NELLIE'S CHOICE

Nellie McKay has eclectic tastes and influences -- from old school to contemporary, from icons to obscurities. Via e-mail, she discussed favorite albums by her five favorite artists.


LEE WILEY

Who: Probably the most respected white female jazz vocalist of the 1950s.

Album: "Night in Manhattan" (1950).

Nellie says: "Smooth and luscious."

VUSI MAHLASELA

Who: Contemporary South African star who's not afraid to put politics into his poetry. (He performs April 27 at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis.)

Album: "Guiding Star" (2007).

Nellie says: "Warm and uplifting."

BOB DYLAN & THE BAND

Who: American icon, backed by the pioneers of Americana.

Album: "The Basement Tapes" (recorded 1968 but released '75).

Nellie says: "The roots of America."

BILLIE HOLIDAY

Who: America's most influential jazz/blues singer.

Album: "Lady in Satin" (1958).

Nellie says: "All the pain in the world."

SAM COOKE

Who: America's first and most influential soul music star, shot to death in 1964 at age 33.

Album: "Keep Movin' On" (2002 compilation).

Nellie says: "The heart to go on."