JACKI LYDEN, host: Now it's time for the occasional series we call In Your Ear. It's when some of our favorite guests tell us about the music that inspires them.
And today we'll hear from Don Lemon. He's an Emmy-winning anchor at CNN and recently he spoke with us about his memoir, "Transparent." It chronicles his life growing up in racially divided Louisiana, and Don Lemon also writes about his more recent experience of coming out of the closet as a highly visible gay member of the media.
Now we'll hear from him about some of the songs that help him get through a busy news day.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DON LEMON: I'm Don Lemon, anchor for CNN and, right now, what's playing in my ear is a very eclectic mix. First up, Yma Sumac.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG)
YMA SUMAC: (Singing in foreign language)
LEMON: I like it because, number one, my sister was named after her and she has the most amazing voice on the planet. You should listen to it.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
SUMAC: (Singing in foreign language)
LEMON: Number two is the Ohio Players, "I Want to Be Free."
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "I WANT TO BE FREE")
OHIO PLAYERS: (Singing) One day, child, I won't have to listen to your lies. I'll be able to make up my own mind. You know I think I finally realize yes, I have I think I can put you out of my mind. I want to be free...
LEMON: Given that I just came out of the closet, I think it's appropriate. Enough said.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "I WANT TO BE FREE")
PLAYERS: (Singing) I want to be free, child. I want to be free...
LEMON: And number three, Led Zeppelin.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "KASHMIR")
ROBERT PLANT: (Singing) Oh, let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dreams, I am a traveler of both time and space...
LEMON: I love old school rock and roll. I'm a citizen of the world. I like all kinds of music. I hope you do, too.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "KASHMIR")
PLANT: (Singing) ...elders of the gentle race, the world has seldom seen, they talk of days for which they sit and wait, all will be revealed...
LYDEN: That was CNN anchor Don Lemon, telling us what's playing in his ear. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.