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Greg Kurston and Dave Grohl release another series in 'The Hanukkah Sessions'
NPR'S A Martinez talks to musician Greg Kurstin about The Hanukkah Sessions he does with Dave Grohl. They record eight cover songs, by Jewish artists, and release one for each
Greg Kurstin and Dave Grohl release another series in 'The Hanukkah Sessions'
NPR'S A Martinez talks to musician Greg Kurstin about The Hanukkah Sessions he does with Dave Grohl. They record eight cover songs, by Jewish artists, and release one for each
Inflation means recreating 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' for 2021 will cost more
Partridge prices are flat this year, but a pear tree will cost you more. Compared to overall inflation, though, the gifts in the song could be a relative bargain.
Alvin Lucier, inquisitive and innovative composer, has died at 90
Alvin Lucier, the groundbreaking American composer and educator, died Wednesday at his home in Middletown, Conn. after a long illness. He was 90. Lucier changed the way we think
Barbados is the world's newest republic. Honors 'National Hero' Rihanna
During a ceremony for the newly forged republic, Barbados designated singer Rihanna a "National Hero."
Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan fame tells his story in 'From Staircase to Stage'
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Cory Woods, Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan, about his book: From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Musician Joanne Shenandoah, a powerful voice for Native culture, dies at 64
Legendary Native American musician Joanne Shenandoah, a trailblazer popular with both mainstream and Native audiences, has died. A multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer who collaborated with such musical icons as
Stephen Sondheim, the Broadway legend, has died at 91
Stephen Sondheim, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Broadway songwriter has died at age 91. His death occurred early this morning, according to Aaron Meier at DKC O&M, the
Who scored 2022 Grammy nominations (Spoiler: ABBA was nominated for the 1st time)
Nominees for the 64th Grammy Awards were announced on Tuesday. In the top categories are some familiar names such as Taylor Swift, Kanye West and Billie Eilish, and newer artists
Jon Batiste, Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish headline 2022 Grammy nominations
Nominees for the 64th annual Grammy Awards were announced on Tuesday. The leading nominee for this year is bandleader, pianist and composer Jon Batiste, who was nominated in 11
Pee-wee Herman is hosting a special radio episode on KCRW
Pee-wee Herman, the wacky character embodied by comedian Paul Reubens, is DJing a one-time radio show on member station KCRW in Santa Monica, Calif.
Spotify removes button that reshuffled songs on an album's track list
When listening to albums on Spotify, there was a shuffle button to mix up the order. Adele wanted that changed. She said, "All I ask is for the app to
Robert Plant and Allison Krauss are back with 'Raise the Roof'
In 2007, legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, a star of bluegrass and Americana music, released their first album: Raising Sand. Their new album is called: Raise
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are back with 'Raise the Roof'
In 2007, legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, a star of bluegrass and Americana music, released their first album: Raising Sand. Their new album is called Raise
Adele asked Spotify to remove the default shuffle button for albums, and they obliged
Spotify has removed a play button that automatically shuffled songs regardless of an album's track list, and it's all thanks to Adele. The singer-songwriter tweeted on Saturday that
Meet Latin Grammys winner Ruben Blades
Blades won Album of the Year at the Latin Grammys Thursday. At 73, it was a surprise win in an industry that emphasizes youth.
Rock is dead, but the photographer's iconic images of Bowie, Blondie and more live on
Once dubbed "The Man Who Shot The '70s," rock 'n' roll photographer Mick Rock has died at age 72. His death was announced on his Twitter page.
"It is
Some highlights of last night's Latin Grammys
NPR's Ailsa Chang recaps Thursday night's Latin Grammys with Julyssa Lopez of Rolling Stone Magazine.
Memphis police release photos of 2 suspects wanted over Young Dolph's shooting death
The Memphis Police Department have released surveillance photos of two suspects wanted in the shooting death of rapper Young Dolph as he was buying cookies at a well-known Memphis
A U.S. Thanksgiving tradition is lost on 2 former members of The Cranberries
NPR has been celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and most of the past half-century has featured a Thanksgiving recipe from Special Correspondent Susan Stamberg. She persists in the
The 22nd annual Latin Grammy's were held in Las Vegas
There were a few surprises at Thursday night's ceremony that reflected how certain musicians are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a pop musician.
The 22nd annual Latin Grammys were held in Las Vegas
There were a few surprises at Thursday night's ceremony that reflected how certain musicians are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a pop musician.
