No one knows more about popular music and the magic of radio than Rob Reinhart.
“Good radio is now one of the only media that isn’t designed to simply reflect the taste of the user. It’s still a community that brings together lots of different people.”
Rob’s version of Essential Music is a creative mix of old and new, rock and soul, folk and a bit of jazz, thematic elements, humor, exclusive/rare material, from local and national artists alike. It’s quite a feat which Rob pulls off seamlessly.
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Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist
Recent

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Historical March album releases, new Jalen Ngonda, Mitski, Arlo Parks, Gnarls Barkley + more
Rob Reinhart
February 28, 2026

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: New Detroit music from Dames Brown, Nick Piunti, The Legal Matters, plus 80s greats return!
Rob Reinhart
February 21, 2026

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: The annual ANTI-Valentine’s Day show
Rob Reinhart
February 14, 2026

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Fond reflection on Ismael Ahmed’s Concert Of Colors, past February releases
Rob Reinhart
February 7, 2026


Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: A sneak peek at Detroiter Nick Piunti’s new album, a Bowie classic turns 50 and more
Rob Reinhart
January 24, 2026

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: A happy 80th birthday to Dolly, a fond farewell to Bobby, new Arlo Parks and more
Rob Reinhart
January 17, 2026

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Albums coming in 2026, plus some classic Joe Jackson, new Madison McFerrin and more
Rob Reinhart
January 10, 2026

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: A look at classic albums celebrating anniversaries in 2026 (1966 – 2006)
Rob Reinhart
January 3, 2026

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Holiday music old and new, plus seasonal fun from David Sedaris’ ‘Santaland Diaries’
Rob Reinhart
December 20, 2025

In The Groove: Best of 2025 with Rob Reinhart
WDET Staff
December 17, 2025

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Remembering the late Raul Malo, a holiday tune from Detroit’s Emma Guzman and more!
Rob Reinhart
December 13, 2025
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