Live RadioThe guitarist, bandleader and songwriter Eddie Van Halen died on Tuesday. He was 65. NPR remembers his life and legacy.
Rock Icon Eddie Van Halen Dies At 65
Music News
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April 12, 2021Sonny Simmons, Fiercely Independent Alto Saxophonist, Dies at 87
Enlarge this image Frans Schellekens/Getty Images -
April 11, 2021The Rhymes And Reasons Behind Re-Recording Your Own Classics
Enlarge this image Taylor Swift, onstage during the Fearless Tour at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 27, -
April 11, 2021Sharon Van Etten Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Epic Ten'
YouTube Join NPR Music, Sharon Van Etten and Shamir in an online listening party for Van Etten's newest, epic Ten. The album includes her original 2010 breakthrough, plus front-to-back -
April 07, 2021Lovely Songs From The Big Hold, Inspired By Bureaucracy
Enlarge this image A musician, disoriented by his loss of work and the inefficiency of bureaucracy, made -
April 07, 2021Film Composer Hans Zimmer Turns To Creating Ringtones
Zimmer, known for scoring films like Inception and Dunkirk, worked with Chinese phone maker Oppo to offer two unique ringtones along with music for alarms and text notifications. -
April 05, 2021
Rapper DMX Is On Life Support At New York Hospital After A Heart Attack
News of DMX's condition prompted an outpouring of prayer and support on social media from fans and celebrities, including rappers Missy Elliott, Rick Ross, Ja Rule, Ice T and Chance the -
Apr 05, 2021Rapper DMX Is On Life Support At New York Hospital After Heart Attack
News of DMX's condition prompted an outpouring of prayer and support on social media from fans and celebrities, including rappers Missy Elliott, Rick… -
Apr 02, 2021Rapper DMX On Life Support Following Heart Attack
Enlarge this image DMX, pictured performing at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, is reportedly -
Mar 30, 2021Bonnaroo Announces Lineup For 2021 Festival In September
Enlarge this image Billy Joel performing at Bonnaroo 2015. Jason Merritt/TERM/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Jason -
Mar 30, 2021
Akron Plans 'Devo Day' For April 1. Is It An April Fools' Joke?
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Mar 28, 2021Michael Milosh Of Rhye Accused Of Sexual Assault And Domestic Violence By Ex-Wife
Enlarge this image Rhye's Michael Milosh has denied allegations of sexual assault made by ex-wife Alexa Nikolas. Mike Windle/Getty Images for -
Mar 28, 2021
Historic 'St. Louis Tinfoil' Added To National Recording Registry
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Mar 26, 2021Composer Malek Jandali Considers Syria's Civil War, A Decade On
Enlarge this image Syrian-American pianist and composer Malek Jandali, photographed on May 16, 2015 in Dubai. Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty Images -
Mar 24, 2021NYC Mayor Promises To Help Broadway Re-Open By September
Enlarge this image A sign of the "Hamilton" marquee at New York City's Richard Rogers Theater on Mar. 12, 2021, commemorating Broadway's -
Mar 24, 2021
NYC Mayor Promises To Help Broadway Reopen By September
Enlarge this image A sign of the "Hamilton" marquee at New York City's Richard Rogers Theater on Mar. 12, 2021, commemorating Broadway's -
Mar 24, 2021Bach's Favorite Instrument You've Probably Never Heard Of: The Long-Lost Lautenwerck
Enlarge this image Johann Sebastian Bach playing the organ, not the lautenwerck, circa 1725. From a print in the British Museum. -
Mar 22, 2021
'Last Soul Company' Details The Story Of Malaco Records
A new book chronicles the history of Malaco Records, the oldest continuously run independent record label in America, and one of the biggest gospel… -
Mar 21, 2021
Join NPR Music's Listening Party For Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders' 'Promises'
YouTube Join us in an online listening party for Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders' new collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra, Promises.… -
Mar 19, 2021A Grandson's Gift — A Spotlight — For His Grandfather's WWII Band
Enlarge this image Jason Burt, of Clarksburg, Calif., got help from Grammy award-winning sound engineers to digitize and prepare recordings of his -
Mar 18, 2021Paul Jackson, Headhunters Bassist Who Played With Herbie Hancock, Dies At 73
Enlarge this image Paul Jackson performs with the Headhunters at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, The Netherlands, in 1998. -
Mar 18, 2021
Music Streaming Giants To Pay $424 Million In Royalty Fees
Streaming has revolutionized the music business, including how songwriters get paid. Now the 20 biggest streaming platforms have been ordered to pay… -
Mar 18, 2021'The Island We Made': Lip-Sync Opera And High Drag Sing An Ode To Mothers
Enlarge this image Sasha Velour stars in The Island We Made, an opera composed by Angélica Negrón and filmed in a mid-century -
Mar 16, 2021James Levine, Former Met Opera Music Director, Is Dead At Age 77
Enlarge this image James Levine conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2007. Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Miguel -
Mar 15, 2021
For Rapper Drake, It Really Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3
Drake recently released Scary Hours 2, a mini-album with three songs on it, and those songs all debuted in the top-three spots of the Billboard Hot… -
Mar 14, 2021
Most Grammys Per Single Lady — Beyoncé's 28th Win Sets A New Record
With a total of 28 wins, Beyoncé broke the record for the most Grammys of any woman or any singer at this year's awards. -
Mar 14, 2021Escapism, Not Escape, At A Grammy Night Defined By Exceptions
Enlarge this image Megan Thee Stallion, who took home the awards for best new artist and two rap categories, performs with Cardi -
Mar 14, 2021Grammys 2021: 10 Takeaways From A Big, Weird Night
Enlarge this image If we could literally take one thing away from the Grammys, Harry Styles' feather boa might be it. -
Mar 14, 2021
2021 Grammy Awards: Beyoncé Makes History, Billie Eilish Wins 2 Big Awards
The 63rd annual Grammy Awards were given out Sunday night. And while the stars were on display, it was a very different kind of ceremony for music's… -
Mar 14, 2021
Yo-Yo Ma Celebrates 2nd Vaccine Dose With Solo At Clinic
After receiving his second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed an impromptu solo for the clinic inside the gymnasium at Berkshire… -
Mar 13, 2021Beyoncé Reigns And Billie Eilish Repeats At 2021 Grammy Awards
Beyoncé (left) and Megan Thee Stallion, who each won three awards at the 2021 Grammy Awards, accept trophy for best rap performance -
Mar 13, 2021
2021 Grammy Awards: The Full List Of Winners
The complete list of winners of the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, presented on March 14, 2021, is below. The 2021 Grammy Awards will be handed out… -
Mar 13, 20212021 Grammy Awards: The Full List Of Nominees And Winners
Enlarge this image Don Emmert/AFP via -
Mar 11, 2021With A Long-Awaited Shot At Freedom, Mac Phipps Has His Eyes On The Future
Enlarge this image Mac Phipps, the rapper formerly signed to No Limit Records, has been granted clemency after 21 years in prison. -
Mar 10, 2021Shuttered Venue Grants Are Coming In April, After A Long Wait
Enlarge this image Music venues, like the Metro in Chicago, have gone through a long and uncertain wait for aid passed by -
Mar 09, 2021Lou Ottens, Inventor Of The Cassette Tape, Has Died
Enlarge this image A Philips cassette tape is shown in 1965. Lou Ottens, who lead the invention of the first cassette tape, -
Mar 09, 2021
Performance Venues Wait For Aid From Earlier COVID-19 Relief Measure
A bailout for live music and other event venues passed in the last relief bill. But one month after applications were scheduled to launch, they have…
Music News Radio
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Sonny Simmons, Fiercely Independent Alto Saxophonist, Dies at 87
Enlarge this image Frans Schellekens/Getty Images -
The Rhymes And Reasons Behind Re-Recording Your Own Classics
Enlarge this image Taylor Swift, onstage during the Fearless Tour at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 27, -
Sharon Van Etten Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Epic Ten'
YouTube Join NPR Music, Sharon Van Etten and Shamir in an online listening party for Van Etten's newest, epic Ten. The album includes her original… -
Lovely Songs From The Big Hold, Inspired By Bureaucracy
Enlarge this image A musician, disoriented by his loss of work and the inefficiency of bureaucracy, made -
Film Composer Hans Zimmer Turns To Creating Ringtones
Zimmer, known for scoring films like Inception and Dunkirk, worked with Chinese phone maker Oppo to offer two unique ringtones along with music for… -
Rapper DMX Is On Life Support At New York Hospital After A Heart Attack
News of DMX's condition prompted an outpouring of prayer and support on social media from fans and celebrities, including rappers Missy Elliott, Rick… -
Rapper DMX Is On Life Support At New York Hospital After Heart Attack
News of DMX's condition prompted an outpouring of prayer and support on social media from fans and celebrities, including rappers Missy Elliott, Rick… -
Rapper DMX On Life Support Following Heart Attack
Enlarge this image DMX, pictured performing at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, is reportedly -
Bonnaroo Announces Lineup For 2021 Festival In September
Enlarge this image Billy Joel performing at Bonnaroo 2015. Jason Merritt/TERM/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Jason -
Akron Plans 'Devo Day' For April 1. Is It An April Fools' Joke?