The biggest moments from the Latin Grammys
The 22nd annual Latin Grammys promised viewers the biggest night in Latin music and this year they delivered. After a year of socially distanced awards programming, this year's show
Rapper Young Dolph is shot and killed in Memphis
Rapper Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., better known by his stage name Young Dolph, was shot and killed in Memphis on Wednesday, according to police. Memphis Police Department Chief
The Travis Scott shoe is postponed by Nike after the Astroworld deaths
Nike has set back the launch of their Travis Scott collaboration after 10 people died and hundreds more were injured at the rapper's Astroworld festival in Houston earlier this
Tambourine used by British pop group Oasis sells for nearly $5,000
The tambourine used on the hit album — (What's The Story) Morning Glory? — was so battered, it was thrown out. The engineer in charge of the album rescued it,
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss joined NPR Music's Listening Party for 'Raise the Roof'
The Listening Party is over. Raise the Roof is out now. Join us in an online listening party for Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' first album together in 14
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss to join NPR Music's Listening Party for 'Raise the Roof'
The Listening Party is over, but you can watch the album stream and conversation for the next 72 hours. YouTube
Join us in
9-year-old dies after Astroworld festival crush, bringing death toll to 10
HOUSTON — A 9-year-old Dallas boy has become the youngest person to die from injuries sustained during a crowd surge at the Astroworld music festival in Houston.
Ezra Blount
'Every Breath You Take' is the ultimate all-round song (according to science)
The Police — Every Breath You TakeYouTube
Some songs will never go away, like "Every Breath You Take" by The Police.
The song
Investigation continues in Houston's Astroworld festival deaths
A week after a tragic concert in Houston, investigators are searching for answers.
Britney Spears officially freed from conservatorship
After a highly publicized legal battle, Britney Spears has been given back control over her finances, and medical and personal decisions.
Britney Spears could soon be free from the controlling conservatorship
Pop star Britney Spears has a big hearing in court Friday. It could decide whether to end the conservatorship that's controlled her life for the past 13 years.
What to look out for in Britney Spears' conservatorship hearing today
Later today, the streets outside the Stanely Mosk courthouse in Los Angeles are likely to be filled with people waving flags and cheering under the banner of #FreeBritney.
That's
Moody Blues co-founder, drummer Graeme Edge, dies at 80
LOS ANGELES — Graeme Edge, a drummer and co-founder of The Moody Blues, has died. He was 80.
The band's frontman Justin Hayward confirmed Edge's death Thursday on the
A scientist crunched the numbers — here's what makes 'Every Breath You Take' eternal
The music we listen to varies according to the time of day, with qualities like tempo and danceability heightening later in the day, according to a data analysis of online
Astroworld's safety plan called for deceased to be referred to as 'smurfs'
The security and emergency response plan prepared by organizers ahead of the Astroworld festival in Houston lays out details for responding to tornadoes, extreme heat, bomb threats, earthquakes and
Aimee Mann's Album, 'Queens of the Summer Hotel,' is inspired by 'Girl, Interrupted'
NPR's A Martínez talks to songwriter Aimee Mann about her album: Queens of the Summer Hotel. It's based on the book, Girl, Interrupted, which chronicles the author's stay in
8 tips to follow if you're trapped in a crushing crowd
When does a crowd become dangerous? Should you push back in a crush of people? Those are some of the questions you might be asking yourself after eight people
More details are coming out about the deadly Astroworld Festival
As more lawsuits are filed in the aftermath of Friday's rap concert in Houston, questions continue to surface about what happened and why. Eight people were crushed and dozens more
The Astroworld tragedy forever changed how one music critic thinks about festivals
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Joey Guerra, a music critic for The Houston Chronicle, about how his experience attending Astroworld Festival colors his lifetime of covering concerts.
Live Nation, a company behind Astroworld, has a long history of safety violations
Rapper Travis Scott was the most recognizable figure associated with Astroworld, the Houston music festival that ended in tragedy Friday evening when eight people died and hundreds more were
Houston's police chief says he personally warned Travis Scott about safety concerns
Artist Travis Scott plans to cover all funeral costs for those who died at Houston's Astroworld Festival, now considered one of the deadliest in U.S. concerts history.
Eight people
Travis Scott says he will cover funeral costs related to Astroworld Festival
Artist Travis Scott plans to cover all funeral costs for those who died at Houston's Astroworld Festival, now considered one of the deadliest in U.S. concerts history.
Eight people
'Without Getting Killed or Caught' is a documentary about musician Guy Glark
NPR's Noel King talks to Tamara Saviano, the director of Without Getting Killed or Caught, a documentary detailing the life of songwriter Guy Clark, who didn't care about mainsteam music.
