Tower Of Power: Tiny Desk Concert
Even from its beginnings in late-'60s Oakland, the band has always stood out. Fifty years later, its devotion to classic horn-driven soul remains unmatched, its passion and precision unchanged.
Music & Culture
'The Battle Hymn Of The Republic': An Anthem For Every Cause
Julia Ward Howe wrote a rousing anthem for the Union in the Civil War. Since then, it's been caught in a cultural tug-of-war over who it's an anthem for.
'Skate Kitchen' Follows Teenage Girls Skateboarding Their Way Through NYC
Director Crystal Moselle's new film explores New York City through the eyes of a group of teen female skateboarders that she met on the subway. NPR's Lakshmi Singh talks with Moselle about the movie.
Summer Music From Alt.Latino
It's rock, it's hip hop, it's sung in English ... can it still be "Latin music"? Music and cultural identity intersect in surprising ways in this week's list of tunes shared by Alt.Latino.
A Songwriting Mystery Solved: Math Proves John Lennon Wrote 'In My Life'
John Lennon and Paul McCartney have differing memories of who wrote the music for "In My Life." A mathematics professor has spent 10 years working with statistics to decide once and for all.
Another 'Kiki Challenge' Video From India Earns 2 Million Views — And 3 Arrests
The police came after the guys who made the video because of their dangerous stunts. The courts gave them what some folks think is a highly appropriate punishment.
After A Bumpy Start, Nicki Minaj's 'Queen' Has Landed
Nicki Minaj fans have made it through the storm for their matriarch — today, we find out if the turbulence was worth it.
Jake Shears Strikes Out On His Own
Scissors Sisters won the hearts of Elton John, David Bowie and Bono before going on hiatus in 2012. Lead singer Jake Shears is back with a debut solo album, full of familiar quirks and dizzying fun.
Mitski's Many Lives
Mitski's new album Be the Cowboy explores the singer's roles onstage, in relationships and as a woman in the world. The artist talked to NPR's Ailsa Chang about how there's no such thing as one identity.
Across the Blue Ridge #138 - Summer Listening Session
No matter what you're up to this summer, you'll enjoy this program. It's a cavalcade of sound, from comfortable classics to adventures in byways and corners of southern American tradition.