NPR thanks our sponsors Become an NPR sponsor -
Michael Milosh Of Rhye Accused Of Sexual Assault And Domestic Violence By Ex-Wife
Enlarge this image Rhye's Michael Milosh has denied allegations of sexual assault made by ex-wife Alexa Nikolas. Mike Windle/Getty Images for -
Historic 'St. Louis Tinfoil' Added To National Recording Registry
NPR thanks our sponsors Become an NPR sponsor -
Composer Malek Jandali Considers Syria's Civil War, A Decade On
Enlarge this image Syrian-American pianist and composer Malek Jandali, photographed on May 16, 2015 in Dubai. Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty Images -
NYC Mayor Promises To Help Broadway Re-Open By September
Enlarge this image A sign of the "Hamilton" marquee at New York City's Richard Rogers Theater on Mar. 12, 2021, commemorating Broadway's -
NYC Mayor Promises To Help Broadway Reopen By September
Enlarge this image A sign of the "Hamilton" marquee at New York City's Richard Rogers Theater on Mar. 12, 2021, commemorating Broadway's -
Bach's Favorite Instrument You've Probably Never Heard Of: The Long-Lost Lautenwerck
Enlarge this image Johann Sebastian Bach playing the organ, not the lautenwerck, circa 1725. From a print in the British Museum. -
'Last Soul Company' Details The Story Of Malaco Records
A new book chronicles the history of Malaco Records, the oldest continuously run independent record label in America, and one of the biggest gospel… -
Join NPR Music's Listening Party For Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders' 'Promises'
YouTube Join us in an online listening party for Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders' new collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra, Promises.… -
A Grandson's Gift — A Spotlight — For His Grandfather's WWII Band
Enlarge this image Jason Burt, of Clarksburg, Calif., got help from Grammy award-winning sound engineers to digitize and prepare recordings of his -
Paul Jackson, Headhunters Bassist Who Played With Herbie Hancock, Dies At 73
Enlarge this image Paul Jackson performs with the Headhunters at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, The Netherlands, in 1998. -
Music Streaming Giants To Pay $424 Million In Royalty Fees
Streaming has revolutionized the music business, including how songwriters get paid. Now the 20 biggest streaming platforms have been ordered to pay… -
'The Island We Made': Lip-Sync Opera And High Drag Sing An Ode To Mothers
Enlarge this image Sasha Velour stars in The Island We Made, an opera composed by Angélica Negrón and filmed in a mid-century -
James Levine, Former Met Opera Music Director, Is Dead At Age 77
Enlarge this image James Levine conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2007. Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Miguel -
For Rapper Drake, It Really Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3
Drake recently released Scary Hours 2, a mini-album with three songs on it, and those songs all debuted in the top-three spots of the Billboard Hot… -
Most Grammys Per Single Lady — Beyoncé's 28th Win Sets A New Record
With a total of 28 wins, Beyoncé broke the record for the most Grammys of any woman or any singer at this year's awards. -
Escapism, Not Escape, At A Grammy Night Defined By Exceptions
Enlarge this image Megan Thee Stallion, who took home the awards for best new artist and two rap categories, performs with Cardi -
Grammys 2021: 10 Takeaways From A Big, Weird Night
Enlarge this image If we could literally take one thing away from the Grammys, Harry Styles' feather boa might be it. -
2021 Grammy Awards: Beyoncé Makes History, Billie Eilish Wins 2 Big Awards
The 63rd annual Grammy Awards were given out Sunday night. And while the stars were on display, it was a very different kind of ceremony for music's… -
Yo-Yo Ma Celebrates 2nd Vaccine Dose With Solo At Clinic
After receiving his second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed an impromptu solo for the clinic inside the gymnasium at Berkshire… -
Beyoncé Reigns And Billie Eilish Repeats At 2021 Grammy Awards
Beyoncé (left) and Megan Thee Stallion, who each won three awards at the 2021 Grammy Awards, accept trophy for best rap performance -
2021 Grammy Awards: The Full List Of Winners
The complete list of winners of the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, presented on March 14, 2021, is below. The 2021 Grammy Awards will be handed out… -
2021 Grammy Awards: The Full List Of Nominees And Winners
Enlarge this image Don Emmert/AFP via -
With A Long-Awaited Shot At Freedom, Mac Phipps Has His Eyes On The Future
Enlarge this image Mac Phipps, the rapper formerly signed to No Limit Records, has been granted clemency after 21 years in prison. -
Shuttered Venue Grants Are Coming In April, After A Long Wait
Enlarge this image Music venues, like the Metro in Chicago, have gone through a long and uncertain wait for aid passed by -
Lou Ottens, Inventor Of The Cassette Tape, Has Died
Enlarge this image A Philips cassette tape is shown in 1965. Lou Ottens, who lead the invention of the first cassette tape, -
Performance Venues Wait For Aid From Earlier COVID-19 Relief Measure
A bailout for live music and other event venues passed in the last relief bill. But one month after applications were scheduled to launch, they have… -
With Her Recording Series 'Rising Sun,' Lara Downes Re-Centers Black Composers
Enlarge this image Lara Downes. Her recent album, Phenomenal Women, featured recordings of compositions by Black female composers whose legacies have… -
On 'Plugs I Met 2,' Benny The Butcher Is Saying The Quiet Part Out Loud, Up Front
Enlarge this image Jeremie Pennick, better known as Benny The Butcher, in a portrait from 2021. His new album, Plugs I Met -
Remembering Bunny Wailer, Reggae Mystic And Wailers Co-Founder, Dead At 73
Enlarge this image Bunny Wailer was the last living founder of iconic Jamaican reggae band The Wailers. Hulton Archive/Getty Images hide -
Remembering Bunny Wailer, Reggae Mystic And Wailers Co-Founder
Enlarge this image Bunny Wailer was the last living founder of iconic Jamaican reggae band The Wailers. Hulton Archive/Getty Images hide -
Ex-Collaborators For Squirrel Nut Zippers Reunite For New Music
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Dolly Parton Sings The Benefits Of Getting COVID-19 Vaccination
Dolly Parton wants people to get vaccinated. To that end, she re-imagined one of her greatest hits. Parton sang an adaptation of "Jolene" in a social… -
Song From 'Les Misérables' Has A Long History In Pro-Democracy Movements
In Myanmar, protesters have adopted the song — "Do You Hear The People Sing?" — from the musical Les Misérables, as a rallying cry against the… -
Bunny Wailer, Iconic Reggae Singer And Wailers Co-Founder, Has Died At Age 73
Enlarge this image Bunny Wailer photographed in London in 1988. David Corio/Redferns/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption David… -
Ralph Peterson Jr., Drummer Who Re-Enlivened Hard Bop, Dead At 58
Enlarge this image Ralph Peterson Jr., performing in 2012 at Symphony Space in New York. Dave Kaufman hide captiontoggle caption Dave -
Vijay Iyer And A New Trio Reflect On The 'Uneasy' Past And Present
Enlarge this image From left: Tyshawn Sorey, Vijay Iyer and Linda May Han Oh. The trio, Iyer's newest, collaborated on the album -
Rapper Mac Phipps, After 20 Years In Prison, Is One Step Closer To Freedom
Enlarge this image McKinley "Mac" Phipps at Lousiana's Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in 2011. Courtesy of the Phipps family hide captiontoggle -
What Does Daft Punk Leave Behind?
