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."