At Houston's Astroworld Festival, 8 people are killed after crowd rushes the stage
Houston authorities are investigating Friday's rap concert after a crowd rushed forward and eight people were killed. The first lawsuits have been filed against festival founder Travis Scott.
'Without Getting Killed or Caught' is a documentary about musician Guy Clark
NPR's Noel King talks to Tamara Saviano, the director of Without Getting Killed or Caught, a documentary detailing the life of songwriter Guy Clark, who didn't care about mainsteam music.
Join NPR Music's film screening of 'Karen Dalton: In My Own Time'
The screening is over, but you can watch the film and the conversation for the next 24 hours. YouTube
Join us for an online
Watch NPR Music's film screening of 'Karen Dalton: In My Own Time'
The event is over. Karen Dalton: In My Own Time releases Nov. 16
Join us for an online screening of Karen Dalton: In My Own Time. Bob Boilen from All
Astro, a founding member of the reggae group UB40, has died at age 64
Terence Wilson, a founding member of UB40 who was known by fans of the pioneering reggae band as Astro, has died following a short illness. He was 64.
Investigation continues into Astroworld crowd surge that killed at least 8 people
We look at the latest on what's now known about the music festival tragedy in Houston on Friday night, when a surge in the crowd resulted in a deadly stampede.
Brazilian singer Marilia Mendonca dies at 26 in plane crash
We have this remembrance of Brazilian singer Marília Mendonça, who died in a plane crash Friday at the age of 26.
8 people were killed at Houston's Astroworld Festival after crowd rushed the stage
Eight people died and scores were injured at an outdoor concert at rapper Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival in Houston after the crowd rushed the stage, authorities said Saturday.
Scott
8 people dead and several are injured at a music festival in Houston
HOUSTON — Fans attending a Houston music festival surged toward the stage during a performance by rapper Travis Scott, triggering panic in the crowd of tens of thousands. At
Marília Mendonça, Brazilian singer and Latin Grammy winner, has died in a plane crash
SAO PAULO (AP) — Marília Mendonça, one of Brazil's most popular singers and a Latin Grammy winner, died Friday in an airplane crash on her way to a concert.
Rapper Travis Scott opens a community garden at a Houston elementary school
Scott opened Cactus Jack Gardens at a school in his hometown of Houston. His goal is help kids learn about the environment and nutrition — just like he did in
ABBA is back with new music and plans for a high-tech stage show
From the 1970s to the early '80s, ABBA scored a string of massive global hits with songs like "Mamma Mia," "Dancing Queen" and so many more. They were pioneers
Jay-Z reactivated his Instagram account and quickly got 2 million followers
Jay-Z then followed one person — his wife Beyonce', who has 216 million followers. She previously followed no one, but then she started following Jay-Z, who deactivated his account a
New Orleans trumpeter gets 18 months over post-Katrina charity fraud
NEW ORLEANS — Irvin Mayfield, the jazz trumpet player who became a symbol of New Orleans resilience after Hurricane Katrina, was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday for
Ronnie Wilson, co-founder of R&B group The Gap Band, has died at 73
Ronnie Wilson, founding member of the R&B group The Gap Band, has died. He was 73 years old, The Associated Press reports. "The love of my life was
ABBA delayed promotion of their new show after 2 people died at a tribute concert
Swedish pop sensation ABBA is delaying promotion of their highly-anticipated comeback tour after two people died at a tribute concert on Tuesday.
"In light of the tragic news at
Jazz guitarist Pat Martino, a virtuoso twice over, dies at 77
Pat Martino, a jazz guitarist revered for the fluid precision and blistering speed of his playing — both before and after he was forced to relearn the instrument following
A Texas bar wants Mariah Carey's holiday hit only played in December
Carey had a hit with "All I Want For Christmas Is You." There's a sign in a Dallas bar the warns: her song will be skipped if played before Dec.
Join NPR Music's Listening Party for Snail Mail's 'Valentine'
YouTube
The Listening Party is over, but you can stream the album and conversation for the next 24 hours. Join us in an
NPR Music's Listening Party for Snail Mail's 'Valentine'
The Listening Party is over; Snail Mail's Valentine is out now on Matador Records.
Join us in an online listening party for Snail Mail's new album Valentine. Paige Pfleger —
Barack Obama honors Jay-Z at his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
Rapper Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, in a star-studded ceremony that featured tributes byformer President Barack Obama and comedian Dave Chappelle.
In their book, Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen envision a more unified U.S.