YouTube On Monday, the ur-French-dance-music duo Daft Punk announced – via the slick and typically cryptic video above, featuring a dramatic… -
Electronic Music Duo Daft Punk Announces Split After Nearly 3 Decades
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Bobby Shmurda Is Coming Home. What Happens Next?
Enlarge this image Bobby Shmurda at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Oct. 30, 2014. Taylor Hill/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Taylor Hill/Getty -
Julien Baker Joined NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Little Oblivions'
YouTube Updated Feb. 26 at 3:26 p.m. ET: The Listening Party has ended, but you can watch the album stream and conversation for the next 24… -
Julien Baker Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Little Oblivions'
YouTube Join us in an online listening party for Julien Baker's new album, Little Oblivions, hosted by WNXP's Jewly Hight and featuring a live… -
Country Music Continues To Confront Racism
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Rissi Palmer, host of the Apple Music show "Color Me Country," about the Morgan Wallen controversy and what the… -
Violence Erupts In Barcelona On 5th Night Of Protests Over Jailed Rapper
Enlarge this image Protesters clash with Mossos d'Esquadra, the Catalan police force, following a demonstration Saturday in Barcelona against the… -
Metropolitan Opera Backstage Workers: 'Without People, The Opera Is Nothing'
Enlarge this image Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York City remains closed following restrictions imposed to slow the spread -
Prince Markie Dee Of The Fat Boys Has Died
Prince Markie Dee, a founding member of The Fat Boys, has died. The trio was among hip-hop's best-known groups in the 1980s. -
Remembering U-Roy, Jamaican Dancehall Icon
The iconic dancehall musician U-Roy has died at age 78. The DJ and vocalist known as "The Originator" had a massive impact on Jamaican music, and was… -
U-Roy, Jamaican Vocalist Who Defined Dancehall And Presaged Hip-Hop, Dies At 78
Enlarge this image U-Roy, performing at Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Aug. 8, 1984. David Corio/Redferns hide captiontoggle caption -
Fans Will Almost Certainly Recognize Taylor Swift's New Single
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Milford Graves, Visionary Drummer Who Mapped The Music Of The Heart, Dead At 79
Enlarge this image Milford Graves, circa 2000, in front of his house in South Jamaica, Queens, N.Y. New York Daily News -
There's A New Voice On The Folk Music Scene — A Very Young One
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Fania Records Co-Founder Johnny Pacheco Dies At 85
Enlarge this image Johnny Pacheco, seen here in 2007, died at the age of 85 on Monday. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images hide -
Rebecca Black Releases 10th Anniversary Remix Of 'Friday'
Ten years ago this week, Rebecca Black's song "Friday" was released. If you were anywhere near the Internet then, you may have distinct feelings… -
Jazz Fusion Pioneer, Chick Corea, Dies Of Cancer At 79
Chick Corea was a towering figure in jazz for over 50 years — at home in straight ahead jazz, electric jazz fusion, Latin music and more. He won 23… -
'Just The Two Of Us' Songwriter Found His Sound In Solitude
Enlarge this image Young Jada Salter and her grandfather, William Salter, in 2002. Jamal Salter hide captiontoggle caption Jamal Salter -
Ringing In The Year Of The Ox Will Be A Largely Virtual Event
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Judge Rules Against Britney Spears' Father In Conservatorship Dispute
Enlarge this image Singer Britney Spears at an appearance in Hollywood in July 2019. Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images hide captiontoggle -
Chick Corea, Jazz Fusion Pioneer, Has Died Of Cancer At 79
Enlarge this image Chick Corea, seen here performing in Turin, Italy in 2018, died Feb. 9. Giorgio Perottino/Getty Images for OGR -
Taylor Swift Announces Remake Of 'Fearless,' Due In April
Enlarge this image Taylor Swift has kept busy during quarantine with two new albums under her belt; today, the artist announces a -
Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Tina Turner Among 16 Nominees For Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
Enlarge this image Jay-Z (pictured in 2005) was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Wednesday, in his first -
Original Member Of The Supremes, Mary Wilson, Dies At Age 76
Mary Wilson began her career in Detroit in 1959 as a singer in what was then called the Primettes. The group went on to become The Supremes, with… -
Mary Wilson, Founding Member Of The Supremes, Dies At 76
Enlarge this image Singer Mary Wilson, a co-founder of The Supremes, died Monday night at her home in Henderson, Nev. She was -
Morgan Wallen's Music Continues To Succeed Despite Racial Slur Controversy
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For Her 'SNL' Debut, Phoebe Bridgers Goes Bigger Than Ever
YouTube Most of us spent 2020 in a holding pattern — if we're lucky — but Phoebe Bridgers had a massive year. Her second album, Punisher, was one of -
Music Venue Owners And Artists Reflect On How The Pandemic Changed Their Industry
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Jim Weatherly, Who Wrote 'Midnight Train To Georgia,' Dies At 77
Enlarge this image Singer-songwriter Jim Weatherly died on Feb. 3 at age 77. He's pictured above in Nashville, Tenn., in January 2015. -
Country Star Morgan Wallen Suspended By Label, Dropped by Radio, CMT After Using Slur
Enlarge this image Morgan Wallen performing at the 54th annual CMA Awards in November, where he won the New Artist of the -
New Album, 'Sounds Of The Unborn,' Gets A Prenatal Assist
Luca Yupanqui recorded her contributions to the album while still in the womb. For the recording sessions, her parents used "biosonic MIDI… -
Dolly Parton Says She Turned Down Presidential Medal Of Freedom — Twice
Enlarge this image Dolly Parton says she was offered the honor by the Trump administration but was unable to accept. Robyn -
Remembering SOPHIE, Electronic Pop Musician
AILSA CHANG, HOST: In the song "Immaterial," the electronic pop musician SOPHIE wrote what you might call a mission statement. (SOUNDBITE OF SONG,… -
Double K, People Under The Stairs Rapper And Producer, Dead At 43
Enlarge this image Double K, born Michael Turner, of People Under the Stairs performing during the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on -
Evan Rachel Wood Names Marilyn Manson As Abuser
Enlarge this image In 2018, actress Evan Rachel Wood testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee about being sexually assaulted. Chelsea… -
Tony Bennett Has Alzheimer's Disease
Enlarge this image Singer Tony Bennett performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2007. Jo Hale/Getty Images hide captiontoggle -
Playlist: Haitian Rhythms And The Music Of New Orleans
Enlarge this image Krewe du Kanaval in New Orleans Gason Ayisin/Courtesy of the photographer hide captiontoggle caption Gason Ayisin/Courtesy of the -
Hilton Valentine, Founding Guitarist For The Animals, Dies At 77
Enlarge this image The Animals, from left, Hilton Valentine, Chas Chandler, John Steel, Eric Burdon and Dave Rowberry, board an airliner in -
SOPHIE, Electronic Music's Transgressive Pop Star, Dead At 34
Enlarge this image SOPHIE, seen here performing in London in March 2018, died Saturday morning after an accident. Burak Cingi/Redferns hide -
Showdown, The Caribbean Answer To Verzuz, Is Part Of A Long-Running Musical Exchange
Enlarge this image Soca star Alison Hinds of Barbados performs on the inaugural Showdown livestream in October 2020. YouTube hide -
Sea Shanties, 18th Century Sailing Chants, Are Back In Style
The U.S. Navy Band has joined in the sea-shanty-pop-culture-fusion with a salty, weathered rendition of Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting… -
Arlo Parks Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Collapsed In Sunbeams'
YouTube Join us in an online listening party for Arlo Parks' debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, hosted by World Cafe's Raina Douris and featuring a… -
Arlo Parks Joined NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Collapsed In Sunbeams'
