Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

U.S. Soldier Composes Aural Landscapes of Iraq

Sgt. William Thompson IV, a reservist who was deployed in Iraq, is a third-generation jazz musician from New Orleans.

But during his time in combat, he turned to a different musical form: Using his laptop, he records the sounds of war and incorporates them into compositions that he posts online.

Thompson, who was called up for duty just before he was to graduate from the University of New Orleans, faces a bittersweet homecoming after 18 months in Iraq. Hurricane Katrina's aftermath has posed obstacles to his return.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Howard Mandel
With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.