Former President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen's new book Renegades is based on their podcast. The book delves into conversations about race, the American dream and their stories of growing
Lawmakers may honor Prince with a Congressional Gold Medal
Minnesota's congressional delegation wants to honor an iconic hometown hero with one of the highest awards given to U.S. civilians.
The bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation Monday calling
Ed Sheeran has COVID-19, which may mean he won't perform on SNL as planned
Ed Sheeran announced on Instagram that he has "tested positive for Covid" and is self-isolating.
Ed Sheeran tests positive for the coronavirus, which may mean he won't perform on SNL
Ed Sheeran announced on Instagram that he has "tested positive for Covid" and is self-isolating.
Jay Black, lead singer of pop group The Americans, dies at 82
Jay Black, lead singer for the 1960s pop group Jay and the Americans, has died at the age of 82. The band announced the singer's death in a statement
Renowned conductor Bernard Haitink, beloved for his modesty, has died at age 92
Renowned Dutch conductor Bernard Haitink died Thursday at age 92. The range of his work gives a glimpse of how much he was admired and beloved both in Europe
Randy Bachman fan tracks down the musician's stolen guitar in Japan
Musician Randy Bachman made hits like "American Woman" and "Takin' Care of Business" on a pumpkin orange 1957 Gretsch 6120, a guitar he'd bought with savings as a teenager.
Manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with vinyl record sales
Vinyl records are once again the highest-grossing physical format for the music industry. The sales of vinyl exploded during the pandemic.
Rocker Randy Bachman's guitar was stolen 45 years ago. A fan tracked it down
Musician Randy Bachman made hits like "American Woman" and "Takin' Care of Business" on a pumpkin orange 1957 Gretsch 6120, a guitar he'd bought with savings as a teenager.
From bankruptcy to IPO in a year? It's a tune Guitar Center might play
Mattress Firm, Claire's, Guitar Center — they're all recent bankruptcy survivors whose stores you might have passed in a mall, perhaps with their doors shuttered early in the pandemic.
Recordings by pianist Lara Downes showcase overlooked Black composers
Today, concert pianist and Amplifyco-host Lara Downes continues her transformative Rising Sun Music series, an ongoing investigation into the work of Black American composers overlooked both in their time
Pianist Lara Downes re-centers the music of the Great Migration
Today, concert pianist and Amplifyco-host Lara Downes continues her transformative Rising Sun Music series, an ongoing investigation into the work of Black American composers overlooked both in their time
Kanye West is now officially 'Ye'
The rapper formerly known as Kanye West is officially now "Ye."
A Los Angeles judge approved his petition for a name change on Monday, Deadline reported. He had filed
Boston Modern Orchestra Project is honored for championing overlooked American music
Most orchestras emphasize music by composers we're all familiar with: Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and so on. But a small organization received a big honor this month at the Gramophone
NPR Music's Listening Party for John Coltrane's 'A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle'
The Listening Party is over. A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle is out now. Join us in an online listening party for John Coltrane's A Love Supreme: Live in
Join NPR Music's Listening Party for John Coltrane's 'A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle'
YouTube
The Listening Party is over, but you can watch the album stream and conversation for the next 24 hours. Join us in
Coronavirus FAQ: I'm vaccinated. Is it OK to sing into a karaoke mic again?
Each week, we answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at
Remembering Irish Musician Paddy Moloney
Paddy Moloney, the frontman for the Irish band The Chieftains, died Tuesday at the age of 83. For more than 50 years, his band brought the musical traditions of Ireland
Fans worry over ranchera icon Vicente Fernández, who remains hospitalized
Mexico's most famous ranchera singer remains hospitalized after a fall at his Guadalajara ranch, leaving fans on both sides of the border worried about his fate and the music he
3-time Latin Grammy winner Susana Baca marks a career spanning 50 years
Peruvian folklorist Susana Baca is known for bringing Afro-Peruvian music to stages around the world. She also served as Peru's minister of culture. Her latest album is called, Palabras Urgentes.
Remembering jazz musician Mike Renzi who has died at age 80
Mike Renzi, who accompanied Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Peggy Lee, Lady Gaga and others, died last week. NPR's Scott Simon talks to broadcaster Murray Horwitz, who knew Renzi for more
Judas Priest guitarist finishes solo after suffering a ruptured aorta
Richie Faulkner was performing on stage when he felt something strange in his chest. It turned out to be his aorta rupturing, a condition only about one in five people
A preview of 'El Tiny' Concerts: Camila Cabello, Yendry and Nicki Nicole
It's National Hispanic Heritage Month and NPR Music is marking it with a Latin Music showcase at Tiny Desk.
