About Us
The Mission of Higher Ground
Higher Ground is dedicated to illuminating ancient as well as contemporary African-influenced musical traditions that are connected to many cultures and music styles around the world.
The weekly broadcast is designed to educate, edify and entertain Wisconsin Public Radio's listening audience, and building bridges between diverse communities.
Jonathan Overby, Host & Executive Producer
Jonathan Overby is the creator, executive producer and host of Wisconsin Public Radio's popular Saturday evening world music broadcast, "Higher Ground with Jonathan Overby".
Overby, whose tenure at WPR began in 1994 as a Sunday morning talk show host, has enjoyed radio ever since his days as a student play-by-play sports announcer at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was at King, that Jonathan first became interested in both music and radio. Today, he holds academic degrees in Arts Administration, vocal performance/choral conducting, a Master's Degree in Religious Studies with an emphasis on Afro-Christian Sacred Music and, a doctorate in Academic Leadership in Higher Education from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. His dissertation centered on "The Power of World Music to Reduce Human Hatred and Bridge Diverse Cultures".
In 2010, Overby traveled to East Africa for the annual Sauti Za Busara World Music Festival in Stone Town, Zanzibar. He currently teaches a course linked to the Study Abroad Program at UW-Waukesha entitled "Field Experiences in World Music- A Bridge To Diverse Cultures". Dr. Overby's most recent adventure was to North Africa in May of 2011 for the 17th Annual World Sacred Music Festival in Fez, Morocco.
Jonathan (third from left) joins the internationally celebrated recording artists The Gipsy Kings backstage after their Saturday, May 19, 2007 concert at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Washington.
The Story of Higher Ground
Higher Ground was first aired as a morning talk show on Sunday, July 3, 1994 on the Ideas Network of Wisconsin Public Radio. From 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Jonathan featured conversation with authors, experts and everyday people on a variety of toimages important to Wisconsin, the nation and the world.
In 1996, Higher Ground transitioned to a new format as a 7:00-9:00PM Saturday night variety show that featured music, poetry, drama and a live audience. The new direction of the broadcast showcased Wisconsin talent through studio and remote broadcasts around the state.
On September 9, 2006 Higher Ground moved from the Ideas Network to the NPR and Classical Music Network of WPR. The new format has strong African roots and features extended studio performances and in-depth interviews with Wisconsin, regional, and international musicians. Higher Ground's mix of world music includes Salsa, Samba, Soul, Gospel, Delta Blues, Brazilian Folk, Afro-Pop, Zouk, Reggae and R&B. It's an international soul music festival on Wisconsin Public Radio.
Contact Us
Higher Ground with Jonathan Overby
821 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: (608) 263-4116
Fax: (608) 263-9763
To reach Higher Ground during business hours email: higherground@wpr.org
During live broadcasts on Saturdays evenings, 7:00pm-10:00pm, you can email Jonathan directly with your suggestions for artists and styles of music you would like to hear in the future. Send your ideas to: highergroundlive@wpr.org