Music & Culture

Lee Fields & The Expressions' latest album, Special Night, is out now.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Lee Fields & The Expressions, 'Never Be Another You'

9:00am December 26, 2016

by Oliver Wang

Most of Fields' songs have been about love won, fought over and lost; it's a testament to his talent that each new one can feel like he's singing his heart out for the first time.

Music & Culture

World Cafe's Best Sessions Of 2016

8:00am December 26, 2016

by David Dye

We recorded over 200 live sessions this year, but we've narrowed it down to seven of our favorites. Listen back to Darlingside, Ray LaMontagne, Xenia Rubinos and more.

Jordan Roseman, better known as DJ Earworm, uses only sounds from the year's top 25 pop songs to make his annual mix.

Music & Culture

'It Feels Like Our World Is Fracturing': DJ Earworm Breaks Down His 2016 Mashup

5:00am December 26, 2016

by NPR Staff

Every year since 2007, the mashup artist has woven the top 25 pop hits of the year into a single track that captures the essence of the year. The title of this year's mashup? "Into Pieces."

British singer George Michael performs at Rockfest in June 1988 at Wembley Stadium in London. An estimated 70,000 fans packed the venue for the 10-hour concert in honor of the jailed black South African ANC leader Nelson Mandela.

Music & Culture

George Michael, Singer Of 'Freedom '90,' 'Faith,' 'Last Christmas,' Dies At 53

7:28pm December 25, 2016

by Christopher Dean Hopkins

The British pop singer, who achieved fame as half of the duo Wham! before a breakout solo career, was 53.

Actors Take On Expanded Vocal Duties In Movie 'Sing'

5:00pm December 25, 2016

The new animated movie Sing features animals competing in a music competition like American Idol. Executive Music Producer Harvey Mason Jr. and actress Jennifer Hudson discuss the making of the movie.

Music & Culture

The 'Jingle Bells' Song Has Roots In Minstrelsy

8:56am December 25, 2016

The Christmas staple "Jingle Bells," has been the subject of many arguments about its provenance. Researcher Kyna Hamill, who did some more digging, talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang.

Amy Grant's new album, Tennessee Christmas, is out now.

Music & Culture

Amy Grant On Faith, Songwriting And Christmas Blues

8:56am December 25, 2016

by NPR Staff

The pop songwriter says she wants her album, Tennessee Christmas, "to feel like a good, steady companion, whether you're at the top of your game or struggling."

RTJ3 features Danny Brown, Kamasi Washington, BOOTS, Trina and Zack de la Rocha, among others.

Music & Culture

Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animals! Here's Run The Jewels' New Album.

8:39am December 25, 2016

by Lars Gotrich

Run The Yules! Killer Mike and El-P dropped off RTJ3 three weeks early.

Mitski's song "Your Best American Girl" is one of Stephen Thompson's favorites of 2016.

Music & Culture

What 2016 Sounded Like

5:10pm December 24, 2016

by NPR Staff

NPR Music editor and reviewer Stephen Thompson reflects on the year through the lens of music and shares the songs that impressed him most.

Music & Culture

Encore: 'It Wasn't Alternative To Us': Chazmere On Making Your Own Entertainment

8:43am December 24, 2016

For his new album, Chaz Van Queen has opted to go by the moniker, Chazmere. He tells host Linda Wertheimer why he changed his name, and how to use the word "bae."