How Taylor Swift and her master recordings play into the Virginia race for governor
Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe is betting that Taylor Swift fans can help prevent his state from turning red.
The Democrat, who is running for the seat again on
Reggaeton rules Latinx music, but not at the Latin Grammys
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Julyssa Lopez, writer for Rolling Stone magazine, and NPR's Felix Contreras, about the controversy around this year's Latin Grammys nominations.
Afghan orchestra musicians, music students and teachers have escaped the Taliban
After weeks of failed attempts at fleeing the Taliban, members of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) and Zohra Orchestra have finally escaped. On Sunday, 101 students, teachers
Team uses AI to complete Beethoven's unfinished masterpiece
A group of musicians and scientists have used artificial intelligence to complete one of the great what-ifs in classical music: Ludwig van Beethoven's unfinished 10th symphony.
Carlisle Floyd, a founding father of American opera, has died at age 95
Composer Carlisle Floyd, widely viewed as a founding father of American opera, died Thursday at age 95 in Tallahassee, Fla. His death was announced by his publisher, Boosey &
Eminem surprises fans at the opening of his 'Mom's Spaghetti' restaurant in Detroit
Rapper Eminem's seminal song "Lose Yourself," from the 2002 film 8 Mile, has likely inspired many listeners and artists with its urgent, motivating lyrics.
And now it has also
Judge Suspends Britney Spears' Dad From Her Conservatorship
In a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, Britney Spears achieved a goal years in the making: life without her father Jamie Spears as conservator of her estate — controlling her
A Judge Suspends Britney Spears' Dad From Her Conservatorship
Pop star Britney Spears has been living under a legal conservatorship that has controlled every aspect of her life since 2008. For much of that time, all decisions about
What's An Unreleased John Lennon Tape Worth? Nearly $60K, According To This Bidder
A tape of John Lennon speaking with a group of student journalists and singing an unpublished song fetched 370,000 kroner — or $58,240 — at an auction in Denmark
Britney Spears Has Moved Toward Freedom From Her Father
A judge in a Los Angeles court granted a request from Britney Spears' lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, to remove Jamie Spears, the pop star's father, as conservator of her estate
Alan Jackson Reveals He Has A Nerve Condition Affecting His Balance
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country superstar Alan Jackson revealed in an interview Tuesday that he has a degenerative nerve condition that affects his balance but he intends to keep performing.
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Be on KRCB 104.9...answer this month's "Talk to Me" question: With fire season upon us, are you having second thoughts about Sonoma County?
You can do a recording right from your computer or smartphone, but please use an external microphone (ear buds are good enough). Don't worry, you can try as many times you like until you get a "good take." We won’t hear any of the bad ones. After you finish, the page will give you a chance to listen and decide if you like it. Once you get a good one, you'll be asked for your name and email address. Then hit "Send.” (Click "reset" if you would rather try again.)
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Listen to the Sonoma County Birdwatch!
Throughout the week, we play short segments about what birds are out in Sonoma County and what they sound like, from Harry Fuller. Here's what we've aired so far. Harry spent his working career as a TV and Internet newsman in the Bay Area. He’s been leading bird trips and writing about birds for thirty years. He has written three natural history books: Freeway Birding, I-5 San Francisco to Seattle; San Francisco’s Natural History, Sand Dunes to Streetcars; Great Gray Owl in California, Oregon & Washington. He blogs regularly about birds: atowhee.blog. And he frequently leads birding trips on the Pacific Coast. Check him out at http://www.towhee.net/.
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Our podcast "Living Downstream" has been named by the Global Center for Climate Justice as one of "Five Climate Justice Podcasts You Need to Follow." Wow: https://bit.ly/2Xkbs0D
Listen to some recent episodes! Generations in Houston's Fifth Ward Contend with Contamination, Cancer Clusters will break your heart, and perhaps solidify your resolve to make change. The Sea Next Door is told in true partnership with the community living near California's Salton Sea, an environmental powder keg, where the state has no idea how to avoid a coming health disaster.
Get them here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dana Rebmann tells us all where to go in our regular Hiding Places segments. Dana lives in Santa Rosa and writes about travel, nature, wine, and anything that makes folks smile for Hemispheres, AARP, TravelAge West,Diablo Magazine, Sonoma Magazine, The Telegraph.com, and more. Dana loves adventures that get her outside, especially near or in water. Check out our interactive map of her top 50 Hiding Places.
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