YouTube Updated Jan. 29 at 2:30 p.m. ET The Listening Party is over, but you can still watch the album stream and live conversation above for 72… -
When The Giants Of Indian Classical Music Collided With Psychedelic San Francisco
Enlarge this image Tabla player Zakir Hussain (left) accompanies sarod player Ali Akbar Khan and his wife and collaborator Mary Khan. -
12-Year-Old Trumpeter From Georgia Will Play In Virtual Inauguration Parade
For 100 straight days, Jason Zgonc played his trumpet outside Emory Decatur Hospital near Atlanta to cheer up exhausted health care workers, who were… -
Foo Fighters Are Among Musicians Participating In Inaugural Festivities
Many musicians will perform in a celebration of Joe Biden's inauguration, including the Foo Fighters. Band leader Dave Grohl explains how he got… -
Trump Pardons Steve Bannon, Lil Wayne In Final Clemency Flurry
Enlarge this image Steve Bannon leaves federal court, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, after pleading not guilty to charges that he defrauded donors -
Phil Spector, Legendary Record Producer And Convicted Murderer, Has Died At 81
Enlarge this image Phil Spector, in the studio in an undated photo. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Michael Ochs -
Sylvain Sylvain, New York Dolls Guitarist, Dies At 69
Enlarge this image Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls, shown here performing in 2007, has died at the age of 69. -
Multiple Men With The Same Name Form Paul O'Sullivan Band
Paul O'Sullivan of Baltimore was perusing social media, and friending people who shared his name. Some were musicians like him. They've formed The… -
Lady Gaga, J-Lo To Headline Biden Inauguration
Enlarge this image Jennifer Lopez, as well as Lady Gaga, will perform at the inauguration of president-elect Joe Biden next week. -
Bill Proposes Dolly Parton Statue On Tenn. Capitol Grounds
State Rep. John Mark Windle introduced the bill in Nashville. He said Dolly Parton is the "perfect example" of the "kind, compassionate nature of… -
'Artists, Weirdos, Hellriders And Homies:' Thrasher Magazine Turns 40
Enlarge this image Courtesy of Thrasher Magaine Courtesy of Thrasher Magaine Playboy. -
After Missing Last Year, 2021 Kennedy Center Honors Are Announced
Enlarge this image Clockwise from upper left: Debbie Allen, Garth Brooks, Dick Van Dyke, Joan Baez and Midori Goto. Uarian Langerston, -
2021 Music Preview: 'Little Oblivions,' Collapsed In Sunbeams'
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NPR's Classical Music Editor Previews 2 Albums You'll Want To Hear
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Car Concerts Offer Choirs A Way To Rehearse And Perform
Enlarge this image Tim Schantz conducts Luminous Voices' first car concert, on Oct. 4, 2020. Kenton Smith hide captiontoggle caption Kenton -
Tracy Chapman Wins Lawsuit Against Nicki Minaj
Enlarge this image Singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, performing in Carhaix-Plouguer, France in 2006. Andre Durand/AFP via Getty Images hide… -
With 2021 Off To A Rocky Start, There's At Least New Music To Listen To
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Investment Firm Buys Rights To Neil Young's Music Catalog
Hipgnosis Songs Fund announced it has acquired a 50% interest in Neil Young's catalogue of 1,180 songs. Hipgnosis also has made deals with producer… -
A Preview Of New Music To Start Off 2021
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2021 Grammy Awards Postponed Due To Coronavirus Concerns
Enlarge this image The 2021 Grammy Awards ceremony is being postponed, due to coronavirus concerns. Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images hide -
Lil Nas X Says Children Are His Core Audience Right Now, And That's OK
Enlarge this image Lil Nas X, the Grammy-winner behind "Old Town Road," has written and released his first children's book, C Is -
2021 Music Recommendations: 'Heaux Tales,' 'Demidevil'
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U.K. Man Gets Carried Away While Watching Celine Dion TV Concert
Thomas Dodd was enjoying the show with a few drinks. A couple days later, some unexpected mail arrived. He doesn't remember the details, but he… -
3 Grammy Contenders Share Outrage At All-White Category, Decline Nominations
Enlarge this image Justin Lansing (left) and Joe Mailander (right) of The Okee Dokee Brothers have declined their 2021 Grammy Award nomination -
Bluegrass Band Sister Sadie Embodies Tradition, But Bends It Too
Enlarge this image Dale Ann Bradley (left), Tina Adair, Gena Britt Tew and Deanie Richardson (center) of the bluegrass band Sister Sadie -
MF DOOM, Intricate And Enigmatic Rapper And Producer, Dead At 49
Enlarge this image MF DOOM, who always performed behind his signature mask, told NPR in in 2003, "The music first, then everything -
Pianist Claude Bolling, Creator Of Popular Jazz/Classical Suites, Has Died
Enlarge this image A shot of jazz pianist Claude Bolling and friends, taken on a beach in Cannes, France in 1969. -
Tony Rice Was My Guitar Hero
Enlarge this image Tony Rice performs on stage during Bonnaroo 2009 in Manchester, Tenn.. Jason Merritt/TERM/FilmMagic hide captiontoggle caption… -
'Brother Robert' Reveals True Story Of Growing Up With Blues Legend Robert Johnson
Enlarge this image Annye Anderson — stepsister of Robert Johnson — published her memoir Brother Robert: Growing Up with Robert Johnson in -
Members Of The Band Kiss Urge Eveyone To Mask Up
Singer Gene Simmons posted a photo of the band en route to Dubai for a livestream concert. Not in their usual devilish face paint, they were wearing… -
Jazz Musicians Discover New Possibilities Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Jazz musicians often rely on the energy they take from a live audience. So when live performances were shut down because of the pandemic, they had to… -
'Morning Edition Song Project' Will Continue Into 2021
Morning Edition co-hosts Rachel Martin and David Greene discuss the Morning Edition Song Project, in which musicians write songs about the news of… -
Tony Rice, A Giant Of The Acoustic Guitar, Dead At 69
Enlarge this image Tony Rice performing in 2000. Stephen A. Ide/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Stephen A. Ide/Getty Images -
Frank Sinatra And Jack Kerouac Performed At This Denver Bar. Now It's Closing
Like many music venues, Denver's legendary El Chapultepec is closing. But the 87-year-old institution is closing not only because of the pandemic but… -
This Denver Bar Once Welcomed Frank Sinatra And Jack Kerouac. Now It's Closed
The legendary El Chapultepec has closed after 87 years in business — not only because of the pandemic, but also because Denver has changed. -
'Rompan Todo' Explores A Turbulent History Of Latin America Through Rock Music
Enlarge this image Sergio Arau (center) poses with fellow Botellita de Jerez bandmates. They were one of the most influential groups in -
In 'Soul,' Jon Batiste's Music Helps Bring Pixar's First Black Lead To Life
In Soul, Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz. Musician Jon Batiste wrote original music and -
Playboi Carti Finally Drops Second Album, 'Whole Lotta Red'
Enlarge this image Playboi Carti released Whole Lotta Red, the long-anticipated follow up to 2018's Die Lit. Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty -
'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' Shines A Light On August Wilson's Vision
Enlarge this image August Wilson at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Co., 2004. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc hide captiontoggle caption -
Beethoven's Life, Liberty And Pursuit Of Enlightenment
Enlarge this image A portrait of Ludwig van Beethoven, painted in 1804 by W.J. Mähler. Wikimedia Commons hide captiontoggle caption Wikimedia -
In New Orleans, Music Education Programs Cautiously Fall Back In Step
Enlarge this image Students rehearse outdoors at The Roots of Music. The education nonprofit has kept its marching band going throughout the -
The Highwomen, John Prine Win Big At Americana Awards
Enlarge this image Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires of The Highwomen. Erika Goldring/Getty Images hide captiontoggle… -
The Highwomen Win Big At 2020 Americana Awards
Enlarge this image Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires of The Highwomen. Erika Goldring/Getty Images hide captiontoggle… -
Jingle Johns Do Double Duty As Singing Choir
