FUV Essentials

Jack White is a rock and roll renaissance man.

The Decemberists is a band that has never shied away from its restless eclecticism, passion for language, bold theatricality, and fascination with the endless cycle of life and death.

Erika Wennerstrom really is a big fan of Led Zeppelin. As the iconic British band marks the 50th anniversary of its formation in 2018, she wrote up her "Five Essential Led Zeppelin Songs" for FUV.

The band marks its 50th anniversary in 2018, but don't count on a reunion. Instead enjoy Robert Plant's solo album, a new 368-page illustrated book, and plenty of celebratory Zep-releated events.

Deep in heart of Sylvan Esso's "Radio" lurks a clue to one of Amelia Meath's favorite David Bowie songs, "Blue Jean." Since Meath has already confessed to one of her most beloved Bowie tracks, FUV wondered if she had four others she might want to write about for "Five Essential David Bowie Songs" for FUV Essentials. She most certainly did!

''Johnny Cash was the champion of the voiceless, the underdogs and the downtrodden. He was also something of a holy terror, like Abraham Lincoln with a wild side,'' said his friend Kris Kristofferson, at Cash's 2003 funeral. ''He represented the best of America.''

Lucinda Williams, a past FUV Essentials artist, considers Johnny Cash to be a touchstone in her own songwriting. Here's her "Five Essential Johnny Cash Songs" as FUV celebrates Cash as one of our Essential artists.

NPR Slingshot artist Jade Bird dazzled with her confident 2017 debut EP, Something American. Her boisterous cover of Johnny Cash's "I've Been Everywhere" is a joy, and for #FUVEssentials, she rounded up her "Five Essential Johnny Cash Songs."

Brittany Howard, the dynamic singer and guitarist of Alabama Shakes, Thunderbitch and Bermuda Triangle, finds solace in the music of one of her most beloved influences, Nina Simone. Howard's "Five Essential Nina Simone Songs" includes striking covers of tracks by Bob Dylan and Janis Ian.

Nina Simone made us weep, articulated our rage, turned a mirror to our hate and prejudice, and inspired a generation in the throes of resistance. She still does so, nearly 15 years since her passing. She is not only one of our most vivid #FUVEssentials, she's essential to who we are as Americans.