc’s main inspiration Reggie Watts, and how he pieces together the music magic. Tune in to find out what he has planned next! Originally aired 11/8/22. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mavis Staples is pure love and light. She grew up as part of the Staples Singers, a family whose powerful messages of peace rang loud and clear through times of civil unrest. Now, she has solidified worldwide respect and adoration as a solo artist. In this episode, Mavis treats us to many stories, from growing up in a big musical family, to staying strong through trying times, and how she spreads love through her music. She and Norah pay homage to Pops Staples with a rendition of “Friendship”, take on a gospel classic, and even get into the Christmas spirit!​ Recorded on 1/27/2022. Original airdate 10/24/22. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, bassist, and producer Meshell Ndegeocello has built a singular career and left a lasting influence on generations of artists. She joins Norah to talk about her James Baldwin project, following instinct, and the connection that comes from playing together in such close quarters. You’ll also hear captivating, bass-driven duets from this special session. Recorded 1/30/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FINNEAS joins Norah to talk about the organic beginnings that helped shape his remarkable career, from his own solo music to his lifelong creative partnership with his sister Billie Eilish. They also get into the original score he composed for Season 2 of Netflix’s BEEF. Together, they take on his breakthrough song “Ocean Eyes” like you’ve never heard it before, along with his song “Die Alone” and a Simon & Garfunkel classic, “Kathy’s Song.” Recorded 6/9/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter, actor, and human rights advocate Allison Russell joins Norah for a conversation about their shared musical inspirations. Allison reflects on her powerful experience making her Broadway debut as Persephone in the Tony-winning musical Hadestown, and dives into the music behind her third studio album, In the Hour of Chaos (which features Norah on “Really Real”). Tune in to hear powerful, exclusive duets from these two deeply connected artists. Recorded 3/5/25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-nominated harpist and composer Brandee Younger joins Norah to talk about finding her voice on an instrument with deep history. They talk about the artists who opened the door for her sound and her serendipitous musical path. Brandee and Norah take on songs that feel intimate, soulful, and deeply connected. Recorded 9/19/25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant joins Norah to talk about her first album of original songs in 13 years, and the hardships and perspective that shaped this new chapter. They reflect on Amy’s groundbreaking career, from contemporary Christian music to now. You’ll hear songs new and old, including one that leaves Norah feeling nostalgic. Recorded 4/14/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer, songwriter, and producer SASAMI joins Norah for a conversation about her distinctive musical path, from classical training on a “random instrument” to creating her own bold, fearless sound. They talk about the artists who inspired her, give a nod to one they both love, and take on striking duets together for the first time. Recorded 3/19/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning legends Ron Carter and Bill Frisell join Norah for a special episode full of stories, deep listening, and remarkable music. With decades of recordings, collaborations, and influence between them, they reflect on a lifetime of playing and join Norah on cherished hymns reimagined, as well as an intimate jazz standard. Recorded 2/19/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning artist Arooj Aftab joins Norah for a funny hang with stories of their unexpected run-ins over the years. They talk about how they’re feeling about music right now and the quirks of getting older as women. You’ll hear duets that range from a familiar pop ballad to a Norah song Arooj once dreamed about, along with a stunning song in Urdu. Recorded 2/25/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-nominated pianist Lang Lang brings the show its first true classical piece. One of the world’s most celebrated musicians, he’s played everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Buckingham Palace, and has helped bring classical music to a whole new generation. Listen in for incredible new takes on a pop hit and a Norah favorite, plus a moment where the piano might just be played with a piece of fruit. Recorded 2/28/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata joins Norah for a catch-up on music, life, and what’s next. Norah shares how she first discovered Rachael’s songs, and they perform duets, with Rachael taking Norah’s place at the piano for a tune and coming together on a sweet French love song. Recorded 11/17/25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GRAMMY-winning guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mike Campbell joins Norah with stories from his decades of making music. He talks about his first guitar and his new book, Heartbreaker , while Norah shares how his music soundtracked her life. Hear the legend himself on a couple of his classic songs. Recorded 10/14/25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary bassist Pino Palladino and producer, guitarist, and songwriter Blake Mills join Norah for a deep musical session. They let us in on the instruments they've brought to the studio, challenge Norah with some of the music, and share a set of immersive performances together. Recorded 10/2/25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the podcast’s first live episode, Norah is joined by St. Vincent, aka Annie Clark, a singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and Grammy winner, at the St. Cecilia Hotel in Austin during SXSW. Tune in as these two Texans talk about what keeps Annie moving forward, and share incredible duets live and in the moment. Recorded 3/14/26. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.