Meshell Ndegeocello reflects on her musical influences: 'I'm the child of many'

NPR | By Tonya Mosley

Published October 19, 2026 at 11:42 AM EDT

Often called the mother of neo-soul, Ndegeocello doesn't see herself that way. On her new album Synonym, she's turning familiar songs inside out, from the Human League to Bob Dylan.

Tonya Mosley

Tonya Mosley is a co-host of Fresh Air.

See stories by Tonya Mosley

WRVO runs on listener support.

WRVO is now well into its second year without federal funding. Through it all, our mission has stayed the same: serving central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. Listeners like you are what keep journalists on the ground, asking the hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today. You'll be supporting more than yourself. You'll be supporting everyone who depends on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now