Taraji P. Henson stars as jazz singer Shug Avery in the new musical adaptation of The Color Purple. She spoke with Tonya Mosley about what the play means to her. Also, we'll hear from Brad Mehldau, one of the most acclaimed and influential jazz pianists of his generation. He joins us at the piano, for music and conversation. And Justin Chang will share his list of the best movies of 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
On the Ted radio hour, linguist Ann Curzan says she gets a lot of complaints about people using the pronoun they to refer to one person.
I sometimes get into arguments with people.
Where they will say to me, but it can't be singular.
And I will say, but it is the history behind words causing a lot of debate.
That's on the Ted radio hour from NPR.
From why y in Philadelphia, this is fresh air weekend.
I'm Sam Brigger in for Terry Gross.
Actress Taraji P.
Henson.
She's playing jazz singer Shug Avery in the new musical adaptation of the Color Purple.
When Oprah called to tell her she got the part, Taraji was at home ignoring her phone.
Then she noticed she'd had a bunch of missed calls from Tyler Perry, who she called back.
And I called him back, and he's like, are you answering your phone?
And I was like, no.
Why?
What's up?
What's going on?
And he was like, oprah's trying to call you.
And I was like, oh, bye.
So she left a voice note.