A sanitation company in Indiana took 32 porta-johns, and arranged then in rows, like a choir. And animated face on each one lip-syncs as Christmas… -
50 Years Later, 'Feliz Navidad' Still Delivers On Its Bilingual Message
Enlarge this image José Feliciano's bilingual hit, "Feliz Navidad," celebrates its 50th Christmas this year. Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The… -
Dolly Parton Saves 9-Year-Old Actor From Being Hit By A Car
Inside Edition reports that while on the set of her latest movie, Parton saved costar Talia Hill from an oncoming car. In that movie, Parton plays an… -
Charley Pride, Country Music's First Major Black Star, Dies At 86
Enlarge this image Country music legend Charley Pride died on Saturday at age 86 from complications due to COVID-19. Pride, who gave -
FKA twigs Sues Shia LaBeouf, Accusing Him Of Domestic Abuse
Enlarge this image British musician FKA twigs, arriving at the Grammy Awards in Jan. 2020. Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images hide -
'It Becomes More And More Special': Paul McCartney On His Friendship With John Lennon
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Paul McCartney about the life and death of the Beatles' John Lennon, who was killed 40 years ago this week. -
Hear Sturgill Simpson's 'Cuttin' Grass, Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions' Now
Enlarge this image Sturgill Simpson Semi Song/Courtesy of the artist hide captiontoggle caption Semi Song/Courtesy of the artist -
Stream Taylor Swift's New Album, 'Evermore'
Enlarge this image Taylor Swift Beth Garrabrant/Courtesy of the artist hide captiontoggle caption Beth Garrabrant/Courtesy of the artist -
Pandemic Forces Musician Richard Buckner In A Different Direction
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Composer John Luther Adams On The Arctic Sounds That Shaped His Work
Enlarge this image Composer John Luther Adams wrote his memoir, Silences So Deep: Music, Solitude, Alaska, based on the decades he spent -
Collegiate A Cappella Championship Boil Down To 4 Teams
Described as Pitch Perfect meets March Madness, hundreds of groups submitted their best performance videos in a national collegiate a cappella… -
Examining The Link Between Music And Scores For Math, Reading
A music professor set out to prove that there is no link between studying music and better scores in reading and math. But after a 10-year study, he… -
4 Teams Head Into Finals Of Collegiate A Cappella Championship
Enlarge this image The Harvard Opportunes. Dylan Zhou. /Twins Talent Casting hide captiontoggle caption Dylan Zhou. /Twins Talent Casting -
Veteran Singer-Songwriters Are Selling Their Music Catalogs
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NPR Music's Listening Party For The Top 5 Songs Of 2020
YouTube Update: The Listening Party has ended, but you can watch the conversation above for the next 48 hours. Now that you've read and listened to… -
Join NPR Music's Listening Party For The Top 5 Songs Of 2020
YouTube Now that you've read and listened to NPR Music's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2020, let's talk about it. This Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, join -
Bob Dylan Sells Songwriting Catalog In Nine-Figure Deal
Enlarge this image A 1965 portrait of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, back when he was at the epicenter of the counterculture. Evening -
Bob Dylan Sells Songwriting Catalog In 9-Figure Deal
Enlarge this image Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 1965, when he was at the epicenter of the counterculture. Evening Standard/Getty Images hide -
'Tripping With Nils Frahm:' Four Sweaty Berlin Nights Captured Onscreen
Enlarge this image Four nights onstage in Berlin in 2018 are the subject of Nils Frahm's new concert film and soundtrack album, -
'Tripping With Nils Frahm': 4 Sweaty Berlin Nights Captured Onscreen
Enlarge this image Four nights onstage in Berlin in 2018 are the subject of Nils Frahm's new concert film and soundtrack album, -
'Song Of The Avatars' Resurrects Guitarist Robbie Basho's Lost Recordings
Enlarge this image Robbie Basho helped pioneer the American Primitive style of guitar playing. Now his personal recordings — long thought lost -
New Documentary 'Billie' Explores Mysteries Of Billie Holiday And Her Biographer
Enlarge this image Billie Holiday performs in New York City in 1947. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Michael Ochs -
Jazz Standard, One Of New York's Top Clubs, Closes Due To Pandemic
The Mingus Big Band, playing a set at The Jazz Standard in 2008. Jimmy Katz/WBGO hide captiontoggle caption Jimmy Katz/WBGO -
Fellow Tennessean Justin Timberlake Buys Family A Needed Van
Jake Stitt often sits outside his Tennessee home with a sign reading: Honk if you're happy. He has cerebral palsy, and a wheelchair accessible van… -
Rapper Bad Bunny Is Spotify's Most Streamed Artist Of 2020
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'Looking To Get Lost' Profiles Iconic Musical Performers
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Music Review: Secretary Of State Pick Anthony Blinken
A peek at the "wonk rock" of Biden administration pick for Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. -
Music Review: Secretary Of State Pick Antony Blinken
MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: We've been talking about the politics of President-elect Joe Biden's Cabinet choices - now a very different review of the work… -
Bad Bunny Drops The Indie-fluenced 'El Último Tour Del Mundo'
Bad Bunny, whose new album, El Último Tour del Mundo, was released Friday. Kevin Winter/BBMA2020/Getty Images for dcp hide captiontoggle caption -
NEA Heritage Fellow Suni Paz Sings For Children And The Have-Nots
Enlarge this image Argentine singer-songwriter Suni Paz adds NEA recognition to a long career. Ramiro Fauve hide captiontoggle caption Ramiro Fauve -
Female Artists Have Historic Showing In Grammy Categories
The categories of Best Rock Performance and Best Country Album, traditionally are dominated by men. But this year, for the first time, the nominees… -
A Tense New Classical Work Bottles The Feeling Of A Police Stop
Enlarge this image Composer Anthony Davis based You Have the Right to Remain Silent on his own experience with police. Erik -
Beyoncé, Dua Lipa Headline 2021 Grammy Nominations
Enlarge this image Beyoncé, seen here attending the 2020 pre-Grammy gala, received two record of the year nominations Tuesday. Allen Berezovsky/Getty -
Biden's Pick To Lead State Department Has A Wonk Rock Band
Antony Blinken, President-elect Biden's choice for secretary of state, has much diplomatic experience. He also has a band called Ablinken. He has two… -
Bad Bunny Diagnosed With COVID-19
Enlarge this image Bad Bunny, photographed at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J. on Aug. 26, 2019. Johannes -
'The Last Shall Be First': A Lost Chapter Of Gospel, Saved From Extinction
Enlarge this image Pastor Juan D. Shipp is the radio personality responsible for The Last Shall Be First: The JCR Records Story, -
Musicians Turn To New Software To Play Together Online
Enlarge this image The members of New York-based brass quartet The Westerlies are rehearsing together thousands of miles apart, thanks to Audio -
Latin Grammys 2020: Natalia Lafourcade, Residente Among Big Winners
Enlarge this image Víctor Manuelle, performing onstage during the 21st Annual Latin Grammy Awards at American Airlines Arena on Nov. 19, 2020 -
Megan Thee Stallion Shares 'Good News,' Her First Studio Album
Enlarge this image Megan Thee Stallion has released her debut album, Good News. Marcelo Cantu hide captiontoggle caption Marcelo Cantu -
'Louder Than A Riot' Podcast Finds Evidence Rapper Mac Might Be Innocent
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New York Philharmonic Premieres Young Composer's 'Summer'
Grace Moore, 12, is one of the youngest composers to write music performed by the New York Philharmonic. She wrote "Summer" during the early days of… -
The 'Sonic Genius' Behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Has Died
Enlarge this image Bruce Swedien and Quincy Jones onstage together, speaking at the Pensado Awards for audio engineering in Culver City, Calif. -
'Hitman' Bang Si-hyuk, The Brand-New Billionaire Behind BTS
