Black Roots Radio 4, 11.30am

We may associate

American folk and country music with rural white citizens, but as Rhiannon

Giddens (right) explains in an eyeopening, in-depth new three-part programme, both genres have their origins in black music.

In The Documentary (BBC World Service, 9am & 8pm) Christine Towery examines the impact the death by lethal injection of her brother Robbie, who was convicted of murder 31 years ago, has had on her entire family.

Is it really possible to talk to the animals? In The Dolittle Machine (Radio 4, 11am) sci-fi author Matthew De Abaitua explores the idea of using AI to converse with them.