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.
Dr. Jonathan Overby, Host & Executive Producer
(1994-present) Creator, Host and Executive Producer of Wisconsin Public Radio's "Higher Ground with Jonathan Overby" featuring World Music
with African Roots and More, now in its 18th year. Artistic endeavors include stage productions that illuminate the African-American experience
in words and music, more than 30 years of vocal performance in the U.S., Japan, Czech Republic, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, and Poland;
appeared as a featured soloist at the 20th Annual Chicago 2004 International Gospel Music Festival; organizer of Wisconsin's annual
"Tribute & Ceremony" honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. now in its 32nd year.
2004-member of "Goodwill Delegation" of Wisconsin-based artists for a performance tour of Japan; 2008-invitation to Benny More International Music Festival in Havana, Cuba; 2009-Verano Negro World Music Festival in Lima, Chincha, and El Carmen, Peru; 2010-Sauti Za Busara International World Music Festival in Zanzibar, Tanzania; 2011-Fes, Morocco for the World Sacred Music Festival; June 2012-Essaouira, Morocco Gnawa World Music Festival; February 2013 Instructor, Cuba-Study Abroad-UW-Waukesha.
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