Enlarge this image Chairman and CEO Bang Si-hyuk, center, photographed Oct. 15, 2020, the day his company, Big Hit Entertainment, debuted on -
Grammy Award Winning Audio Engineer Bruce Swedien Dies At 86
Bruce Swedien engineered Michael Jackson's "Thriller." He also recorded sessions with Duke Ellington, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. Swedien was a… -
Lil Wayne Faces Federal Charge For Gun Possession
Enlarge this image Rapper Lil Wayne (center) watches a basketball game last December. He is facing a federal gun possession charge. -
New Anthology Revisits Brief History Of The Gospel Truth Label
The Gospel Truth was a subsidiary of the famous soul label Stax Records. A new anthology, The Gospel Truth: The Complete Singles Collection, revisits… -
Cándido Camero, A Father Of Latin Jazz, Dies At 99
Enlarge this image Cuban-born percussionist Candido Camero, circa 1960. Bill Wagg/Redferns hide captiontoggle caption Bill Wagg/Redferns -
King Von, Emerging Chicago Rapper, Dead At 26
Enlarge this image Dayvon Bennett, better known as the rapper King Von . Courtesy of the artist hide captiontoggle caption Courtesy -
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame To Induct 2020's Honorees
The 35th annual class of inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland include Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston, Nine… -
The BlackSon And BlackCity Are Generating 'Free Power'
Enlarge this image The BlackSon, center, photographed with several members of the BlackCity, Funky Tenn collective. Gunner Stahl/Courtesy of the… -
The Songwriting Success Of Singing Rapper Tim Gent And Rapping Singer Bryant Taylorr
Enlarge this image Bryant Taylorr. Courtesy of the artist hide captiontoggle caption Courtesy of the artist -
A.B. Eastwood's Ever-Expanding Beat
Enlarge this image A.B. Eastwood. Dominique Alexander/Courtesy of the artist hide captiontoggle caption Dominique Alexander/Courtesy of the artist -
Non-Lullaby Does The Trick To Soothe Fussy Baby
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Hip-Hop In Nashville Is Making Its Own Way
Enlarge this image Nashville's music industry has never given homegrown hip-hop the support it deserves, so the city's artists and entrepreneurs are -
Stevie Nicks On TikTok, Tom Petty And Claiming What's Yours
Enlarge this image Stevie Nicks' new 24 Karat Gold concert film foregrounds songs the artist says never got their due. Courtesy -
Arcade Fire Returns With 2020's First Big Post-Election Protest Anthem
Enlarge this image "I don't think they understand that I am not a patient man," Win Butler of Arcade Fire sings in -
Baron Wolman, Rolling Stone's First Staff Photographer, Dies At 83
Enlarge this image Baron Wolman, photographed on Aug. 2, 2011 in New York for the release of his book The Rolling Stones -
Tracy Chapman Returns To Sing Of 'Revolution' On The Eve Of Election Day
YouTube Tracy Chapman didn't take long to release her masterpiece. Arriving near the end of the Reagan Era, the singer-songwriter's classic,… -
Brace Yourself: YouTube Has A New Most-Watched Video
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Ariana Grande Releases New Album 'Positions,' Her Most Explicit To Date
Enlarge this image Ariana Grande has released her sixth studio album, positions. Dave Myers hide captiontoggle caption Dave Myers -
With Lil Wayne, Ice Cube And 50 Cent, Trump Makes Final Push For Black Voters
Enlarge this image Even when President Trump unveiled his plan for Black economic empowerment, he put most of his emphasis on telling -
Join NPR Music's Listening Party For OutKast's 'Stankonia'
YouTube For the 20th anniversary of OutKast's Stankonia, join NPR Music's listening party this Friday at 2 p.m. ET. Hosted by scholar Regina Bradley… -
NPR Music's Listening Party For OutKast's 'Stankonia'
YouTube Updated on Oct. 30 ay 4:04 p.m. ET. NPR Music's Listening Party has ended, but you can replay the album and conversation for the next 24… -
Jack White Of The White Stripes Covers Busker's New Guitar
When a woman in Scotland smashed Matt Grant's guitar, he turned to crowd-funding to raise money. When he showed up at the store, the clerk told him… -
'SNL': Adele Hosts Because 'Album's Not Finished,' But H.E.R. Debuts New Song
YouTube It's been nearly five years since Adele released her blockbuster, Grammy-festooned album 25 — so you'd be forgiven for wondering whether fans… -
Jerry Jeff Walker, Who Wrote 'Mr. Bojangles,' Dies At 78
Enlarge this image Country legend Jerry Jeff Walker poses backstage at a country music festival in 2009. Walker, best known for his -
Central Park Is Alive With The Sound Of Music, Thanks To A Site-Specific App
Enlarge this image Masked pedestrians enjoy Central Park earlier this year. The New York destination now has a site-specific soundtrack courtesy of -
Toronto's ASD Band Looks To Raise Autism Awareness By Example
Enlarge this image From left, Ron Adea (keyboards), Rawan Tuffaha (vocals) and Jackson D. Begley (guitar) perform during a virtual media appearance -
What Happens When TikTok Looks To The Avant-Garde For A Challenge?
Enlarge this image Over the past week, users of TikTok began absorbing, in a "challenge," one artist's musical investigation into the realities -
NEA Announces Its 2021 Jazz Masters
Enlarge this image The saxophonist, flutist and composer Henry Threadgill, one of the NEA's 2021 Jazz Masters. Nhumi Threadgill/Courtesy of the -
Jason Flom, The Music Executive With A Nose For Injustice
Enlarge this image Jason Flom is the CEO of Lava Records, a board member of The Innocence Project and host of the -
Jason Flom, The Music Executive With An Ear For Injustice
Enlarge this image Jason Flom is the CEO of Lava Records, a board member of The Innocence Project and host of the -
Toshinori Kondo, Trailblazing Modern Trumpeter, Dies At 71
Enlarge this image Esteemed jazz musician Toshinori Kondo playing the trumpet. Peter Gannushkin hide captiontoggle caption Peter Gannushkin -
Have A Musical Instrument Gathering Dust? Nonprofit Will Take Your Donation
Hungry for Music is a nonprofit organization that takes donations of musical instruments, refurbishes them and distributes them to needy music… -
Social Music In An Age Of Social Distancing
How is the jazz community in Philadelphia responding to the global pandemic? Jazz Night in America found a few different answers to that question. In… -
Requiem For A Theme: Film Composer Clint Mansell On The Sound Of Sadness
Enlarge this image Clint Mansell is the Grammy-nominated composer whose work on Requiem for a Dream jumpstarted a prolific and distinctive score -
Sturgill Simpson Raids His Own Catalog For Surprise Bluegrass Album
Enlarge this image Before recording Cuttin' Grass Vol. 1, Sturgill Simpson (seated at center with guitar) assembled an all-star crew of bluegrass -
Demi Lovato Addresses Trump With 'Commander In Chief' During Billboard Music Awards
Enlarge this image Demi Lovato, performing "Commander In Chief" during the Billboard Music Awards, broadcast on Oct. 14, 2020 from the Dolby -
Demi Lovato Addresses Trump With New Song, 'Commander In Chief'
Enlarge this image Demi Lovato, performing "Commander In Chief" during the Billboard Music Awards, broadcast on Oct. 14, 2020 from the Dolby -
New York Philharmonic Cancels Its Entire 2020-21 Season, Due To Coronavirus
Enlarge this image The New York Philharmonic and its music director, Jaap van Zweden. Chris Lee/Courtesy of the New York Philharmonic -
Jack White Gives A Thrilling Performance On 'SNL' — On 2 Days' Notice
Jack White, performing "Lazaretto" on Saturday Night Live. YouTube Screenshot by NPR hide captiontoggle caption YouTube Screenshot by NPR This week's -
Broadway's Reopening Is Pushed Back Again
Enlarge this image The performing arts remain in economic peril as Broadway extends closures until May due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. -
Jack White Replaces Morgan Wallen As 'SNL' Musical Guest
Enlarge this image Jack White performs during the 2014 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. This week, he will perform as SNL's musical -
Rapper Tory Lanez Charged In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting
Enlarge this image Rapper Tory Lanez, performing in Newark, N.J. in Sept. 2019. Manny Carabel/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Manny… -
A Voice Of Iran, Master Singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Has Died
