Few musicians have changed American music quite like John Coltrane did.

"Mermaid Avenue" was a collaboration between Billy Bragg and Wilco to put a trove of lyrics by America folk singer Woody Guthrie to music.

Jesse Wegman's book tells the story of James Wilson, a largely forgotten founding father who lived a colorful life and died as a Supreme Court justice on the run from the law and creditors.

Author Eddie Gaude says the nation’s anniversaries have consistently sought to “reinforce a mythology” and obscure dark truths about race in this country.

The novel centers around two young men from the Virginia mountains whose brotherhood is both tested and strengthened when they enlist to fight in World War I.

New albums by Lizzo and the rising artist Imani Imani are both "event" records — but one arrives with arguably too much backstory, the other with almost none.

The fresh arrangements, the emcee's commanding performance and the audience's enthusiastic response shows that Eve's music remains timeless.

Michel Martin speaks with Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia about his new book, "The Crooked Places Made Straight: Reflections on the Moral Meaning of America."

Renowned comics journalist Joe Sacco's new book, "The Once and Future Riot," details the deadly 2013 riots in India, but it won't be sold in that country because the publisher blocked it.

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Paul Rudnick about his new novel, The Tuxedo Society.