Music & Culture

On Walk Under Ladders, Joan Armatrading makes a leap to a more pop sound without losing the distinct mix of styles of her previous work.

Music & Culture

Shocking Omissions: Joan Armatrading's 'Walk Under Ladders'

9:00am October 09, 2017

by Laura Sydell

Melissa Etheridge once described the record as "the best produced huge album that never was." On it, Armatrading masters a pop sensibility while retaining the qualities that give her songs depth.

Sam Smith performs live on Saturday Night Live.

Music & Culture

Watch Sam Smith Perform on 'Saturday Night Live'

10:01am October 08, 2017

by Otis Hart

The singer performed the first two singles from his upcoming album, The Thrill Of It All: "Too Good At Goodbyes" and "Pray."

Jason Aldean performs "I Won't Back Down" to open the October 7 episode of Saturday Night Live.

Jason Aldean Covers Tom Petty As 'SNL' Responds To Las Vegas

9:03am October 08, 2017

by Linda Holmes

Saturday Night Live broke format this weekend as Jason Aldean performed Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" in response to the October 1 shooting in Las Vegas.

Nelly was taken into custody early Saturday morning after a woman called 911.

Rapper Nelly Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assault

4:45pm October 07, 2017

by Otis Hart

The pop star was taken into custody on Saturday morning while on tour in Washington state.

A view of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

Nightmare Scenario: Concert Security Experts Grapple With Lessons Of Las Vegas

12:03pm October 07, 2017

by Joel Rose

The Las Vegas shooting is a chilling reminder that big concerts are a soft target. And that the industry still has much work to do to improve security and minimize the damage from future incidents.

Carla Bruni On Bringing The 'French Touch' To Her Cover Album

10:32am October 07, 2017

Carla Bruni, former first lady of France, has a new album out called French Touch. NPR's Scott Simon talks to her about how she decided to make an album of cover songs.

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Music & Culture

Across the Blue Ridge #94- Bluegrass and Old Time Music From a Latin Perspective

4:33pm October 06, 2017

by Paul Brown

This week we feature exciting bluegrass and old time music from a Latin perspective, along with our usual classics from senior and contemporary artists.

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Roscoe Mitchell (saxophone), Hugh Ragin (piccolo trumpet), Junius Paul (bass) and Famadou Don Moye (drums) of the Art Ensemble of Chicago perform at London's Cafe OTO on Feb. 1, 2017.

Music & Culture

The Art Ensemble of Chicago Celebrates 50 Years Of Channeling And Challenging History

2:14pm October 06, 2017

by Nate Chinen

Since the 1960s, the experimental jazz collective has worked toward a high standard of shared intuition. The group is playing a series of anniversary concerts featuring original and new members.

Saffiyah Khan (left) confronts English Defence League protester Ian Crossland during a demonstration in the city of Birmingham, following the Westminster terrorist attack.

Music & Culture

A Courageous Smile Inspires Solidarity And A New Billy Bragg Song

12:15pm October 06, 2017

by Bob Boilen

When Saria Zafar became a target for wearing a hijab, Saffiyah Khan stepped in, with a disarming smile. It also inspired a new song and video from singer Billy Bragg.

Music & Culture

Juana Molina, 'Sin Dones' (Live)

11:39am October 06, 2017

Hear the Buenos Aires-based artist mix folk, pop and electronica in a hypnotic performance on Morning Becomes Eclectic.