How Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star
Author Ricky Riccardi says Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist helped set the entire soundtrack of the 20th century. His new book about Armstrong's early life is Stomp Off, Let's Go.
Reissued 'Party Of One' Captures Nick Lowe At His Witty, Melodic Best
Six albums the British songwriter recorded between 1982 and 1990 are being reissued in remastered versions. Critic Ken Tucker singles out Party of One as being among Lowe's finest works.
The Bill Evans Trio Plays With Spontaneity And Grace On 'Another Time'
In 1968, jazz pianist Bill Evans led a trio with Jack DeJohnette and Eddie Gomez. They spent five weeks in Europe; a newly unearthed concert recording catches them live in a Dutch radio studio.
Remembering Broadway's Barbara Cook: 'My First Memories Are Of Singing'
Cook, who starred in Broadway shows like The Music Man and Candide, died on Tuesday. She spoke to Fresh Air in 2016 about her struggle with addiction and her second career as a cabaret singer.
'Life Is Short': Aubrey Plaza Keeps Busy With 2 New Films And A TV Series
Plaza may be best known for Parks and Recreation, but she has several new projects in the works. She costarred in FX's Legion, and has two new films this summer, The Little Hours and Ingrid Goes West.
The Final Documents On JFK's Assassination Are Being Declassified
Politico's Philip Shenon says Oliver Stone's 1991 film JFK led to a law stating all documents about the Kennedy assassination must be released by October 2017. Three hundred new pages just came out.
A Physician Explores 'A Better Path' To The End Of Life
Dr. Jessica Nutik Zitter, author of Extreme Measures, discusses the ethics of using medical assistance to hasten death. Zitter is the subject of the Netflix documentary Extremis.
TV Adaptation Of Stephen King's 'Mr. Mercedes' Is An Engaging Cat-And-Mouse Thriller
The 10-part series, available on DirecTV's Audience network, centers on a killer who uses his car as a murder weapon. TV critic David Bianculli says Mr. Mercedes draws you in and doesn't let go.