Enlarge this image Mohammad Reza Shajarian, onstage in Vancouver, Canada in 2008. The singer died Thursday in Tehran. Heinz Ruckemann/UPI /Landov -
'I Can See Clearly Now' Singer Johnny Nash Has Died, Age 80
Enlarge this image A studio shot of singer Johnny Nash in New York City, c. 1958. PoPsie Randolph/Getty Images hide captiontoggle -
'I Can See Clearly Now' Singer Johnny Nash Has Died At 80
Enlarge this image Singer Johnny Nash records in a New York City studio, circa 1958. PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide -
Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Dies After A Long Battle With Cancer
Eddie Van Halen and his brother Alex formed the band that bore their last name. It became a force in rock in the 1970s and 1980s, and Eddie became a… -
Johnny Nash, Known For Reggae Hit 'I Can See Cleary Now,' Dies At 80
In 1972, reggae and pop singer-songwriter Johnny Nash had a hit with "I Can See Clearly Now." The musician died Tuesday at his home in Houston.… -
Johnny Nash, Known For Reggae Hit 'I Can See Clearly Now,' Dies At 80
In 1972, reggae and pop singer-songwriter Johnny Nash had a hit with "I Can See Clearly Now." The musician died Tuesday at his home in Houston.… -
City Scenes: Remembering Boston's Great Scott
Enlarge this image Great Scott was a popular hangout for students at Boston College for many years. Jesse Haley hide captiontoggle -
Amidst Global Troubles, MacArthur 'Genius Grant' Winners 'Provoke And Inspire'
Enlarge this image The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation -
On 'Para La Espera,' Silvio Rodríguez Combines The Personal And Political
Enlarge this image Silvio Rodríguez's latest album is called Para la espera. Gabriel Guerra Bianchini hide captiontoggle caption Gabriel Guerra… -
Eddie Van Halen, Guitar Hero, Dies At 65
Enlarge this image Michael Ochs Archives/Get Michael Ochs Archives/Get Eddie Van Halen, -
Released Decades Later: 'The Lost Berlin Tapes' By Ella Fitzgerald
In 1962, jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald gave a concert in Berlin, which was recorded but the tapes were lost. The previously unheard concert recording… -
Supreme Court Declines To Hear Led Zeppelin
Enlarge this image Led Zeppelin performing on stage in 1977. The band has been battling this allegation of copyright infringement since 2014. -
Megan Thee Stallion Protests Breonna Taylor Ruling On 'SNL'
YouTube Megan Thee Stallion used her performance on Saturday Night Live's season premiere to criticize Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron for… -
Women Conductors Are The Rule, Not The Exception, At A New Classical Event
Enlarge this image Chinese conductor Jiajing Lai performs in the first edition of La Maestra, an international competition for women conductors, held -
Singer, Songwriter Mac Davis Dies At 78
Mac Davis had his own TV variety show, acted in movies and was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He released 19 albums over 25 years. His… -
Mac Davis, 'Painter' Of Classic Songs, Dead At 78
Enlarge this image A portrait of Mac Davis taken on Oct. 12, 1981. CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images hide captiontoggle -
'I Am Woman' Singer Helen Reddy Is Dead, Aged 78
Enlarge this image Helen Reddy, performing in London in 1974. Ian Dickson/Redferns/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Ian Dickson/Redferns/Getty… -
'Rolling Stone' Updates Its List Of The Greatest Albums Of All Time
Rolling Stone magazine has updated its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, tabulating hundreds of lists from musicians, critics and music… -
Met Opera Says It Won't Return Until Fall 2021
Enlarge this image A view of the Metropolitan Opera ticketing office in 2018. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption -
Top Music School Finds Sexual Abuse Allegations From Violinist 'Credible'
Enlarge this image An undated portrait of the violinist Lara St. John. Martin Kennedy/Courtesy of the artist hide captiontoggle caption Martin -
Springsteen Credits Fan's Gift For The Existence Of His New Album
Needing inspiration, Bruce Springsteen says he wandered through his house playing a guitar that a fan gave him. He tells Rolling Stone he wrote the… -
Rediscovering The Enormous Social And Spiritual Legacy Of Black Jazz Records
Enlarge this image Doug Carn, left, with his wife, Jean Carn, in a detail from the cover of their album Spirit of -
Temptations Singer Bruce Williamson Jr. Dies At 49
The family of Bruce Williamson Jr., who was a former lead singer with the Temptations, died on Sept. 6 in Las Vegas of complications from COVID-19. -
Member Of The Temptations, Bruce Williamson Jr., Dies At 49
The family of Bruce Williamson Jr., who was a former lead singer with the Temptations, died on Sept. 6 in Las Vegas of complications from COVID-19. -
Sylvan Esso Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Free Love'
YouTube This Friday at 3 p.m. ET, join us for an online listening party for Sylvan Esso's Free Love, hosted by All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen and… -
Sylvan Esso Joined NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Free Love'
YouTube Updated on Sept. 25 at 4:05 p.m.: The Listening Party is over, but you can still watch the live stream and conversation above for the next 72… -
Whistleblowers Allege Culture Of Secrecy, Protection Of Powerful At Singers' Union
Enlarge this image A 1939 portrait of opera singer Lawrence Tibbett, the co-founder and first president of the American Guild of Musical -
Wanted in Israel: More Shofar Blowers For Socially Distanced Jewish New Year
Enlarge this image Rabbi Yehonatan Adouar (R) teaches a student during a shofar blowing course in Rambam Synagogue in Ramat Gan, Israel. -
50 Years Ago, Black Sabbath Found Its Sound And Took Metal Worldwide
Enlarge this image Black Sabbath circa 1970. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
McDonald's Runs Low On Ingredients For Travis Scott Quarter Pounder
The fast food chain's Travis Scott meal is just a Quarter Pounder with the rapper's favorites: cheese, bacon, lettuce, fries, BBQ sauce and a Sprite.… -
Stanley Crouch, Towering Jazz Critic, Dead At 74
Enlarge this image Stanley Crouch, photographed during The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music's Beacon Awards Gala on Feb. 27, 2006 -
Grohl Ups His Game In Drum Battle With 10-Year-Old Opponent
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl wrote and performed a new song dedicated to Nandi Bushell, who first challenged him last month with a cover of the… -
Alphorns Are The Perfect Instrument For Social Distancing
The large wooden horns which are traditional in the Alps can be more than 10 feet in length. Over the weekend, professionals serenaded the German… -
Toots Hibbert, Reggae Ambassador And Leader Of Toots And The Maytals, Dies At 77
Enlarge this image Jamaican reggae singer Toots Hibbert, of Toots and The Maytals, photographed in 1974. Michael Putland/Getty Images hide… -
A Karaoke Bar Is Helping A Japanese Town Come Back To Life After Fukushima Disaster
Enlarge this image Cosmos Karaoke is a lively karaoke bar in the middle of Namie, a small city that is slowly reopening -
Making Sense Of Megan Thee Stallion's Shooting, And What Followed
Enlarge this image Megan Thee Stallion performs at the BET Hip Hop Awards in October 2019. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images hide captiontoggle -
Keeping Up With Amanda Jones, Score Composer On The Rise
Enlarge this image Amanda Jones, a singer-songwriter turned film and TV composer, is the first African American woman to earn an Emmy -
Ronald Bell, Co-Founder, Songwriter And Producer Of Kool & The Gang, Dead At 68
Enlarge this image Ronald "Khalis" Bell, performing with Kool & The Gang on March 29, 1974. ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television -
A Final Bow From Hal Wilner, The Producer With The Golden Rolodex
Enlarge this image Hal Willner in 2011. The producer's final project, created before his death in April, is AngelHeaded Hipster: The Songs -
A Final Bow From Hal Willner, The Producer With The Golden Rolodex
Enlarge this image Hal Willner in 2011. The producer's final project, created before his death in April, is AngelHeaded Hipster: The Songs -
Citing A COVID Shortfall, DHS Increases Visa Fees For Touring Artists
Enlarge this image Drew Angerer/Getty Images -
