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the world according to gayle

The World According to Gayle” is Oprah Daily’s video series spotlighting all things Gayle each and every month. Our editor at large is sharing her favorites of the moment, from buzzy new albums to fantastic shoe finds you’ll want to try for yourself. Check back each month to see the latest!


August is here already; can you believe it? With the summer still in full swing, I hope you’re taking time off and spending it with your family—to me, that never gets old. I went on a trip to Europe with favorite son Will, favorite daughter Kirby, their significant others, and of course, favorite grandson Luca! This season truly is the perfect time to celebrate National Son's and Daughter's Day on August 11. Below, here’s a peek at all my favorite releases to look forward to before Labor Day rolls around.

preview for Gayle King Wants You to Get in on These New Picks

Shucked on Broadway

shucked
Courtesy of Shucked

I know, I know—why would anyone be singing and laughing about corn? A lot of people may ask themselves this before they see Shucked on Broadway, but I personally think part of the fun is not knowing exactly what you’re getting yourself into before the curtains go up. I went to see the comedy musical with favorite son Will, and coincidentally, I ended up matching the marquee (it wasn’t planned, I promise). The show is filled with drama, country tunes, hilarious jokes, and huge talent (special shout-out to Alex Newell, who was fantastic). Seeing the show with a great crowd makes it all the better. You clap, laugh, and whoop together—it’s all great fun. Grab your tickets, head to the Nederlander Theatre in New York City, and tell them I sent you!

Jon Batiste’s World Music Radio

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Ready to take a sonic trip around the world? Jon Batiste is back with a new album, and I got to listen to a preview. World Music Radio has range; it’s fresh and fun. I’m a big fan of Jon and his work, and his musical talent is undeniable (his five Grammy Awards are proof of this). Best of all, he’s also such a good person. This new album features Kenny G and Lil Wayne, and the songs have elements of country, funk, ballads, and more. Some of my favorite tracks so far: “Be Who You Are” and “Running Away.” Take a listen when the album is released on August 18.

Sole Bliss

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Ladies, you know that sometimes we must choose between style and comfort, but with Sole Bliss, you don’t have to. I wore their Remy: Royal Suede heels to the New York premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, and I was able to enjoy the evening in complete comfort thanks to the shoe’s cushioned platform (seriously—you don’t need to feel like you’re walking on stilts). The brand’s specialty is in its design that gives your feet extra support, especially for people with bunions. And if you don’t take my word for it, see the shoes worn by Viola Davis, Helen Mirren, Gabrielle Union, and Rebel Wilson. If you’re not into heels, Sole Bliss offers sandals and platformed sneakers, too (you can shop them all here).

50 Years of Hip-Hop

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As the old tale goes, hip-hop started at a party in the Bronx, New York, in August of 1973. Fast-forward a half-century later, and the genre is celebrated worldwide. I can’t pass up the opportunity to tell you the story of how I discovered one of my favorite rappers: Favorite son Will was 8 years old when I overheard him singing, “Gimme that funk, that sweet, that nasty, that gushy stuff.” Immediately, I scolded him and asked him to turn the song off. He then had to explain to me, “Mom, that’s Jay-Z.” Years later, Will and I met up in Paris to see Jay-Z perform alongside Kanye West for their Watch the Throne tour. Needless to say, I’ve been a huge fan ever since. Cheers to many more years of hip-hop!

I want to hear from you! Let me know what you think of my list in the comments below. And what should I be looking forward to next month?

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Gayle King

Gayle King is the Editor at Large at Oprah Daily and co-host of CBS Mornings. When she's not on air, Gayle is diving into all things news, trending topics, and pop culture. Yet, her favorite job is being the mom to her favorite daughter, Kirby, favorite son, Will, and grandmother, or as she prefers it, Gaia to her favorite grandson Luca. Follow her on Instagram.