Citing A COVID-19 Shortfall, DHS Increases Visa Fees For Touring Artists
Enlarge this image Drew Angerer/Getty Images -
New Book Takes A Deeper Look At Quiet Beatle George Harrison
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with music journalist Ashley Kahn about his new book, George Harrison on George Harrison. It's a collection of interviews… -
Gary Peacock, A Jazz Bassist Always Ahead Of His Time, Dies At 85
Enlarge this image Jazz bassist Gary Peacock. Eliott Peacock/Courtesy of the Peacock Family hide captiontoggle caption Eliott Peacock/Courtesy of the… -
Hundreds Gather In German Church To Hear Composition's Chord Change
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Rollercoaster Aficionado Creates Mini Taylor Swift Theme Park
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Roller-Coaster Aficionado Creates Mini Taylor Swift Theme Park
COVID-19 left a hole in Matthew Ables' summer schedule, so the SuperSwiftie crafted a mini theme park dedicated to Taylor Swift. The 60 attractions… -
It's On! Dave Grohl Accepts British Girl's Drum Battle Challenge
At just 10 years old, drummer Nandi Bushell has challenged musician Dave Grohl to a drum-off, and the lead singer of the Foo Fighters has accepted. -
MTV Video Music Awards Held Virtually This Year Because Of COVID-19
The awards ceremony took place virtually as artists celebrated music created during the pandemic. There were new categories, including: best… -
New York Philharmonic Takes The Show On The Road. Literally
After a five-month hiatus because of the pandemic, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra takes its show on the road in its pull-up concert series out… -
The VMAs: 10 Takeaways For 2020
Enlarge this image Lady Gaga wore a lot of masks Sunday night, but this is the one with tusks. Yay, tusks! -
The MTV VMAs In 2020: 10 Takeaways
Enlarge this image Lady Gaga wore a lot of masks Sunday night, but this is the one with tusks. Yay, tusks! -
Financially Vulnerable, Independent Music Venues Worry Of Having To Sell
Enlarge this image -
Riley Gale, Fiery Singer Of Power Trip, Dead At 34
Enlarge this image Riley Gale, performing with Power Trip on Nov. 8, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Gary Miller/Getty Images hide captiontoggle -
How Colorado's Outdoor Venues Are Reimagining Live Music
Enlarge this image /Mishawaka Amphitheater -
Sotheby's Hosts Its First Hip-Hop Auction Next Month
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50 Years Later, Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios Is Still An Artistic Haven
Enlarge this image Electric Lady "was this colorful, vibrant space that encouraged you to use your imagination and and inspired new music," -
Justin Townes Earle, Second-Generation Americana Star, Dies At 38
Enlarge this image Justin Townes Earle, seen here performing at the 8th annual Americana Honors and Awards in 2009, has died. -
Justin Townes Earle, 2nd-Generation Americana Star, Dies At 38
Enlarge this image Justin Townes Earle, seen here performing at the 8th annual Americana Honors and Awards in 2009, has died. -
Hear Mariah Carey Sample Lauryn Hill On Her New Song, 'Save The Day'
YouTube As the weather cools off, Mariah Carey's powers are only rising. The elusive chanteuse has descended from her dewy palace in the clouds to… -
Bright Eyes Joined NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Down In The Weeds...'
YouTube UPDATE: The listening party has ended, but you can stream the album and conversation until 5 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 24. This Friday at 4… -
Two Men Charged In Cold Case Murder Of Jam Master Jay
Enlarge this image (L to R) Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and Joseph "DJ Run" Simmons of the hip-hop -
2 Men Charged In Long-Unsolved Killing of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay
Enlarge this image Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, from left, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and Joseph "DJ Run" Simmons of the hip-hop group -
Steve Grossman, Saxophonist And Post-Coltrane Leading Light, Dead At 69
Enlarge this image Steve Grossman, photographed while performing on July 1, 1991 in Nice, France. David Redfern/Redferns hide captiontoggle caption… -
Vox Virtual, An International Music Festival, Is About To Launch
Vocal ensembles that normally would be touring the summer festival circuit have organized a virtual concert series. Groups hail from 10 different… -
R. Kelly's Former Manager Charged With Gun Threat To 'Surviving R. Kelly' Screening
Enlarge this image Journalist Gretchen Carlson addresses the crowd before the planned screening of 'Surviving R. Kelly' in New York on Dec. -
Mark Kozelek, Of Sun Kil Moon And Red House Painters, Accused Of Sexual Assault
Enlarge this image Mark Kozelek, performing as Sun Kil Moon on Sept. 30, 2018 in Long Beach, Calif. Scott Dudelson/Getty Images -
Mark Kozelek, Of Sun Kil Moon And Red House Painters, Accused Of Sexual Misconduct
Enlarge this image Mark Kozelek, performing as Sun Kil Moon on Sept. 30, 2018 in Long Beach, Calif. Scott Dudelson/Getty Images -
Here's How Republicans Are Boosting Kanye West's Presidential Campaign
Enlarge this image Kanye West is working to get his name on the ballot in several states for the November presidential election. -
How Live Music Is Coping, And What The Near Future Will Bring
Enlarge this image A drive-in concert, held on April 24, 2020 in Aarhus, Denmark. Mikkel Berg Pedersen/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima -
Three R. Kelly Associates Arrested For Trying To Bribe, Intimidate Alleged Victims
Enlarge this image Singer R. Kelly, leaving court in Chicago in May 2019. Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption -
R. Kelly Associates Charged With Trying To Bribe, Intimidate His Accusers
Enlarge this image An attorney for R. Kelly, seen in May 2019, said his client "had nothing to do with any of -
Trying To Fund, And Found, A Venue For 'Radical Freedom Of Expression' In Minneapolis
Enlarge this image A Black Lives Matter mural, being painted on the street outside the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery -
Opera Theatre St. Louis Administrator Accused Of Child Sex Trafficking
Enlarge this image A 2016 photo of a sign for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Chris Weeks/Getty Images hide captiontoggle -
Is Singing Together Safe In The Era Of Coronavirus? Not Really, Experts Say
Enlarge this image The Young People's Chorus of New York City, performing back in better times. Alexey Konkov/Courtesy of the artists -
OPINION: We Are Africans. Here's Our View Of Beyoncé's 'Black Is King'
Enlarge this image Beyoncé in a scene from her visual album "Black is King," which premiered on Disney+. Parkwood Entertainment/Disney + -
Helen Jones Woods, Groundbreaking Female Trombonist, Has Died From COVID-19
Enlarge this image Helen Jones Woods. Kathleen Fallon/Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution hide… -
Neil Young Sues The Trump Campaign Over Song Use
Enlarge this image Musician Neil Young, performing in Lake Hughes, Calif. last September. Kevin Winter/Getty Images hide captiontoggle caption Kevin… -
Neil Young Sues To Stop The Trump Campaign From Using His Songs
Enlarge this image Neil Young was among a number of artists who objected to Donald Trump using their songs during the 2016 -
Neil Young Sues To Stop Trump Campaign From Using His Songs
Enlarge this image Neil Young was among a number of artists who objected to Donald Trump using their songs during the 2016 -
Beyoncé's 'Black Is King' Is A Sumptuous Search For Divine Identity
Enlarge this image Beyoncé, at the premiere of Disney's The Lion King on July 09, 2019 in LA. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images -
Irish Pub In Spain Bans Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline'
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Announcing The Winner Of The 2020 Tiny Desk Contest
YouTube This year's Tiny Desk Contest was unlike any other. Amid lockdowns, social distancing guidelines and ongoing adjustments to daily life, over… -
Leon Fleisher, The Pianist Who Reinvented Himself, Dies At 92
Enlarge this image Pianist Leon Fleisher eventually resumed playing with both hands after an injury sidelined him at age 36. Chris
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